BHUTAN TRIP

Day 1: – 

Started at 5.45am tontske 6E 958 to Bagdogra via Guwahati starting at 7.35am and reached Bagdogra at 11.40am. Started from airport at 12.15pm towards Phuntsoling. On way had lunch (370+10) at Oodhlabadi. Drove on the highway passing through tea gardens in Dooars. Road is really good. Passed through Hasimara and Jaldapara forests. Reached Jaigaon at about 4.15am. This is the border post and crossed over to Bhutan through Phuntsoling ceremonial entry gate. Indian side is chaotic while Bhutan side is clean and disciplined. Cars with passengers are allowed to enter the gate and all Indians and Indian vehicles can move with 5km radius from the entry point without any permit. Our driver was Kiran Lama and a good lad and gave us good information about the place. Walking people are allied to enter through a walking gate and walking exit is also different. Only cars exit from the gate. Reached our hotel Park Hotel st about 4.30pm. Very nice hotel and the reception lady was really nice. Room was large one and clean. After freshening up we wanted to explore the place which we visited about 15-16 years ago. The place has not changed much. Buildings are also same. We walked around the place for sometime and went to India side to eat panipuri. The weather was comfortable. Roamed around for sometime. Our tour taxi provider came to get the forms to be filled by us. Passport is s must. Only Aadhar card is not sufficient. Only for minors it is okay. Photographs and photocopies of passport is required for entry permit. Hotel Park is located on the corner near Immigration office. A small place but very nice and clean. Food was okay. Booking through Booking.com is very expensive. Booking directly will cost less and the hotel gives discount. There are many nearby hotels. Hotel Druk is run by Govt and quite big. Near the border, shops on both sides of the entry gate are accepting and giving out Bhutan currency. Both currencies have equal value.

Day 2 : – 

Got up early and had tea. Very peaceful pace and hardly anyone on the road in the morning. Finished breakfast at 8am and went to Immigration center for Bhutan entry pass. There was a big queue and the agent had made somebody to stand in the queue at 6am and there is total chaos when the door opens at 9am for office work. There was problem as the officer allowed us entry but declined the entry of our driver as the agent has put 3 applications together and as per rule they allow 2 drivers for 9 people. With a great deal of pleading the officer finally relented and allowed the permit for our driver Amit Mandal. Then the driver and agent have to go for making entry pass for vehicle. The whole process could be completed by 12.00noon and we started from Phuntsoling at about 1.00pm towards Thimphu. The road is picturesque and smooth but serpentine among many hills. Heavy rains started on our way after some time we encountered snow fall. We stopped for 30 minutes at Chukha for lunch. We could see snow clad trees. It was really Cold. We reached Thimphu at about 6pm. There was check points on our way where vehicles and tourist permits need to be shown. The hotel was good and we had large room. We can see the Monastery clearly from our window. Since we had a long journey we decided to have dinner early and retire to bed. Food was very good. The staff are very nice

Day 3 : –

 
Breakfast at 8am and started from hotel for local sight seeing at 9am. First we had to go to Immigration office to increase our permit date till 01-4-2017 as Phuntsoling office gives only 7 days permit. Submitted the forms and moved to local sight seeing places. First is Chorten. Very large one made by queen mother for her son. People were praying and making the rounds of the place offering prayers. The snow clad mountain is on the background. Then we drove to the Monastery and spent some time there. Photography is strictly prohibited in Monastery. Then we moved to the Buddha project (169ft) from where you can see the entire Thimphu city with360 degree view. The snow clad mountains became clearer. Spent some time there and then drove to Nunnery and spent some time there. The driver stopped us at the view point from where we could see the Palace, Supreme Court, legislative assembly, stadium, Dzong, etc. then we drove to folk museum and entered the main place by buying tickets. The place us very good and gives the life of Bhutan people. Had our lunch with traditional Bhutan food. Then we drove to National Traditional Medicine Hospital at Kawang Jhonsha. After spending some time there we drove to Royal Textile Museum. Ticket for 3 is 150. Then visited crafts Bazar and purchased few stuffs. Drive to Sale Bazar to buy warm clothes as we were not prepared for Bumthang cold. Returned to hotel at about 5pm. The Day was very good spent. Dinnner at 8pm and slept early for next day’s travel to Phobjika

