You are warmly invited to participate in the photography tour in Bhutan.
Group size: Min. 2: Max. 20 persons in a group.
Fixed departure: Arrive Paro 26th Sept, Dep. 10th Oct 2009
Best season: Feb – May and Sept – Dec.
Tour Cost: US $ 2870 per person

DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO

During the journey, the traveler will experience from the left side of the plane a spectacular view of Mt. Everest, and other famous Himalayan Mountains including the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport you will be received by your Bhutanese friend from Bhutan Bigfoot Trekkers (Tours). Lunch at the Hotel. Discuss the Tour Programme with the Tour Guide. Afternoon sight seeing.

After lunch drive to Drugyal Dzong (a ruined fortress), 16 kilometers away from Paro town. Although it has been in ruin but this Dzong has its great historical importance for the people of Bhutan. It was a place where the Bhutanese finally defeated the Tibetan invasion and drove them back. On a clear day one can view the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari (Mountain of Goddess). Its altitude is 7,329m.Visit Kyichu Lhakhang (Lhakhang means temple). Which was built in 659 AD by the King Songtsen Gompo of Tibet as one of the 108 such monasteries he built in various places to spread Buddhism. It is located between Paro Town and Drugyal Dzong. It is one of the holiest place in the country, as it marks the advent of Buddhism in the country and visit National Museum which used to be a watch tower for Paro Rimpong Dzong (Fortress). It was converted into Museum in 1968. Visit Paro Rimpong Dzong, the Dzong was built in 1646 AD, and walk down to town one the way you can see the traditional wood bridge of ancient style.

Visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse and sightseeing trip to the Paro town.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro

DAY 02 PARO - DAY 02 PARO – A DAY EXCURSION TO TAKTSHANG MONASTERY

Drive up to Satsam Chorten (10 km from Paro town) and from there walk up to Taktsang Monastery. The name Taktsang means “Tiger’s Nest ". The Monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff drop of nearly 4000 ft. and overlooks the Paro valley and the river. It is said that in the second half of the 8th century, Guru Padma Sambhava known as the second Buddha in Bhutan meditated on this spot where the Monastery is situated having alighted there on the back of a flying tigress.

Picnic lunch at the Taktsang cafeteria. The round hike takes about 4 Hr.

Overnight: Hotel in Paro

DAY 03 THIMPHU – ATTEND FESTIVAL

Religious festivals known as 'Tsechus' and 'Dromchoes' symbolizing amity, peace and compassion, are held annually at various parts of the kingdom at different times of the year. These vibrant festivals are a time for the people from various walks of life to come together decent in all their ceremonial dress. During the festival, rare and sacred masked dances, sword dances and many others rituals are performed. You can witness this Thimphu Festival and get the beautiful pictures of Bhutanese people with their Traditional Bhutanese dress with beautiful ornaments. Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu.

Overnight: Hotel in Paro.

DAY 04 THIMPHU – SIGHT SEEING – ATTEND FESTIVAL

Visit Simtokha Dzong. This is one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan. It was built in 1629 AD. It houses the largest monastic schools in the country. Visit Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building. This massive structure houses part of the government Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the Central Monastic Body and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot and the senior monks. Lunch hotel in Thimphu. Afternoon: Visit the Memorial Chorten (a great stupa) built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan who reigned the Kingdom from 1952-1972. Visit the mini Zoo where the national animals were kept and drive to Sangeygang where you can have a spectacular view of Thimphu valley. Visit nunnery in Zulikha. Visit the Wood Craft and Painting school where traditional arts and crafts are still kept alive through the instructions of painting and curving. Visit the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts are displayed and can be purchased. Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro.

DAY 05 THIMPHU – TRONGSA

Drive to Trongsa (200km) the journey takes about 6 hours through Dochula Pass (3150m). On the way stop for a photo stop at Dochula Pass which is 26km away from Thimphu valley, and for Tea and snacks and to enjoy the most spectacular view of eastern Himalayan snow capped Mountains and also the great view of Gasa Dzong at a distance (If weather is clear) and descends down to subtropical area Wangdue Phodrang, and drive to Punakha valley and visit Punakha Dzong. Punakha Dzong lies between two great rivers with the wonderful view of Punakha Dzong. The names of the rivers are Phochu (Male River) and Mochu (Female River). This Dzong serves as the winter residence for the Je Khenpo, Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body and also the office of the district Administration. Lunch in Wangdue or Chendebji and again it ascends up to the Pelela Pass which is 3340m where you can see wonderful view of Himalayan Mountains and this Pass separates the western from the other regions of the country.

