Bhutan Photography Tour: (10N/11D)

The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas, offering dazzling scenic views of some of the world’s highest glacial peaks. If you get a seat on the left side of the plane and the weather cooperates, you may have spectacular views of the eastern Himalayas including Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga—five of the highest peaks in the world—as well as peaks in Bhutan such as Jhomolhari, Jichu Drakye, and Tsering Kang. You can photograph the highest peaks of the world. As you enter Paro valley, you will sweep past forested hills with the silvery Pa Chhu (Paro river) meandering down the valley below. Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watchtower) on the hills above the town will be a fine sight.

One of the first places to visit is the Tachhog Lhakhang, a temple situated across the famous iron chain bridge built over the meandering Pa Chhu (Paro river). It is fun to cross the bridge and feel the fresh breeze sweeping over the river. The colorful prayer flags fluttering and ancient temple on the hill creates an invigorating ambiance to get over your long hours of flight. The whole set up is indeed a feast to one's Eye.

After a good breakfast, drive to the Northern end of Thimphu valley and hike an hour up to the Cheri monastery; a place of tranquility and overwhelming quietness. As you approach the 17th century Cheri monastery; the other monasteries dotted atop the surrounding mountains with the backdrop of the blue sky is a delightful view to capture. Usually you will be able to spot mountain goats freely mingling with the monks.

On your return you will take another one hour climb to Tango Monastery which dates back to the 12th century. - Capture images of red-robed monks on hilltop monastery.

Photograph the exquisite Tashichoe Dzong, a master piece of the Bhutanese architecture. (If time permits)

Capture the vibrant Buddha Dordema statue in the early morning sunrise. Apart from the serenity of the place the view of the Thimphu city from here is gorgeous. Proceed to the Punakha the old capital city of Bhutan until 1950s.

En route to Punakha, on the way stop at Dochu La (3,100 meters above the sea level). Sip a cup hot coffee at the cafeteria while enjoying the mesmerizing panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges which can be seen on a clear day. Click amazing pictures of the 108 stupas beautifully adorned on the pass with the snow-capped Himalayan ranges behind.

Punakha Dzong is just as striking inside as outside and it is arguably the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan. Located magnificently between Pho Chhu (Male River) and Mo Chhu (Female River) confluence, the intricate carving and amazing architecture of the Dzong is a great source of inspiration for photographers. This famous structure built in the 1637 has lot to tell about the historical background and various Tibetan invasion won from this strategically located Dzong. It also houses the kingdom’s most sacred relic the “Rangjung Karsa-pani”.

Walk along the path through the agricultural field of rice and mustard leading to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple located on a hillock. On the way you can witness unusual paintings of phallus on walls of the traditional houses. The phallus paintings are traditionally believed to ward off evil influences and bad-mouth/gossips of others that bring bad luck.

Upon arriving to Phobjikha; visit Gangtey Gonpa or Gangtey Monastery which is an important Nyingmapa school of Buddhism. It is the main seat of the Pema Lingpa’s tradition. Situated atop a hill at an altitude of 2,800 meters, the monastery offers a stunning view of Phobjikha valley, winter home to the rare Black necked Cranes. The structures of the temple and the monks in the complex of the monastery has great captures to offer.

The best way to know a place is through its people and their daily lives. Visiting a farm house in the locality and making friends with the locals is a good chance to delve in to the cultural aspect of the Bhutanese society. Capture images of their daily activities.

In the morning hike through the Gangtey Nature Trail which is considered as one of the most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails in Bhutan. The trail hike starts from the Mani (like Chorten) stone wall to the north of the Gangtey Gonpa and ends in Khewa Lhakhang. The hike takes about 1 hour 30 minutes through the pine forest and small bamboo plants. You can see the Phobjikha valley so beautifully from this hike. It is one of the best hike places for the Nature lovers. During the winter months, we can see the endangered species of birds – Black Neck Cranes.