Day 4 : –

Started from Hotel at 8.30am for Phobjika. The road was okay and the drive was smooth partly. The road widening work undertaken by GOI is in progress and hence the drive was slow to sone extent. We stopped at various places to take snaps. The river Thimphu followed us for sometime and we could see the snow clad mountains while driving. The ride was ascending the hills and as we moved forward we passed through snow lying on both sides of the road. The natural landscape was something like a treat for the eyes. We passed through many hamlets on our way. We stopped at a place in between for lunch (Maggie noodles with vegetables) and the view from the small restaurant was really magnificent. From the place we could see the snow clad mountain range. There was no cloud and hence the view was good. After our lunch we moved towards our destination. We have to take a right turn on the road to go towards Phobjika. The road to Phobjika passed through pine forest laden with snow as we climbed to the hill top and slowly descended taking the serpentine hill road. Phobjika is a valley famous for trekking and black beck cranes from Siberia visiting the valley. We reached our hotel Dewachen at about 1.30pm and checked in. The hotel is the best property in Phobjika. The room was really good with full view of the valley. To our bad luck there was no black neck cranes as they had left early this year. However we visited the Crane Information Center to see the injured black neck crane being rehabilitated by the center. The crane is named Karma and was found in March 2016 with injury on the neck and damaged left wing. We visited the village and returned to hotel to take rest. Learned how to run the Bhukhari fire place with wood to keep the room warm. The place was very cold and we got respite because of the fire pot. As the sun went down, the cloud descended everywhere. Had dinner early and went to sleep early as we have a long journey tomorrow.

Day 5: – 

Morning was very cloudy and cold. Sky was overcast. Had breakfast at 7.45am and started from hotel at about 8.15am for Bumthang. First we stopped st Gangtey Monastery and spent sometime there. The road turned out to be relatively okay but at some stretches the road widening work was going on. The drive was pleasant as we passed to many hills providing serpentine roads and at times rivers show up. After about one hour drive we stopped at Drochula to see the snow clad mountain range. It was awesome as surprisingly clouds clear up when we reached the place. We could see the entire range with clear view. Stopped for 20 minutes for snaps. It was informed that the range could be seen today with full clarity after a very long tine as clouds cover them normally. By the time we left we could see the clouds have come down and covered the peaks totally and really bad luck for people who will be coming to see the same. On our way we could see snow on hills. At tubes we counsel see snow in the road as well. Snow clad peaks show themselves at times. Reached Trongsha at about 12.15pm and stopped to buy water. There are few views points in Tringsha and we stopped there to take snaps. From Trongsha we drove towards Pele La through snow towards Bumthang. After about one hour we reached Bumthang village and we reached our booked accommodation at Chumey Nature Resort. However we did not like the place as the room was backside without any view. Chumey is one of the four valleys of Bumthang and located about 30km from the main Bumthang Bazar. We decided to move to the main Bumthang. The driver suggested that we should try the Swiss Guest House which is located on a hill overlooking the Bumthang town. We reached the place at 3.45pm and were overjoyed to see the property. It is a beautiful property surrounded by apple and peach trees. Peach trees are in full bloom with flowers. We are the only guest in the property having 14 rooms. The rooms are bigger with all facilities and we can see the forests with pine trees all around. Many birds could be seen in the property. The weather was quite cold and we rested for sometime. From the balcony we could see valley as well as the dzong and Monasteries. Dinner was served at 7pm and we retired to bed early as we had taken a long drive to reach the place. The property is owned by a Swiss gentleman who married a local lady and settled here. Currently his daughter is managing the property. The place is favorite with the foreigners. Bumthang is a religious place for Buddhists. Very few Indian tourist cone here because of difficult road cwkvdition. We liked the place very much.

