
Nepal, popularly known as 'the abode of Gods' is a land of the world's highest mountain, the Everest, the fighting Gorkha soldiers, and the tigers of the southern Terai region. Nepal is the world's only Hindu Kingdom and finds itself squeezed between its two gigantic neighbours - India and China. Over a quarter of the country's land mass is over 9500' high and includes eight peaks over 26,000'. In contrast, the green valley of Kathmandu and Pokhra provide the lushness you might expect from a location that is on the same latitude as Florida. Close to Katmandu are ancient cities of Patan and Bhaktapur with street markets, bazaars, colourful temples and ornate architecture.. Centuries of tradition, art and architecture are concentrated in this valley.
Bhutan, 'the land of thunder dragons' is perhaps the most diverse and mysterious of all the Himalayan kingdoms, where for centuries a traditional Buddhist culture has thrived in isolation from the rest of the world. Bhutan is a land of contrasts, lush forested valleys, fortified monasteries and sacred virgin mountains. the warm smiles of people here make each moment a special one to remember. Bhutan is extremely secluded with a strict limit on the numbers of tourists who are allowed into the country. There are few cars, no cinemas, no television and a Royal decree that says that every new building should follow traditional architecture and everyone should wear the national costume. You will see men practicing the national sport of archery, women selling mushrooms from road side stalls and houses painted with colourful signs. Monasteries, markets, bazaars, breathtaking mountain passes; all this and a lot more against the backdrop of those stupendous mountains .
HAATIBAN
RESORT - KATHMANDUThe situation of Haatiban is strategic. It is 13 kilometers away from Kathmandu right in nature's lap. What it does enable one to do is to get the best of both worlds - the sheer virgin natural beauty of Haatiban along with the cultural sights of Kathmandu. The journey from Kathmandu to Haatiban crosses the Bagmati River and then winds up the Himalays through undulating roads and hairpin bends and into rural rural and pastoral ambience. The Haatiban Resort, set at an altitude of 1852 meters, commands a 160-degree view of the Kathmandu valley as well as the Himalayan range from Ganesh Himal to Mt. Everest.
Haatiban is ensconced on the saddle of a hill in the midst of whispering pines, exuding fresh and clean air and an unsullied environment. The Resort is remarkable for its octagonal and glassed structure, which enables beautiful views of the vista and shelters the visitors from the alpine winds. Billed as "a retreat into nature's lap" and a place to "rediscover" oneself, the resort is much more than it claims to be. It can be also a launching pad for a half day trek to the nearby Champa Devi Hill, which, at a height of 2200 meters, offers a most rewarding panoramic view of the Himalayas from Mansalu in the west to Everest in the East. Or you can go on a rural trek to Pharping, noteworthy for its temples and shrines. There are other possibilities of pleasant daylong treks. Wild orchids and evergreen lichens are in abundance. There also exists a wide range of Himalayan birds here.
THIMPU
Thimpu,
the capital of Bhutan and the seat of the monarchy is situated at an
altitude of 7,500ft, overlooking the valley of River Wangchu, With a
population of 20,000, Thimpu is a delightful city with traditional
architecture. Some of the sights of Thimpu include The Memorial
Chorten (Stupa), Tashichoe Dzong the fortress of auspicious religion
and the seat of the government, Changlimithang area and the
extremely colourful weekly market and the archery grounds next to it
to see the national sport of archery.. From the view points one can
have spectacular views of the Thimpu city. The Simtoka Dzong (1627)
houses a university teaching Bhutanese language - Dzonkha. Initially
built as a monastery, the Dzong has sparkling white walls. The Monastery, located in the 3-storied central tower is richly painted with various colourful Buddhist symbols. Exquisitely carved statues of Buddha and the eight principal bodhisattvas adorn the wall Besides exploring some of the sites of this capital city, we would also have time to visit extremely colourful local bazaars, where traders and farmers from far and near arrive to sell their produce and wares.
We would also have the opportunity to witness the traditional sport of Bhutan, Archery, which is a national passion with men of all age group in Bhutan. It is fascinating to see the amazing skills as well as the fervor with which the game is played.
PARO
The
journey to Paro is special as we punctuate it with visits to tribal
homes, terrace fields, interaction with families' etc. This is
surely to provide you greater insights into this fascinating
Kingdom. The kingdom of Bhutan is probably the only protected
Himalayan paradise that is still thriving in its natural splendour.
The government's policy of limited tourism will ensure the Dragon
Kingdom to remain as an exclusive destination for a long time. From
the thick alpine forests to the cultured and friendly people, this
pristine country exudes the colour, life and jest, typified by the
yells from the zealous archers. The gateway to the entire kingdom's treasures is the quaint Paro valley. From the moment you alight a blissful feeling envelops you. Ancient forts with its white washed walls and the imposing Mt. ` Chomolhari as a backdrop will transport you back into time. The Drugyel Dzong fortress and the ancient Taktsang monastery of hermits, which hangs on impossible cliffs, are some of the fascinating historical places to visit in Paro.
PUNAKHA
The
drive from Thimpu to Punakha is spectacular. You make a gradual
climb to a pass over 12000ft and then gradually descend to 5000ft at
Punakha. The views of the snow capped Himalayan ranges from the pass
are stupendous. The prayer flags add a rich colour to the pass.
Punakha is an absolutely incredible place with valleys and terrace
farming on mountains on either side and a river flowing through the
valley. Punakha is a paradise for people who love nature walks as well as for the bird lovers., The 17th century Punakha Dzong which besides containing many religious and ritual artifacts, also shelters the embalmed body of its maker. Punakha also has many other fascinating smaller monasteries as well as tombs of former rulers. The rivers Mo-chu and Pho-chu meet here to form the Santoshi river. Punakha offers excellent opportunities for scenic walks through incredible landscape; infact the entire area speaks of picture postcard scenery.