Trongsa Dzong, ancestral home to Bhutan’s monarch where you will often find novice monks reciting mantras or practicing on sacred horns, flutes or drums. Photograph the intricate design of the Trongsa Dzong & resident monks. It the longest and largest Dzong of Bhutan.

Visit the Royal Heritage Museum which used to serve as watch tower of the Trongsa Dzong.

Tamshing monastery was founded in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa. It contains interesting and ancient Buddhist wall paintings.

Visit Kurjey Lhakhang. It is named after the body print of Guru Rinpoche, which is preserved in a cave inside the oldest of the three building.

From the Kurjey Lhakhang, a tarmac road heads south along the right bank of the river to Jambay Lhakhang. This ancient temple was built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century in his mission to built 108 such temples over the Himalayan region to subdue a giant ogress. It is one of the two oldest temples in Bhutan (the other being Kichu Lhakhang in Paro). You may be able to see old people circumambulating the temple or chanting sutras around the temple in deep faith and devotion.

Jakar Dzong is a great sight to capture in the early morning sunrise, especially if the valley below is filled with fogs. After getting some good shots of the castle from afar, visit inside the administrative center of the region. There are number of stunning images to be made of various scenic frames, especially with monks in them to add a colorful human element.

Ura valley is best known for its photographic sites and the age-old traditional architecture. This village is positioned at a height of 3100 meters from the sea level and is also one of the highest valleys in the country. This village is situated close to Chamkar and it takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach there. In the winter season, this village gets covered with snow and becomes an eye-catching view. During the spring the whole surface of the valley gets covered with the flowers. Ura has also got many trekking sites which is a center of attraction for many hikers. Mother Nature always blesses us with many boons and Bhutan is one among them. The feeling of calmness and divine happiness emerges from the heart when someone visits this heaven on earth. When you pay a visit to theses exotic places one of the major things which you will notice is the positive attitude of the villagers.

Ura Valley Hike: Your vehicle will drop you at Shelthang La (Pass); from here walk down through the beautiful meadows along the old walking trails where you can get in touch with the virgin forest and wonderful view of the valley below. The walk is all downhill so, it is not a strenuous one. In fact it will be a good break to get out of the car and breathe in crisp mountain air while stopping to take pictures at your own pace. The stunning landscape, high mountains and the vibrant sky is what attracts people to this place. At the end of the hike you will arrive at the Ura Lhakhang and the medieval setup of the Ura village consisting of 40 to 50 traditional Bhutanese houses. You vehicle will be waiting for you at the Ura Village.

Capture the shimmering reflection of light over the Maebar Tsho lake.

Stop at Ta Rimo chen , this place gives you the feel of medieval period with the background of amazing rocky mountains. This place would definitely be a delight to photographers.

Visit Ogyen Choling village & mansion. Here you can see various artifacts, arms and armors, ancient library, textiles, zhimkhang (bed rooms of the nobility and the elite) and the most interesting thing is you can take photograph here unlike other museum.

Take a domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro. It will take about 45 minutes.

“Paro Dzong” also known as Paro Rinpung Dzong – “the fortress of the heap of jewels”. This structure serves as the house for the district monastic body and government administrative office of Paro. Photo shoot with the monks in the courtyard of the Paro Dzong This is the fortress where the film "the little Buddha" was made.

he variety of locally brewed Bhutanese beer.

THE FAMOUS TIGER’S NEST HIKE: Today you will be hiking to one of the famous sites called as the Tiger’s Nest (Taktshang) perched at 900m above the Paro valley. It is a pilgrimage site which the Bhutanese try to visit at least once in a lifetime. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to this site and meditated in a cave here for 3 months, hence it's name is ‘Tiger’s Nest’. The site, which has long been regarded as the sacred place, was visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in the 17th century approximately in 1646. The Lhakhang of the present monastic complex dates from 1692.

Our team will drop you to the airport and bid you farewell.