Day 6: –

the weather was cold and sky was overcast in the morning. After sometime the sky cleared up a bit and sun started showing up. We found many birds in peach trees and took many pictures of their activity. Took breakfast at 8.00am and then got ready for local sight seeing. First we went to the nearby Monastery and spent fine time there. Talked to Lsmas there. Then we went to visit the Dzong. The climb was steep and we visited most of the place. It has many offices providing public service to the people. We could climb to the top floors as the steps are very steep. From there we moved to another old Monastery. It was closed but we took a round of the same and then moved to another Monastery. It was a 19th century Monastery with the two large statues of Guru Padnasambava. After spending sone time there we moved to Golden temple. We requested the lama to open the place for us. It was one of the best places we saw in Bumthang. After that we went to see the Three Jewels Temple. Talked to Lama there to understand the history if the place. It was built in 9th century. It was burnt down but again reconstructed but the inner temple was not burnt. We moved to the Market for lunch. Most of the restaurants are closed because of the paucity of tourists. Had lunch in JC Restaurant and talked to the owner. Returned to hotel about 2.30pm. Took rest for sobering and then moved around to see her birds happily chirping on peach trees. Dinner was served at 7.00pm. Met one of the new 5 guests from Germany who have driven from Punakha. Retired to bed early as we have a long journey tomorrow

Day 7: –

Sky is overcast and likely to rain. Few birds chirping on peach trees. Got ready for the journey. Breakfast at 7.45am and took packed momo for the road. Started for Punakha at 8.30am. Drive was smooth but road was not very good. Reached Trongsha after 2 hours. Stopped on the opposite side of Trongsha for tea. Two sides of Trongsha are connected by a hilly serpentine road of about 20km. On the road got the news of Mr. Nathani’s heart attack at hospital. Started contacting people for coordinating with the family. The journey became little tedious though both sides of the road had snow patches and weather was cool. Stopped at about 2.00pm for a bite of the packed momo. Did not enjoy the food as the news about Mr. Nathani was not good. The drive became monotonous. The weather was also becoming warm. We reached Drubchhu Resort at about 3.30pm. The resort was a really good one. Room was very large and very clean and well laid out. The garden was beautifully maintained. The staff were very good and helpful. One of the staff (Tiem Diem) explained us about the place and showed us the way to climb up for going to Mad man Temple (fertility temple). Took little rest and then ordered food for the night. Spent the entire evening in the garden watching birds chirping. Took lot of snaps. Dinner was served at 7.30pm and food was simple but very good. Enjoyed dinner. Gossiped for some time. Talked to Mr. Nathani’s family. He was doing okay. Went to sleep at about 10.30pm

Day 8: –

Woke up at 3.30pm to pick up the call. Informed by Anita about the sad demise of Mr. Nathani at about 3.30am. Started coordinating with people for help. Called up Sundar and Mandar to immediately rush to hospital. Sent msg and mails to all HODs. Contacted Bhavana to coordinate with TPA. Insurance company agreed to pick up the bill. Jyoti and Ipsita were informed to coordinate. Hospital agreed to release the body on receipt of a cheque. Talked to Pinky about the arrangements. Informed by her that the cremation will take place after 11.00am. RIP MR. Nathani. We will really miss your company. So many years of togetherness and travel in the same car for years will remain fresh in our memory. I have not seen many clean people like you. We are fortunate to have friends like you. Life has to go on. Sharmila remembered a song by Tagore after his younger son’s death – je Rate mor dust guli bhanglo jhadr- very apt for the occasion. Went for breakfast at about 8.30pm and by 10.00am got ready to visit the nearby Mad Man temple. The car dropped us on the main road and we have to walk about 2km through wheat fields to reach the temple. The temple is dedicated to a Guru who used to portray himself as a vagabond. Spent some time there. Visited the crafts and live painting stalls there to figure out if we can buy few stuffs. No luck as the price were really steep. From there we drove to the famous Punakha Dzong. It is the place where all royal marriages take place. The Dzong is connected by a bridge over the river. Before we reached the Dzong, we stopped nearby on the main road to see the two different kinds of water in the Punakha river. Went inside the Dzong. The closing time is 1.00pm and we had 35 minutes to cone out. Visited the main temple and other sections in the ground floor. The administration office is closed as it is Sunday. Came out by 1.00pm. Drive towards the rope hanging bridge. It was really beautiful place and one of the largest hanging bridges. Walked the entire bridge. Came back and drive to a nearby restaurant to have food. Returned to hotel at about 2.30pm. Afternoon was spent watching birds and took snaps of various birds and listened to music. Dinner at 8.00pm. Met the Resort Manager, Tsering Wangmo and chatted with her for about one hour. She gifted us some hand made stuff designed and painted by her mother. It was wonderful. Went to sleep at 10pm.

