Photographic tour to Bhutan
This very special tour has been developed in conjunction with our photographic expert who, until recently spent most of his life living and working in Bhutan and consequently knows and understands the country of Bhutan well. He has visited all nature areas, attended the Tshechus and found those “off the beaten track” places to give you the best photographic experiences available in this magical kingdom. At your request the itinerary can be adjusted to the individual wishes of the traveler.
Culture
To help understand the Buddhist philosophy and how culture, religion and tradition are intertwined, we have included to witness a tshechu at Paro. Here impressive dzongs make an excellend backdrop to the acrobatic manoeuvres of the monks and layman, as they enact the roles of good and evil.
Dzongs and monasteries are magnificent buildings which dominate the landscape. We mention Trongsa Dzong and Punakha Dzong. Also the hike of the Taktsang Monastery is a splended walk.
Landscape
This tour also covers the stunning landscapes of several mountain passes with panoramic views on the High Himalayas, to capture that special image. We will have the opportunity to stop as often as you want. You can walk trough the beautiful wooded areas and you will have amazing shots of birds and other wild animals as well as the trees, flowering shrubs, ferns, wild flowers, butterflies, and roaring waterfalls cascading down the hillsides.
Wildlife photography
A gentle walk in hills around thimphu will take you to the Takin Reserve, where you can see Bhutan’s national animal the takin. Here we see common goral, yaks grazing along the mountain slopes. Crossing to central Bhutan you may encounter the endemic golden langur.
People Photography
The weekend market in Thimphu, the small craft industries, the road-side stalls, all will lend themselves to excellent documentary and people photography. Here the vibrancy of the colours of their wares, the beautiful jewels in their silver settings, vegetables, escecially chillies, will astonish you.
It is possible to arrange a stay in a local farmhouse where you can experiende the daily lives of the subsistence farming community. Venture into the fields to see ancient methods of ploughing and harvesting, follow the cattle herders into the jungle in search of food or photograph the women as they prepare the daily meals.
Hieronder een voorbeeld van een fotografie-reis door Bhutan:
| DAY 01 | SUN 20 Sep | Fly to Paro with Druk Air and drive Thimphu. | Hotel Thimphu |
| DAY 02 | MON 21 Sep | Thimphu Drupchen (Festival) held in the beautiful and tranquil setting of Tashi Chhodzong | Hotel Thimphu |
| DAY 03 | TUE 22 Sep | Thimphu Visits: Textile Museum, Zorig Chusum-The School of 13 Arts, Folk Heritage Museum and Paper Making workshop. PM free time in town. | Hotel Thimphu |
| DAY 04 | WED 23 Sep | Thimphu to Punakha, stopping at Dochula for stunning views across the Eastern Himalayas. PM Visit Punakha Dzong (Fortress) | Hotel Punakha |
| DAY 05 | THU 24 Sep | Punakha, Today we offer a choice of program: Walk up to Chorten Ningpo (3 hrs) or a short drive to Mitsena and walk to Chimi Lhakhang and PM visit Nalanda Buddhist College and enjoy a drink of tea with the monks. | Hotel Punakha |
| DAY 06 | FRI 25 Sep | Punakha to Trongsa stopping at the picturesque riverside Chendibji Chorten. A really spectacular drive. | Hotel Trongsa |
| DAY 07 | SAT 26 Sep | Trongsa to Tangsibji, experience village life. | Hotel Trongsa |
| DAY 08 | SUN 27 Sep | Trongsa to Bumthang over Yotong La 3350m. | Hotel Bumthang |
| DAY 09 | MON 28 Sep | Bumthang cultural visits. Kurjey and Jampa Lhakhang. Walk to Tamshing Lhakhang. PM free time in Jakar Town. | Hotel Bumthang |
| DAY 10 | TUE 29 Sep | Bumthang to Shingkhar and Ura – back to Bumthang | Hotel Bumthang |
| DAY 11 | WED 30 Sep | Bumthang to Phobjikha and the valley of the Black-necked Cranes. Visit the newly renovated Gangtey Monastery | Hotel Probjikha |
| DAY 12 | THU 1 Oct | Phobjikha to Thimphu. | Hotel Thimphu |
| DAY 13 | FRI 2 Oct | Thimphu, visit the Weekend market, Archery, Memorial stupa and continue to Paro. In Paro visit the National Museum and the Dzong. | Hotel Thimphu |
| DAY 14 | SAT 3 Oct | Hike to Tigers Nest Monastery (4 hrs walk) or ride a mule!PM free time in Paro Town | Hotel Paro |
| DAY 15 | SUN Oct | Depart Paro for your onward connection. |
The price includes: visa Bhutan, taxes, tour guide, entrees conform programme, all accommodations on a full board basis, and bottled water during the tour.
Not included:
international flights to Delhi and back insurance and personal expenses
Practical information
| Price per person | € 4595,– flights from home to and from Delhi, not included
Flights from Delhi to Paro and back included |
| Dates | 19 september until 4 oktober 2015 |
| Tour code | 15/Bhutan/photo |
| Single person supplement | € 400,- |
| Full description | will be send to you 4 weeks before departure |
| Transport | van or bus |
| Effort | korte wandelingen afgewisseld met autoritten |
| number participants | 6 – 8 personen |
| Accommodations | hotels\guesthouse op basis van vol pension |
| Tour guide | professional photographer |
| Weather | stable and sunny, at high elevations cold but sunny |