Day 1: Paro
Arrive Paro, transfer to hotel for overnight halt. Evening, take a leisurely walk through Paro town.
Day 2: Paro
After breakfast, hike to Taktsang Monastery. Literally meaning ‘Tiger’s Nest’ because Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown to the site of the monastery on the back of a tigress and then meditated in a cave for three months in eight century. It is precariously perched on the right side of a cliff, at 2950 metres above sea level and is considered one of the holiest places of pilgrimage for the Buddhist world today. It is about 4-5hrs walk up and down. Overnight halt in the hotel.
After breakfast, visit Kyichu Lhakhang (Monastery) and then to Drugyel Dzong, about 14 km away from Paro town, which was built in 1649 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel to commemorate the victory of Bhutan over Tibetan invaders, led by Mongolian warlord, Gushri Khan in 1644. Drukgyel Dzong captured the eyes of western visitors when it was featured on the cover of the National Geographic magazine in 1914. Above the ruined fortress, appears the towering peak of Mount Jomolhari, “mountain of goddess” which is about 7,315m high.
Day 4: Thimphu
Morning, visit many strategic points to take photographs of Tashichhoedzong, Thimphu town, valleys, fluttering prayer flags, stupa, monasteries and many other scenic spots.
Day 5: Thimphu
After breakfast, drive to Punakha and Wangdue (about 2 hrs drive). Enroute, halt at Dochula pass (10500 feet) to photograph the spectacular view of snow capped eastern Himalayan Mountains, if the weather is clear.
After breakfast, visit Chimi Lhakhang, a revered temple popularly recognized as a pilgrimage site for childless couples to receive blessings. Situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, it is about 20 minutes pleasant walk across the rice fields from the road to the temple and then visit Wangdue Dzong. After lunch, drive to Trongsa (about 4 hrs drive) and upon arrival transfer to hotel for overnight halt.
Day 7: Punakha
Morning , visit to a strategic location to take the photographs of Trongsa Dzong Ta Dzong, mountains, valleys, people and towns. After lunch drive to Bumthang (about 2 hrs drive) and on arrival transfer to hotel for overnight halt.
Visit to Jakar Dzong, Jampel Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamzhing monastery, villages and towns will provide immense opportunities of taking photographs. Overnight halt in the hotel.
Day 9: Trongsa
Morning, drive to Ura village for a day long photo excursion. It is about 1.30 hours drive from Bumthang towards the east of Bhutan. Situated at an elevation of 10,170 feet, Ura is quite a large village with closely packed houses along the cobblestone paths that reveal the village in a medieval atmosphere. A visit to this village will bring you a closer contact with people and their village life. Overnight halt in the hotel.
After breakfast drive to Punakha,(about 6 hrs drive), enroute visit Gangtey Gompa at Phobjikha , founded by Pema Thinley, the grandson of Terton Pema Lingpa, the popular Nyingmapa saint of Bhutan. The pristine green valley is also the winter residence of rare and endangered black-necked cranes that migrate from Tibet to Bhutan in late autumn in a group of 200 to 300. Overnight halt in the hotel.
Day 11: Bumthang
Morning, drive to Paro (about 3hrs 20 m drive) with impromptu stops enroute to take the photographs of beautiful landscapes, lush green valleys, terraced rice fields, typical Bhutanese houses, people and many unexpected scenic sopts. Upon arrival, check into hotel for overnight. Evening, take a leisurely walk through Paro town.
Day 12: Bumthang
Transfer to airport for your next destination.