 Day 9: –

Morning was having overcast sky but birds were happily chirping all over. Clouds have descended on the valley. Went out to take few parting snaps of birds. Got ready for the travel. Breakfast at 7.45am and started from the resort at 8.30am. Drive was very smooth as the road was good. It became very sunny and drive through the hilly terrain with long pine trees was an enchanting experience. We stopped at Dochula to see the mountain range. Stopped for coffee and cake at the Coffee Shop at Dochula. Took few snaps. Moved towards Thimphu on our way to Haa. Reached closer to Paru and took a detour following uphill road to move towards Chele La. The driver enquirer with other drivers if the road is open at Chele La. From that point the pass is 35km uphill and Has is 25km downhill from Pass High point. As we moved forward we could see the snow on the ground and road. After about 20km we could see large chunks of snow all around among the pine trees. Then snow and snow everywhere. The driver informed us that due to heavy snow on 11th March, the road was closed for traffic and cars have to use longer road going to Haa. After one hour drive, we could reach Chele La top from where we could see the snow clad peaks of Himalayas. Here we could see few tourists (two Bengali family – one from Calcutta and one from Bangladesh) and the place was awesome. We took lot of snaps and had tea in the tea stall. The guy charged 30 per cup but it was worth it. The lady selling accessories and warm clothes also made sone business with my wife and sold her few stuffs. It was cold but not very cold yo require gloves and overcoats and monkey caps. We just had our jacket on us. After spending about 45 minutes we descended towards Haa valley. The road is also good and passed through hills and pine forests. We coins see the Chinese side snow clad mountains though not very clearly. We could see Haa valley from top vies points. Almost 50 percent of the valley is taken by Indian Army as the Chinese border is only 18km from Haa. Cars and tourists are allowed till Damtang which is 15km from Haa Bazar. After entering Haa Valley we went to see the Dzong. The same was closed for renovation. The Dzong is used by Army as its office and it is inside barrack area. Then we went to see the Trout breeding center next to Dzong. There are large number of ponds with glowing streams suitable for breeding trout. We saw large number of trouts of various sizes. The center sells he same at 450 per kg. No selling us going on now as the entire state does not each meat and fish for one full month during this time. They also have another auspicious month during which no meat and fish are sold. Hotels have to store chicken for a full month to serve the tourists. We moved to our booked accommodation at Risum resort but found it to be lonely and no other tourists were there. There was no food available. The rate was 5500 per night with extra bed. We found it very expensive compared to what we have seen in other parts of Bhutan. We decided to move either to Paru or to Haa Bazar to find accommodation. We decided to check out Haa Bazar to eat something. The Bazar was very small one and we found an okay place to eat. Then we found a local small hotel to stay for the night. The hotel was not very good but provided few basic requirements. But it was good enough for us as we would move to Paro next day. Dinner was also in the same place. Talked to local people and visited few shops to purchase few stuffs. The small town closes very early and by 8pm everything was closed Retired to bed at about 9pm. The night was cold and it rained. Night was cold but we managed through the warm blankets provided by the hotel.

Day 10: –

The weather was cloudy as it had rained in the previous night. Got up early and got ready for taking the travel to Paro. Breakfast was at 8.15am and we decided to visit Hatey which is 5km from Haa. The drive is on the road along the Haa River and crossed the village called Ingo on our way. Reached Hatey in 15minutes and the place was really beautiful with rivers, hills, snow clad peaks nearby and ground is covered with Primula flowers. Then decided to drive towards Damthang which is the last village in Bhutan China border. The Bhutan army barrack is located at Damthang and the do not allow any tourists beyond that point. The place was very much awesome. Spent some tine and took snaps. Drove back towards Haa and Chelela. On our way we could see the road has been covered with snow. At one point we could see a couple of Himalayan Monals and they fled away to opposite sides seeing our vehicle approaching. We took chance and edited with patience to see if one of them will move towards the other. Got one very close and took few snaps of the flightless bird. Reached Chelela and we saw the entire place is covered with cloud and the Kanchenjunga peak was not visible at all. Today there were many tourists in the Pass. We spent sone time and decided to drive towards Paro. On our way we got three birds and took some beautiful pictures. Reached Bondey (point of taking detour to Chelela) at about 1.15am and drove towards Paro town. Decided to visit the Dzong first. Spent sone time there. Difficult climb using the stairs. Came to the Paro town to have lunch. After lunch we decided to go the Monastery and spent sone time there. Reached our Resort at 3.15pm. Resort was good and facing the Hill on which the famous Tiger Nest is located. We could see the famous place from the room. Spent sone time talking to other tourists. Also watched archery competition taking place near the resort. Dinner was taken at 8.00 and went to bed at 9.30pm as we would climb tomorrow the hills to reach the Tiger’s Nest.

