Home & Away with Robert Walshe
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Holiday Hotspot – Punakha Bhutan
BHUTAN is a breathtaking prospect for any adventurer. In 2012, the government more than tripled the permitted number of annual visitors from 30,000 to 100,000 so interest from the western world is now signifi-
■ Bhutanese lady praying at temple
cant. Punakha three hours east of Thimphu was Bhutan’s original capital so it still plays an important role in the affairs of the country. The journey crosses the 3,115-m Dochula pass where tour groups would typically stop for lunch at the picturesque restaurant. Although you’ll love the warmer weather in this region most of the sightseeing can be done within a day. Visitors often say that Punakha Dzong is their favourite place in the whole country. Its scenic setting exudes an enticing sense of calm and peacefulness. Punakha Dzong stands at the confluence of two rivers -- the Mo Chhu (Mother River) and the Pho Chhu (Father River). A Dzong is part fortress, monastery, and government office and a focal point for each regional city. These impressive buildings straddle rivers in the west and cling to mountain tops in the East. The interiors are elaborately painted with re-
ligious and inspirational imagery like the wheel of life – a symbol that illustrates the four truths of Buddhism and path to liberation. Couple’s dealing with infertility issues also visit nearby “Chimi Lhakhang” temple. Blessings from the spirits of Buddha’s are said to be magical. Women seeking blessings will get hit on the head by the presiding Lama with a 10-inch ivory, wood and bone phallus as well as the bow and arrow supposedly used by the Divine Madman – Drukpa Kuenley himself hundreds of years ago. To also get the name of the child to be born, women will pick random bamboo slips placed in the altar inscribed with names of boys and girls. The route is a trek through farmlands and small villages, then a small hike. Built in 1499, this monastery houses many young lamas or monk’s who you’ll meet during a visit. The Meri Puensum Resort is a family run resort that offers simple, but comfortable accommodation in the Punakha Valley. The unfussy
For our best deals call 0044 28 9038 1111 or visit www.mooneyhotelgroup.com rooms offer modern amenities such as cable TV, Wi-Fi and tea & coffee making facilities, as well as a private bathroom. Some rooms have views out over the surrounding paddy fields. There is a restaurant that serves a mix of Bhutanese and Western dishes and a small bar to relax at after dinner. In the grounds of the hotel there is a ■ Punakha Dzong ( Temple ) Bh gazebo area where utan guests can take tea and relax. Only travelers on m i x packages booked through ture of all three, as well tour operators are allowed as specialist experiences visas, so independent tour- such as bird watching, boists and backpackers can’t tanical and textile experiget in, plus there’s the infa- ences for independent or mous tourist tax of $250 to group travelers. www.bluepoppybhutan. $280 a day. London based Blue Poppy Tours and Treks com Turkish airlines fly set up by Choki Dorji has daily from Dublin to Kathmany years of experience mandu Nepal via Istanbul. revealing the mysteries of Their business class service Bhutan’s traditions and ma- is by far the most impressive of the Middle Eastern carrijestic landscapes. As well as securing connect- ers departing Ireland. Rather than just serving a ing flights from Kathmandu to Paro they offer culture & “restaurant service”, “Flying festival tours, treks and a Chefs” make you feel like a
s t a r with “Turkish Hospitality” above the clouds. In fact all business class meals are served in porcelain dishes on flights. www.turkishairlines. com Robert Walshe is a travel broadcaster with Citybeat & Q Radio Network in Northern Ireland. He is also Travel Editor for River Media newspaper titles across the island of Ireland. www.robertwalshe. com