Not many have Bhutan in their travel list. Most have Paris, London, Santorini, Tokyo…but only a few are aware of the beauty that awaits them in the Land of the Thunder Dragon. It’s a shame really. I wish more people knew how this extraordinary little kingdom in the Himalayas can give them the most enriching travel experience ever. At least, that’s how I felt. Out of all the countries I’ve been to, none has impacted me as much as Bhutan.
First things first, how does one get to Bhutan? All tourists (excluding Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian passport holders) are required to obtain a visa and book their holiday through a Bhutanese tour operator or one of their international partners. This is in keeping with the Kingdom of Bhutan’s “High Value, Low Impact Tourism” policy to ensure that the country’s unique society, culture and environment are preserved. This means only a limited number of tourists enter the country at any one time, preventing Bhutan from being overwhelmed by mass tourism and thus altering its character–which in my opinion, is the reason why I fell so in love with the country in the first place. Never have I seen a stronger sense of tradition and culture so carefully preserved and appreciated in the modern times. No tourist traps here, just genuine experiences.
Prior to this trip, my sister and I did a lot of research as to which tour company we should go with. We finally decided on Amala Destinations, primarily because of all the good reviews we’ve read about them and the accommodating bespoke services they offer. Amala arranged a flexible 8-day itinerary for us that covered Thimphu, Paro, Phobijkha and Punakha, making sure all the sights and experiences we want included were accommodated and the stops we weren’t quite interested in were taken out. They then sent us a list of travel essentials and what to expect in Bhutan, our final itinerary and all our booked flights and hotels. We were all set!
After an overnight stay in Bangkok, off we went to Bhutan aboard Bhutan’s official royal airline, Drukair. And boy was our trip off to a good start! Just 2 rows before us sat one of the kingdom’s Queen Mothers, her daughter and her grandson. We didn’t realize at first that they were royalty but then we noticed how almost all the passengers passing them greeted and bowed to them so we put two and two together and boom! ALERT! ALERT! WE ARE IN THE PRESENCE OF ROYALTY. And so like a true tourist, I badly wanted to take a photo with the Queen Mother. I didn’t know if it was appropriate or not though so I decided to just watch from afar, like a creepy stalker. (I later found out that the Royal Family are actually super accommodating with these things. Sigh. Enter dark cloud of regret.)
Mid-flight, I managed to take my attention away from the Royal Family for a few minutes to look for the Himalayan mountains and possibly, Mount Everest. Amala Destinations told us we’d be flying over Mt. Everest on this flight so we strategically had ourselves seated on the left side of the plane. If you follow me on Instagram, you’d know our strategy was indeed successful. I was able to snap lots of photos of the snow-covered Mt Everest. (See my Instagram photo here. I’ll also post videos on my Facebook page in case you want to see more.)
With so much going on in our flight, our four-hour flight felt like a quick two hours. Before we knew it, we have already landed. The red carpet was being rolled out for the Royal Family (the video of which I’ll post on my Facebook page as well) and we were finally in the Kingdom of Bhutan! Weeee!
Our guide Mani together with our driver was already waiting for us at the airport. We wasted no time and immediately made our way to the capital of Bhutan, Thimphu. But not before passing by the Iron Chain Bridge and Tachog Lhakhang Dzong. I’ve always wanted to take photos on this famous bridge. It’s one of the many bridges made by Thangtong Gyalpo in the 14th century, made entirely of iron and chain links. Most of these bridges, much like this one, are still in use up to this day. Imagine how sturdy they must be! Of course we had to test it for ourselves too.
Mani was the first one to cross the bridge. He made it look so easy! When it was my turn, I was terrified! It felt like I was on a trampoline! Plus looking down and seeing the river underneath the iron chain links made me feel a bit dizzy. But I eventually gained my balance. Whew! What an experience!
By the time we got to Thimphu, first thing I saw was the iconic white-gloved policeman directing traffic in the middle of the city’s busiest intersection. Apparently, traffic lights were deemed too impersonal so the government decided to place a police station there to direct traffic. Little did they know it’ll become one of the most photographed curiosities in Bhutan. Being the tourist that I am, I quickly snapped my own photos of the policeman as well. Achievement unlocked.
