Photography Tours in Bhutan

Photography Tours in Bhutan

Buddha Dordenma, Thimphu

Combine your twin passions of Travel and Photography on our carefully curated photography tours in Bhutan. Go for an extensive customized tour of 16 days in Bhutan to explore the best of it covering the cultural essence and rich natural heritage of Bhutan. The journey will take you from the urban centers of the West to the remote corners of the East where you will get a chance to photograph varied landscapes, rich biodiversity, iconic sites and different communities. Photography Tours in Bhutan will let you capture the unexplored place by normal tourist. To book this tour, get in touch with HBT and capture the amazing pictures of Bhutan. Photography Tours in Bhutan

Day 01: Arrival in Paro- Thimphu
Upon arrival into Paro Airport you will be transferred to Thimphu, the kingdom’s capital. En-route, we will stopover at Tachog Lhakhang iron chain bridge. Enjoy your first taste of Bhutanese cuisine before visiting National Memorial Chorten, a stupa built in memory of the Third King. Then, proceed to visit Tashichho Dzong, a fortress and Buddhist monastery with a distinctive Bhutanese architectural design, which also houses the throne of the king. Continue to the Centenary Farmers’ Market where locals come to sell their agriculture products during the weekends.

Day 02: Thimphu- Punakha
This morning we will take a scenic drive up to Buddha Point in the Kuenselphodrang Nature Park to see the 169-foot- tall bronze statue of the seated Buddha Dordenma andf also for sunrise photography. One of the largest sitting Buddha statues in the world, it sits atop a hill where you will see sweeping views of the valley and surrounding mountains. Thereafter, visit Changangkha Monastery. Built in 12th century, this is the oldest temple in Thimphu. It sits on a ridge overlooking scenic views of Thimphu, and houses the Chenrizig: an 11- headed, thousand-armed manifestation of Avolokitesawara as its central statue. After lunch, we will take a 3-hour drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan until 1955, and will stop off at Dochula Pass along the way. This popular tourist spot provides stunning 360-degree views of the Himalayas. It is also home to the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens that were built to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Indian militants and to liberate the souls of those who died in battle. Next, we will proceed to Chhimi Lhakhang. A 20 minutes walk across terraced fields through the village of Sopsokha from the roadside to the small temple located on a hillock in the centre of the valley below Metshina. Ngawang Chogyel built the temple in 15th century after the ’divine Madman’ Drukpa Kuenlay built a small chorten there. It is a pilgrim site for barren women.

Day 03: Punakha to Phobjikha
Punakha has the perfect place to awaken the nature lover, take in the splendid views of the Himalayas, listen to the sounds of the Mo Chhu and Po Chhu rivers that simply soak up the serene beauty of this gorgeous valley. Khamsum Yulay Namgyal Lhakhang- The temple stands majestically on a strategic ridge above the Punakha valley. It is a splendid example of Bhutan’s fine architectural and artistic talent. The hike to the temple is about 45 minutes one way uphill. It offers amazing views of Punakha valley and Mochu river. Punakha Dzong- Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo religious head of Bhutan. King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the first National Assembly here in 1952. This is one of the finest and must see Dzongs of Bhutan. The Dzong stands in between meeting point of two rivers, Phochu and Mochu making the most photogenic Dzongs of Bhutan. Punakha Suspension Bridge- Punakha suspension bridge is considered one of the longest of its kind in Bhutan. The bridge connects the dzong with the villages Shengana, Samdingkha and Wangkha on the other bank of the Po Chhu river.
Travel to the alpine valley of Phobjikha (10,000 feet), considered one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan. Along the way, stop to photograph the changing landscape as it transitions from semi tropical to pine forest, and then to an alpine environment where rhododendron, dwarf bamboo, and gray langur monkeys can be found.

Day 04: Phobjikha- Bumthang
Hike the Gangtey Nature Trail and photograph flora and fauna as well as surrounding landscapes. Visit Gangtey Goemba – the awesome monastery on a hill overlooking Gangtey. This is an important monastery of the Nyingmapa School of Buddhism. Outstanding photo opportunities with monks walking in foreground and impressive monastery in background, both high and low angles.
The glorious drive into Central Bhutan takes five short Himalayan hours with plenty of landscape and small village photo opportunities, as well as the massive Trongsa Fortress. Photograph the fortress as part of a landscape, and later, up close and personal with resident monks. Trongsa Dzong, built in 1648, is perhaps the most extraordinary in all of Bhutan. It was the seat of power for the first and second kings of Bhutan, and still holds great royal significance.

