THE TOUR STARTS IN THIMPHU

 22nd - 23rd Apr 2026

The chorten (stupa) built in honour of the 3rd King

After a decent buffet lunch after arriving at Thimphu there was no time for hanging around; the Tour commenced. No time for jet lag to set in. We were first driven to a large stupa (a chorten is what they call them here) which was built in honour of the 3rd and much respected King.

Left: In the surrounding courtyard there is covered building in or around which several elderly people were sitting. We were told that this is a place where the old folk congregated and received donations from a generous public. 

The building was surrounded by revolvable prayer wheels. Right: Note the beautifully carved and decorated surrounds. This was common on nearly all public and private buildings.

Left: Our indefatigable guide, Sonam, in characteristic 'guiding' pose.

Right: The chorten/stupa was on three floors and housed the normal enormous golden Buddha statue as well as many other exquisite artefacts, decorations and murals. In all these buildings of a religious or semi-religious nature, it was 'shoes off' on entering and 'no photography'. "No shoes = no photos" was the rule everywhere.

Left: I surreptitiously broke the rule (couldn't resist it and hope nobody in authority in Bhutan sees this!) and took this pic of Bhutan warrior on the top floor. Nobody else was around there.

Following this we were taken to the Post Office museum where, apart from the exhibits, there was a post office counter selling cards and stamps. Not any old stamps; you could get them printed with your face on them (mine from passport photo). I duly bought a dozen thus printed and postcards. I was assured that these stamps were valid for postage to UK. Having written the cards I posted them at ropey looking post box (Sunam assured me it was OK) on leaving Thimphu on 24th April. As at the time of writing this (13th May) none have, so far, arrived as far as I am aware. I wish I had taken a photo of them! I live in hope.

Back to hotel for supper, wrote postcards and puffed another cigarette, or two!

The next day (23rd) we were off again after breakfast (another decent buffet which was the norm at all the places we subsequently stayed at). This time to the south of town to visit the Buddha Dordenma statue (right) which overlooks the valley. It is, at 54 metres high, the largest sitting statue of Buddha in the world. It was built at vast cost between 2006 - 2015.

Inside, on three floors, were thousands of elaborate artefacts including over 100,000 miniature Buddhas made from bronze and gilded in gold, plus elaborate wall paintings. Again, "no shoes - no photos". Such a pity as all the many subsequent visits to religious buildings had this rule and consequently I have no record of the sheer extravagance of the interiors. Can't even find any on Google. Sonam explained in very great detail the elaborate meanings behind of all this stuff including many Buddhist fables, legends, magical creatures etc.

Left: Our 'team' outside the statue.

Right: ....and looking down on Thimphu from the statue.

Next up was a 'small' hike through the Kuensel Phodrang National Park which started nearby. The path wended its way up and down the hillside along the west side of the town. It was only about 3 miles (phew) and was a mere 'tester' for some subsequent much longer and arduous hikes. I presume Sonam wanted to check that we were all up to hiking! Left: The start point.

Right: A view down to Thimphu which is an ever-expanding capital 'city'. Many people are moving here from the outlying countryside. 

Left: Along the way we encountered these little 3" high white things lodged in various crevices. They are 'tsa-tsas', little clay pyramids, or stupas, and are sacred votive offerings to bring protection and blessings. They sometimes contain the ashes of deceased 'masters', we were told.

Some of our group were very interested in various flowers which involved several much welcome stops to 'admire' them.

We descended to meet our mini-bus at about 1.15pm and were taken for lunch at a 'Momo' restaurant. Momos are little meat filled dumplings and nothing very remarkable I thought. There was no beer on sale. I could have done with a refreshing pint by now!

Next onwards to the Royal Takin Preserve, a kind of large open air zoo somewhere near the town. Right: You may be able to click on and enlarge this photo to read.

The takin is Bhutan's 'National Animal' and lives predominantly in the mountains in the north of the country.

Left: Rather ugly beast in my opinion; a sort of cross between a goat and an ox. I had never heard of them before. You don't get many from where I come from!

Right: More takins.

Left: The zoo area was large with ponds and forest. It featured other creatures amongst which were some deer. I believe some were here because they were recovering from injury.

Next on the agenda was a visit to the Living History Museum. A building with many rooms and exhibits peculiar to Bhutan.

Left: We were escorted by this charming and colourfully dressed lady. Exhibits included a cookery display and short range archery (archery is Bhutan's national sport) where we could have a shot at a small target; I missed. There were costumes and much else. I remember vividly in one corner there was a man who suffered from serious cerebral palsy. He could not control his movements from the waist up. However he was using a hammer and chisel held in his feet to make the most intricate and beautiful wood carvings. Most impressive!

Right: Willies on display! The 'phallus' is a common object and sight here. They are revered sacred symbols of fertility, good luck and protection against evil spirits and gossip! They are painted on the sides of some houses and models of various sizes sold in all 'souvenir' shops. They haven't really caught on in UK, but are considered perfectly normal in Bhutan. I bought a few to give as presents to my friends back home. Not sure if they will appreciate them.

Below: Some videos I took at this museum.

Above: A tuneful folk singing duo.

Above: Bhutanese folk dance.

Above: ....and the spectators had a go afterwards.....not very impressively!

Back to the hotel for another decent buffet supper. I discovered that Bhutan makes a very drinkable red wine which I tried enthusiastically. I believe they have vineyards in the south. They also brew a decent 'Druk Lager' and all at much cheaper price than UK! 

That will do for now and we are only at day 2.