Since one year back from
the moment I started to learn cycling in Chennai it was my wish to ride through
the mountains of my native and experience new feelings and inhale fresh air. Beautiful
mountain terrain and fresh air in Bhutan are well known in the outside country
for being not just carbon neutral but also carbon negative as the Prime
Minister mentioned in one of the TED show. I remember one of the senior
scientist from Indian Metrological Department delivering lecture and mentioning
about Bhutan government being the only South Asian nation to fully support
Environmental Protection by being carbon negative which was a proud moment for
me when all around staring at me with a smile of gesture.
Cycling in India was easy
because of plane roads by nature. They even used it for carrying loads. For
Bhutanese it is just an adventure. Riding from Thimphu to Drugyel Dzong and way
back to Thimphu coincidentally on World Environment Day completing 130KM
fulfilled my long awaited wish. Therefore, I wish to dedicate this day for the
love and care I have for the environment for everything it provides naturally.
Initially The Royal Flower Exhibition was our half way destination. Seeing the
crowd of public lining up for the entry let us changed our way to Drugyel
Dzong. Then we intentionally missed the exhibition fearing our late return.
Dreams are unlimited and
assumed unachievable but if you just do it as you dreamt of things just appear
unexpectedly. Even after all has happened, you find it just as in the dream and
that is how dreams become true.
The idea was first shared
by my friend Tenzin supported by Sonam Gyeltshen and finally the place was
decided by me with lots of excitement. I wasn’t so sure, and the destination
was determined. My only experience is 15 minutes ride from my apartment to
college and way back every day. No ups and downs. I asked few people and they
gave me confidence by assuring my early return and complete the journey. I was
worried about first ever such long journey through steep roads. Traffic was not
a big deal for me with experiences of frequent minor accidents through heavy
traffics of Chennai.
At 6:00am in the morning,
journey started from near Tarayana Building making our way easy till Babesa
Junction. We had to push our bycycle at that little up steep road and we laughed
at our self for making this big plan. Tenzin already said he want to give up. He
was exhausted and he even rejected to take a snap. But I updated our journey into
Facebook status and force our self to make it anyway. All agreed and then we
proceed.
As we rode through, we
decided to take advantage of down road and make it to the highest speed. It was
really tough when we had to ride up steep roads and we tried our best not to
push but paddle. As we determined, we made our way till Chuzom where we had our
breakfast with tea, momo and boiled egg. It was around 7:30am by then which
gave us more confidence that we can make it early to Paro. With little gained
energy we rode through again.
I was leading every time and
so waited near spring water on the way, which is pure and precious believed to
have cleansed all our sins. We wash our
face, drank it enough to satisfy thirst and prayed for our safe return. I saw
many vehicles parked and at least wash their hands and drink. Very few, may be
those who travel more frequent, they don’t wait. Fresh fruit are also there to sell
by farmers nearby. It’s an opportunity for relaxation and rest for travelers on
their way.
Traffic was little heavy
compare to other days. Many people from Thimphu are traveling for The Royal Flower
exhibition. However, roads are more comfortable and not steep as I expected. We
took rest at Eusuna nearby river after crossing a steel bridge where our friend
Tshewang followed us with his Celerio after seeing status in Facebook. Came to
know the importance of updating status sometimes. We took snaps and where happy
that we got duty vehicle if anything happened. We put all our bags and mobile
phones in his car and made our riding easy through valleys of Paro from Shamba,
crossing Bongdi through beautiful scene of Airport making our way towards Paro
town and then to Drugyel dzong.
Paro, as I have seen is
the most beautiful place I have ever visited. Aesthetic traditional buildings,
many resorts and residents surrounded by glowing green hillocks. Plane and
peaceful. Many open spaces and yet to develop and become more beautiful. I wish
my job placement is here.
When we reached to
Drugyel Dzong, my friend ask me about how modern engineers justify the strength
it holds for centuries which I remained silent and finally said its always a
miracle for those traditional structures in Bhutan. Paro Taktshang still remain
on my list for next visit.
It was 12:30pm by the
time we decided to have our lunch at Sonam Trophel Restaurent in Paro town.
Almost all are very tired and hungry. It grew within me a doubt whether we
really can make our way back to Thimphu when what we experienced is pain all
over body. However, it was just a doubt. I didn’t say it but rather encouraged
our self that we can make it anyhow. We had a delicious Bhutanese dish and
thank them for making our visit a memorable one.
Our returning journey
started, rode together till Shaba. Then, I thought its getting very late since I
saw the very slow movement with my friends, which let me decide not to wait but
to ride as fast as I can. I decided because I was already determined to
complete it and on the other hand I knew they are already very tired and Tshewang’s
Celerio would help them reached Thimphu anyhow.
Then, I didn’t even
looked back. Just keep paddling and rode as fast as possible and reached
Chuzom. I couldn’t see them following me. Took a litre of water and then
paddled through the highest steep road from Chuzom till Wangsisina without rest.
I find myself moving slower than I can walk but still I didn’t give up and keep
riding. I saw others riding as well. Some already on taxi and few taking rest,
very tired.
Just before Khasadapchu, I
saw my friends coming in taxi adjusting themselves in the best possible way and
stopped by just to say they give up. Then, I decided to ride all alone again
and let them go before me because I have already crossed the highest steep road
and now will not be a big problem. Little drizzling rain when I reached
Ramtokto which let me call my friends and informed them that I am almost
reaching and not to worry about.
With cup of tea from
nearby shop at Babesa junction and then exactly at 5:30pm as agreed, I could
retuned my hired bicycle to the owner. Thanks to all my friends and almighty
for the safety you assured me with little adventure I have been through and fulfilling
my wish. Looking forward for next such unexpected things to happen and to
complete the incomplete assumptions in my life.