Day 11: –  

 Got up early and went out to see if birds are out chirping. Saw few birds only. Breakfast was completed by 8.00am and got ready to climb to Tak Tsang Monastery. Drive to Zero point and from there the hilly and rough ascending climb to start. The journey was very tedious and the road was very bad with rocky patches. The horse owners pestered us for taking horse at 400 per person but we were determined to trek on our own. We started our ascend at about 9.00am and the climb was slow. There were quite a few tourists walking to the Monastery. There were Lamas as well as local people and foreign tourists walking up. Many were taking the horse ride. With about 2 hours of arduous walk up, we finally reached the Cafe which is about 2/3rd of the total distance. From the cafe we could see the Monastery very clearly and we could also see the valley from too very well. Looking at the nature of the road we decided to spend sometime in the cafe and then return as the road was getting worse for us. Since it was a clear day we could see the surrounding very clearly. We met some Indian and Chinese tourists at the cafe. We did well not to buy the tickets of paying 500 per person as it would have been a waste. We ordered done tea there and after having tea and biscuits we started our descend at about 12.15am. On our way we could see some beautiful birds and took few snaps. We took about 1hour 5 minutes to descend. Then drive to hotel dragon for lunch. Returned to hotel at about 3pm with lot of satisfaction. Rested for sometime and went out to see the lighting at the Dzong at about 6.30pm and then took dinner at about 7.00pm and returned to room at about 8.00pm. Slept early as we have a long journey tomorrow to Madarihat

Day 12: –

Got up early and the sky was totally overcast. Went to see if any sign of birds. Not much because of cloudy and cold weather. Got ready for the travel. Paid the bills and checked out from hotel. Drove to Paro town and had breakfast at Hotel Dragon. Started for Jaldapara at 8.15am and the drive was smooth for sone time as the road was clear and it was sunny. But after sobering we could see that it had rained and the clouds have descended on the
Hills and the road. The visibility was very low with fogs everywhere. We reached Chukha / Wankha after two hours and stopped for tea. Started again. The fog followed us everywhere. St Gedu, the dense fog engulfed the road with almost no visibility. Had to drive slow. We could reach Pheuntsholing after about 4 hours. Deposited the entry permit at Immigration check post. Crossed the entry gate of the border at about 12.45pm. Purchased few stuffs and withdrew money from ATM. Drive to Jaldapara Forest Lodge and checked into the Suite. Had lunch and roamed around in the garden for sone time and took Rest. Evening saw ought and sound show and dinner at 8pm. Collected Gypsy Safari ticket for Morning @1520/-. Plan to go to Chilapata for afternoon Safari next day. Retired to bed at 9.30pm as we gave to get up early for Safari.

