Photography tour - 15 Day | 14 Nights
US$ 3680 / Per Person
Group Size: 2 & above
Highlights
- Explore the key cultural sites of western, Central and Eastern Bhutan.
- On this journey, you will discover some of the most sacred monasteries, medieval fortresses and temples.
- Visit local farm house and village.
- Visit to Switzerland of Bhutan.
- Attend local Festival
- Explore Khoma village in Lhuntse where you can watch women weaving expensive textile called Kishu Thara.
- Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Bhutan’s landscape, colorful festival, valleys, architecture, rivers, flowers and traditional culture brings together to provide a good opportunities like nowhere els in the world. You can take amazing photo in this Himalayan Kingdom.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Paro
During the journey, one will experience breath-taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks including the sacred Jumolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by your guide and take you to the Hotel. Later in the afternoon you will visit Paro Dzong. It was built in 17th century and now houses government offices and religious institutions. Then you will visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in 8th century. Evening: Stroll through the town. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 2: Paro. Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
In the morning you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery situated at 3180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. The Moanstery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Lunch will be served at the Cafeteria. Explore the monastery and hike back to the valley in the afternoon. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 3: Paro-Thimphu
After breakfast, you will drive to Thimphu, capital city of Bhutan which is 54 km from Paro Airport and about 45 minutes’ drive. You visit the King’s Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan); Changgangkha Monastery; visit the mini zoo where you will see national animal of Bhutan Takin, Traditional Paper Factory, visit weaving centre and the majestic Tashichhodzong. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
Day 4: Thimphu
After breakfast, visit Buddha statue, and is presumed to be the largest Bronze statue in the world. The three storied high throne of the statue will consists of temples on each floor, visit School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school); visit Post office were you can personalize your stamp, weekend local market, visit Semtokha Dzong, visit Dechenphodrang Monastic school, visit Nunnery Evening: Stroll through the town. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
Day 5: Thimphu – Punakha
After breakfast this morning, enjoy the scenic drive to Punakha with a stop for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Eastern Himalayas. From the pass, drive downhill through the forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. You will arrive Punakha after traversing through rice field and along the bank of Punakha River. On the way to Punakha, you will stop at Metsina village and take a 20 minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, which is a fertility temple. After Lunch you will visit the Punakha Dzong, which is stunningly situated inbetween the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. Overnight hotel in Punakha
Day 6: Punakha – Phobjekha-Trongsa
After early Breakfast you will start your drive to Trongsa via aphobjekha valley. Phobjikha is one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in the Bhutan. It is a winter roosting place for the black neck crane. You will visit Gangtey Goenpa, the largest Nyingma monastery in Bhutan. Gyalse Pema Thinlay built a small temple in 1613, which was later built into larger Goenpa by the 2nd reincarnation Tenzin Legpai Dhendup. You will reach Pelela pass( 3300m) and stop for few minutes for the photo and stretch your muscle. Your next stop will be at chendabjee for lunch. After lunch continue your drive Trongsa,Overnight at hotel in Trongsa.
Day 7: Trongsa to Bumthang.
After early Breakfast you will start your drive to Bumthang. On the way you will cross Yontongla pass(3450m) and after pass you will enter in to Bumthang region. Along the way you will stop at the Yathra (textile weaving) factory, where the Yathras are designed with unique Patterns that have been conserved long way back in Bumthang, and you can even watch some of the weavers at their looms. After lunch you will visit Kurjey Lakhang, where Guru Rinpochee left his body imprints inside cave. You will also visit Jambay lakhang, Tamshing lakhang, . Evening you can stroll freely in the town. Overnight hotel in Bumthang.
