Detailed Day Wise Itinerary (11D 10N)

Day 01: Arrive Paro by Druk Air & transfer to Thimphu (55km, approx. 1.1/2 hour drive)

Arrive Paro International airport and drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan. On arriving to Thimphu check into the hotel and later in the day visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). The largest seated Buddha statue(169ft) in the country Located at a short drive from Thimphu city. Then, visit King’s Memorial Chorten spending the afternoon photographing scenes of contemporary Bhutanese life in the capital and towards evening go for a walk in Coronation Park.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m)

Day 02: Local sightseeing in Thimphu

After breakfast, grape your camera and drive to visit National Library and Institute for Zorig Chusum (Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School) then drive to Takin Preserve.Later in the afternoon visit Trashichhoedzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion. The Folk Heritage Museum (Phelchey Toenkhyim), simply Bhutan museums and to National Textile Museum..  Evening time can be spent strolling through the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts bazaar…

Recommended: Sangaygang view point and Buddha point both are one of the most favorite spots for photographer. Early morning before sunrise and evening time before sunset would be a best to time to be in the those spots.

Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320)

Day 03: Thimphu to Punakha (75km, approx 2 ½ hrs drive)

Today be ready to enjoy a  day to photograph the  golden Punakha Valley.  After an early morning breakfast,  drive to Punakha across Dochu La. Located at a height of 3,088m/ 10,130 ft, and train your lens  on the 200-mile panorama of Himalayan peaks (weather permitting).

Later in the afternoon, visit Punakha Dzong or (Palace of Great bliss), built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers. Later in the day go for excursion to Chimi Lhakhang (the temple of fertility).

Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m)

Day 04: Punakha to Trongsa (140km, approx 6hrs drive)

After breakfast, drive to Trongsa, along the way, stop to photograph the changing landscape as it transits  from semi tropical to pine forest, and then to an alpine environment where rhododendron, dwarf bamboo, and gray langur monkeys can be found. It will take you through dense forests of oak trees and rhododendrons and Pele la pass (11,000ft). On your way, En route to visit Chendebji Chorten (Stupa) and drive for another 2 hours to Trongsa. On arrival at Trongsa, visit the National Museum and Trongsa Dzong – the most impressive Dzong in Bhutan to capture in your lens.

In the evening stroll around the Trongsa mini town.

Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Trongsa (Altitude 2200m)

Day 05: Trongsa to Bumthang (79km, approx 3hrs drive)

After an early breakfast drive to Bumthang  ‘Heaven for photographers” and through your lens visit Jakar Dzong (Castle of White Bird). Then visit Lamey Goemba, Jambay Lhakhang and Chakhar Lhakhang (Iron Castle). After lunch, visit Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamshing  Lhakhang (Temple of the good message) and to the Membarstho (“The burning Lake”)..

While in Chumey valley in Bumthang, visit the Yathra Weaving Factory. In the evening visit a

local handloom weaving house and Interact with the weavers.

Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Bumthang (Altitude 2,800m)

Day 06: Day Excursion to Ura Village (Altitude 2850, 85km round trip approx 3 hrs)

After breakfast, start for excursion to Ura village from where you can see Bhutan’s highest peak, Gangkhar Puensum (7,500 m) and train your lens  on the 200-mile panorama of Himalayan peaks if weather permits.

Also visit the new Ura monastery. On the way visit the Membarstho (The burning lake). Stroll around the village and return to hotel. In the Evening, walk to the Swiss farm where apple juice, cider, cheese etc are made.

Overnight stay will be at the Hotel in Bumthang (Altitude 2,800m)

Day 07: Bumthang to Gangtey (188km, approx 6 hrs drive)

After an early breakfast drive to west, Gangtey, alpine valley  of  Phobjikha (10,000 feet), considered one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan. On arrival check into your hotel. Later in the day proceed to visit Gangtey Monastery. Then walk to explore the Phobjikha valley– the winter home of Black-necked cranes capturing the beautiful landscape. Also visit the Black-necked crane information centre.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Gangtey. (Altitude 3000m)

Day 08: Gangtey- Paro (195km, approx 5 hrs drive)

After an early breakfast, drive back to Paro across Dochu la Pass via Thimphu. On your way visit Tachog lhakang & Suspension Bridge which was built around 1420 by Thangtong Gyalpo who was great architect and saint of Bhutan. Then drive further to paro and after checking into hotel, proceed to visit Ta Dzong, then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (“fortress of the heap of jewels”). After a late-afternoon photo shoot with the monks in the courtyard of the Dzong.

Overnight stay will be at hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)..

Day 09: Day Excrusion to Chelela Pass (75km round trip, approx 4 hrs)

After breakfast, driving excursion to Chelela pass provides a incredible scopes for the photographers. Chele la (pass), at an elevation 3,988 meters is considered to be one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan. About 2 hrs of drive along the  dense -forested road takes you to a  botanical paradise.

On your way, stop to view the Dzongdrakha Goempa. Often called as mini Takstang, Dzongdrakha is a cliff-side temple complex on the western side of the Paro Valley.

On arrival back to Paro after excursion, visit Drukgyel Dzong along the way, and then visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. Take evening walk  at leisure to cherish your last night stay in Bhutan.

Overnight stay will be at hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)

Day 10: Hike to Tiger Nest (approx 6 hours hike).

After an early breakfast, your journey  in the kingdom culminates with an early-morning photo hike to the most famous pilgrimage site  in Bhutan: Taktsang Lhakhang, or the Tiger’s  Nest Temple (9,300 feet). Visible  from afar, this stunning monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 2,000 feet above the valley floor. The Hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s next) takes approx 6 hours round trip. After Hike drive back to the hotel to refresh and relax.

During evening, take  an exploratory walk around Main Street market area and hang out in some renowned coffee shops.

Overnight stay will be at hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)

Day 11: Departure

After an early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Our representative will help you with all the exit formalities and then bid you farewell. Have a safe Flight!!