ULTIMATE PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR (14 Days)
Bhutan provides a stunning array of photographic opportunities- mountainous landscapes; ancient temples and monasteries; lively, colourful festivals; a timeless culture and fascinating people. We have devised a suggested itinerary designed to make the most of these incredible features. Taking place in late September/early October, it coincides with the Autumn festival season providing a chance to capture images of the Wangdue Tsechu and the Tangbi Mani festival in a rural setting near Bhutan's spiritual heartland, Bumthang. This tour also visits remote villages, palaces and sacred sites in Bhutan's western and central valleys.

DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO – THIMPHU
The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas, offering dazzling scenic views of some of world's highest glacial peaks. As you enter Paro valley, you will sweep past forested hills with the Pa Chu (Paro River) meandering through the valley below. As your plane prepares to land, the view of Paro town with Rimpong Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watch tower) looming large upon a hill will be a fine sight. Whilst on board, fill out your disembarkation form and immigration/declaration forms. Your address in Bhutan is Bhutan Travel Bureau. On arrival at the visa check in, please have your visa clearance documentation with you that will have been sent to you prior to your departure. Our Bhutan Travel Bureau representative will meet you at the airport exit.

After an early lunch, enjoy some sightseeing around Paro, including a visit to the National Museum, Ta Dzong. This museum houses many religious relics, works of art and handicrafts offering a great orientation into Bhutan’s historical, cultural, and religious past. Next, visit the Rimpong Dzong housing the painting of the great saint Milarepa, considered as the master of meditation by the Bhutanese and believed to have attained enlightenment in a lifetime. Dzong’s are large monasteries and district administrative centres, which were once strategic forts. The Rimpong Dzong is one of Bhutan’s most impressive and well known Dzong’s and amongst the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture you will see. Afterwards walk to the beautiful cantilever wooden bridge still in use before being transferred to Bhutan's capital, Thimphu. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.

DAY 02: THIMPHU
Begin the day with an optional walk to beautiful Tango Monastery which is about 40 min drive by car to the dead end of a road, and a further 30 min walk uphill to the Monastery. Tango is the only Buddhist University in Bhutan. It is located at the edge of a richly forested hill at Thimphu’s northern end. Its great white walls appear stunning in contrast to the surrounding foliage and dominate the entire hillside. The gompa’s austere frontage is broken by finely carved and painted windows. It was founded by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa, and further developed by Lama Drukpa Kuenley in the fifteenth century. Nearby there is a cave where the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’ meditated. Desi Tenzin Rabgay renovated and added to the structure in 1688, bringing it to its current magnificent form. The subsequent addition of a golden roof was added in the nineteenth century.

After lunch visit the National Memorial Chorten depicting the Buddhist faith in the form of paintings and statues, the National Library housing a collection of Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th century, the nursing pen for Bhutan's national animal the Takin and Tashichhodzong, the "fortress of the glorious religion". Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.

DAY 03: THIMPHU – PUNAKHA
After breakfast visit 12th century Changangkha Lhakhang (Lhakhang means temple), one of the oldest temples in the Thimphu valley. It is an old fortress-like temple perched on a ridge above Thimphu and has a beautiful view of the Thimphu Valley from the courtyard. The main chapel houses a unique statue of the seated Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of Compassion and opposite the entrance is a large painting of Tsangpa Gyarey Yeshe Dorji.

Drive over the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending into balmy Punakha valley (about 3 hrs total driving time). The drive through the countryside affords a glimpse of everyday life in this most remote of Himalayan kingdoms. In the Dochu-La area there are vast Rhododendron forests that grow to tree size and bloom in late April/early May covering the mountains in a riot of glorious spring colour.

Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’ as predicted by the great Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava). It is situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu (Mother and Father Rivers) and is the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who move en masse from Thimphu to this warmer location. The three story main temple of the Punakha Dzong, Machhen Lhakhang is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture with four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver. The inside walls are covered with elaborate murals depicting the teaching of the Buddha. The Chorten which contains the Kudung is adorned with precious jewels and took twenty craftsmen four years to construct. Overnight at your hotel in Punakha.

