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Bhutan Photography Tour Photography tour is an interesting way to experience the temples, monasteries, mountains, landscape, villages, people and culture in some of the most beautiful brightest parts of the world, that is Bhutan. The Happiness Kingdom is full of gorgeous photo opportunities - from bustling market of Thimphu, to the serenity of Phobjikha valley, to the breathtaking Himalayas, there are so many magical moments. Travelling around Bhutan is truly amazing, full of surprises, happiness and absolutely exceptional photography opportunities. Day 01: Arrive Paro & transfer to Thimphu (55km, approx. 1 hour & 15 minutes’ drive) Bhutan’s first gift to you as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met by our representative, and afterwards drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan. On arrival in Thimphu, check-into the hotel. The first day in Bhutan is a leisure day, you may either take rest or go around the town with your camera. Your guide is always nearby to answer questions or assist you. The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With the population of about 1,00,000 it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu. (Altitude 2,320m) Day 02: Thimphu Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang): A place for refreshing with a huge statue of Buddha on the top of the Kuensel Phodrang. The area also offers an excellent view of the Thimphu valley from the west. You will be busy capturing the huge statue of Buddha and surrounding view of the Thimphu valley. You also have the shots of Simtokha Dzong from here which is one of the oldest fortresses in the country, built in 1627. Sangaygang viewpoint (2685 meters): To have view of whole Thimphu valley and walk through hundreds of colorful prayer flags that dot the hill overlooking the Thimphu valley. Takin Reserve Centre: Takin, the national animal of Bhutan can be seen here. This particular animal is found only in the Himalayan region. Changangkha Monastery: This monastery is built on a hill overlooking the Thimphu valley. It was built in 15th Century by Lama Phajo Drugom Zhipo. Many parents of Thimphu take their new born babies to this monastery to be blessed by a high lama. Institute for Zorig Chusum: Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School, the Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. On a visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school. National Memorial Chorten: This Chorten was built in 1974 in typical Tibetan style, in honour of the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, also known as ‘The Father of Modern Bhutan’. Memorial chorten is also a center of worship for the people living in Thimphu and contains many religious paintings and tantric statues. Trashichhoedzong (fortress of the glorious religion): This is the center of government and religion, site of monarch’s throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans. Another photography session after the dusk after lights are on capturing the night view of the following: Night view of Tashichhodzong: We shall be taking photographs of the night view of the dzong (Fortress). It indeed looks fascinating with the lights surrounding it. Night view of the National Memorial Chorten: The memorial chorten shall give you another different and beautiful shot due to lights around it in the night. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu. (Altitude 2,320m) Day 03: Thimphu – Phobjikha (Gangtey) (150km, approx. 5-hour drive) Dochula pass is the most known passes in Bhutan, about 24 km drive from the Capital City Thimphu on the way to Wangduephodrang/Punakha. It is at 3,088 meters height. On a clear day, spectacular views of the mighty Himalayas mountain ranges can be seen from Dochula. The pass also has 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens which is believed to bring multi fold merit to all sentient beings, and it makes the pass a must visit place. Interests for photography: Then continue on to Phobjikha with stop at places for photography and to view scenery. Another Photography session en route at Wangduephodrang, the Rinchengang Village. It is a small and clustered village located opposite to Wangduephodrang dzong (currently under renovation after it caught fire in 2012). It is about 20 minutes hike uphill from the near road. The slopes en route Phobjikha (Gangtey) covered in dwarf bamboo and rhododendron is just fascinating. Photography is must here. During winter, Yak herders bring their Yaks in this place. The valley of Phobjikha (Gangtey) is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. The surprise of finding such a wide, flat valley without any trees after the hard climb through dense forests is augmented by an impression of vast space, and extremely rare experience in Bhutan where most of the valleys are tightly enclosed. This place is the winter home of black necked cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north to pass winter in milder and lower climate. Overnight at hotel in Phobjikha. (Altitude 3,000m) Day 04: Phobjikha You also have the opportunity to meet and photograph local villagers and interact with them to get an insight into the Bhutanese way of life. You also visit villages. In the afternoon visit: Gangtey Gompa: Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa founded the temple in 1613, and Tenzin Legpai Dhendup, the second re-incarnation, built the shrine. The present Abbot, Kunzang Pema Namgyal is the ninth re-incarnation. Then a walking excursion to Gangtey Nature Trail, to capture beautiful nature. This pleasurable walk will give you a nice feel of Phobjikha valley. From the small hilltop overlooking Gangtey Goemba, you head downhill through flower meadows to Semchubara village and from here through beautiful forests and into the open valley. The trail ends at local community school after passing a chorten and Khewa Lhakhang. (approx. 5.5km, 2 hours walk). Day 05: Phobjikha – Trongsa – Bumthang (153km, approx. 6-hour drive) The valleys, the winding roads, the simple villages and villagers, the monuments and the fascinating views pose for you on the way. The drive to Trongsa crosses Pelela pass (3,300 m), the traditional boundary between east and west. The pass is marked by a large prayer flag and the ground is covered with high altitude dwarf bamboo. Stop en route at Chendbji Chorten, the stupa built in 18th century by a Lama named Shida. It is Nepalese in style with eyes painted at four cardinal points. Pelela pass & Chendbji Chorten offers interesting photo opportunity. While in Trongsa, visit: Trongsa Dzong: This most impressive Dzong in Bhutan, was built by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, the official who was sent by Zhabdrung to unify Eastern Bhutan and later enlarged at the end of the 17th century by Desi Tenzin Rabgay. Trongsa Dzong is the ancestral home of the present Royal Family. The first two hereditary kings ruled Bhutan from this Dzong. Please remember, Trongsa Dzong is one of the most impressive dzongs in Bhutan. Photography is must. Ta Dzong: An ancient watch tower. The chapel inside is said to be dedicated to the Trongsa Penlop, Jigme Namgyal.
