Druk Photography Tour - 17 Days

Flight to Paro has spectacular views of the Everest, Kanchan Junga and other Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Chomolhari and Jichu Drakey in Bhutan, which is awesome. Evening strolls old Paro town and peeps into some local handicraft stores. One can also venture to try a local restaurant for dinner. Overnight in Paro, altitude 2200m.

Early morning drive for the isolated valley of Haa over one of the highest motorable roads of Bhutan. If the weather permits, one can view the highest peak of Bhutan, Mt. Jumolhari. Visit Haa valley. Picnic lunch and evening explore the little town of Haa and drive back to Paro. Overnight in Paro.

Visit Kichu Lhakhang, one from the 2 oldest temples in the country, historic Drukgyal Dzong (Fortress) and hike to Tiger’s Nest, the most revered temple in the country that literally hangs on a granite cliff overlooking the Paro Valley. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Paro

Visit the National Museum, the first of its kind which has a collection from natural history to religious paintings. Visit 17th century Paro Dzong (Fortress) on foot and continue walking through the oldest wooden bridge still in use. Continue driving to Thimphu. Overnight in Thimphu, altitude 2400m

Spend the morning in Thimphu. Afternoon drives through Dochula pass, the second-highest road pass on your trip at 3010m. When the weather permits one can enjoy a spectacular view of the highest mountains of Bhutan at a sight that stretches almost 180 degrees. After a short tea break continues to sub-tropical Punakha. Afternoon visit the Souvenir Making Center and the Punakha Dzong (fortress) which houses the most elaborated temple in the country. Overnight in Punakha, altitude 1350m.

Check out of the hotel and visit Chimi Lhakhang on foot, the temple of fertility associated with the religious art of phallus. En-route visit Wangdi town and continue to Phobjikha over the highest road pass on your trip at 3140m. Visit Gangtey Gompa, the largest and the only monastery of the Nyingmapa sect in western Bhutan. Evening relaxes in your hotel or takes a stroll. Overnight in Phobjikha, altitude 2900m.

Check out from the hotel, take a 2 hrs Phobjikha Natural Trail. The trail ends beside Gantey Monastery, further, drive to Trongsa over the Pelela pass at 3300m which forms the part of the Black Mountains that divides the country into east and west. In the afternoon visit the watchtower which houses a museum now. A quick stop for a photo opportunity at Chendipje and Kukhubji, evening relax in your hotel. Overnight in Trongsa, altitude 2200m.

After our leisurely breakfast, we will check out from the hotel and visit watch town recently converted into Trongsa Museum. En-route we will stop at the weaving center, which is famous in the region. Evening we will explore the tiny Jakar town. Overnight in Jakar, altitude 2650m.

Visit Jampay Lakhang, one of the first 2 Buddhist temples built in the country. This is the home of the naked dance that is still performed annually. Visit the Kurjey Temple, the site where Bhutan’s royals are cremated. One can either walk cross the suspension bridge and visit the village of Parar and Tamshing or drive there. End your day with a walk passing by the Swiss farm. Evening stroll in Jakar town and try some local pancakes and noodles. Overnight in Jakar.

After our leisurely breakfast, we will take a drive to Tang, the valley of paradise for photographers. The valley is very famous for Bhutanese saint Terton Pema Lingpa. En-route we will visit Mabertsho and the private museum at Tang. Overnight in Tang, altitude 2800m.

Today’s drive will take us through Thrumshingla, at 3900m making this the most spectacular drives in the country, descending 3200m just in a distance of 84 km. En-route visit Ura village, made of a cluster of large stone houses. Overnight in Mongar, altitude 1600m.

Make an excursion to the north and visit the province of Lhuntshe, the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family. Visit the picturesque Lhuntshe Dzong (Fortress). This region is famous for its bamboo basket and silk brocade dress. Overnight in Mongar

Drive pass by the famous Yadi loops and to the province of Trashi Yangtse famous for wooden containers made here using water-driven and treadle lathes. En route, visit Gom Kora temple before heading to Trasihgang. Overnight in Trashigang, altitude 1400m

We will checkout from the hotel and take a drive to Trashigang. En-route we will pay a visit to Trashigang Dzong, built on the hilltop overlooking Drangme Chhu to defend Tibetans invader in 17 century. Today it houses the office of the district administrative officer and the district monk body. Overnight in Trashigang, altitude 1500m.

Trashigang sightseeing includes visiting the Radi villages meeting locals and excursion to Khaling to see the textile weaving center which is very famous for silk weaving. En-route we will stop to visit Trashigang Dzong. The Dzong was built by 3rd Druk Desi, Chogyal Minjur Tempa in 1669 as per the wish made by Zhabdrung before he went into retreat in 1652. Chogyal Minjur Tempa ruled the country from 1667 to 1680 and died in 1691. The Dzong was built on commanding hilltop overlooking Drangme Chhu to defend Tibetans invader in 17 century. Today it houses the office of the district administrative officer and the district monk body. Overnight in Trashigang.

Drive pass by the first Bhutanese college. En route, stop to visit the government handloom factory. Evening- relax in your hotel. Overnight in Samdrup Jongkhar, altitude 280m.