3 Night Thimpu - 2 Night Paro
Thimpu
Secluded in the towering heights of the Himalayas, on the banks of the Wangchu River, Thimphu is known to be one of the strangest capital cities in the world. With no glitzy towers, urban grime or traffic signals, it has consciously stayed away from modernization and sought to fiercely guard its identity against all else. Although little recorded history remains of Thimphu's true foundation, heritage and traditions have helped shape an identity that is unique to Bhutan. Archaeological evidence tell tales of ancient settlements here around 2000 BC, but no written records before 2 AD were ever found. Lost in time, and forgotten by most, the city was revived in the 8th century AD by a Buddhist monk, Guru Padmasambhava, who founded many monasteries here, and established Buddhism.
Terraced rice fields, traditional Bhutanese architecture and the all-encompassing innocence of the locals will disarm you completely. Visit the Tashichho Dzong, which is home to the King of Bhutan, and one of the most important landmarks in the country. Study and marvel at the exquisite wall murals at the National Memorial Chorten and gain an insight into Buddhist philosophy. Revel in reading a page from the largest book in the world at the National Library which has a collection of rare editions that date back to a hundred years. Stop over at the post office as you wander into the morning market, and admire curious Bhutanese stamps.
Wild and raw, Thimphu’s lush countryside is a haven for nature lovers. Trek through the wooded jungles of Jigme Dorji National Park and listen to birdsong. The sign at the entrance which says 'Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but memories', encapsulates Bhutan's belief in an idealistic state of 'happiness' and living in tune with nature with following a GHP (Gross Happiness Product) instead of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) as a way of living.
Lose yourself in the colours of Thimphu when festival season descends with a feverish fervour. The sacred masked dancers stomp and twirl to enact the teachings of Guru Rinpoche at the Thimphu Tsechu (festival). Cheer at a local archery competition as young men compete against each other to show off their skill. Unwind, finally, into the solitary comfort of your hotel room with a warm cup of Bhutanese butter tea and let the peace embrace you softly.
Regal and resilient, Thimphu lets you in on an ancient culture that is so virgin and untouched, that it is almost truly a final frontier. Everything you need and nothing more, is what this beautiful Kingdom offers. Spice up your journey with a plateful of fiery hot Bhutanese Chillies, stroll down muddy slopes on the back of a yak or spend the day at a farm learning the nuances of red rice farming. In the afternoon, retire to cheer the crowd at a local archery competition, and take up the challenge of striking bulls-eye. Time stops for you to enjoy every moment here. One of the best qualities about Bhutan is that it keeps you forever guessing. There is no use of routine, time-keeping or discipline. Holiday here if you have been searching for solace in all the wrong places, for as long as you are in Thimphu, nonchalance is simply too hard to resist.
Paro
History laden and mysterious, Paro, Bhutan's most beautiful town, conjures images of ancient warriors, pristine wilderness and long forgotten customs. Strewn with traditional houses, monasteries, bars and ripening rice fields, life is a paradox of choices here. Refresh your mind with old world wisdoms by taking up the challenge to climb to the Taktsang Monastery, nestled on the edge of a precariously high cliff and meditate on the ways of the world. Take in the view of Mount Chomolhari majestically rising in the distance. Unravel mysteries of the unknown at the National Museum which holds together a thousand years of history. Let the scented, fresh breeze from the valley seduce you as you sip slowly on therapeutic Butter Tea. Ta Dzong and Rinpung Dzong are curious little historical gems that will take you down memory lane. Better still, visit a local farmhouse and revel in simpler pleasures of stacking hay, tending to cattle and relaxing after an energizing day out in the fields.
Explore the quirkier side of Bhutanese culture, right from protective 'phallus' paintings in the front of homes to drinking Rice Wine and Beer in the townside. Trek into the lush, haunting Paro Valley that once formed part of the historic Silk Route where traders between Central Asia, China and India once carried spices and raw silk from lands afar. Lose yourself in the depths of the endless green of Jigme Dorji National Park, which is known to be the only National Park in Bhutan where you can see all of the country's national symbols. Search the rugged terrain for the rare Blue Poppy, the country's national flower. Used for centuries in Tibetan and Chinese medicine, they grow in abundance in Chelsea Pass. Enjoy the sight of the strange and mysterious Takin, the national animal that many believe to be the divine offspring of the cow and the goat. The proud raven, the national bird which adorns the royal crown, isn't hard to spot with its squawking and its silky black feathers. The hillside is dotted with towering cypress trees, the national tree of the country.
Enjoy a game of Dha (archery) when sporting fever descends upon Paro, and cheer with the crowds. Visit the Sunday market and top your bag with a whole range of unique Bhutanese goods like Chugo (dry yak cheese), juniper incense and Khoo (dried cow skin) that is eaten as a snack here. Paro invites you to experience a world that is timeless.18-0415-09