Travel Diary of A Wandering Mind
The colorful decorations in the monasteries in Bhutan make great subjects for photography. Here are some colorful detailing from Kichu Monastery in Paro.
Published in response to The Daily Post Photo Challenge: Details.
P.S: This is my second entry for this week’s challenge. Here is the first post on Details.
It was a partly cloudy day when we started for our sightseeing in Paro.
By the time we reached Drukgyel Dzong after exploring Kichu Monastery the sky was dark, covered with monsoon clouds.
Drukgyel Dzong was built in the 17th century to celebrate victory of the then king against the invaders from Tibet. It is a deserted monastery for years now after it was destroyed in fire in the 1950s. It looked more like a haunted place to me… perfect for shooting horror movies. 😛
The dilapidated walls and tall structure looked even gloomier against the dismal sky.
Our driver told it was a small trek of about 15 minutes up the hill to the main entrance of the monastery. Although the drizzle started as soon as we reached there and most of my companions decided not to go out as it will rain soon, I readily jumped out of the car in search of some mystery. 😉
A giant prayer wheel at the foot of the hill,
and the colorful prayer flags hung over our head looked welcoming at first.
But this canine guard gave a grave look at me as I stepped into its territory.
As I kept walking I could see there was no one except me and my friend. An eerie silence prevailed all over the place. The rustling pines in the cold wind amplified the silence further.
The stoned pathway led to stone steps. We stopped for a moment to breathe some air.
We climbed up the spiral stairs to find what was in store for us… and Drukgyel did not disappoint us. 🙂 
Finally we reached at the main gate of the monastery. 
A glimpse of the outer courtyard through the half-open door was quite dramatic. Inside, it looked like a fortress with thick brick walls with openings to keep watch over the valley.
The burnt windows, broken walls and the mysterious darkness inside gave an uncanny feeling as if something evil was waiting inside.
Well… I don’t believe in ghosts… but as my friend constantly forbade me to step inside I thought I should honor her wish… 😛 😀
So, how do you like the story of the haunted monastery? 🙂 Do share your thoughts.
P.S: This is Part VII of my Bhutan Tour Photo Essay Series. You can also check out the previous posts of this series for more photos and information on Bhutan travel.
Nature in its full bloom is always a treat to the eye… what do you say? 🙂
Published in response to the Daily Post Weekly Photo Challenge: Treat.
This post is a continuation of my earlier post My Rendezvous with Paro.
After reaching our hotel in Paro we dumped our luggage in our rooms and set out to explore the place.
We were back on the road again. Our first stop was Kichu Monastery.
Kyichu Lhakhang or Kichu Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan. It is situated in a secluded place outside the town. The monastery, from its elevated position, offers wonderful views of the surrounding valley.
The monastery houses a golden statue of Padmasambhava or Guru Rinpoche inside the core temple. However, you are not allowed to take your camera inside.
As we entered the monastery I could see a blast of colors everywhere –
on the front fascia,
on the doors and windows,
on the prayer wheels,
and in the garden.
Even the old monk preaching at the gate of the temple looked quite a colorful person. Isn’t it? 🙂
There were orange trees in the temple courtyard that were full of ripe oranges even in June! 
Kichu Monastery is a peaceful quiet place, ideal for spending some time contemplating amidst nature and sacred structures.
Even I tried to concentrate in prayer. But…you know, I found that it’s not my cup of tea… no matter where I am… 😀 
P.S: This is Part VI of my Bhutan Tour Photo Essay Series. You can also check out the previous posts of this series for more photos and information on Bhutan travel.
If I start talking (read ‘writing’) about Paro I won’t be able to include everything in one post. Paro is so beautiful and that beauty has so many facets to it that it is impossible for me to sum it up here. So it’s better to share the picturesque beauty in picture instead of words. 🙂
Finally the day came. We had to leave Thimphu for Paro. Our journey to Paro started at 10:30 am (IST) and we reached there at 12:30 pm (IST).
Paro, a fertile valley on the banks of the river Paro, surrounded by the sublime Himalayan Mountains, beckons travelers with its greenery, scenic beauty, and ample scope to explore the rich cultural heritage of Bhutan.
I had heard a lot about this spectacular valley, which is dotted with monasteries, sacred edifices and landmarks,
and a small but lively township, which we were to explore next.
The river Paro meanders through the vale dividing it in two halves.
Although there were occasional rain clouds hovering over the valley, the weather in Paro was warmer during the day than that was in Thimphu. But the nights were pleasant in summer months (May-June).
Initially, it was mountains on both sides of the road.
As we entered Paro District the roads turned wider. The glimpses of the river running in parallel with the road made the journey even more exciting and visually appealing.
Finally we reached the point where we could meet Paro, the river. This is the place where you can touch, feel, and walk into the cool waters and enjoy a cable car ride across the river. 🙂
After an exciting rendezvous with Paro Chhu (‘chhu’ is river in vernacular) we were back on the road again, heading towards our hotel. We drove past the small cottages,
lush green paddy fields,
and the small but spectacular Paro Airport.
It seemed Paro greeted us with waving white flags on the roadside
and the rustling branches of peaches blooming with white flowers, everywhere. 🙂
Our car finally stopped at the gate of the hotel Mandala Resort Garden, a hotel with excellent views, I must say.
Whichever side your room is, you are entitled to get a clear view of the valley from the room as long as you are in Mandala Resort Garden. However, it is located in the hills outside the town of Paro, within 10 minutes’ drive from Paro Market.
I’ll soon share the story of my sightseeing in Paro. But before that, enjoy some more colorful panorama of this beautiful valley through my lens. 🙂
Hope you enjoyed Paro tour with me. 🙂 Stay tuned for more.
P.S: This is Part V of my Bhutan Tour Photo Essay Series. You can also check out the first four posts of this series for more photos and information on Bhutan travel.
~ George Bernard Shaw
It was a beautiful rain drenched morning in Paro. I woke up early and went outside. There were pine trees all around and cones hanging from the branches. While most turned brown I discovered some green ones too…. 🙂 and captured the change in one frame.
Published in response to Daily Post Weekly Photo Challenge: Change.
The relation between the river and the mountain is pretty symbolic. The river with all its gushing waters symbolizes motion – the dynamism of life. And the mountains with their huge, unwavering existence are the symbol of obstacles that we face in life. The river makes its way through the mountains – sometimes it is able to break through the solid rocks and sometimes it bends its path – but never stops until it meets the sea. Together the river and the mountain teach us the biggest lesson of life – keep going until you reach your goal; until the purpose of life is served. There will be problem, there will be obstruction, there will be barrier – but you should learn to make your way through it and move on.
River Paro, Bhutan
Published in response to the Daily Post Weekly Photo Challenge: Symbol.
Footloose Forever 