Trip Itinerary and Details

Day 1 - 14 March - Bangkok-Paro

On clear days, Druk Air’s flight to Bhutan provides a wonderful view of Himalayan scenery. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Katmandu or over the foothills from Kolkata, it is a breathtaking journey above forested hills into the hidden Shangrila.

Upon arrival at the Paro airport, tour representatives will meet you, and transfer you to the hotel. After lunch, we will photograph the ruins of the Drugyal dzong (victory fortress) and witness an archery match on the way.

Day 2 - 15 March - Paro

After breakfast, we will photograph the festival at Paro dzong. Lunch will be served at the place close to the festival. We will spend the entire day in the dzong photographing various festival activities. Since it is the first day of festival, all activities are carried out inside the dzong.

Day 3 - 16 March - Paro to Gangtey

After breakfast, we will drive to gantey and take a 2 hour drive to reach the dochula pass. We will stop at the pass for tea. It will take another 2 hours to reach Wangdi Valley. The endless winding roads with gradual a descent allows us to experience vegetation change from conifer forests at Dochula to broadleaf subtropical forest in Wangdue. In spring, extra beauty is added to the vegetation by the blooming flowers of rhododendron, magnolia and several other plant species.

From Wangdue we take another 2 hour drive to Gangtey with the lunch stop at Nobding. During the uphill travel, we will have photographic stops to find wild monkeys and birds near the road. We drive through the mountains and over a high pass, and then enter Phobjikha Valley in Gangtey, popularly known to be the home of the black-necked cranes, which arrive in the valley in mid-October and stay through mid-March. We check in at Hotel Dewachen at Gangtey.

Day 4 - March 17 - Gangtey

Gangtey is a valley created by receding glaciers. The valley is at the elevation of 2900 meters and it is a popular roosting ground for the black necked cranes for 5 months in winter. Over 300 birds migrate from the Tibetan plateau in winter; they are an endangered species. In order to cause little harm and conserve these birds, the government has generates energy with solar energy. 

After breakfast, we will drive to Gangtey Goenpa (monastery). In route, we will visit the crane information centre and photograph the black neck cranes (endangered species) roosting in the fields and marshy areas. Gangtey Goenpa is the only Nyingmapa (oldest of the four major schools of Tibetan Bhuddhism) monastery in western Bhutan. We drive back to the hotel for lunch. After lunch, we will photograph the valley, people, and cranes.

Day 5 - 18 March  - Gangtey-Bumthang

After breakfast, we drive to Pelela pass where we may find red Panda and Himalayan yaks. From Pelela, we travel past Chendibji and to Trongsa. In Trongsa we will visit Trongsa Dzong, the biggest dzong in the country. Lunch will be served in at a hotel in Trongsa. After lunch, we will drive up to Yotongla pass and gradually descend to Chumey and to Jakar valley. Overnight at River Lodge in Bumthang.

Day 6 - 19 March - Bumthang

After breakfast, we will visit the old palace at Wangdichholing and drive to 7th century temple (Jampel lhakhang). We will also visit Kurjey lhakhang, the monastery where second Buddha meditated in the 8th century. It was from here that Buddhism was spread all over Bhutan. Drive back to the hotel for lunch. After lunch, we will visit Jakar dzong and photograph in Chamkhar town. We will visit Kharchu monastery to capture the evening prayers performed by monks in the candle light. Drive back to hotel.

Day 7 – 20 March - Bumthang/Punakha

Drive to Punakha with lunch stop at Chendibji. After lunch, we will photograph the unique stupa of Chendibji that is surrounded by fluttering prayer flags. We also will photograph various types of Rhododendrons and other wild flowers. After lunch, we resume the travel to Punakha. Overnight in Punakha.

Day 8 – 21 March - Punakha-Punakha

In the morning, we will photograph a weekly farmer’s market where people from different corners of Punakha gather to buy and sell agricultural produce. From the market we will drive to Punakha dzong. Punakha dzong is situated at the confluence of two rivers. Punakha dzong is considered historically important and is the winter residence of the chief abbot of the monk body. The recent renovation has added traditional and artistic beauty to the dzong. It offers multiple photographic opportunities. Lunch in Punakha. After lunch, we will hike about 45 minutes (each way) to Chhimi Lhakhang, the famous temple popularly known as the temple of fertility. During the hike, we will pass through rice fields and farm houses with prominent phallus paintings. It is traditionally believed that the phallus paintings can ward off evil spirits, evil eyes and ill luck and eventually bring good luck to the occupants and families. We will view cactus plants as we approach the temple. Drive back to hotel in Punakha.

Day 9 – 22 March - Punakha-Paro

We will start our travel early in order to capture the momentary panoramic scenic beauty created by the snow capped peaks at Dochula. We will photograph 108 miniature stupas with numerous multi-colored prayer flags. Dochula pass offers good opportunities to photograph the clear and gradual unfurling of breathtaking snow capped mountains in the north. Tea will be served at the Dochula tea house. We continue to Thimphu and visit the textile shops and later in the afternoon will continue to Paro. Overnight in Paro.
 

Day 10 - 23 March - Paro-Paro

We will hike up to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest), a steep climb with switch backs, which takes almost one day. We will start from the elevation 2600 meters to 3100 meters at Taktsang with the total gain in elevation of 500 meters. Taktsang, being a very sacred place built of sheer rocky cliff is a must visit pilgrimage site for Buddhists and is considered one of the wonders of Asia. We will enjoy several exciting photographic opportunities throughout the day. Overnight in Paro.

Day 11 – 24 March - Paro-Bangkok

After breakfast, we will drive to the Paro International Airport for departure.

Price: US $ 6,120 per person

Single room option: Additional US $ 400 per person

Price includes:

Roundtrip flight from Bangkok, Thailand to Paro, Bhutan

Hotels

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, evening tea

Ground transportation

Guide and driver and baggage handler

Permits and museum fees

36% Royalty to the government from the daily land cost of $250

Guide and porter tip

Assistant fee

Mineral water on drives

Price does not include:

Visa fees

International airfare

Laundry charges

Internet, international calls

Other beverages

Donation when photographing

Travel insurance

Photo Tour and Workshop
Participant Testimonials

"This trip exceeded my expectations in every way. The Bhutanese are warm, generous people and we felt welcome everywhere we went.

Our two local guides were clearly amongst the best available and executed the trip flawlessly.

Compared to a guided trips I've taken in the past, this one was absolutely top quality.

Art and Gavriel know how to "teach on the go," with information and suggestions flowing all day, whether we were stopped for a specific shoot, driving, or eating lunch.

The trip was continuous learning, with plenty of one-on-one guidance in the field, and critiques of our images at several points during the trip. This is a full photography workshop, on location, with two first class teachers!"

- Anthony, 2010 Participant

"Traveling to the Kingdom of Bhutan was a lifelong dream come true. We spent 14 days living and breathing photography.

Gavriel Jecan’s professionalism, approachability, and experiences with Southeast Asia cultures inspired me to take my photography to the next level, both creatively and professionally.

Traveling with Gavriel is comfortable and fun. The conversations with him, along with our highly qualified local guides, gave me an understanding of this distinctive culture, which I hope translate into my images.

The accommodations were pleasant, the company of fellow photographers enjoyable, and the photo opportunities in this beautiful country are endless. I am looking forward to the next time I can travel with Gavriel Jecan."

- Vicki, 2010 Participant

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