Day 05: Bumthang sightseeing
Bumthang is a very lush green valley and often described by Swiss visitors as reminding them of home, it also has the highest concentration of the most sacred temples in Bhutan. Morning: – visit Kurjey Lhakhang, Guru Rinpoche meditated here in 8th century; Jambey Lhakhang built in 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gempo. Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 15th century by Pema Lingpa, the treasure revealer. Kencho Sum Lhakhang. We will visit a combination of state and private temples (that allow photographs inside the temple) Later see the Jakar Dzong. Evening take a stroll through Bumthang market area. Overnight in hotel

Day 06: Bumthang halt
Extra day in Bumthang – photography time around town, or optional short hike.

Day 07: Bumthang to Mongar
Burning Lake: The most scared lake of the country and is believed to be a wish fulfilling lake, one must visit while in Bumthang. We will do photography on the way like Ura landscape photography, Thrumghinla photography, Sengor photoprapgy, Waterfall photography, Namning brak and frequest stops for photography. Ura Valley: Ura is one of oldest villages of Bhutan located at an elevation of 3100m. You can stroll around Ura village and hop into few friendly villager’s home for tea and chit-chat. The people here still practice semi-nomadic lifestyle herding yaks and sheep. Thrumshingla national park: Situated at the very heart of the country and covering 768 sq. km, Thrumshingla National was officially opened in July 1998. Lingmethang: Lingmethang is a small town in eastern Bhutan. It is located in Mongar District, to the west of Mongar and close to the town of Gyalpozhing. It is one of the hot places in Bhutan. Mongar Dzong: Although more recently built (1930), it was constructed the same way as all earlier dzongs, without plans or nails.

Day 08: Mongar to Lhuentse
Takila Guru Statue: The world’s largest statue Of Guru Padmasambhava, with the total height of 173 feet, stands imposingly on the Takila mountain slope, which is one of the most beautiful scenic spots in Lhuntse district, overlooking the entire valley of Tangmachu. Belonging to the Tangmuchu community, an old monastery (Lhakhang) exists at the site of Guru Statue. Lhuntse Dzong: This mighty fortress, popularly known as Lhundub Rinchentse sits upon a hill overlooking the Kurichu River. Khoma Village: This village is known throughout the country for its signature woven textile, the Kishuthara. The women sit in a row of makeshift textile cottage, weaving intricate designs and patterns. Picking up a Kishuthara here will be much cheaper than buying it from one of the handicraft shops in the capital.

Day 09: Lhuentse to Trashigang
Drametse Monastery: Drametse Lhakhang, a sixteenth-century monastery straddling a steep and narrow mountain ridge in the verdant slopes of the eastern Himalayas, today houses a community of 80 monks. This Nyingma Buddhist site predates the seventeenth-century consolidation of Bhutan into a single kingdom. Trashigang Dzong: It was built in 1659 to defend against Tibetan invasions. This imposing fortress is strategically situated high atop a spur overlooking the Dangmechu River. We will stop at Korila for a short break offering good wishes and hosting a prayer flag. Take beautiful photography of Trashigang Dzong

Day 10: Day Excursion to Trashi Yangtse
Visit the famous Gomphu Kora: Gomphu means “Meditation Cave” and Kora means “Circumambulation”. The name is derived from a cave formed out of a rock-face next to a temple that has been built as a tribute to this sacred site. The biggest attraction of Gomphu Kora is the circumambulation. “Go around Gomphu Kora today, for tomorrow may be too late”, advises a local song that entices devotees to visit Gomphu Kora. See iron chain bridge built by Dupthop Thongthong Gyelpo in 15th century. Explore the tiny town of Trashi Yangtse & Meeting with experts from eastern wooden products

