Arrival at Paro Airport - Journey to Thimphu (54 km/1.5-hour drive)

Paro District - The flight into Bhutan offers breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayas, showcasing some of the world’s tallest glacial peaks. Sitting on the left side of the plane, weather permitting, provides stunning views of the eastern Himalayas, including Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga—five of the highest peaks globally—as well as Bhutanese peaks like Jhomolhari, Jichu Drakye, and Tsering Kang. Capture photographs of these towering peaks.

As the plane descends into Paro Valley, passengers will see forested hills and the silver Pa Chhu (Paro River) winding through the valley. Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watchtower) perched on the hills above the town are a magnificent sight.

Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge - A must-visit is the Tachhog Lhakhang, a temple across the renowned iron chain bridge over the Pa Chhu (Paro River). Crossing the bridge is an enjoyable experience, with a refreshing breeze sweeping over the river. The vibrant prayer flags and the ancient temple on the hill create an invigorating atmosphere, perfect for rejuvenating after a long flight. The entire setting is a visual delight.

Discovering Thimphu Valley

Tango Buddhist Institute - On the return journey, a one-hour climb leads to Tango Monastery, dating back to the 12th century.

• Capture images of red-robed monks at the hilltop monastery.

Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu Dzong) - Photograph the exquisite Tashichoe Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. (If time allows)

Thimphu to Punakha (74 km/2-3 hour drive)

Buddha Dordenma - Capture the vibrant Buddha Dordenma statue at sunrise. Besides the serene atmosphere, the view of Thimphu city from here is stunning.

Continue to Punakha, the former capital city of Bhutan until the 1950s.

Dochula Pass - On the way to Punakha, stop at Dochula Pass (3,100 meters above sea level).

Enjoy a hot cup of coffee at the cafeteria while admiring the mesmerizing panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges visible on a clear day. Take amazing photos of the 108 stupas beautifully adorned on the pass with the snow-capped Himalayan ranges in the background.

Punakha Dzong - Punakha Dzong is as striking inside as it is outside and is arguably the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan. Situated magnificently between the Pho Chhu (Male River) and Mo Chhu (Female River) confluence, the intricate carvings and stunning architecture of the Dzong are a great source of inspiration for photographers.

This famous structure, built in 1637, has a rich historical background and tells of various Tibetan invasions won from this strategically located Dzong. It also houses the kingdom’s most sacred relic, the “Rangjung Karsa-pani.”

Punakha to Phobjikha Valley (78 km/3.5-hour drive)

Chimi Lhakhang Temple - Walk along the path through rice and mustard fields leading to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple on a hillock.

Along the way, witness unusual phallus paintings on the walls of traditional houses. These paintings are traditionally believed to ward off evil influences and gossip that bring bad luck.

Gangtey Monastery - Upon arriving in Phobjikha, visit Gangtey Gonpa or Gangtey Monastery, an important Nyingmapa school of Buddhism. It is the main seat of the Pema Lingpa tradition. Situated atop a hill at an altitude of 2,800 meters, the monastery offers a stunning view of Phobjikha Valley, the winter home to the rare Black-necked Cranes.

The temple structures and the monks in the monastery complex offer great photographic opportunities.

Phobjikha to Trongsa (120 km/4-5 hours)

Trongsa to Bumthang (68 km/2-3 hours)

Tamshing Lhakhang Temple - Tamshing Monastery, founded in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa, contains fascinating and ancient Buddhist wall paintings.

Jambay Lhakhang Temple - From Kurjey Lhakhang, a tarmac road heads south along the right bank of the river to Jambay Lhakhang. This ancient temple was built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century as part of his mission to build 108 temples across the Himalayan region to subdue a giant ogress. It is one of the two oldest temples in Bhutan (the other being Kichu Lhakhang in Paro).

Visitors may see elderly people circumambulating the temple or chanting sutras around it in deep faith and devotion.

Explore Ura Valley - Bumthang

Jakar Dzong - Jakar Dzong is a spectacular sight to capture at sunrise, especially if the valley below is shrouded in fog.

After capturing some stunning shots of the castle from afar, visit the administrative center of the region. There are numerous scenic frames to capture, especially with monks adding a colorful human element.

Explore Tang Valley - Bumthang

Fly from Bumthang to Paro on a Domestic Flight

Paro District - Take a domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro, which takes about 45 minutes.

Rinpung Dzong - “Paro Dzong,” also known as Paro Rinpung Dzong, meaning “the fortress of the heap of jewels.” This structure houses the district monastic body and government administrative office of Paro.

Photograph monks in the courtyard of Paro Dzong.

This is the fortress where the film “The Little Buddha” was filmed.

Namgay Artisanal Brewery - If time permits, visit Namgay Artisanal Brewery and indulge in a variety of locally brewed Bhutanese beers.

Hike to the Tiger’s Nest (4-6 hours)

Paro Taktsang - THE FAMOUS TIGER’S NEST HIKE:

Today, embark on a hike to the renowned Tiger’s Nest (Taktshang), perched 900 meters above Paro Valley.

It is a pilgrimage site that Bhutanese people strive to visit at least once in their lifetime. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to this site and meditated in a cave here for three months, hence the name ‘Tiger’s Nest.’

The site, long regarded as sacred, was visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in the 17th century, around 1646. The Lhakhang of the present monastic complex dates from 1692.

Departure

Paro District - The team will escort you to the airport and bid you farewell.

• Government SDF of USD 100 per person per night
• Accommodation at 3-star hotels (can be upgraded with additional premium)
• Bhutan Visa
• Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
• Transportation, Certified guide, all internal taxes and charges

• Travel Insurance
• Airfare (International & Domestic)

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Discover and take photos of the marvelous sights in the secluded Himalayas.

Capture breathtaking photos of the renowned Tiger’s Nest monastery located on a cliff at a height of 3,120 meters.

Encounter monks at mountaintop monasteries; take shots of monks in their red robes in a tranquil and extraordinarily quiet surroundings.

Take astounding photographs of the 108 stupas gracefully decorated on Dochu La- pass with the panoramic view of snow-covered Himalayan ranges behind.

Pay a visit to local inhabitants and capture moments of their daily life activities.

Photograph the stunning landscape of the Ura valley against the radiant blue sky and dramatic clouds.

• Single supplement of USD 500

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.