Bhutan: Sounds of silence

As the Druk Air flight glides into the pure mountain air, the pilot announces, “Passengers sitting on the left side of the flight, look out of the window and you will see the Kanchenjunga peak at a distance. “ A collective gasp of awe is heard as passengers clamour to get a view of these beatific peak… There is nothing more spectacular than this wondrous sight of nature, where it appears like the wings of the aircraft have touched the tip of a peak.

We land amidst mild showers and soon begin the scenic drive from Paro airport to the Nak Sel Spa and resorts. The half hour journey through this sparsely populated town set amidst a green landscape where  the gurgling Paro river that runs right through. A sense of calmness descends and it’s organic. Bhutan rates high on the happiness index and it is visible on the peaceful faces of its citizens. The pace is languid, but the Bhutanese are eager to please as they are attempting to encourage the tourism industry especially with visitors from India…

The resort, which is situated away from prying eyes in a secluded part of Ngoba village in Paro, is a majestic structure with several tiny cottages spread across the property giving guests ample privacy to savour the natural beauty in a quiet serene environ…

The first stop for most visitors is a two-and-a-half-hour trek to the famous Tiger's Nest Monastery, which is precariously perched on the edge of a 1,200 metre cliff. Legend holds that Guru Rinpoche arrived on the back of a tigress and mediated here. The trek is not for the faint-hearted or the physically weak. Do ensure that you are in fine form as the climb on a perennial high incline can leave you gasping for breath. For those who make it to the summit, it sure makes you feel on top of the world.

Bhtuan is blessed by the spiritual presence of Lord Buddha. The many Dzongs or monasteries that are found across this country are testimony to the peace loving evolved nature of the Buddhists, who seem untouched by the corrupted outside world. The Kyichu Lhakang temple is one of Bhutan’s oldest temples. It was built in 659 by King Songsten Gampo to pin down the left foot of a giant ogress who was hindering the establishment of Buddhism in Bhutan

After feasting our eyes on the exotic architecture of temples, we head to one of the oldest hotels, Olathang-a 75-year-old magnificent piece of work that has retained its quaint charm.   Bhutanese are heavily inspired by Indian culture so be it Bollywood music, films or TV soaps, you will always feel at home here. Their love for India is so deep rooted that most Bhutanese not just speak fluent Hindi, but prepare delicious desi delicacies, with dal being the favourite there. Traditional Bhuta-nese foods includes cheese and chilli so dishes like Ema or Kewa Datshi are as pungent as they are delicious.

Bhutan offers natural picturesque visuals and each day springs a new surprise. From Paro, we set out on a one-and-a-half hour scenic journey that covers valleys and rivers as we head to the capital city, Thimpu and check in at the Terma Linca resort and spa that has been built on the banks of the Thimpu river. Almost every room gives you a peak of the river and if you are lucky enough, your bedroom window directly overlooks the river…

There is almost a suspension of reality as you traverse through this region taking in the sights and gentle sounds that ring a bell (often literally in your ears.) The Dochula view is the perfect spot from where you can extend an envious gaze at the formidable Himalayan range. And if that is not enough to arrest your attention, head to the Punakha Dzong which imposingly stands on an island between the confluence of the Pho Chuu and Mo Chuu rivers and is a visually beautiful tableau.

There are so many beautiful sights and you can take your pick on where you want to go. The Chimi Lhhakhang situated on a hillock in the centre of a valley below Metshins with a yellow roof is known as the temple of fertility and many childless women often spend a night here with the hope of being blessed with a child from the saint.

Every day is a journey into the unknown, a sense of calmness pervades the being as you wake up  breathing fresh mountain air. Bhutan is clearly God's own country and is an intoxicating experience that will last you a life time.

The writer was invited by makemytrip.com