Uniquely designed Photography Trip to Bhutan with Michael Lee

Photography Trip to Bhutan with Michael Lee

Bhutan Trip Itinerary

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.

Day 1

Arrival in Paro

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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.

Day 2

Thimphu

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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

Day 3

Thimphu – Punakha

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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

Day 4

Punakha to Trongsa to Gangtey

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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

Day 5

Gangtey to Paro

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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

Day 6

Paro

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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!

Day 7

Departure

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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

✓ What's Included

✓ Suitable Months

Festival Date: 06 - 12 March 2025

✓ Prices

For Travel during Ura Matsutake Mushroom Festival
USD 2,210 for 1 person traveler
USD 2,120 per person for 2 person travelers
USD 1,850 per person for group with 3 or more

See our payment options

✖ What's Excluded

Flight into Bhutan via Drukair (can be arranged with us)

Flight on other airline to catch Drukair Flight

Meals at 4-5 stars restaurants

Hotel stay outside of Bhutan

Expenditure of personal nature

Travel Insurance (can be arranged with us)
Tips for the guide and driver
Alcoholic drink

✓ Our Guarantee

Guaranteed Visa approval. We have yet to disappoint a single one of our travellers in terms of Visa issuance.

Authentic, Safe, And Comfortable Accommodations. Your choice of hotels will be confirmed for your inspection before your arrival. We only book you on hotels which we love and would love again.

Expert English-Speaking Guides. Our expert local guides ensure a safe journey all throughout your adventure. We will be happy to change your guide, driver or vehicle on the first two days of arrival in Thimphu if you are not satisfied with our selection. Drop us a note, and our hospitality team will be on the spot to assist you.

We're always ready to assist you. Our world-class member services team is available by phone or email. There's no automated system or call center; you'll communicate with a real person.

From USD 3,480

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Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 / 5.0 ( Read Reviews )


DW Daniel Wee Singapore, Sep 2024 Read on Facebook Having yeoman service from our organizer, Micheal Lee aka Leica ambassador, photographer/film producer/guide Chencho Tshering and driver Sigay, helped `make our recent trip to Bhutan pleasant and memorable. Chencho answered my queries succinctly and authoritatively. Ever helpful Sigay cleaned my wife’s soiled pillow when she vomited from motion sickness without her asking. The grandeur of Bhutan’s valleys, rivers and festivals were breathtaking. But I was more impressed by Micheal’s contacts he had made over the years. +Read Full Review
PC Paul Core Singapore, Sep 2024 Read on Facebook We joined this trip only because it was led by Leica Ambassador Michael Lee. We had traveled with him before during our Silk Road adventure. I was warned that food in Bhutan will be BAD. So I brought along lots of snacks - biscuits, chocolates and bak kwa. We didn't need any. The restaurants that we were brought to by Michael and the local guide Chendo Tshering were excellent. Who says Bhutanese food is bad?? Get a good guide!! That's the crux!! +Read Full Review
SL Siu Cheng Leow Singapore, Sep 2024 Read on Facebook Bhutan has always been on my bucket list and it didn’t disappoint. It is truly a beautiful country, with an amazing culture and lovely, friendly people. We joined Michael Lee’s photography tour and were treated to some heartwarming moments, like a visit to the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup nunnery in Punakha where we got to meet the sweet and friendly nuns. That experience will stay in my heart for a long time. Kudos also to our excellent guide Chencho Tsering and driver Sigay. What I really loved was the flexibility, eg, traveling to more remote and less crowded places, and bringing us to eat where the locals eat, away from the tourist street (the best momos, better than all the fancy ones!). It gave the feeling of a less commercial, more personal tour. Thank you, and we will be back! +Read Full Review