Day 13: –

Got up early at about 4.30am as our Safari was planned for 5.30am. Got ready and started from the resort at about 5.20am for Gypsy Safari. The tickets were produced in the gate and the guide made entries and after that we entered the forest. The forest was cool and first we saw couple of wild boars. Then few peacocks. One peacock was with full blown up feathers dancing on the road. We saw couple of hog deers. Then we moved towards one watch tower and stopped for sone time. We saw couple of Rhinos – a fully grown and a baby peacefully eating their food. But they were far and hence we could see only top of their body. After that we drive to Holling Bunglow. Stopped there for sine time and saw the salt pit which attracts animals after the forest guards put the salt there. Lot of birds were chirping. We took snaps of green Pigion. Returned to hotel at about 7.30am. Had breakfast. Then took batch and got ready to go towards Chilapata forest range to see if we could visit the forest there for Safari in the evening shift. First we went to Kodalbasti Rsnge office but found the booking clerk missing. Edited for sone time but the person has gone to school to collect the report card of his son and it would take time. Hence we decided to go to Chilapata rSnge office hitch is about 15km away from there. Thectiad was good and we drove for 20 minted to reach the place. Paid 1990 for 6 people as Me. Dipankar Sarkar with the family of 3 wanted to join us for the trip. We were 6 tourists in all and wanted to hire the Gypsy for the Safari. Then we drove another 20km in bad road to Khayarabadi Animal Rescue center. The place is located on the banks of the river. Hired one local guide to take us through the place after buying tickets for entering the place. After spending about one hour or so, we started for Jaldapara through a short cut road of only 9km. The road was good through villages. Took lunch in the resort and little rest and at 2.30pm ready to go for the afternoon Safari at Chilapata. Reached the entry point at about 3.15pm and made the entries and got tickets for the Safari. Jagadish, the driver of Gypsy was very helpful. The guide was also very good. The jungle is better than Jaldapara jungle as it is dense and has good variety of greenery and denseness. We saw some peacocks and wild boars first. Then we were informed that there was a herd of wild elephants around. We drove to the area and waited for sone time. We could see couple of wild elephants with tusks hiding near the road in the bushes and having leaves. Waited in patience and saw one small elephant making noise and suddenly running across the road in gear speed as it seems to have missed its mother. It went so fast that we could not even take snaps. Then after an edit of 15 minutes we could see medium sized one tusker coming out of the jungle and walking at fast pace to cross the road. We could take only copious of snaps. It went inside. Then we moved to other parts of the jungle to see if we can get bisons. Climbed to the watch tower and our guide told us to wait till sun down to see wild animals come mint out of dense forest to the grassland. We saw sambar deers around. Then we saw couple of bisons coming down. Then we got information that wild elephants are nearby as one vehicle saw about 25 of them crossing the road together. We drove faster to the area and waited in patience. We could see a very large elephant hiding in bushes nearby. It has very big and we could see the tusks. However it was also trying to avoid the public. Buses, trucks and other vehicles were passing as usual. As the elephant was trying to come out. We edited with unease breath and advised sone vehicles to stop do that the elephant can come out and cross over. Sathe vehicles stopped and edited, we could see the big tusker came out from the jungle. The elephant started walking on the road itself for quite sometime and all vehicles came to s standstill. Almost 15 minutes it moved on the open road walking away from us. Then it suddenly went inside the forest. It was almost dark and we returned to the forest office from where we started the Safari. It was 6.30pm and almost one hour more than the official allowed Safari tine of 2 hours. Then we were treated with a dance performance by local tribal girls. 8 girls performed two rounds of dances – potato harvesting and picking and fishing – supported by others in singing and drumming. We have to leave as it was very late. The forest Dept.puts barricade on the road after sunset and allows cars to pass after the film entry is made in the register with proper risk disclosure of using the forest road after sunset. Our driver was little scared as the elephants crossing on road is very common in this area. As we drive we could see 4 elephants (3 large ones and a baby walking on the road) in the headlight of the car. It was scary but we drove very fast and reached the resort at 7.35pm. Then we watched the light and sound show for sometime and had dinner at 8.15pm. We got the info that the resort has booked our elephant tide for the next morning and we have to start from the resort at 7.00sm. We allowed our driver to go home at Jaigaon. Went to bed at 10pm. A very good day for us well spent in the forest with wonderful company.

