Detailed Workshop Itinerary:
Day 1 – Friday, 20th September 2013: Paro
Arrive at Paro:
Altitude: 2250 Meters
On your flight to Paro, the panoramic views of the Himalayas are sensational, you will see the Everest and other famous Himalayan Peaks. The approach through the Bhutanese foothills includes a few steep but exciting turns before landing at the airstrip of Paro.
Upon arrival you will be greeted by our Bhutanese Representative with Tashi Khadar. Then you will be given authentic Bhutanese gifts and Bhutanese tea (Suja) in traditional Bhutanese way.
You are privately driven to your hotel.
After lunch, explore the Paro town and valley, with ample opportunities of Photography of people, handicrafts, the valley and the town.
We will visit the Paro Archery grounds where there is a formal match or Practice session going on most of the time.
Drive to the Paro Ta Dzong, which now houses the National Museum of Bhutan, located on a promontory overlooking the Paro Valley.
Though photography inside the Museum is not allowed, the place gives numerous photo options of the Paro Valley and the exteriors.
The visit also familiarizes you with the history of the Kingdom of Bhutan as you get to see original Bhutanese collections inside the Museum. The Museum is unique in terms of the collections and the architecture. (Both inside and outside)
Ta Dzong overlooks the Rimpung Dzong and was built in 1951 as a watch tower. This dzong is round, more like parts of an European castle. The Dzong was established as the National Museum of Bhutan since 1967 and holds fascinating collection of arts, relics and religious thangkhas.
Before dark, drive to a location near the Paro Rinpung dzong. The night view of this dzong (fortress) with the lights around it makes a perfect capture.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 2 – Saturday, 21st September 2103: Paro
Altitude: 2250 Mts
After breakfast, start early to Taktshang Monastery. Hike uphill for approx. 2.5 Hrs to Taktshang or otherwise you may ride a pony through the forested path to Taktshang Monastery, also known as the Tiger’s Nest.
This is the most famous and iconic scene in Bhutan.
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. This is an important place of pilgrimage and refuge for more than 1200 years. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava flew here on the back of a tigress.
Steady Tripods for the camera with 200 mm lens are recommended, to capture the clear view of the monastery amongst the rifts from the popular vantage points.
Visit the monastery and some of the altars, we will get blessings from a local lama there.
After lunch, visit a village and a Bhutanese Farm House. Take environmental portraits of villagers.
Other photo opportunities are the natural scenery around the Valley.
Enjoy hot stone bath at the farm house.
Hot stone bath: The traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, known as Dotsho in local language has been practiced in Bhutan for centuries as a medicinal soak. Many Bhutanese believe that the bath helps in curing joint pains, helps alleviating other medical problems. River stones are heated and then put in water to heat it up; sometime medicinal herbs are added to the water before it is ready for the soak.
After the hot stone bath, have dinner with the local Bhutanese family.
Observe and take photographs of Bhutanese way of cooking inside of a local Bhutanese Kitchen. Also take photographs of the traditional hot stone bath.
Overnight in hotel.
Day 3 -Sunday, 22nd September 2013: Paro/Haa
Driving Distance: 65 Kms
Driving Time: 1.5 to 2 Hours
After breakfast, walk around the Paro Town and along the Paro Chu (River) to take pictures of the Paro Dzong and the watchtower above. Take photos of the traditional bridge with huge gates leading to the Interior of the Paro Rinpung Dzong. Visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong an take photographs from different angles.
Rinpung Dzong: Meaning “fortress of the heap of jewels”. The dzong now serves as the administrative and judicial seat of Paro district and it’s the residence for around 200 monks. The famous Paro tshechhu ( festival) is held here in spring.
Then drive to Haa via Chelela Pass. Stop at Chelela Pass.
Chelala Pass: is the highest point between the Haa valley and Paro valley at an altitude of 3810 mts. On a clear day, the place presents a superb panoramic viewof the Himalayan Mountains, including the mountain Jumolhari and Jichu Drake. The location also provides good view down towards the Haa valley. A lots of prayer flags flutter in the place.
With the Blessings from a lama, you place your own Lung ta (horizontal) Prayer Flags at the Pass to promote peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom. It is believed the prayers and mantra will be blown by the wind to spread the good will and compassion to all sentient beings thereby benefiting all.
Picnic Lunch at Chelela Pass shall be a good experience. Catering will be arranged from Paro and regular meal will be served.
After lunch, drive to Katsho Village in Haa for a lot of Photo opportunities of the rural Bhutan which is off the beaten Map for most tourists.
Take photos of the picturesque Haa Valley opened to tourism only in the year 2002.
While in Haa, visit The Lhakhang Karpo (White temple) and the Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple).
Bothe the temple are located in the tiny village of Dumchoe in the foothills of the three towering mountains venerated as Rigsum Gonpo . Lhakhang Karpo is distinguished by its sparkling white walls and the Lhakhang Nagpo by its grayish black walls.