DAY 04: PUNAKHA (ATTEND WANGDUE TSECHU)
In the morning drive to the impressive 17th century Wangduephodrang Dzong to witness the festivities of the Wangdue Tsechu. Enjoy masked religious and cultural dances amongst colourful Bhutanese villagers. A Tsechu is a Buddhist festival in honour of Guru Rimpoche, the saint who brought Buddhism to Bhutan. Local people gather in a spirit of festivity, celebration and deep faith. The dances are performed by both monks and laymen who are possessed by the spirit of deities who enter the performers bodies to create the perfect display. Over the course of the entire tsechu 12 episodes are performed. It is a must for every Bhutanese to see and understand every dance as this gains merit and brings good luck. Overnight at your hotel in Punakha.

DAY 5: PUNAKHA
After breakfast drive to Yabesa village and enjoy a short hike through ricefields up to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, built by her majesty the queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk. Perched high on a hill on the bank of the river, the Chorten houses paintings belonging to Nyingmapa Traditions.

Take a picnic lunch on a picturesque riverside before an excursion to visit 15th century Chimi Lhakhang, temple of Drukpa Kuenly who is also known as the Divine Madman. He inherited the Divine Madman title since he revolted against the orthodox Buddhism of his time. He is considered a symbol of fertility and many childless couples go to his temple for blessing. The temple sits on a hillock shaped, and houses the Lam’s iron bow and arrow, a smaller altar Chorten made by the Lam himself and some of his personal effects and scriptures. Overnight at your hotel in Punakha.

DAY 06: PUNAKHA –PHOBJIKA VALLEY
This morning explore the bustling market of Wangduephodrang Dzong before driving up a winding mountain road through oak and rhododendron forests, and over a high pass down into the wide and picturesque Phobjikha valley. Phobjikha is one of Bhutan's few glacial valleys, and chosen winter home of black necked cranes (November - March) migrating from the Tibetan plateau. The valley is one of the most beautiful in Bhutan. Visit Gangtey Gompa (Monastery), the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan and explore Phobjika Valley with time to view the Black-Necked Cranes. Overnight at your hotel in Phobjikha.

DAY 07: PHOBJIKA VALLEY – TRONGSA
Depart over the Pele La pass (3,420m) on the Black Mountain range towards Trongsa. This pass is traditionally considered the boundary between western and central Bhutan. Further down the road stop to visit beautiful Chendebji Chorten. It is built in a style unusual for Bhutan, with painted eyes facing the four directions. The Chorten was erected in the 18th century by a Tibetan lama to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at this spot. The imposing Trongsa Dzong can be viewed across a deep canyon to signal your approach to the town around a curving road.

Enjoy some lunch before visiting Trongsa Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. Trongsa is the largest Dzong in Bhutan. The foundations of Trongsa Dzong were laid in the 16th Century and there are now 22 temples in the complex. The view from the Dzong is spectacular and one can see across the impressive landscape for many miles. In the old days, it was the vigilance point for both the eastern and western trade routes, thus a strategically important Dzong. Overnight at your hotel in Trongsa.

DAY 08: TRONGSA – BUMTHANG
Following breakfast visit the Ta Dzong museum located on the hill overlooking the Trongsa Dzong. The museums main focus is on the history of the monarchy, and is dedicated to the coronation and centenary celebrations of the Bhutanese monarchy with very rare and precious artefacts on display. These include statues built in the 17th century, to the first King’s Namza (dress), the Raven Crown and Sword of Trongsa Penlop Jigme Namgyal and the 3rd King. One of the galleries has the robe of Yongzin Ngagi Wangchuk with his Drilbu (bell) and Dorjee (thunderbolt) from the 16th century.

Afterwards, proceed to Bumthang (2.5 hrs), one the most spectacular valleys in Bhutan and also the spiritual and historical heartland of the country. The road winds steeply up to Yo Yutung La Pass (3,400m) before descending down through dense coniferous forest to Chummey valley. From here it is about an hour to Jakar, Bumthang’s main township.

Bumthang is home to some of Bhutan’s oldest Palaces, Buddhist temples and monasteries. The valley’s barley fields, apple groves and meadows lay below huge hills which climb up towards the Himalayan mountain wall separating Bhutan from Tibet. The beautiful architecture unique to Bhutan is evident in the many large farmhouses and temples. Bumthang is associated with Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava) and with Terton Pemalingpa.