Day 14: –

Got up at 5.30am and got ready for elephant ride. The resort driver will take us to the Holong Bunglow from where we will take the elephant ride. Reached the entry gate at about 7.15am and waited for 10 minutes. After the entry made, we drove to the ride points. The guide was s nice guy and he showed us many things on our way. Few peacocks were running away from the driveway. Then we saw many birds including green pigeon, yellow pigeon, parakeet, few oriental hornbills, Indian myna, etc. The dark and cloudy sky was not good for photographs as it was very dark. The elephant ride started at 8.30am and we got the elephant named Sundarmani. The elephant had a one year Baby named Kunjamani and the baby followed its mother on each and every trip. The mahunt informed us that the elephant can not be departed from the baby till the baby is 2 years. After separation, the elephant mother and the baby will not e eat for one week or more and then they will slowly forget each other and the baby elephant will be trained for Safari trips or jungle beats. The elephant ride moved through jungles and we could see sone peacocks and sambar deer first. After we sporosched the small holong river, we could see one large Rhino taking dip in water and seeing us it started moving. We took snaps of the same and followed it for sometime. Then we entered the grasslands and after few minutes we could see another Rhino grazing on the grassland. We were lucky yo see couple of rhinos. The ride turned back toward the starting point as we have already seen the desired results. Returned to the starting point at about 9.15am after starting at 8.30am. It was a successful ride. Then we came yo take snaps of few birds but bad light could not make it good. On the return, we saw one Mongoose. Returned to resort st about 10am and took breakfast. Got ready to drive to Jsinti at 11am after paying the bills. On our way withdrew money from ATM and reached Jainti entry point at 12.25pm and made entry pass to Jainti by paying forest Dept 430 for 3 days. It is 8.5km from Buxa more and further 5km drive we could reach Jainti. Reached the forest dept entry point and booked Safari for 2.30pm. The guide,Braun,is s nice guy and he agreed to show us three points on our own car and one Safari in core area of the jungle using Gypsy. We went to have lunch in a nearby Dhaba. After lunch st about 1.30pm, we did travel to Chotta Mahakal Temple by driving in Jsinti River bed which has completely dried up and small boulders all around. The temple is on Bhutan side.mountain. The small climb among rocky patch was little tedious but we. visited the temple and walked upto the falling stream. Then drove back and reached the Core area gate at about 2.40pm and started the Safari (1250). The forest was dense and calm and birds were chirping but not visible because if denseness. Could see few hornbills but could not take snaps as they flew away before captured in the lens. We went to Water homes and Bala river beds and waited for sone time to see if there is any movement. Again drive inside the jungle area for sone more time and landed in Jainti riverbed to see if any elephant movement is taking place. After waiting for 30 minutes we went inside the jungle and got the need that elephant herd is nest waterhole and we drove faster to reach the place. We saw about 29 elephants including babies. It was a real wonderful sight yo see wild elephants from close quarters. It was getting dark as cloudy and overcast sky made visibility poor. We existed the entry gate at about 5.15pm and we t out yo have tea. Talked to local people for sometime and came back to hotel to arrange for lunch. We met the caretaker of our hotel, Minty, and he made all arrangements for our dinner. Sat in the balcony to watch the sight of Jsintj riverbed and nearby hills of India and Bhutan and Bhutia Basti. Could see people walking in the riverbed. Dinner at 8.30pm brought from. Bsnante Hotel nearby. Retired to bed at 10pm after a real event full day.

Day 15: –

Morning was very calm and serene with chirping of birds everywhere and birds like bulbuls, while wagtsil, etc. were all around the water stream on the river bed. People were also up at 5am and moving around for Morning works. Got some tessnd sat in the balcony of our homestay and enjoyed the view of the nearby jungle and hills. The other side is Bhutan. Then got ready for our morning sight seeing schedule but the car got delayed as we got a new driver name Raj and our old driver had gone on a 12 day Nepal trip suddenly. The new driver was a nice Nepali man with few words and preferred to sleep most of the time. Went to the jungle on safari using given car in the buffer zone and could see few birds. The jungle was not dense but it was s treat to the eye with large trees. We crossed Bhutia Baxtee which is generally attached by elephants for food. We stopped at the watch tower. Saw Many birds and few peacocks. One peacock was dancing on the road. Went to Tunis watch tower and the same is named after the river Tunis which flows from Bhutan. Then returned to room at about 9.30am and got ready for our travel to Lataguri. It is a drive of 3 hours through tea gardens. StRted from Jainti at 10am. On our way we suddenly saw s large tusker elephant crossing the road and it went inside the jungle faster. Could not take good snap. The road to Lstahuri passed through tea gardens, Baresha riverbed,Jalbhara and Murti rivers and many tea gardens on both sides. The drive was very smooth as the road was good. Reached Lataguri at 1.00am. The reception suggested that we should buy the ticket for the Safari to Watch Tower Jatraprosad for which the gate will open at 2pm for the entry at 4.30pm. The name of the watch tower was on the basis of an elephant who died few years ago. There are 5 Watch towers in all and 40 tourists are allowed in each shift per tower and there are 4 shifts in a day. Demand for Jatraptosad is high followed by Medla and Chapramari. Others have very little or no demand. Chuk Chuki is famous for birds but it should be Jan/feb. Stood in the queue and got the ticket for 4.30pm. Came back to resort for lunch and changed our room as we did not like the booked solitary cottage which was very small. Then after little rest got ready for our drive to Watch Tower. It is s 11km drive to entry gate and then 7km drive inside forest. We could see few peacocks and then in watch tower we saw many Bisons grazing quite far off. Couple of Rhinos were also there and many wild boars. One elephant came out and it was moving on river bed. We came to Rhino point and saw few wild boars and few peacocks. Returned to the gate at 5.50pm and came to the tribal dance center to see the performance which was a part of the ticketing cost. Returned yo hotel at 7.00pm. Dinner at 8.30pm

