Tea & Happiness in Darjeeling & Bhutan

Punakha, Bhutan

Exploring Punakha Dzong

Set on the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu and fringed by jacaranda trees, Punakha Dzong is arguably the most beautiful of Bhutan’s many dzongs. It dates back to the 17th century when it was built by the 1st Rinpoche. All of Bhutan’s kings have been crowned here, and in fact, the current King married here in 2011.

Join your guide to follow the procession of red-robed monks across the picturesque Bazam bridge towards the imposing structure itself. Your guide will lead you through and around the building to explore the 3 courtyards, respectively the administration, monastic quarters and the temple areas. A highlight is the evocatively named ‘hundred-pillar’ assembly hall (which only actually contains 54 pillars – but still, it is pretty impressive). There are also exceptional murals depicting the life of Buddha and massive gold statues of the Buddha, Guru Rinpoche and the Zhabdrung.

Gangtey, Bhutan

Butter Lamps and Monk Blessing

You’ll probably have been in Bhutan for a few days by the time you reach Gangtey, by which time you’ll have a sense of the extent to which spirituality is part of life here. This special experience is a great way to mark an occasion such as a honeymoon or simply get a deeper sense of Buddhism in Bhutan.

Travel with your guide to Gangtey Goempa to experience an early morning traditional Tshewang prayer ceremony in the company of crimson-clad monks, this culminates in the lighting of a traditional butter lamp and is followed by a personal blessing from a reincarnated master. After the blessing, there is time to enjoy a private breakfast within the monastery overlooking the vast valley below.

Bhutan

Bhutan's National Sports

You won’t be in Bhutan long before you spot locals in traditional dress hurling what look like huge darts along seemingly any strip of spare land. Khuru is a hugely popular social activity played in groups throughout the country. Equally as popular is the national sport Dha (archery) which is played country-wide and taken very seriously. Competitions are held throughout the year and, if you’re in Paro at the weekend, the Archery Ground is a good place to watch. You’ll be welcome to join in spontaneously with either sport at any time, or your guide and most hotel staff will be happy to arrange it for you. Players will be eager to show you the ropes give you a run for your money!

Bhutan

The Fertility Temple & The Divine Madman

When you go to Bhutan, prepare not to be embarrassed about the proliferation of phalluses painted around most doorways! It’s a bit peculiar at first but you’ll soon get used to it. This practice owes its origins to Chimi Lhakhang, the “fertility temple”, that you’ll visit in this excursion. After ambling through the paddy fields and artists’ village of Punakha, you’ll arrive at the temple, which is dedicated to the great 14th century Yogi Lama Drukpa Kuenley (more commonly known as the Divine Madman). We won’t spoil all the tales about this unconventional saint – we’ll leave it to your guide who will be able to bring his various eccentricities and fascinating ideas to life. The temple is small yet atmospheric and is believed to bless couples hoping for a child. This is a lovely walk through the countryside with a fascinating twist!

Bhutan

Hot Stone Bath Experience

One of Bhutan’s distinctive experiences is the traditional hot stone bath. This is a great way to relax after a day’s walking or simply a good way to literally immerse yourself in a typical Bhutanese family tradition.

Traditionally, often on an auspicious occasion, the stones would be gathered from the river, then heated up in a fire for several hours until they are red hot. Next, they are placed in a section of a wooden tub bath tub which is then filled with water. The stones heat the water and it is believed that their precious minerals are released to heal all kinds of aches and pains.

A luxurious version of the bath can be enjoyed in hotel spas and a more traditional experience can be enjoyed in local farmhouses – always in a private setting. Reservations are made in advance as the ritual takes several hours to prepare.

Kolkata, India

The Kolkata City Experience

On this tour you will start with a visit to Kolkata’s most famous monument, the Victoria Memorial, which is set in beautiful grounds. You’ll then take a walking tour of the vibrant and diverse city of Kolkata, starting at BBD Bagh, formerly known as Dalhousie Square. Much of Kolkata’s finest colonial architecture is in the BBD Bagh area, which houses the secretariat of the state and is the central business hub of the city.

Then visit the Writer’s Building, the General Post Office, St John’s Church and several other Raj-era buildings. Next, drive north to visit a traditional bazaar in “Black Town”, as well as the potter’s colony of Kumartuli. Lunch will be at a fantastic local restaurant, after which you will take a short journey on the historical tram, which is the oldest operating electric tram in Asia, running since 1902. The carriages are basic and you can stay on for as little or as long as you like.

Kolkata is a town to experience, rather than just tick off the sites.

Bhutan

Gangtey Nature Trail

The Gangtey Nature Trail is a gentle two-hour trek that lets you soak up the remarkable Phobjikha Valley. Starting at the 17th century Gangtey Monastery, you’ll amble down a fairly flat terrain that ends at the bottom of the valley. En route, you’ll pass grass planes, farmhouses and dense pine forests before reaching a vast open space of the wide valley.

The endangered black-necked cranes make Phobjikha valley their breeding ground in winter and can be seen feeding on the valley marshlands from late October to mid-February. Your driver will meet you and your guide at the end of the trail, and on the way back to your hotel, you can call into the Crane Information Centre to learn more about these fascinating birds and their place in Bhutan’s culture and beliefs. The centre is a fairly basic affair but has several sets of decent binoculars set up on tripods with which you can get a close look at the birds.