Bhutan Photography Expedition

Day 1: Welcome to Bhutan

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your guide and driver and ferried to Bhutan’s capital Thimphu, traveling through spectacular countryside. En route to Thimphu, you will have the luxury of seeing many houses and buildings which are all painted and constructed in traditional Bhutanese style.
On arrival in Thimphu, you will check in at your hotel and proceed for lunch. Enjoy the day exploring Thimphu, with options to visit the Golden Buddha, with a bonus of sensational valley views, and the National Memorial Stupa. Five minutes drive from the stupa, you will visit Buddha Dhordenma Statue, followed by Takin Preservation Park, and finally, visit the Tashichodzong Fortress.

The day will end with an overnight stay in Hotel Tara Phendeyling (or similar)

Day 2: Thimphu

After breakfast, we will hike to Chagri Monastery. In about an hour you will reach the monastery. Chagri was built high on the slope in 1619 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal as his first monastery in Bhutan and after the visit, you will drive back to lunch in town.
After lunch, you will visit Buddha Point to see the tallest Buddha Dordenma Statue in the world. From there, you will head towards National Memorial Chorten, the stupa built to commemorate the life of His Majesty the Third King. You will also visit Tashichhodzong in the late afternoon.
You may have a leisure walk in the town and watch archery, the national game of Bhutan.

Overnight at hotel in the same hotel

Day 3: Thimphu–Punakha

Depart from Thimphu and continue towards Punakha. Drive by Dochula Pass and stop for sightseeing at Druk Wangyal Chortens which was built that the command of Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck to commemorate the victory over the Indian militants and to liberate the souls of the lives lost. Then, we will stop for a while at Sobsokha Village and take a stroll through agricultural fields to Chimi Lhakhang, a pilgrimage site for a childless couple or to seek protection for children.
After arriving at Punakha, we will visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, situated strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. We will then walk along the 160 meters Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge, which would give us a spectacular view of Punakha Dzong and the Pho Chhu Valley.

Overnight at Zhingkhan Resort

DAY 4: Punakha/gangtey valley

Today, we will travel to the beautiful valley of Gangtey. It is located at a height of 2,900 meters above sea level and is known as the Switzerland of Bhutan.

Once we arrive there, we will first visit the Gangtey Monastery. This monastery is the seat of one of the revered Buddhist masters who is said to be the reincarnation of Terton Pema Ling (one of the eight treasure kings). You may offer your prayers.
From there, we will take to for a hike along the Nature Trail. It is a beautiful hiking place.

Accommodation: Gakiling Guest House

DAY 5: Gangtey valley/Paro 

If your visit is in the winter season, you will get to see Black-necked Cranes, one of the most endangered birds in the world. After breakfast, we will go around the valley to see the birds.
We will then begin our journey toward Paro.
This afternoon, we will begin our errand by visiting the majestic Paro Rinpung Dzong. It is believed that the dzong was built on the heap of a jewel sometime in the 15^th century. The present structure was built in the 17^th century by Zhabdrung Rimpoche. We will then visit the National Museum which houses some of our ancient artifacts, weapons, and others. We will head to Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple built in the 8^th century, and make our offerings for good health and long life.

Accommodation: Bhutan Mandala Resort

DAY 6: Tiger Nest Hike

We will drive to Ramthangkha, the Taktsang base camp. It is some 15 minutes drive from the town. From there, we will begin hiking to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (2900m) which is known also known as Taksang Monastery. This particular monastery was built in the 8^th century by the famous Buddhist Master known as Guru Padmasambhava. It is believed that he came flying on the back of a furious tigress and subdued a demon hiding in one of the caves. Since then, the place became one of the holiest sites in the country. Every day, hundreds of pilgrims visit the place.

After coming back to the town from Taktsang, we will visit a village homestay, and have a hot stone bath. Then we will have lunch after some cultural programs by the locals.

Accommodation: Bhutan Mandala Resort

DAY 7: Departure

After having an eventful week, your tour comes to an end. Today, we will drop you at the airport and see you off. We hope you have a great time in our small but peaceful country.

• Bhutan Royalties, tourist fees, Visa fees, and taxes.
• Accommodations in listed or similar hotels (pleasant hotels 3-4 star type) during the tour and in tents during the trek.
• All meals, including evening tea/coffee, etc throughout the trip.
• All land transfers, and sightseeing with entrance fees.
• Experienced Culture Tour Guide.
• Bottled water in the vehicle and other camp services.

NOT INCLUDED

• Flights in and out of Bhutan.
• Travel insurance, Drink, Visa fees, Laundry