Landlocked between India and Tibet, Bhutan is a place of untouched natural beauty. Steep, pine-forested mountains are sliced through with deep valleys and peaks reach 7,000 metres. Known as the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon – a reference to its form of Buddhism – it is both isolated and welcoming.
Set in the heart of the Thimphu Valley, the Taj Tashi, is a gateway to a land steeped in mythology and magic. The mountain kingdom of Bhutan remains one of the old world’s last few strongholds, as yet unspoilt by civilization.
It eflects Bhutan’s rich heritage and architecture. Inspired by the Bhutanese Dzong architecture, the hotel has been built on three themes – the “Dhungs”, the “Double Dorjes” and “Clouds”, brought subtly to life by delicate hand painted details.
The luxury market in Bhutan’s capital is not a crowded space — if you’re in town looking to maximize your Gross Personal Happiness, there’s really no place quite like the Taj Tashi Thimphu. Consider it a reward for trekking through the mountains, or for simply getting through the country’s stringent visa process.
The Taj group is known for planting its properties squarely at the intersection of local and decadent, and this one is no exception.
Guest rooms adorned with swirls of hand-painted murals of clouds – a recurring motif in Bhutanese art – take in sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. Elegant, expansive and luxuriously appointed, the rooms, in the manner of all Taj Hotels, pamper guests with the finest amenities. Suites, on the other hand, feature distinctive canopy beds, walk-in closets and home theatre systems. Natural lighting emphasizes large, well laid-out bathrooms featuring standalone Christina bathtubs.
Luxury Suite
Luxury suites offer an unrivaled living experience. These impressive 1100 sq ft. rooms on the upper floors offer a two-sided view of the valley and mountains dotted with charming examples of Bhutanese architecture. The suite arrangement includes a large living room, bedroom with a walk-in closet, canopy bed and an equally large bathroom that you will find fitted to your utmost satisfaction.
Taj Tashi Thimpu is a 45-minute drive from Paro International Airport, which is the only international airport of Bhutan.
The Yoga & Wellness Retreat Packages at Taj Tashi whisks you away to Bhutan, a land so serene and beautiful, some say it is a spa in itself. Come turn back the clock with our 6 day package in paradise that include special healthy meals, yoga sessions, meditation, discounts on spa treatments and ancient massage therapies as well as excursions and sightseeing tours. So come refresh the mind, rejuvenate the body and revive the senses.
The medley of gastronomical experiences include the specialty Bhutanese restaurant, ‘Chig-ja-gye(108)’ which represents a significant number in the Buddhism.
The Kingdom of Bhutan requires every foreign national (except Indian nationals) to pay a Daily Government Royalty of $65 USD per person, per day and an FIT surcharge of $30 USD per person, per day. (FIT means “Free Independent Traveler”)
Additionally, foreign nationals (except Indian nationals) are required to pay a non-refundable visa fee of $20 USD per application (one name per application), and a $10 USD Tourism Development Fund fee. It takes 2-3 weeks to complete the visa formalities.
The contemporary Bhutanese bar called Ara, which takes its name after the local rice wine, offers drinks from various parts of the world. If you fancy a hint of the outdoors you could walk into the Thongsel, the all day dining facility below the lobby level, which offers a spectacular view of the mountains.
In the charmed isolation of the Himalayan heights, Bhutan’s ancient and alluring ways of Mahayana Buddhismcontinue richly intact to this day, and permeate every aspect of Bhutanese life and art.
Taj Tashi Thimpu is a 45-minute drive from Paro International Airport, which is the only international airport of Bhutan.
In keeping with the enchanting surrounds, the hotel is a blend of Bhutan’s Dzongarchitecture and modern design. Adorned with classical hand-drawn Buddhist murals, its 66 elegant guestrooms afford guests striking highlights of the region’s art and colour. Besides breathtaking views of the mountains that rise above the Thimphu valley.
We much enjoyed all the places we stayed at particularly Tea Trails, where we were well cared for, and loved it all.
Continuing the journey into mystical Bhutan at the Taj Tashi, guests can sample Bhutan’s fiery cuisine, gaze at the mesmerising prayer wheels through its panoramic windows, make short but rewarding forays into the vibrant local markets, pleasantly while their time in one of the hotel’s traditional themed café’s and restaurants, or find yet more ways to relax with a special ‘ Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath ’ at the Jiva Spa.
Nestled in Thimpu Valley, Bhutan, is a little bit of heaven on earth – the Jiva Spa in Taj Tashi. A pure, serene atmosphere is the backdrop for exclusive signature treatments carefully recreated from the fabled lifestyle of Indian royalty and the healing therapies of Indian spirituality.
Bhutanese artefacts, hot stone treatment tubs, treatment rooms outfitted in wood and marble make for an elegant and soothing environment.
Here, every treatment and therapy is especially designed to maintain a physical, mental and spiritual equilibrium, much like the land of Bhutan herself
Taj Tashi’s location in the capital city of Thimpu, makes it the ideal base from which to explore the tiny kingdom’s spectacular monasteries, centuries-old street festivals, scenic mountain passes and pristine wilderness, all within easy reach.
The beauty of the Himalayas is humbling and a constant reminder of why this country works so hard to protect its natural environment. Buddhism is intrinsic to Bhutanese culture and there are roughly 9,000 monasteries dotted across the country. Trek up to the gravity-defying Taktsang Monastery (known as Tiger’s Nest, pictured) at Paro and marvel at its precarious mountain perch at 3,000 metres. Don’t forget to spin the prayer wheels on your way up.
Local Shopping: Bhutan produces an impressive array of native crafts, so look for traditional woven textiles, antique masks and exquisite handcrafted silver and gold jewellery, all easily found in the capital, Thimphu.
How to go there :
Fly to Paro, Bhutan’s only airport, on Drukair from Delhi or Bangkok. You will need to book a guide through a travel agent to visit Bhutan. Try Blue Poppy for knowledgeable, reliable and friendly tours (Bluepoppybhutan.com or email Choki@bluepoppybhutan.com).
Tel: (975 – 2) 33 66 99
tajtashi.thimphu@tajhotels.com
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