This tour is planned for tourists who are into photography and are fond of the splendid arts and architecture, besides the unique traditions and culture of a country still at the threshold of change. The photography opportunities on a trip are immense. Photography is permitted nearly everywhere in Bhutan and the local population has no aversion to being photographed. If you wish to record the local population, their houses, shops etc, always ask by gestures if it is okay to do so. Photography inside the Dzongs and Monasteries are not permitted. Please follow your guide's instruction carefully while visiting Dzongs, monasteries and religious institution. This was introduced to avoid any inconvenience to the monks in residence, who retreat into long periods of meditation where non-interference is strictly adhered. Our tour guide will inform you prior to your entrance. Of late, the Royal Government encourages the filming groups. Any commercial Filming must pay a royalty to obtain the permit from the Royal Government of Bhutan. We will assist you to get the permit. Filming royalty: All proposals for filming are subjected to payment of a royalty.

The Bhutan Photography Tour will be twice as exciting if you book through Tashi Gongphel Tours that specializes in photography tours. We will provide you with “photo guide” who have the knowledge of the locales and understand the special needs of photographers. Our guide will accompany you to ensure that you get want you want.

NAME OF TRIP: BHUTAN PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR.
BEST SEASONS: MARCH-MAY AND SEPTEMBER –NOVEMBER.

DAY 01: 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 Tashi Gongphel Tours. Discuss the Tour Programme with the Tour Guide. Afternoon sight seeing and photography session.

DAY 02: PARO - SIGHT SEEING.
After breakfast 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 places 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.

DAY 03: PARO –EXCURSION TO TAKTSHANG 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 four hours.

DAY 04: 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.

DAY 05: PRARO-THIMPHU.
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.

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.

DAY 06: THIMPHU – 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

DAY 07: 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 at Chendebji Restaurant.

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. After lunch drive to Bumthang Valley across the Yutongla Pass. The journey takes about 2 hours 30 minutes 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.

DAY 08: 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.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

Day 09: BUMTHANG – MONGAR.
After breakfast, drive to Mongar which is seven hours drive approximately. 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.

DAY 10: MONGAR – TRASHIYANGTSE.
Drive early morning drive from Mongar to Trashiyangtshe. 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 is Buddha of long live as well as Guru Rimpoche (One who brought Buddhism in Bhutan) and drive to Trashiyangste.

Day 11: TRASHI YANGTSE – TRASHIGANG.
Day excursion to Trashiyangtse and on the way visit famous Gomkora lhakhang.This Gomkora Lhakhang was visited by the great saint guru Rimpoche were he subdued evil spirits. You will find a small meditating cave of Guru Rimpoche.Drive further to Trashiyangtse and visit Chorten kora .This place host two religious festivals and people from Arunachal Pradesh in the north-east India also come for the festival. The Chorten is surrounded by many small prayer wheels.

DAY 12: TRASHIGANG – SAMDRUPJONGKHAR.
Early morning drive to Bhutan Samdrupjongkhar and enroute stop for some photographs.

DAY 13 DEPARTURE.
Early morning drive to Bhutan main Border gate and your Bhutanese friends from Tashi Gongphel Tours will accompany you to bid farewell.