DAY 06 TRONGSA – BUMTHANG

Visit the Trongsa Dzong, one of the largest Dzongs in the country, the ancestral home of our Royal family. It was built by Chogyel Minjur Tempa, the third Desi, in 1648. The Dzong now is the office of the district Administration and central monastic body. Visit also the Ta Dzong (Watch Tower) and stroll through the small Trongsa town. Lunch in Trongsa. Afternoon. Drive to Bumthang Valley across the Yutola Pass. The journey takes about 3 hrs and is one of the most scenically beautiful journeys to Bhutan, Enjoy the hospitality of Bhutanese family in farm house or guest house in Bumthang.
Over night: Guest house in Bumthang

DAY 07 BUMTHANG - SIGHT SEEING

Visit the village and explore the beautiful valley of Bumthang. Drive through the picturesque valley of Bumthang and visit Jambay Lhakhang Kurje Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang, and Kuenshusum Lhakhang. Lunch in Guest house. Afternoon, Visit Jakar Dzong, built by Minjur Tempa, the 3rd Desi in 1646 AD (Desi means temporary ruler appointed by the Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal) and drive to Member (Tsho) the burning

Over night: Hotel in Bumthang

Day 08 BUMTHANG – MONGAR

After breakfast, drive to Mongar. Packed Lunch will be served on the way. You can pass through the Bumthang and enroute explore Ura valley, one of the most beautiful valley of Bhutan. There you can see the typical Bhutanese farm houses.
Over night: Hotel in Mongar.

DAY 09 MONGAR – TRASHIGANG

After breakfast, visit Mongar Dzong. This Dzong was rebuilt in 1953 and is quite small. There are around 50 to 60 monks in the Dzong, many of them young boys eight to ten years old. The image of in the Dzong are Buddha of long live as well as Guru Rimpoche ( One who brought Buddhism in Bhutan) and drive further to Trashigang. On the way to Trashigang, we have to cross over Korila Pass. Visit Trashigang Dzong which is on the high promontory that over looks the confluence of the Drangme Chu (River) and Gamri Chu. It was built in 1667 by Mingyur Tenpa, Bhutan’s third Desi(Govener). Here you can see many Nomadic herdsmen (Brokpas) of Higher Himalayas. This day is perfect for Photography with these Nomadic Herdsmen. In the evening, visit to a near by village.
Over night: Camp or farm houses.

DAY 10 TRASHIGANG – A DAY EXCURSION TO KHALING

Drive early morning to Khaling, visit Khaling women weaving centre.
Over night: Camp or farm houses or hotel.

DAY 11 TRASHIGANG – MONGAR

Early morning drive to Gom Kora. It is the small temple in the east and its correct name is Gomphu Kora. Gomphu means the sacred meditation site of Guru Padmasamva and Kora means circumambulation. The Guru meditated here and left a body impression on the rock, similar to that in Kurjey Lhakhang in Bumthang. Visit the Chorten and drive to Mongar.
Over night: Hotel in Mongar.

DAY 12 MONGAR – BUMTHANG:

After breakfast, drive to Bumthang. Packed lunch will be served on the way. If you have time in the evening visit the Wangdicholing Palace (the old ruins Palace), where the residence for the 1st and 2nd Kings. In the evening, stroll in the town. Dinner and over night in a Bhutanese Farm House to see the Bhutanese way of Life.
Over night: Guest house in Bumthang.

DAY 13 BUMTHANG – GANGTEY VALLEY - THIMPHU:

Drive to Gangtey valley which takes about 5 hours journey and it is a beautiful valley situated at an altitude of 3000m, this valley was open its route very recently. During winter one can see the endangered species of bird (Black Naked Crane). Lunch in Phubjikha.
Over night: Hotel in Thimphu

DAY 14 PARO – AIRPOT for departure:

Early morning drive to Paro International Airport and your Bhutanese friends from Bhutan Bigfoot Trekkers (Tours) will accompany you to bid farewell as you embark on your onward journey to back home.

THE ABOVE COST INCLUDES:
1. Accommodations in twin sharing basis.
2. All three Meals and mineral water (Complimentary)
3. Best Transportation (Four wheel drive). It is very important to have a good transportation in a mountainous country like Bhutan.
4. Museums & Monuments fees
5. Photography School Graduates to assist you (Guide).
6. Visa Fee
7. Tourism Development Fee
8. Govt. Royalty


THE ABOVE COST EXCLUDES:
1. All International and local Air Fares (It depends from which destinations you want to entry Bhutan. Kolkata, Delhi (India), and Kathmandu (Nepal).
2. Tips to Bhutanese guides and drivers and religious site offerings.
3. Excess baggage
4. Travel Insurance (Bhutan Bigfoot Trekkers advices to get the short term insurance for your baggage & life. Such policies are not available in Bhutan.
5. All bills of any personal nature (Laundry, bar etc).


CHECK LIST:
Travel documents: Passport, Visa, Travel insurance, Air tickets and voucher Health requirements arranged
Money: travelers’ cheques / cash / credit card
Money pouch
First aid kit
Day pack to carry your personal needs during the day
larm clock and torch / flashlight
Mosquito repellent
Warm clothes for the cooler nights
Raincoat / umbrella for summer
Ear plugs can be useful if you are a light sleeper
Tampons can be difficult to buy in Bhutan
Lock for your bag


DRESS CODE:
When packing be aware that dress standards are conventional throughout Asia. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and practical. Singlet, tank tops and shorts are not suitable for Bhutan.


Trip Notes
Bring along two passport photos. Sometimes video or still cameras may not be appropriate in Bhutan. Local people can find these intruding in their privacy. Accommodation in Bhutan will be simple but we try our best to provide the best accommodations. Electricity and water can often be irregular. Most of the Bhutanese traditional food is delicious but they can be very hot because of chili is the most important ingredient. You can find dogs barking all night and might be at times, a little disturbing.