Photography Tour-Bhutan

Day 01: Arrival in Paro and transfer to Thimphu(60kms and 1 hr drive)

Once you land at the Paro International Airport(2250mtrs), you will be well received by our Professional Tour Guide and Driver.

After that, proceed to Thimphu visiting a few places on the way:

Tachog Monastery and Iron Bridge: Viewing from a hilltop, this Monastery was built in the 15th century by a great spiritual master Thang Thong Gyelpo. In addition, he also built an Iron Bridge which your guide will show you on the way to the Monastery. After the Monastery, continue till the mid-way where you will witness the confluence of two rivers, “Pa Chu” and “Wang Chu” accompanied by three different types of Stupas (Tibetan, Bhutanese, and Nepalese). After a short walk, continue your journey till you reach Thimphu(Capital City of Bhutan).

After the arrival, have lunch/snacks and explore the Capital City on foot taking photographs of the city, its people, the architecture, etc. Evening visit Tashichho Dzong(Fortress): Built in the 17th Century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal(First Governor of Bhutan), it is divided into two parts: Administrative block and Monastic block. It also houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan. Moreover, the annual Festival “Tshechu” is also celebrated at this Fortress. In the evening, capture the night view of Tashichho Dzong and other places as per your interests.  Overnight stay in Thimphu.

Day 02: Thimphu Local Sightseeing

After breakfast visit the following places:

Kuensel Phodrang(Buddha Point): Standing at a height of 169ft(51.5m) is The Buddha Dordenma which was built from 2006 to 2015 to have peace and prosperity in the world.

Changangkha Lhakhang: It was established in 13th century by Nyima, one of the sons of Phajo Drugom Zhipo(Introduced Drukpa Kagyu sects in Bhutan) to flourish Drukpa Kagyu. Today this Monastery is very much famous for naming a new born baby.

Takin Preserve Centre: Here you can witness the National Animal of Bhutan Takin who has the head of a goat and the body of a cow. Mythologically it was created by a great spiritual master Lam Drukpa Kuenley(Divine Mad Man) in the 15th century and it is an endangered species.

Thangthong Dewachen Nunnery: Established in 1976 by the 16th emanation of Thangtong Gyalpo(Iron Bridge Builder),Drubthob Rikey Jadrel. Here the nuns they study Buddhism and dedicate their lives for community service. Currently is has about 70 nuns.

National Library and Archives: This Library was established in 1967 to preserve and promote the rich cultural and religious heritage of Bhutan where sacred religious books and manuscripts are collected. In addition, it also has the world’s Largest Book.

Painting School: It is a school where students learn 13 arts and crafts like wood carving, painting, embroidery, sculpturing, tailoring, etc. You can witness the students learning the skills in different classrooms.

Simply Bhutan: It is a living museum where you will experience the Bhutanese way of living. You will be engaged in different activities like tasting the local wine, dancing in the folk music, playing archery, etc.

Textile Museum: Established in 2001 by the Queen Mother, it showcases the textile and the art of weaving. Make a visit to know the textiles and the techniques used to weave the Bhutanese attire.

Centenary Vegetable Market: Explore the local vegetable market where you will find the local and organic fruits, vegetables, dairy products, etc.

Visit Changlimithang Archery Ground: Here you will witness the live Archery(National Game) matches. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

Day 03: Thimphu to Punakha and local sightseeing (80kms and 2 hrs drive)
After breakfast proceed to Punakha(1350m) and visit the following places:

Dochula Pass(30mins): On the way to Punahka, stop at Dochu La Pass(3150m) to witness the 108 stupas built in 2003 by the Queen Mother. Additionally, you will also have a view of the Himalayan Mountain Ranges if the weather is clear.

Chimi Lhakhang(Temple of fertility): Upon reaching Punakha, take a short hike towards Chimi Lhakhang crossing a small village and paddy fields. Built in 15th century by Lam Drukpa Kuenley(Divine Mad Man), the temple is know as No Dog Temple. However, today it is also known as the temple of fertility where people come to get the fertility blessing if they are barren. People all around the globe visits the temple and receives the fertility blessing. Your guide will narrate the story of No Dog Temple and show you the evidences of fertility.

Punakha Dzong(Fortress): Lying between the two rivers, Pho Chu(male river) and Mochu(female river) is Punakha Dzong previously known as Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). It was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal for war tactics. Today is serves as the winter residence of Monastic Body of Bhutan.

Suspension Bridge: It is one of the longest Suspension Bridges in Bhutan with the length of about 300mtrs. It connects the Dzong with the villages on the other side of Pho Chu. Take a short walk on the bridge, experience the cool breeze with the flattering flags and mingle with the locals.

Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup nunnery: Built in 2008 by Yab Ugyen Dorji and his wife, the nunnery serves as Buddhists college for nuns. Today it has about 100 nuns undergoing training. Overnight stay in Punakha.

Day 04: Punakha to Phobjikha(Day Excursion)-80kms and 2hrs drive.

After the breakfast, proceed to Phobjikha Valley(2900mtrs) which is the winter home for Black Necked Crane and visit the following places:

Gangtey Monastery: It was established in 1613 by the first Peling Gyalse Rinpoche or Gangteng Tulku, Rigdzin Pema Tinley who was the grandson of the great Spiritual Master Terton Pema Lingpa(Treasure Discoverer). It also serves as a Nyingmapa School of Buddhism where the Nyingma sect of Buddhism is practiced and promoted. The Black Necked Crane Festival is also held at this monastery every year on the 11th of November.

Gangtey Nature Trail: Take a short nature hike encountering the breadth taking views of the valley, villages, streams, birds and the nature. Though the hike is short, it will give you immense joy and satisfaction as you connect yourself with the nature.

The Crane Center: Here you will find the information on the Black Necked Crane and also can view the bird using the high-powered telescope. However, the birds are available only in winter. Nevertheless, there are two injured Black Necked Cranes caged which you can see and take photographs of.

After that, have lunch and proceed back to Punakha. Overnight stay in Punakha.

Day 05: Punakha sightseeing, transfer to Paro and sightseeing(140kms and 3hrs drive).

After the Breakfast, take a short hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal: After a 30mins hike, you will reach to a chorten(stupa) build by the Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk, in 2004 to have peace and prosperity in the world. From here you will have the 360 degree view of Punakha.

After the hike, proceed further to Paro(2250mtrs) and visit the following places:

Ta Dzong(National Museum): Built in 1649 as a watch Tower by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal so that they could watch over Paro Valley or enemies coming. Later in 1968, it was established as a National Museum of Bhutan.

Paro Ringpung Dzong(Fortress of Heap of Jewel): Built in 1644 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal for administrative and monastic purposes for Paro Districts. In 1993 some scenes of a film named Little Buddha were also filmed in this Dzong. Later you can try wearing our national dress Gho(male)/Kira(female) and take photographs(optional). In the evening, explore Paro market by walk. Overnight stay in Paro.

Day 06: Taktsang(Tiger’s Nest) Hike