His Majesty’s Trout - More Than Just Fishing

More Than Just Fishing

Next year will be momentous for Bhutan with important events taking place. First, the fifth Druk Gyalpo (king) will be crowned in 2008 in a ceremony that shouldn't be missed. Second, Bhutan will change from an absolute monarchy into a democracy, with the first elections held and the first constitution implemented. I'd strongly recommend booking your trip now because the word is spreading fast about the beauty of Bhutan and the fantastic brown trout fishing, and I don't exaggerate to say that it will soon become very difficult to get hotel and flight reservations.

In addition to beautiful rivers, Bhutan offers a unique look at a traditional Himalayan culture with devout Buddhist beliefs. All tours include visits to fortresses (dzongs), temples, monasteries and local markets. The road is rough and winding, but passes through an impressive natural world with intact forests and abundant wildlife.

We spent a morning at the Punakha Dzong to admire the royal fish and the fortress, then we hiked up the Pho River and crossed the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan. We had our driver meet us on the other side and drove 20 minutes north to find the white-bellied heron, one of the 50 rarest birds in the world.

For local handicrafts, we greatly enjoyed the shops in Thimphu and the weekend vegetable/antique market. Prices are high and Bhutanese don't bargain much, but they'll usually drop prices about 15 percent. Be careful, however, as we found many of the items to be cheap trinkets made in Nepal and not locally. Keep in mind that Bhutanese antiques must have a red wax seal to be taken out of the country.

Bio
Nathan Ward, who lives in Bhutan, grew up on a trout stream near Tin Cup, Colorado, in the Rocky Mountains. He still returns from Asia at times to catch fat brown trout just five blocks from his old front porch by the Arkansas River.