We then made our way to Tashichoe Dzong, the kingdom’s main administrative and religious center that houses the largest monastery and the Throne Room of the King. Here I got my first taste of Bhutanese architecture: huge white-washed walls topped by red-and-gold, triple-tiered roofs. Everything was picture-perfect! I couldn’t stop posing at each and every door and window I saw. It was that beautiful. And to make our visit even better, we even witnessed the lowering of the flag ceremony. Unreal. I felt like I was transported to a different time. What a way to end our first day.
Hi Camille,
Thank you so much for taking your time to reply to my comment/question. I could not reply to your comment. Anyway, we have already proceed with booking with Amala. I trust your opinion and we can’t wait for our trip. :)
OMG! So excited for you! Hopefully you get the same tour guide as us. Enjoy!!! :)
Hi Camille! I’ve been wanting to go to Bhutan ever since I saw your photos and read your blog. But it is truly not an overrated destination. Not much people have been there and not much information are available. Midst of planning our family trip next month, I’m considering booking Amala as well since I trust your recommendation. If you don’t mind me asking, as I’m not very comfortable booking through a foreign agency with no office in Manila, how did you pay for your tour? Is it through bank transfer? Or does Amala have a local agency they are tied up with?
It’s a long shot that you’ll read this comment, but it’s worth a try. :)
We paid online. They gave us a form, if I remember correctly. I trusted them because I knew certain personilities who used their service as well. Plus it was the owner,the late EE Cheng, herself who answered my inquiry. Amala is so worth it really! I don’t regret booking with them :)
The color combinations of their buildings are instagram worthy!!!
Super! Couldn’t stop taking photos
Omg just knew about how amazing Bhutan is! Thanks for this te Cam 😍
My pleasure!
wow…
<3
Everything looks so beautiful!!!
Thanks Pepe!
Thank you, for these beautiful pictures
Bhutan, has always made me dream
Like Sikkim, a small state in India
I’m always told, that when I win the lottery :D, or would find a very wealthy husband (lol; lol, lol)
I would leave there
Lol! Let me know how that goes! :) Thanks Anne Marie!
Your photos are so amazing! I wonder if getting there would cost me a lot??😊
I think it’s not as expensive as people expect. It only gets more expensive when you choose to stay in more luxe hotels. :) But I think they’re worth every penny :) Adds to the experience as well! But I hear local guesthouses are quite a treat too
Your pictures are so beautiful! :)
Thanks Janelle!
I LOVE BHUTAN, AND HOPEFULLY YOU ENJOY STAYING THERE
:)
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I loved it!!!!
Everything looks so picturesque Cams. Honestly, you’re my go-to blogger when it comes to travel destinations. You manage to go to places that are so photogenic!
http://annescribblesanddoodles.blogspot.com
Thanks Anne! The places are super photogenic already in the first place, I just click click click
Oh my, that Iron Chain Bridge O__O I think I’ll be too scared to cross it hahah! The photos are so pretty! :) I’ve never thought about visiting Bhutan, but now that I hear about it from your blog, it’s definitely piqued my interest!
XO, Elizabeth
http://clothestoyouuu.com/
But you have to cross it!!! You must! :) You’ll love Bhutan even more with my next posts
Wow! Bhutan looks amazing. I’ve never heard of this place before. I would love to visit someday. Thanks for sharing! :)
My pleasure! :)
Oh my god your pictures look amazing! It’s so vivid and colorful — Bhutan looks divine. I’ll put this on my travel bucket list. :D You’re probably the first blogger I’ve encountered to have gone to Bhutan. And, may I know what camera you used for these pictures? :D Thanks, Camille! <3
http://pepperonipia.com
It’s amazing!!!! I used my Canon 5D Mark iii. :)
Make a new post of your new haircut please! Love it!!! :) Btw, may I ask where do you usually get a haircut when you’re in the Philippines?
Thanks Steph! I usually go to Park Jun Salon in Glorietta but Design Studio Salon also gives me treatments.