Also take photographs of the Haa Dzong.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 4 – Monday, 23rd September 2013: Haa/Thimphu
Driving Distance: 115 Kms
Driving Time: 3 to 4 Hours
Altitude of Thimphu: 2350 mts.
After breakfast, drive to Thimphu.
Stop at places along the way for photography as you travel among the Himalayan slopes and passing numerous small but beautiful villages.
Lunch at Thimphu.
After Lunch, visit the Kuenselphodrang (Kuen- All, Sel – Clear) Vista.
Kuenselphodrang: A place for refreshing with a huge statue of Buddha on the top of the Kuenselphodrang. The area also has a very good view of the Thimphu valley from the west.
Take photographs of the Thimphu Valley and the Huge Statue of the Buddha.
On your Way back to Thimphu, visit the National Memorial Chorten.
Take photographs from different vantage points.
National Memorial Chorten: This Chorten was built in the honour of the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, also known as “The Father of Modern Bhutan”. This Chorten was built in 1974 in a typical Tibetan style. It is the center of worship for the people living in Thimphu and it houses many religious paintings and tantric statues.
In the evening, practice meditation with a Buddhist Lama.
Enjoy a traditional cultural show as you are having your dinner. Taste the Local Arra (Alcohol) during the diner with your Bhutanese hosts.
You may take photographs of the performers in different Bhutanese traditional costumes.
Overnight in hotel.
Day 5 – Tuesday, 24th September 2013: Thimphu
Altitude of Thimphu: 2350 mts.
Todays photographic highlights includes the following:
The Tashichhodzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion): (Day and night view) A Doom (Blue Stone) Dzong was built on the hill above Thimphu in 1216 the lama Gyalwa Lhanampa. A few years later Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo, who brought the Drukpa Kagyu lineage to Bhutan, took over Dohon Dzong. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (The one who unified the country) acquired the Dzong in 1641 from the descendants of lama Phajo and renamed it as Trashi Chhoe Dzong. The Dzong is the seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan) at present.
Photograph the activities in the Institute of Zorig Chusum ( The school of Thirteen Arts). Students are taught 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan in this institute.
Dechen Phodrang Monastic School, for photographing monks and the unique art and architecture.
Sangaygang Viewpoint (2685 meters)
You can have the view of whole Thimphu valley and walk through hundreds of colorful prayer flags that dot the hill overlooking the Thimphu valley.
The Takin Preserve Center
The takin, the national animal of Bhutan can be seen here. This animal is found only in the Himalayan region.
The Changangkha Lhakhang
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 their newborn babies to this monastery to be blessed by a high lama.
Other places to visit are:
Jungshi handmade paper factory: The factory manufactures the traditional Bhutanese paper using the bark of two tree species: the Daphne tree and Dhekap. The entire process of traditional manufacturing of the Handmade paper can be observed. It was previously operated by the government. Now it is run by a private enterpruener.
Folk Heritage Museum: Founded by Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck the museum is one of a kind, that portrays the lifestyle of a family in the Thimphu valley in the olden days. This is a three storied, 19th century traditional house showcasing the Bhutanese lifestyle, and artifacts from the rural households.
In the evening, practice meditation with a Buddhist Lama.
Dinner with a Rinpochhe (High Buddhist Priest)
Overnight in hotel.
Day 6 – Wednesday, 25th September 2013: Thimphu/Punakha
Driving Distance: 76 kms
Driving Time: 2.5 – 3 hrs
Altitude of Punakha: 1310 mts.
After breakfast, we drive over Dochula Pass (10,000 feet) for scenic views of the Himalayas and the Druk Wangyal Chortens.
Dochula pass: The most known pass in Bhutan, about 30 km drive from the Capital City Thimphu on the way to Wangduephodrang. It is at around 3150 mt height. On a clear day, spectacular view of the mighty Himalayas mountain ranges can be seen. The pass also has 108 Druk Wangyal Khangzang Chhortens which is believed brings multi fold merit to all sentient beings and which make the pass a must visit place.
Descend into the terraced valley of Punakha for a stroll through rice fields and tiny villages to Chimi Lhakhang (the Temple of Fertility).
Chimi Lhakhang: This temple is located on the way to Punakha. It is also known as the temple of fertility and was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley in the 15 century. Lama drukpa Kuenley is also known as the Divine Madman.
After lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong, one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan, to photograph monks and richly-gilded dzong architecture.
Punakha Dzong: 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.
In the evening witness a private archery match organized for our group and we can freely take part in the match.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 7 – Thursday, 26th September 2013: Punakha
Altitude of Punakha: 1310 mts.
After breakfast, the exploration of Punakha continues this morning with a walk to the Khasum Yulay Namgyel Chorten for majestic views of the valley and terraced fields below.
In the afternoon we visit the hillside village of Nobgang, photographing village life.
In the evening, drive to Wangduephodrang for any photographic opportunities you would not want to miss such as the Rinchengang Village.
Dinner and overnight in hotel in Punakha.