Overnight at hotel in Bumthang. (Altitude 2,600m) Day 06: Bumthang Apart from capturing nature in your lens, some of the prominent sites for photography are: Lamey Goemba: A large palace and monastery built in 18th century by Dasho Phuntsho Wangdi. Jambay Lhakhang: Built by King Srongsen Gampo of Tibet. In October-November, one of the most spectacular festival, ‘Jambay Lhakhang Drup’ is staged here. Tamshing Lhakhang: Literally meaning the Temple of the good message, established in 1501 by Pema Lingpa. Membarstho: Literally meaning, ‘The burning Lake’. Overnight at hotel in Bumthang. (Altitude 2,600m) Day 07: Bumthang – Punakha (215km, approx. 7-hour drive) As you near Punakha, you shall have a fascinating view of the Punatshangchhu River and the Wangdue valley for photography. All along this drive, you shall also come across simple villagers, villages and unique farmhouses for which you won’t hesitate to stop a while for a shot. In the evening, leisure time for exploring the Punakha town, valley and capturing amazing photos of magnificent Punakha Dzong at dusk and in light. Overnight at hotel in Punakha. (Altitude 1,300m) Day 08: Punakha Picnic lunch at riverside to enjoy the nature and further strengthen your photo gallery. Afternoon photography session of the Punakha Dzong and the surroundings. This Dzong was built by the Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1637. It is built at the junction the Pho Chu and Mo Chu Rivers. The annual Punakha Tsechhu(Festival) is held here. The monk body resides in this dzong in winter. Later visit Chimi Lhakhang and Photograph charming village houses on the way. Located on the way to Punakha, this lhakhang is also known as the temple of fertility and was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley in the 15th century. Lama Drukpa Kuenley is also known as the Divine Madman. Overnight at hotel in Punakha. (Altitude 1,300m) Day 09: Punakha – Paro (125km, approx. 4-hour drive) Driving from Punakha to Paro offers you a unique experience for photography. The winding roads are fascinating. The villages and Buddhist chortens (stupas) add to your collection of perfect shots. Your guide gives importance to stopping along the way for photography. En route stop at Simtokha Dzong for another short photo session, the place of profound tantric teaching, this dzong now houses a school for the study of the Dzongkha language. Later in the day after checking into hotel, proceed to visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. Proceed on to next destination nearby, imposing Rinpung Dzong, (‘fortress of the heap of jewels’). Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore – the perfect shots for your photography collection! Evening take a stroll around lovey Paro main street photographing colourful shops, friendly and every smiling people and life in general at charming little valley. Night shooting - Later in the dusk as soon as the lights are on, drive to a location near the Rinpung Dzong to take its perfect shots. The night view of this Dzong (fortress) with the lights around it makes a perfect creation to capture. You may take your shot from different possible location so that you have your perfect shot. Overnight at hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m) Day 10: Paro Your Second Photography Session: In reaching the top, you shall be preparing yourself for your second photography after a short rest. The views downhill, the fluttering prayer flags, the rocky hill and the Taktshang Monastery everything awaits you here longing to be captured. Take your perfect shots precisely selecting your location and choosing what you want to photograph. After the photography session visit the Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s nest Monastery). Taktshang Monastery: The primary lhakhang was built surrounding Guru Rimpoche’s Meditation cave in the 1684 by Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay. This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava flew here on the back of a tigress. Lunch at Taktsang cafeteria overlooking the Tiger’s nest monastery, walk back mostly downhill to the base for approx 2 hours and drive to base of Drukgyal Dzong, which is currently under renovation. On the way back you shall be capturing the following: On your way back, visit: The evening ends exploring Paro town and valley. Overnight at hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m) Day 11: Paro – Haa Valley – Paro (140km, approx. 5-hour drive) Chelala Pass is the highest point between the Haa valley and Paro valley at an altitude of 3810 m. This place offers an excellent view of the Himalayan Mountains, including the mountain Jumolhari. Prayer flags fluttering in the wind at the pass, presents wonderful views and immense opportunity for photographers to capture Himalayan ranges amidst colourful flags. Then drive onward to exotic Haa valley. The Haa valley was opened for the first time to foreign tourists in 2002. Also known as the ‘Hidden-Land Rice Valley’, Haa is culturally rich valley and some of famous sites in this region are: 7th century Lhakhang Karpo (White temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black temple) at the foothills of a venerated three brotherly mountains known as Meri Puensum. The Valley of Haa lies on the western most edge of Bhutan, its northern boundaries with the Chumbi Valley of Tibet, dividing it from the Indian province of Sikkim. Haa is one of the 20 districts or dzongkhags of Bhutan and one of the least populated. Most of its landmass is covered by dense forest and the remainder under fields of wheat and barley, with a little rice towards its lower reaches and the accessible side valleys. Meadows support the raising of yak, cattle, chicken, pigs and horses. Day 12: Depart Paro 
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the panoramic views of the Himalayas are sensational, including the Everest and other famous Himalayan Peaks. The approach through the Bhutanese foothills and the landing, including a few steep turns to land at the tiny airstrip of Paro becomes more exciting as you enter Bhutan.
Further 68 km drive across the Yutong-la pass (3,400m/ 11,155 ft) finally brings you to wide open cultivated Bumthang valley.