Day 11: Trashigang sightseeing
Day excursion to Rangjung Monastery: Rangjung Woesel Choeling Monastery is located in Eastern Bhutan under Trashigang district at Rangjung. The monastery was founded by His Eminence Dungsey Garab Dorje Rinpoche in the year 1989 with few monks and nuns. It has a flourishing community with branches monasteries and retreat centers. Radhi Village: Radhi village is famous for two things, its rice fields and the skill of its weavers. It is often known as the ‘Rice Bowl of the East’ because of its verdant rice fields that supply most of the grain to eastern parts of the country. Lunch with locals at local farm house

Day 12: Trashigang to Paro (fly)
Visit 17th century Paro Dzong: ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’, is ranked one of the best Bhutanese architecture. The massive buttressed walls that tower over the town are visible throughout the valley, particularly when landing at Paro Airport. The Dzong also offers administrative seat of the district of Paro. The Dzong was built in 1644 under the order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Ta Dzong unique national museum: Perched above Paro Dzong it was watchtower built in 1649 to protect the undefended Paro Dzong located below, renovated in 1968 to house the National Museum. Today this museum houses the best collections of all time historical items making worth for a visit. Enjoy outdoor activities wearing Gho/Kira, play archery: Nicely made and well maintained activity place attached to whole sell Buddha statue store, offers wearing Bhutanese dress, playing archery and darts for guests visiting Bhutan. The center is maintained and operated by HBT herself and its free of cost for all HBT guests. Explore the tiny town: Tiny Paro town actually can offer lot more, there are many authentic handicraft shops, readily available Bhutan made products, grocery and imported garment shops beside having many small restaurants around.

Day 13: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Start early morning to get the best shot of the monastery. This picturesque region in the kingdom is covered in fertile rice fields and has a beautiful, crystalline river meandering down the valley. Paro has more of historical sites, high-end tourist resort and many souvenir shops for shopping including world famous Takstang. Taktsang Monastery (Tiger Nest Temple): is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious Buddhist site in the world. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. The temple is one of the holiest sites in Bhutan which clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley. Although good trekkers can make it to the top in two hours, most of the guests take whole day to complete the hike. Kyichu Lhakhang: Temple considered sacred Jewel of Bhutan was established by the Buddhist King Songstsen Gampo of Tibet to overcome the giant ogress that laid across Tibet and Himalayas preventing the spread of Buddhism. The king is believed to have built the temple at the left foot of the enormous ogress. Kichu Lhakhang was among 12 temples in Bhutan out of 108 temples said to have been constructed over single night. Kichu Lhakhang was initially small in size however later, the temple expanded both in grandeur and size to its form that we see today. Hot stone bath with dinner at the farmhouse: Hot stone bath is very unique to Bhutan and offers great medicinal values. In most cases, the bathtub is made of wood placed on a ground level in quite hut for the privacy. A couple can get into one bathtub to soak. Enjoy the great ancient techniques of curing body ache, joins pain and harness many other values.

Day 14: Paro Sightseeing
Home to Bhutan’s only international airport. Paro is also one of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom producing a bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields. Blessed with beautiful weathers throughout the year and world famous and most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage Taktsang is located in Paro. Visit the temples of Dzongdrakha on foot: Temple is situated on the western region of Paro Valley on the Cliffside and often referred as “Mini Taktsang” of Bhutan. Tucked in a cliff above Bondey village, visit to temple offers pictorial hikes and one of the must visit places in Paro for inquisitive guests while in Paro. Chelela Pass at 3988m: Highest motor-able road pass connecting two districts Paro and Haa, an elevation of 3988m above the sea level. On clear days, one can enjoy view of the most sacred Mt. Jomolhari (7314m). The pass is dotted with beautiful prayer flags and offers amazing walks around, worth a visit while in Bhutan. You can also plan to ride mountain biking from Pass to Paro valley with the stretch of 36-48km, mostly downhill and easy ride. En-route, hike to Kila Gompa nunnery: Kila Nunnery also called Chele La Gompa has around 100 nuns, seven little temples and several residential buildings that straddle on the cliff-side facing Paro. It has great views of Paro, and Jele Dzong across on the far ridge and also seen to the north are Mt Chomolhari and Jichu Drake on a clear day.This amazing nunnery is far away from the hustle and bustle of the towns people but their view probably never misses anything. From the roadside near Chele La, it takes about 40 mins to climb about 300m.

Day 15: End of the Tour
Departure from the Kingdom of Bhutan

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