Day 01: 12 Sep’24 (Thursday): Arrive Delhi
Arrive in Delhi. On arrival, you will be met and greeted by our representative and will be transferred to the hotel for check-in.
Overnight at the Hotel
Day 02: 13 Sep’24 (Friday): Delhi-Paro (By flight)-Thimphu (By surface approx. 55 Kms/02 Hrs)
After breakfast, transfer to the Delhi International airport to board the flight to Paro.
On arrival, we will be met at Paro airport and drive to Thimphu, The capital of Bhutan Kingdom. On the way, visit Tachog Lhakhang by crossing a traditional suspension bridge. Drive further, taking a photo stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Paro & Thimphu rivers.
On arrival, check-in to the hotel.
Evening exploratory walk around Thimphu center. Later take a driving tour of Thimphu, capturing major monuments illuminated with attractive lighting. We will have the chance of capturing candid portraits of locals in their traditional attire as they go about their daily activities in Thimphu center.
Overnight at the Hotel
Day 03: 14 Sep’24 (Saturday): Thimphu
After breakfast, the full day is at the Tsechu at the Thimphu Dzong.
We will capture the vibrant and colorful performances of ethnic folk dance at the famous Tashichho Dzong during the Thimphu Tsechu. Photograph the mesmerizing traditional masks and costumes.
We will also take time out to visit the other sites of Thimphu. Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang), located at a short drive from Thimphu city center, offers a good overview of the Thimphu valley.
Photograph the giant Buddha statue and capture the panoramic views of Thimphu valley and ater, we will explore vibrant Thimphu’s weekend market , with the bustling scenes of locals buying and selling fresh produce and handicrafts at the lively market.
Evening visit Memorial Chorten, providing a spectacular opportunity to photograph devotees spinning the prayer wheels and performing the kora around the memorial stupa. Capture candid portraits of locals engaging in spiritual activities at the Memorial Chorten.
Finally we will have a special traditional Bhutanese dinner at Heritage Home, Babesa, in traditional Bhutanese dress.
Overnight at the Hotel
Day 04: 15 Sep’24 (Sunday): Thimphu-Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley) (By surface approx. 150 Kms/05 Hrs)
After breakfast, witness again the Thimphu Tshechu (festival) for a couple of hours.
Then drive to Gangtey en-route cross Dochu La (3,088m/10,130 ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chortens, mani walls, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road.
Then we will have a Prayer flag hoisting at Dochula pass, enjoying the magnificent mountain views.
If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Kangphugang (7,170m), Zongphugang (7,060m), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.
Continue the drive to Gangtey en-route lunch at Punakha/Wangdue.
On arrival, check-in at the hotel.
In the mountains east of Wangduephodrang lies the beautiful Phobjikha valley, on the slopes of which is situated the great monastery of Gangtey, established in the 17th century. The village of Phobjikha lies a few km down from the monastery, on the valley floor. This quiet, remote valley is the winter home of black-necked cranes, which migrate from the arid plains of Tibet in the north, to pass the winter months in a milder climate. The birds start arriving here from Nov onwards and usually stay till early March.
The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. The surprise of finding such a wide, flat valley without any trees after the hard climb through dense forests is augmented by an impression of vast space, an extremely rare experience in Bhutan where most of the valleys are tightly enclosed.
Evening take a stroll in a beautiful Phobjikha valley and candid shots of locals and their traditional homes against the backdrop of the picturesque Phobjikha valley.
Overnight at the Hotel
Day 05: 16 Sep’24 (Monday): Punakha – Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley)
Before breakfast, we will witness a prayer ceremony at the monastery. Most of the time, photography is not allowed inside while praying.
Post breakfast, witness the Gangtey Tsechu (festival), an enchanting Bhutanese festival celebrated annually in the stunning Gangtey Monastery in the Phobjikha Valley. Capture the lively masked dances and prayer rituals performed by the locals during the Gangtey Tsechu.
Late afternoon, we will explore a beautiful Gangtey village in the Phobjikha valley.Engage in portrait photography and capture the daily life and culture of the villagers in this remote valley.
Visit a local carpet making unit and local houses during this tour.Document the traditional carpet making process and interact with the locals to capture their stories.
Overnight at the Hotel at Gantey
Day 06: 17 Sep’24 (Tuesday): Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley) – Punakha (By surface approx. 85 Kms/03 Hrs)
After breakfast, witness once again the Gangtey Tshechu (festival) for a couple of hours.
Thereafter, we will have a private photo session at Gangtey with locals dressed in traditional attire with the typical Buddhist masks used at the festivals.Conduct a portrait photography session with locals wearing traditional dresses and masks, capturing their cultural essence.
Post lunch, drive to Punakha. Before entering Punakha town, on the way visit the newly restored Wangduephodrang Dzong. Photograph the architectural beauty and cultural significance of Wangduephodrang Dzong.
Continue to Punakha and check-in to the hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel at Punakha
Day 07: 18 Sep’24 (Wednesday): Punakha
Morning drive to Chorten Ningpo Monastery for breakfast with monks.
Capture the spiritual ambiance and daily activities of the monks during breakfast at Chorten Ningpo Monastery.Post breakfast, photograph the Punakha Dzong, an architectural marvel located at the confluence of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers.Capture the grandeur and stunning riverside location of Punakha Dzong.
Short Hihke to Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of Fertility.Photograph the temple and the scenic landscapes on the hike to Chimi Lhakhang.
Later, we will have a walking excursion to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten (approx. 02 Hrs round trip walk).Capture the intricate details and architectural beauty of Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten during the hike.
Overnight at the Hotel at Punakha
Day 08: 19 Sep’24 (Thursday): Punakha-Paro (By surface approx. 125 Kms/04 Hrs)
After breakfast, drive to Paro. On arrival, check-in to the hotel.
Lunch at a typical village farmhouse, followed by a game of Archery.Photograph the local villagers participating in the traditional archery game, showcasing their traditional attire and skills.
Thereafter, we will visit Ta Dzong, originally built as a watchtower, which now houses the National Museum.Document the artifacts, ancient thangkha paintings, and historical objects in the National Museum.
Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (or Paro Dzong), meaning “fortress of the heap of jewels,” with its fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore.
Capture the intricate wall paintings and the majestic architecture of Rinpung Dzong.
Explore Paro town and the city center in the evening.Capture candid shots of locals going about their daily life in Paro town.
Overnight at the Hotel at Paro
Day 09: 20 Sep’24 (Friday): Paro
After breakfast, hike to Taktsang Monastery, the most famous of Bhutanese monasteries. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery hence it is called “Tiger’s Nest”.
Afternoon visit newly restored Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, "mountain of goddess'' can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong.
Visit Kyichu Lakhang, one of the oldest and holiest shrines of Bhutan. It was built to pin the demoness by Guru Rimpoche when Buddism was facing difficulty in spreading into Bhutan.
Return to the hotel and enjoy evening cultural program at the hotel amidst bon-fire.
Overnight at the Hotel
Day 10: 21 Sep’23 (Saturday): Paro-Delhi (By flight) and Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the Paro airport to board the flight to Delhi:
