Photography Tour

Day 01 | Arrival in Paro – Thimphu (1 Hr)

Your flight to Bhutan (Paro) is considered to be the world’s most spectacular flight crossing over beautiful Himalayas.  If one is staying near the window side, one can see Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makula, and other high peaks such as Jumolhari. You will be welcome by green beautiful Paro valley with eye catching gigantic dzong (fortress) of Paro. Upon reaching, Bhutan Inner Peace Travel’s Representative will be there to escort you to Thimphu by car/bus. Being your first day you could take it easy. If you still have energy, visit Memorial Chorten (temple) built in the memory of late 3^rd king. This is a great place to take picture of mostly old religious people going around the temple chanting prayers. Later in the evening visit Tashichodzong, the fortress. This will be your first opportunity to take the picture of Bhutanese rich Art and Architecture. Evening stroll around Thimphu streets or relax in your hotel.

Overnight: Thimphu | Altitude: 2300m

Day 02 | himphu Sightseeing

Morning drive to Buddha view point from where you will be amazed to see panoramic view of Thimphu city and also it is believed to be the world’s tallest sitting Buddha with height of 51.50m/169ft tall once it is completed where you will get ample opportunity to showcase your photography skills. Later visit the Traditional  School of Arts and Crafts. You will get a good opportunity to take the pictures of students at work. Lunch in the town. After lunch visit Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the valley. A visit to the enclosure where the national animal, Takin are kept then stop for a view of the Thimphu Fortress from the top near Nunnery then visit Zilukha Nunnery. Later drive to Dechenphodrang monastic school and try to get some shots of the monks at work/studies.

Overnight: Thimphu

Day 03 | Thimphu – Punakha (2 ½ Hrs.)

Start your morning with good breakfast and tea because today your journey will be little bit longer but you will be amazed by beautiful landscapes on the way. Proceed towards Punakha by crossing through Dochula pass, the second highest road pass in your trip at elevation of 3010m. If weather permits one can enjoy a spectacular view of the highest mountains of Bhutan at a sight that stretches almost 180 degrees. The pass is decked with beautiful 108 Druk Wangyel Chorten again here you can make good use of your camera.  After a short tea break the trip continues to sub tropical Punakha. Afternoon visit Chimi Lhakhang (temple of fertility); we take a short hike through the rice field to the temple, the 15^th-century monastery built on a ridge or small mountain top which was believed to have been built after Lam Drukpa Kuenley also known as Divine Madman who have subdued a powerful demoness there. You will be taking dozens of this related pictures found at the entrance of most of the Bhutanese houses. Afternoon must arrive in Punakha before the sunset to get perfect light over the impressive Dzong of Punakha, which is an example for Bhutanese rich Art and Architecture.

Overnight: Punakha | Altitude: 1350m

Day 04 | Punakha – Phobjikha (2 ½ Hrs)

In the morning after breakfast proceed towards Phobjikha valley also known as valley of black necked crane. Enroute hike to the unique village of Rinchengang, which has a very old history dating back to early 1600. The hike to the village is worth with lots of photo opportunity of the village activities and children running after you.  en route by Wangdue and continue to Phobjikha over the highest road pass on your trip at 3140m.Visit Gangtey Gompa, the largest and the only monastery of the Nyingmapa sect in western Bhutan then enjoy famous nature walk known as Gangtey Natural Trail which is stretch of 4km/2.48miles which takes 1-2 hrs approximately, hike down from the Monastery crossing small stream by enrouting village, blue pine forest and stop at the canopy for sometime to have a lovely view of Phobjikha valley.  You will have many chance to take best shots you’re your camera. Evening relax in your hotel or take a stroll to nearby villages taking pictures at golden hours.

Overnight: Phobjikha | Altitude: 2900m

Day 05 | Phobjikha – Punakha (2 ½ Hrs)

Morning go for walk and meet the School children right below your hotel who all walk for hours to reach their nearest school. Taking pictures of school children is always fun for they make all kind of faces. Later drive for the warm valley of Punakha. Lunch in the windy town of Wangdi and drive further to Punakha. Later in the afternoon you could go for walk just above your hotel.

Overnight: Punakha

Day 06 | Punakha – Paro (4 Hrs)

Start early retracing the drive to Paro. Upon reaching Paro break for Lunch and then optional either do Zorig hike from Uma Paro and ends near National Museum which gives you ample opportunity to have lovely view of Paro Valley as a whole or  hike up to 17 century Paro Dzong (Fortress) on foot by crossing the old traditional cantilever wooden bridge (Nymizampa) which is still in use today after that visit National Museum, the first of its kind which has a collection from natural history to religious paintings. Evening explore the charming town, visit many small shops that sell everything from beetle-nut to exquisite traditional fabric.

Overnight: Paro | Altitude: 2200m

Day 07 | Paro – Haa – Paro (6 Hrs)

After breakfast continue your journey to Haa valley enrouting Cheela Pass at elevation of 3988m which will be highest point in your trip. Stop there for sometimes. You will be served with hot tea at the pass by your guide and the beauty of the pass is that you will be able to see beautiful snow clapped mountain mt. Jhomolhari (7314m) if weather permits.   Upon reaching visit Lhakhang Karpo (white temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black temple). Enjoy the photo session, especially of the colourful prayer flags. Continue your drive to Haa valley, which recently opened to tourists. Lunch in a town or packed Lunch will be served way back from Haa valley. Explore the quite little town of Haa and later drive back to Paro.

Overnight: Paro

Day 08 | Paro Sightseeing

Start your morning with good breakfast and cup of tea as today you will be hiking to the one of the most iconic monastery in the country to the Taktshang monastery (Tiger’s Nest). The hike will take around 2-3 hours approx depending upon pace of walk and breaks one takes but surely one will be amazed by scenery down below to the valley and will not be able to restrain from taking pictures. Taktshang or Tiger’s Nest clings to a huge granite cliff hanging at 900m from the Paro vally. Legends says that the Indian Tantric Buddhist master known as Guru Padma Sambhava came here during  8^th century on a flying tigress and meditated here in a cave for 3 months, thereby subduing the evil force that was creating hurdle for the spread of Buddhism. Evening witness a game of archer, the traditional game.

Later in the evening stroll old Paro town and peep into some local handicrafts stores and also if you like your guide will be arranging hot stone bath as it will be relieving experience especially after the hike.

Overnight: Paro

Day 09 | Departure

After breakfast Bhutan Inner Peace Travel’s representative will escort you till the airport and bid you farewell at the airport.