Druk Asia
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Uniquely designed Photography Trip to Bhutan with Michael Lee
Michael Lee, a UKMPA(United Kingdom Master Photographer Associate)-certified MPA, specializes in travel photography, leading tours in Asia and Africa for over 20 years. He emphasizes cultural respect and engagement, capturing the essence of Asia and its people. With expertise in street candid, travel, and cultural photography, Michael is a respected guest lecturer at NAFA and a photography instructor with Leica Akademie Asia Pacific. His workshops aim to enhance photographic pleasure and knowledge, offering a holistic experience to aspiring photographers. Follow us to Bhutan with Michael leading his 11th photo trip to the Himalaya Kingdom.
Uniquely designed Photography Trip to Bhutan with Michael Lee Itinerary
1
Welcome to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Touching down at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide upon exiting the arrival hall. Today, we will take it easy to acclimatize to the altitude. Drive to Thimphu, check in to the hotel.
Places of Visit
- Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge - A historic suspension bridge in Bhutan that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can walk across the bridge and admire the view.
- National Memorial Chorten - This stupa is unlike others as it does not enshrine human remains. Only the Druk Gyalpo’s photo in a ceremonial dress adorns a hall in the ground floor
*Please note that all Dzongs/Monasteries/Museum are usually close at 5.00pm local time*
Overnight at Thimphu.
2
Breakfast in the hotel.
Places of Visit
- Buddha Point - Massive statue of Buddha Dordenma, symbolizing peace and happiness.
- Takin Enclosure - On the way to the viewpoint over Thimphu is the home of Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin, a strange looking beast some say looks like a bee-stung moose.
- Traditional Paper Making - The paper factory uses traditional methods to produce the authentic Bhutanese paper known as Deh-sho.
- Tashichhodzong (Thimphu Dzong) - The “fortress of the glorious religion” was first constructed in 1641 and restored by the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s.
- Simtokha Dzong - Enthrall yourself with the most noteworthy artistic feature in from of over 300 finely worked slate carvings behind the prayer wheels in the courtyard
- Visit Voluntary Artists Studio Thimphu in Bhutan (VAST) - Founded in 1988, VAST has taken on the mission to create a creative society through the arts and over the years has been fertile ground for the nurturing of youth in Bhutan
Overnight at Thimphu.
Meals: Breakfast
3
We will set off early from Thimphu after breakfast. Then proceed to Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan, about 2 1/2 hours drive (subject to traffic conditions) from Thimphu across Dochu-la pass.
Places of Visit
- Travel to Dochula Pass
- Lobesa Village - A quaint settlement in Bhutan known for its scenic beauty and traditional way of life
- Chimi Lhakhang Novice Monk hostel (will skip Chimi Lhakhang if possible) - A place where young monks receive education and training in Buddhist practices
- Punakha Drubchen - Punakha Drubchen takes place in the first month of the lunar year and ends with 'Serda', a magnificent procession that re-enacts an episode of the war against the Tibetan in the 17th century.
- Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery - A serene retreat for Buddhist nuns, providing a peaceful environment for spiritual practice and contemplation.
Overnight at Punakha
Meals: Breakfast
4
Today, we will have breakfast and proceed to drive to Trongsa. After visiting the Taa Dzong, we will drive to Gangtey.
Places of Visit
- Trongsa Museum (Taa Dzong) - Sits high above the valley at a strategic vantage point over Trongsa Dzong. The "Tower of Trongsa" tells the stories of the dzong and the valley that it has watched over for centuries.
- Gangtey Goempa - The largest Nyingma monastery in western Bhutan, it was founded in 1613 by Gyalse Pema Thinlay.
Overnight at Gangtey
Meals: Breakfast
5
Today, we will have breakfast at Hotel and check out and take a scenic drive to Paro.
Places of Visit
- Paro Dzong - Explore Rinpung Dzong, which the locals call the ‘fortress of a heap of jewels’. Built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the dzong stands on a hill above Paro Township.
- National Museum (Ta Dzong) - On a ridge immediately above Rinpung Dzong is Ta Dzong, originally built as a watchtower.
- Paro Town - A charming destination with traditional Bhutanese architecture, shops, and cafes.
- Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang - The temple is notable as it is in the form of a chorten, very rare in Bhutan. It is located on the edge of a hill between the Paro valley and the Dopchari valley, across the bridge from Paro
Overnight at Paro
Meals: Breakfast
6
Are you ready? We will be making the hike up to one of the key highlights in Bhutan today! Tiger's Nest aka Taktsang Monastery
- Taktsang Monastery - Also known as the Tiger’s Nest, this monastery set dramatically on the cliffs of Paro Valley, is Bhutan’s most famous landmark. In fact, some tourists would even say that “A trip to Bhutan is not complete without climbing to Taktsang.”
- Paro town and Local Market - Explore the main street of Paro town and check out if there's anything you will like to pick up as a souvenir!
7
Today, we will have a packed breakfast and check out and transfer to the airport for your flight back to Singapore.
Meals: Packed Breakfast, Meals on Board
Route Map
Starting from
USD
3,480
per person · SDF included
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Museums of Bhutan
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