The Kingdom of Clouds - Bhutan: Sep 24 - Oct 1, 2023
Roundtrip economy airfare (International & Domestic)
4 star hotel accommodation
Overnight in Bangkok
Filipino Tour Escort
Fullboard Meals
Tips and gratuities
Bhutan Visa
Travel Insurance
Bhutan is no ordinary place. It is the last great Himalayan kingdom, shrouded in mystery and magic, where a traditional Buddhist culture carefully embraces global developments. We embark on this journey in time for the Thimpu Festival where you will get to experience the celebration with the locals. Get ready to hike going to the Taktsang Monastery also known as the 'Tiger's Nest' which is 2950m above sea level! Join us in this one-of-a-kind adventure and be immersed in a unique and interesting culture.
Upon arrival, we drive to Paro with a short stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimpu and Paro rivers. See the three different style of stupas; Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese adorn this confluence.
Visit Thimphu Festival, which is held in the courtyard of the Tashichho Dzong. The occasion provides an opportunity for people to relax and forget the daily routine, and to dress in their finest clothes and jewelry, but it is also an occasion for prayer and blessings. In the afternoon, visit National Memorial Chorten, Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). It holds one of the largest Buddha’s statue in the country, made of bronze and gilded in gold. Then visit Changangkha Lhakhang. This temple is located above central Thimphu, built in 12th century by Lama Phajo Drukgom Shigpo on a ridge overlooking the town. See the Takin, their local animal. In the evening, enjoy a leisure stroll at the city center to browse some local crafts.
We attend the last day of Thimpu Festival in the morning then drive up to Dochu-la pass stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. We arrive in Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan and spend the night here.
This morning, we visit Punakha Dzong or ‘Palace of Great Happiness or Bliss, built at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers. Embark on a short walking excursion to Chimi Lhakhang, located on a ridge surrounded by beautiful paddy fields. Go through the Sobsukha Village to reach the monastery also known as Fertility temple. Explore the Wangdue Town. We drive back to Paro and rest for one of the highlights of our trip the next day.
Excursion to Taktshang Monastery (approx. 5 hours round trip walk). It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. Later in the day, proceed to visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armor, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning “fortress of the heap of jewels”, which has a long and fascinating history.
After breakfast, free time until our flight back to Manila.