Mystical Himalayas Photography Tour | 12 Nights / 13 Days

Mystical Himalayas Photography Tour Itinerary

Day 1: 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 Makalu Adventure. Lunch at the Hotel. Discuss the Tour Programme with the Tour Guide. Afternoon sight seeing and photography session.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Day 2: PARO SIGHT SEEING 

Morning visit 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.
After Lunch 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 3: PARO - A DAY EXCURSION TO TAKTSHANG MONASTERY Photography 

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 4: PARO - A DAY EXCURSION TO HAA VALLEY AND DRIVE BACK VIA CHELLELA PASS

Drive to Haa valley, Visit the small town in Haa which was recently open for tourism. It is located to the extreme western part of the kingdom and drive back from Chellela Pass where you can see beautiful snow capped mountains ranges and rhododendron flowers in bloom.
A picnic lunch at Chellela passes. On the way back walk to Chellela Nunnery. 
Overnight: Hotel in Paro.

Day 5: PARO - THIMPU

Visit Simtokha Dzong on the way. 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 in Hotel in Thimphu

Day 6: THIMPU -GANGTEY VALLEY

Drive to Gangtey valley which takes about 6 hours journey and it is a beautiful valley situated at an altitude of 3000m, this valley was open its route very recently. 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. During winter one can see the endangered species of bird (Black Naked Crane). Lunch in Punakha or in Wangdue Phodrang.
Over night: Hotel in Gangtey valley

Day 7: GANGTEY VALLEY - BUMTHANG

Drive to Bumthang (Jakar, the castle of white bird) (200km) 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. Lunch in Chendebji.

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 8: 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 9: 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 10: MONGAR – TRASHIYANGTSE

Day 11: TRASHIGANG - SAMDRUP JONGHAR

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 12: TRASHIGANG - SAMDRUP JONGKHAR

Drive early morning to Samdrupjongkhar, on the way visit the only Bhutanese Unversity in the far eastern part of the country, and after few hours’ drive you can visit Khaling women weaving centre, where the Bhutanese garments are produced by the Bhutanese women in the country and on the way you come across with lot of birds of Bhutan.
Over night: Hotel in Samdrupjongkhar.

Day 13: SAMDRUP JONGKHAR - INDIAN ESTATE OF ASSAM (GUAHATI) for departure

Early morning drive to Bhutanese gate (Bhutan Border) and your Bhutanese friends from Makalu Adventure will accompany you to bid farewell as you embark on your onward journey to back home.

Cost Included:

• Accommodations in twin sharing basis.
• Meals and mineral water
• Transportation (Four wheel drive)
• Museums & Monuments fees
• Photography School Graduates to assist you (Guide).
• Airport taxes
• Visa fee of $20

Cost Excluded:

• All airfares (It depends from which destinations you want to entry Bhutan.
• Tips to Bhutanese guides and drivers and religious site offerings.
• Excess baggage
• Travel Insurance (Makalu Adventure advices to get the short term insurance for your baggage & life.
• All bills of personal nature (Laundry, bar etc).