Day 8: Bumthang , Attend full day Domkhar Festival
Enjoy full day of festival dances and celebrations with the people of Bumthang and nearby villages. Overnight at hotel in Bumthang
Day 9: Bumthang – Excursion to Tang Valley
Today, you will make an enjoyable excursion to the Tang valley, which is the most remote valley in Bumthang. While in the Tang, you will visit 16th century Ugyen Chholing Palace or the country manor, which is now turned into a museum. The well-captioned exhibits offer insights into lifestyle of a Bhutanese noble family. You will also explore nearby villages. On the way back to town, you will see Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake), where some of Guru Rinpoche’s treasures were found in the 15th century by the famous treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa. Overnight hotel in Bumthang
Day 10: Bumthang – Mongar
You will begin you journey to eastern Bhutan. You will pass through Ura village which has a medevial look because of the cobbletone streets, and the typical clothingof the women. Eastern Bhutan is different from western and central in terms of development and lifestyle. The drive on this day is an exhilarating 6 hours, particularly the Thrumshing La(pass), which is 3750 meters. Stop for a while and stretch your legs and enjoy the great sceneries around. After this pass you will enter in to eastern District. Overnight hotel in Mongar.
Day 11: Mongar-Excrusion to Lhuntshi
After breakfast you drive to Lhuntse a remote district of Bhutan which is famous for its intricate and colorful weavings. Formally known as Kurtoe, the region is ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family. The landscape is spectacular with stark cliff, gorges and dense coniferous forest. Explore Khoma village to see the women weaving tapestry of textiles with their nimble hands. Later in the evening you will drive back to Mongar. Overnight hotel in Mongar.
Day 12: Mongar-Trashigang
Proceed to Trashigang passing Kori La pass (2450m) through several villages. In the afternoon you will visit Trashigang Dzong. Evening you stroll around Trashigang town. Overnight hotel in Trashigang.
Day 13: Trashigang-Excrusion to Rangjung/Phongmey
You will drive to Rangjung, visit Rangjung Monastery. Drive few miles further to explore Radhi and Phongmey villages, which are renowned for “Bura” gho and kira, a textle made from the raw silk. You can have your picnic lunch in one of the farm house. You may also meet Brokpas, nomadic people from Merak and sakteng who have come for barter their yak butter, cheese and dried meat with food commodities. Later in the evening drive back to Trashigang. Overnight hotel in Trashigang.
Day 14: Trashigang-Samdrupjungkhar
After breakfast, you will begin your drive to Samdrupjongkhar. This is going to be stunning journey passing through villages, , varied tropical broadleaved forest. Make a stop at Kanglung, Khaling and Narphung to interact with locals. Evening stroll around Samdrupjongkhar town. Overnight hotel in Saamdrupjongkhar.
Day 15: Departure for Guwahati(India)
Drive to the airport for departure. Our representative will bid you farewell.
At a Glance
Tour duration: 15 Days | 14 Nights
Tour type: Photography tour with Domkhar Festival
Festival date: 30 April -2 May 2023
Best time: March, April, May, September, October and November
Activity type: Cultural tour, Historical sites, local Festival, Village tour, Religious sites and Day hike
Places covered: Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha, Trongsa, Bumthang, Mongar, Lhuntse, Trashigang and Samdrupjongkhar
Maximum elevation: 3780m
Festival:
- The March departure may attend the Paro and Talo festival
- The April departure may attend the Domkhar and Rhododendron festival
- The June departure may attend the Nimalung festival
- The September departure may attend the Thimphu, Gangtey and Tamshing festival
- The October departure may attend the Jambay lahkhang festival
Inclusions
- Sustainable Development Fee(SDF)
- Accommodation
- All meals
- Transport
- Government certified Bhutanese Licensed tour Guide
- Bhutan Visa fee
- All internal taxes & charges
Exclusions
- Flight tickets
- Travel Insurance
- Tips
- Drinks and Beverages other than tea and coffee
- Sleeping bag on trek
- Internet bill and Phone bill
- Other bills of personal nature
Accommodation
- Accommodation in 3 star hotels (upgrade with supplement)
- Homestay accommodation certified by Tourism Council of Bhutan
- Camping (optional)
Insurance
Package does not include insurance of any kinds, and that you are required to obtain separate coverage from your home country before your trip begins.