Day 16: –

We decided to start early for Sight seeing of Samsing, Sunthaley Khola, Jhallong and Bindu. Breakfast st 7.30am and stared for the trip at 8.00pm. Reached Sanding by 9.00am and the drive among the good road passing through tea gardens was really good. But after Samsing, the forest was leading to Sunthaley Khola was bad. It is a place where oranges are grown in large numbers and border of Jalpaiguri and Kalimpong.,Mostly population of Nepali origin and the economy revolved around tea garden workers. We drive about 2km up in the jungle to reach the place. Then we have to hire s local vehicle to visit the MauChaki at the hill top. It comes under forest dept and the road is over boulders and drive can be on first gear only. We started from village by 9.30am. It is about 9km from the villGe but once you climb the hills to reach the top the view is awesome. Forest Dept has opened a small staying place at the top recently and we found d two families occupied two rooms there in the resort. We got few birds there and had tea there. After spending some time we descended and could see few villages located at top of the hill. Then we visited the hanging bridge and walked upto the forest Dept. Accommodation there which was very good inside the forests. Only 5 people are allowed on the hanging bridge at any time. Spent fine time walking around and came back to see the strawberry firm. The organic firm was selling at 150 for 300gms. Bought one packet and had it there. Returned to the village point at 11.39 and paid 1000 for hiring vehicle. The forest dept charged 480 which included camera cost of 200. Then we drove to Rocky Island from Samsing. After Ricky Island drove through tea gardens, good roads, bad roads, villages and hilly terrain to reach Jhallong at 1.20 pm. Then drove another 6km yo reacj Bindu barrage. It is border of Bhutan and India. The river divides the counties. Seema Suraksha Bal Border Outpost is located nearly. The scenic beauty is good. It started raining once drive back to Jhallong. Had food there as we had ordered before going. Then at about 2.30pm, we drove back to our hotel through Gorumara forests and Murthi river bridge. Stopped at hotel Koel for tea and sweets. That sweet shop is the best in Lataguri area. Could see the posters for Lataguri Carnival (music fest) all around to be celebrated on 8-10 April. Reached the hotel at 4pm and decided to rest. Rains started in the evening and enjoyed sitting in the balcony. Dinner was st 8pm as we decided to try for Morning Jungle Safari at 5.30 before going to airport next day. We checked in using web. So we can. Start at 9am. The drive was tedious as roads at times were pretty bad. But we enjoyed after reaching the local attractions.

Day 17: – 

Got up at 4.30AM and got ready for going to ticket counter for shingle Safari. Reached the booking counter at 5.20am and got the Gypsy ticket first by paying 1140. Then went to Forest Dept. Booking counter for Jungle ride ticket. It cost 345 which includes camera fees, tourist fees, vehicle fees and guide fees, etc. Entered the jungle left side (buffer) first and saw many peacocks, wild boars, jungle fowls, hornbills, etc. Passed through one village Kalonunia famous for its rice with beautiful aroma. There were forest Dept huts for workers. Did not see many animals but could take snap of a hornbill though quite a few flying out and fitting in far off branches. As the light was providing poor visibility, it was difficult to capture them well. After about one hour we came out to the main road and went to the core area of the jungle in left side. We saw many birds, peacocks, jungle fowls, couple of barking deers, wild boars, and fresh footprint of bisons walking in the road. Stopped for few minutes st Neora Jungle Csmp of the forest Dept and took snap of a dancing peacock. Followed the footprint of the bisons and could see that they have almost crossed the road and we could two bisons on almost hidden in thick forest. Came out of the jungle at about 8.00am and reached the hotel at 8.20am and got ready for our drive to Bagdogra airport through Jalpaiguri road. It was crowded with heavy vehicles but the drive was more or less smooth. Our driver drove us through village roads and bypass roads to reach the airport at 11.20am. Took the boarding pass after depositing out luggage in the check in counter. The flight was almost in time. Left the airport at 1.40pm. The trip ended with a very happy note.