Part II - The Royal kingdom of Bhutan : Punakha, Tiger's Nest & Traditional Archery

Archery competition with my dad

Our guide took us to an old farm house on the outskirts of Paro. There was an archery range and we really wanted to put our skills to the test. Initially, both me and my dad struggled pretty bad despite watching our guide’s demonstration multiple times. While all this happened , my mother was in the sidelines busy mocking both of us. Our pathetic situation was all fun and entertainment for her.

However, I managed to hit the target board atleast once. I was so arrogant that my dad couldn’t beat it. I thought that he wouldn’t even hit the board

But after a few fails, he was patiently honing his skills and practising. At the end of our game, he almost hit the bullseye to my surprise. It was totally unexpected and I was taken back. But I have to give it to him, It was a classic and accurate shot that was very hard to beat. Not sure how he perfected it in such a short time. Anyways, it was his day and he was clearly the winner. I admitted defeat and we shook hands to keep it professional.

Day 7

Photoshoot in Bhutanese traditional costume

Day 5

Punakha Fortress

Punakha Fortress, or Punakha Dzong, is one of Bhutan's most impressive and historically significant dzongs, built in 1637 at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. It served as the administrative and religious center of Bhutan until the capital was moved to Thimphu. The fortress is renowned for its stunning architecture, intricate woodwork, and beautiful gardens.

A notable relic housed within Punakha Dzong is the spinal cord of the 13th-century saint, the great master Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This sacred relic, believed to hold spiritual significance, is enshrined in the dzong as a symbol of protection and blessing for the nation

Chimi Lakhang

The Temple of Fertility, or Chimi Lhakhang, is located in Punakha, Bhutan, and is dedicated to the Divine Madman, Drukpa Kunley. Known for its unconventional approach to fertility, the temple celebrates phallic symbolism and penis worship as a means to promote fertility and dispel evil spirits. Visitors often see colorful phallic paintings and sculptures around the temple. Couples seeking blessings for children come here, believing that the Divine Madman's playful spirit brings fertility and protection. The temple reflects Bhutan's unique blend of spirituality, humor, and cultural traditions

Day 6

Trek to Takshang ( The famous Tiger’s nest)

Tigers Nest, or Paro Taktsang, is a stunning cliffside monastery perched at 3,120 meters in Bhutan’s Paro Valley. It was first built in 1692, around the Taktsang Senge Samdup, a cave where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have meditated for three months in the 8th century. It is believed that he flew to this location from Khenpajong, Tibet on the back of a tigress and subdued a demon. He then performed meditation in one of the caves here and emerged in eight incarnated forms (manifestations) and blessed the place. Subsequently, the place came to be known as the “Tiger’s Nest”. Today, Paro Taktsang is the best known of the thirteen caves in which he meditated.

Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, was an 8th-century Indian sage credited with introducing Buddhism to Tibet and Bhutan. Revered as a second Buddha, he is known for his mastery of Tantra and ability to transform obstacles into spiritual growth. Padmasambhava is often depicted with a peaceful demeanor, surrounded by various deities. His teachings and legends, including those of miraculous feats and spiritual insights, significantly shaped Tibetan Buddhism

The trek to Tigers Nest lasts about 2-3 hours one way offering breath-taking views and passes through lush forests. The final approach reveals the monastery clinging to a cliff, providing a sense of awe.

Watching the breath-taking landings at Paro Airport

Watching aircraft land at Paro Airport is a stunning experience due to its dramatic mountain setting and challenging approach. Nestled in a deep valley surrounded by towering peaks, pilots navigate a narrow, winding descent . The final approach offers a unique perspective as the plane glides between mountains, making each landing a thrilling experience for passengers. The airport is considered one of the most difficult to land at.