After lunch, visit Jakar Dzong, also known as ‘Fortress of the White Bird’. It was founded by the great grandfather of Shabdrung. The Dzong was initially built as a Monastery in 1549 but was upgraded after Shabdrung had firmly established his power in 1646. The Dzong is now used as the administration center for Bumthang valley.

DAY 09: BUMTHANG
Enjoy a morning visit to Jampey Lhakhang, one of 108 temples built by the Tibetan King Songtsen in the 7th Century. It was here that Guru Rimpoche conducted his first sermon on Tantric Buddhism for his host King Sendha, the local ruler, his family and subjects. The alcove above the entrance to the inner temple where Guru Rimpoche sat during the sermon can be still seen to this day. One of Bhutan’s most sacred festivals, “Jampey Lhakhang Drup” takes place here every year.

Continue on to Kurjey Lhakhang. Consisting of three temples, Kurjey is famous for a rock within one of the temples that features a body imprint of the great master Guru Rimpoche. Hence the literal translation of “Kurjey” into “Kur” meaning body, and “Jey” meaning print. The big cypress tree in the temple grounds is believed to be the walking stick of Guru Rimpoche. The great Guru also created a holy water hole beside the temple which people frequently consume from for religious or medical purposes. A wall of 108 chortens surrounds the entire complex.

Next you will visit Tamshing Lhakhang, located in a village across the river from Kurjey Lhakhang (you may walk to the temple, which will take about 30 mins). It is the seat of Bumthang’s famous son, saint Pema Lingpa. He built it himself in 1501. A skilled tantric master and artist, he sculpted the main statues and painted the frescoes, some of Bhutan’s oldest which can still be seen even today, mostly in their original state. There is also a chain mail made by Pema Lingpa that devotees carry and circumambulate the inner sanctum to cleanse sins. The throne from which he performed the consecration ceremony is preserved in a small temple outside the main hall.

Tantric Buddhists believe in the tradition of treasure finders or terton. Treasures are various forms of relics hidden by Guru Rimpoche to be discovered by the future generation, to aid religion in times of degenerate ages or changing times. Pema Lingpa is the first of five main tertons. He is also revered as the incarnation of Guru Rimpoche himself. Overnight at your hotel in Bumthang.

DAY 10: BUMTHANG (ATTEND TANGBI MANI)
Transfer to the remote Tangbi Mani village for the day by vehicle and a 45 minute walk. Spend the day viewing the Tangbi Mani Festival in an enchanting rural atmosphere. You will be captivated by the dances and costumed performances accompanied by clapping cymbals, drums, horn and the unforgettable chanting of Buddhist monks. Watch on as the dancers whirl their array of colourful brocades through the air, play local games and stroll handicraft stalls, explore around the village and visit locals at their homes. In the afternoon transfer back to Jakar. Overnight at your hotel in Bumthang.

DAY 11: BUMTHANG – PUNAKHA
Today you will drive to Punakha, stopping for lunch in the beautiful Phobjikha Valley. Afternoon at leisure to rest in your hotel or explore Punakha. Overnight at your hotel in Punakha.

DAY 12: PUNAKHA – PARO
Today is a leisurely day as you transfer from Punakha to Paro. You will stop en route at Thimphu for lunch and to explore the handicraft stores in the city centre. On arrival in Paro, you can either enjoy walk up to a hillside temple or stroll around downtown Paro. Overnight stay at the hotel in Paro.

DAY 13: PARO
After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery. The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill takes you high above the Paro valley. The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 metres above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. Nearby there is a teahouse where you can stop for refreshments before returning to Paro for lunch.

In the afternoon drive to the ruins of the 17th Century Drukgyel Dzong, an historic monument built by the Shabdrung to commemorate his victory against invading Tibetans in 1644. In fine weather the towering peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) appears as a stunning backdrop. On the return drive to Paro, visit 7th Century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo, and one of the two oldest in Bhutan (the other is in Bumthang). Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

DAY 14: DEPART PARO
After early breakfast drive to Paro airport to onward destination, enjoying superb mountain views from the aircraft as you fly out of the valley. Soon you leave Bhutan shrouded in mist and surrounded by her guardian peaks.

For full more information, please email tours@btb.com.bt