Rooftop of the World

After breakfast this morning, we drive toward Punakha. Along the way, we navigate the Dochula Pass, which is graced with 108 stupas, erected to honour the memory of fallen Bhutanese soldiers. We then continue to Six Senses Punakha, also known as the ‘Flying Farmhouse Amidst the Rice Fields.’ A drive this afternoon delivers us to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple which is viewed as a wellspring of fertility. Here, blessings are frequently sought by couples seeking to have children.

Set out on a relatively easy hike, crossing paddy fields and ascending a modestly sized hill, to reach Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. Idyllically set upon a small section of manicured grass, amid flourishing hillside scenery, this chorten was built to ward off evil spirits, while imparting peace and harmony to all. After making our way further down the road, we then find Punakha Dzong, sitting resplendent at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. The majestic monastery stands as a landmark to persistence, having been rebuilt several times due to the ravages of fire, earthquakes and flood. Six Senses Punakha welcomes our return this evening with a dinner of inspired regional cuisine.

An entire day spent at leisure gives us the chance to indulge on our own terms. Discover Punakha’s nearby villages, head out on a walk through the blissful, forested surrounds of our accommodation, or perhaps give yourself over to the expert hands of the practitioners at Six Senses Spa.

This morning, we drive to Paro. Our transport takes us high above steep valleys brimming with pine forests and we enjoy incredible photo opportunities of the eastern Himalayas. Enveloped in forest-clad mountains, Six Senses Paro welcomes us, its old-world stone walls belying the opulence awaiting within. After settling in, we embark on an afternoon drive. Soon, we see the imposing facade of Rinpung Dzong. Comprising several buildings, the ancient fortress is renowned as one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture. Nearby, we find the Ta Dzong watchtower, which today serves as the National Museum of Bhutan. Inside is a collection of Tibetan Buddhist paintings, depicting revered teachers and saints. Also on display is a range of colourful masks used during the traditional Tshechu Festival.

Our Six Senses breakfast serves as fuel today. The sacred Taktsang monastery, or Tiger’s Nest, is built into vertical cliffs 900 metres above Paro Valley. To visit, we must hike up from the valley floor. While the high altitude certainly makes for a strenuous advance, the walk offers spectacular views of the monastery and the valley below. Those who rise early will have time to accomplish the full ascent to Tiger’s Nest, where the rewards are unmatched. Our pilgrimage complete, we are returned to Six Senses for lunch and a well-deserved afternoon at leisure.

We transfer to the airport this morning for our flight to India. Having been met at Bagdogra Airport, we are then driven to Kurseong, within the famous tea district of Darjeeling. On arrival, we check into the Taj Chia Kutir Resort & Spa, spectacularly built into a terraced hillside. Occupying the lush grounds of the Makaibari Tea Estate, the resort affords us astonishing views of the valley below. In the afternoon, we meet with a resident connoisseur for a tea tasting. Learn about the comprehensive process of tea production, as well as the secrets behind its diverse flavours. Dine within our resort this evening, enjoying flavoursome, regionally inspired cuisine.

Greet the day with an optional morning trek across the Makaibari tea estate. The lush grounds wind their way along the contours of the mountainous landscape, inviting us to explore forest paths, bamboo bridges and creeks brimming with pure spring water. At the nearby Makaibari tea factory, we see age-old, reliable processes being carried out by the estate’s dedicated staff. The tea blended within this modest wood and cast-iron structure is served within the president’s residence in New Delhi, and even at Buckingham Palace. Learn the procedures behind the tea grading process of the estate’s master tea blenders. 

Following breakfast back at our hotel, we take a drive to Darjeeling. Known as ‘The Queen of Hills’, this mountainous region is renowned and revered for its tea. While here, we pay a visit to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, founded in commemoration of the first successful ascent of Mount Everest. At Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, we observe snow leopards, Siberian tigers, Himalayan black bears and Tibetan wolves. Following lunch at local establishment Glenary’s, we head to the station for the short, but celebrated, rail journey from Darjeeling to Ghoom. We also visit Ghoom Gompa, a mist-shrouded monastery perched atop a hill between the two stations. At the conclusion of our eventful day, we return to our hotel for dinner.

This morning, a southbound economy class flight brings us to Kolkata, long regarded India’s cultural capital. On arrival, we check into the ITC Royal Bengal. Relax within your Towers Exclusive room and discover the facilities of the hotel before this evening’s dinner.

Rise early this morning, as we set out for the Mallik Ghat Flower Market. Here, petals and garlands of bright blooms adorn a pathway past a multitude of individual stallholders. Afterwards, at Dalhousie Square, we see a succession of historical buildings, including the Raj Bhavan, the General Post Office, Kolkata High Court, and St John’s Church. Pausing for lunch at the famous Oh! Calcutta restaurant, we sample its delicious Bengali cuisine. 

We then visit Victoria Memorial, a staggering white marble structure, built in honour of Queen Victoria. Close by, we find the Marble Palace, a neoclassical mansion housing great works of art by Rubens and Titian. Our day culminates with a visit to the Mother House of the Missionaries of Charity. At this former residence of Mother Teresa, learn about the important work still being carried out by the missionaries of Kolkata and look upon the tomb of Mother Teresa. This evening, beneath gently swaying palms, we enjoy a poolside barbecue and Farewell Dinner at our palatial hotel.

Our journey concludes this morning following a final breakfast at our hotel and a transfer to Kolkata’s airport.