Bhutan Travel Blogs - Kettik.

what can i say... this book was a lifesaver..

Saravana@kettik.com (Saravana Kumar) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 19:35:06 +0000

Back in 2007, i rode through Bhutan on my motorbike. Back then i had a lot of trouble gathering any information on the country. I didn't even have any decent road maps. The lonely planet book on Bhutan was useless as far as independent travelers were concerned. I did read a couple of great travelogue books which gave be a good insight into the country and its people but as far as practical issues were concerned, i had pretty much no idea.

I chanced upon this book pretty much by accident while browsing through the book stores in Calcutta. The book was exactly what i was looking for. It had detailed information on the routes, the permits and good background information on all the sights around this wonderful country. I especially appreciate the detailed information given about the various Dzongs (castles) and Lakhangs (temples).

The only complaint, i have about this book is that it is structured assuming that the reader would follow the itinerary as it was exactly laid out in the book. It a minor annoyance in what is otherwise a wonderful treasure trove of information for independent travelers around Bhutan..

my very first book on Bhutan.. made me wanna go there immediately after reading the book.

Saravana@kettik.com (Saravana Kumar) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 20:07:19 +0000

For most western travelers traveling to Bhutan is all but a distant dream. The country is notorious for trying protect its cultural heritage from the 'evils' of modern tourism. Every year it allows only a handful of tourists to visit the magical country and that too for a hefty fee. Around 200 to 250$ a day gets you an all inclusive trip around the country. The Author of this book Katie Hickman was one such wide-eyed western tourist. When touring in the Manas national park in Assam, India, she happened to catch a glimpse of Bhutanese buildings across the river and after that she was never able to get the country off her mind. Later by chance she happened to meet someone from the Bhutanese royal family and they graciously offered her a rare invitation to visit the country.

The book is an emotional narration of her journey across the country. Armed with an royal decree she had access to people and places which are normally out of bounds to normal tourists. Back in the days Bhutan was not as developed as it is today and they had to travel on foot and on ponies, braving heavy rain and landslides. Her journey took her all the way across the country.. from the well traveled and prosperous west (where the capital Thimphu and Paro lie) through the charming central (Bumthang) regions all the way across to the remote eastern reaches of the country. Most notably the tribal villages of Merak and Sakteng.

Reading her book was a inspiration of me to drive across Bhutan on my motorbike, which i did back in 2007.Â

not much useful for independent travelers to bhutan..

Saravana@kettik.com (Saravana Kumar) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 19:46:50 +0000

Not much useful in terms of independent travel, especially accommodation options etc. But otherwise provides good information on the various places of interest around the country and the various trekking options available. If you are a independent traveler, you should definitely consider picking up some of the indian edition books on Bhutan.

The Takin

Saravana@kettik.com (Saravana Kumar) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 12:02:50 +0000

TheÂ TakinÂ (Budorcas taxicolor) is aÂ goat-antelope found in the mountains of Bhutan. It is the national animal of Bhutan.Â

A few tips for independant travelers to Bhutan

Saravana@kettik.com (Saravana Kumar) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 12:02:44 +0000

A few interesting tips and caveats about traveling inside Bhutan. First of all be aware that independent travel is restricted in Bhutan, the only exception to this rule being for citizens of India and other SAARC countries. Other tourists need visit the country on pre-arranged tours organized by one of the many registered travel agencies in Bhutan. This article is mainly intended towards the Indians who are lucky enough to travel freely in this friendly and magnificent country.

Getting In - Procedures, Permits and Stuff.

Saravana@kettik.com (Saravana Kumar) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 12:02:39 +0000

There are only two of ways to enter Bhutan. One is by taking a flight directly to Paro, which is what all the international tourists do. And the other is by road through the border town ofPhuntsholing. Independant travel is discouraged in Bhutan and traveling inside the country is expensive for most tourists. They have to cough up close to 250$ per day for the pleasure of visiting the country, so you dont Â get to see independant backpackers there.Â

This article is mostly intended for the tourists from the Indian sub-continent for whom the above restrictions don't apply. There are however a few permits to be obtained after which they are free to travel on their own within thisÂ magnificentÂ country.Â

Memories of Bhutan.. Highlights from the Happy Nation.

Saravana@kettik.com (Saravana Kumar) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 11:49:15 +0000

Back in 2007 I traveled across Bhutan on my motorbike. I had kept those memories locked away for almost 4 years but here they are now. My most memorable moments in Bhutan.

Chilly overload : On Bhutan's love affair with Chillies..

Saravana@kettik.com (Saravana Kumar) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 11:48:11 +0000

Eating Chillies is a major part of the Bhutanese lifestyle. Some experts would argue that this habit wasÂ necessitatedÂ by cold weather of the place (to keep warm). While, others may argue that it is due to the limited variety ofÂ vegetables that could be grown in the country. But ask any average Bhutanese out in the street and their answer would be as simple as it is true. They just love the taste.