Day 8 – Friday, 27th September 2013: Punakha/Gangtey
Driving Distance: 78 kms
Driving Time: 2.5 – 3 hrs
Altitude of Gangtey/Phobjikha: 2900 mts.
After breakfast, drive over the Lawala Pass and descend through stands of dwarf bamboo and stop to photograph beautiful Phobjikha Valley, wintering ground of endangered black-necked cranes and one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in the Himalayas.
Overlooking the valley and the Black Mountains is the Gangtey Monastery dating back to the 17th century, one of the most important schools of Buddhism in Bhutan. Meet local villagers and photograph farmers at work in the potato fields.
Explore the untouched corners of the Phobjikha Valley.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 9 – Saturday, 28th September 2013: Gangtey/Bumthang
Driving Distance: 168 kms
Driving Time: 6 hrs
Altitude of Bumthang: 2600 mts
After breakfast, drive over the Pele La Pass (11,000 feet) to Trongsa.
Before reaching Trongsa, we take our first photograph of the impressive Trongsa Dzong, with the Mangdechu river cascading in one continuous flow down through the valley beneath, telephoto lens is recommended.
Visit the Trongsa dzong and photograph the remarkable succession of street-like corridors, wide stone stairs and beautiful stone courtyards including the Bhutanese monastic and parliamentary architecture.
You shall also have the opportunities to catch the moments when monks are walking in and out of the dzong.
Explore Trongsa with visits to the unusual Ta Dzong Museum, formerly an old watch tower housing prisoners of war, and the commanding Trongsa Dzong, suspended above the Mangde Chhu (River).
Then drive to Bumthang over Yotongla Pass.
Many photographic opportunities are possible this afternoon when we stop at the Yathra weaving center at Chummey Valley en route to Jakar (Bumthang).
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 10 – Sunday, 29th September 2013: Bumthang
Altitude of Bumthang: 2600 mts
After breakfast, photograph the ancient and sacred monasteries, Jambay, Kurjey and Chakar Lhakhang including the Bumthang farmlands and valley.
Jambay Lhakhang: built by King Srongsen Gampo of Tibet. In October one of the most spectacular festival, “Jambay Lhakhang Drup” is staged here.
Chakhar Lhakhang: Literally meaning the Iron Castle, the original palace was made of Iron and hence the name “Chakhar”.
Kurjey Lhakhang: Named after body print of Guru Rimpoche.
In the afternoon, we visit Jakar Dzong , literally meaning the Castle of White Bird. The current structure was built in 1667 followed by the Chamkhar Bazaar. Visit a typical farmhouse to taste the local wine (araa) and buckwheat noodles (puta).
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 11 – Monday, 30th September 2013: Bumthang/Punakha
Driving Distance: 197 kms
Driving Time: 7 hrs
Altitude of Punakha: 1310 mts.
After breakfast, drive to Punakha.
In the evening leisure time, we will share tips of post processing your photos.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 12 – Tuesday, 1st October 2013: Punakha/Paro
Driving Distance: 141 kms
Driving Time: 4.5 hrs
Altitude of Paro: 2250 Mts.
After breakfast, drive to Paro.
As you drive towards Paro, stop at vantage points between Thinleygang and Wangduephodrang for photographing villages and people and the beautiful valley with the slow Punatshangchhu meandering down the valley.
Stop at Lamperi to visit the Royal Botanical Garden.
Royal Botanical Garden: Situated at an altitude range of 2100 meters – 3800 meters, the park covers an area of 47 square kilometers and is located between Thimphu and Punakha. The park contains a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. It features a huge species of plants and animals including endangered species such as Himalayan yew, native Rhododendron, Royal Bengal Tiger, , Musk Deer, Red Panda, Blood pheasants and Himalayan Monal. You can also find Tetracentron (an ancient relict angiosperm with no vessel in its trunk) in the park. The park has 14.5 km of trails for eco trekking, cycling and walking. One of the main attractions is the rhododendron garden including a picnic spot with children’s playground.
Photograph different flora and fauna in the garden. Close-up lens or extension tubes are recommended.
A Grand picnic Lunch shall be hosted in this place.
After lunch, drive to Paro. Stop and visit the Tamchog Lhakhang, One of the oldest iron bridge on the way to the Tamchog Lhakhang.
A small farms provide ample photo opportunities.
Tamchog lhakhang (between Paro and Thimphu): built in the 13th century by Thangthong Gyalpo. He is also known as the Iron bridge builder. Situated on a hill top, we have to cross an ancient style bridge to reach the temple. It is owned by the descendants of Thangthong Gyalpo.
Farewell dinner with your Bhutanese hosts and overnight in hotel.
Day 13 – Wednesday, 2nd October 2013: Depart Paro
After breakfast, A small Bhutanese ritual shall be held by lamas for a safe journey home, blessing the group with Tashi Khadar and holy water.
You are driven to the airport for your departure flight homebound.
Cost $4745.00, per person
Based on twin share
NOTE: Druk Air flights are at an additional cost and must be issued in Bhutan
