Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrive in Paro

   • The excitement begins today as you arrive in the small Bhutanese town of Paro. When nearing Paro valley, one can enjoy the lush and scenic valley of Paro with views of Paro Dzong and the National Museum. 

   • On arrival, check into the hotel. Later visit the archery ground where you can take a photograph of archers.

   • Do an evening stroll around Paro town. 

2. Day 2: Paro Photography and sightseeing

   • Following breakfast, visit and photograph one of the iconic sights of Bhutan – Tiger's Nest Monastery, sticking out from a steep vertical slope. As we begin early, we will have plenty of time to see and shoot at the monastery before we head back for a slow drive back to Paro.

   • If we have time, stop at Drukgyel Village and Dzong on the way. The Dzong is now ruined by fire, has a creepy atmosphere, and was built as a strategic point for the route to Tibet. 

   Return to our hotel for an overnight stay. 

3. Day 3: Paro - Thimphu

   • Following early breakfast, head out towards Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. It is a picturesque drive along Paro Chu River, which joins at Wang Chu River at Chuzom. Drive past terraced rice fields and old houses along the way before reaching Thimphu.

   • Check in to the hotel. Later in the afternoon, visit the National Institute of Zorig Chusum (13 traditional arts & crafts) to see artists making religious Thangka paintings.

   • Further, go to Trashichoe Dzong, a large complex that houses the central monastic body of Bhutan.

   • If we have the time this evening,  wander the town with our cameras for interesting sights in the city.

4. Day 4: Thimphu – Punakha

   • Following breakfast, visit the National Memorial Chorten at Thimphu for interesting insights into Bhutan's culture and plenty of food for the camera. 

   • Later in the afternoon, start the drive to Punakha valley, where we pass through some of the most scenic landscapes that Bhutan can offer. An hour drive up winding hilly roads will bring us to Dochu-La pass at an elevation of 3150 m, where we can see the snow-capped mountains at a distance on a clear day.

   • After a leisurely lunch on the way, drive downhill and come across the terraced fields and homesteads of the Punakha valley, a beautiful drive through pleasant rural landscapes.

   • Stop after descending to the banks of the small river that waters the valley and walk across the fields to a small temple on a hillock dedicated to Drukpa Kunley, a much-revered monk dear to the people of Bhutan.

   • Towards evening, stop at a viewpoint from where you can take perfect photographs of Punakha dzong with the mountains looming behind it and two rivers meeting in front.

5. Day 5: Punakha Valley

   • Following breakfast, we will visit Punakha Dzong this morning, crossing a lovely wooden bridge lined with prayer flags. We will spend some time exploring and photographing the dzong for most of the morning hours.

   • In the latter half of the day, we will drive up the Punakha valley, up to the west side of the Mo Chu River, passing through villages and farms.

   • Cross the suspension bridge and take a short hike to Kham Sum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten through rice terraces and agricultural fields. From the temple, you can take as many good photos as you can of the valley of Punakha below with the Mochu river.

   • Later in the afternoon, drive to Wangdue valley and take beautiful pictures of the valley and the Dzong.

6. Day 6: Punakha - Paro

   • Following breakfast, drive back to Paro via the same road crossing the Dochula pass. You have the second opportunity to take photographs of the eastern Himalayan ranges only if you are lucky with the weather.

7. Day 7: Day Excursion to Ha Valley

   • Take a winding drive up the hills through alpine vegetation and carpeted flower-decked fields will lead to the Chele-la pass, a good viewpoint for the lush Paro valley below. Chele la is a windy pass filled with white prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. En route, we may encounter yak-herder huts and grazing yaks.

   • Further, drive down to the picturesque Ha valley and make a short walk to the Chhundu Lhakhang - a temple dedicated to the local deity of Ha.

   • Return to Paro in the evening via the same route.

8. Day 8: Departure / Exit

   • Following an early breakfast, drive to Paro International Airport.