Bhutan-Reise

Dec 4-19, 2019

 
Day 1 Bangkok
Our journey into Bhutan begins in Bangkok and we meet on the evening of day 1 before flying into Paro the next day. Please be ready in the lobby of our hotel at 5pm for a group meeting, followed by a seafood dinner by the river.
 
Day 2 Thimphu
We have a couple of vans to get us to the airport in time for the early afternoon flight. On arrival we'll meet our ground crew for the tour ahead, followed by a slow drive through the countryside to get familiar with the landscapes. Normally this drive takes about 1 hour, but with a group of photographers we like to take all afternoon.
Once in Thimphu we'll be able to arrange SIM cards for your phone to stay connected during the travel ahead. Access to camera shops, hard drives and ATMs will not be possible once we leave Thimphu.
 
Day 3-4 Punakha
Punakha has one of the most beautiful Dzongs in the entire country and we'll explore it from every angle. Several other temples in the area offer unique photographic charms too and the village of Chimi is a particular favourite for sunrise. The main attraction for our stay in Punakha will be the magnificent Punakha Dzong that rests along the river.
 
Day 5-6 Phobijikha
This secluded valley gets really cold at night but we'll be cosy in a farmhouse with log fires and hot stone baths. The valley still continues with a very basic rural style and offers us a chance to really slow down and contemplate the art of photography. The rare Black-necked Cranes will also be in residence in the valley and we hope to get a look at them. Don't expect to get very very close to them, but long lenses will be useful as we tour the valley and look for a flock rummaging through potato fields.
 
Day 7 Trongsa
We have a winding drive to the ancient capital of Trongsa. This is one of my favourite Dzongs in all of Bhutan, and was built across the highway that connected east and west of the country. We stay here one night before a very long and difficult drive day to reach Phobjikha.
 
Day 8-13 Bumthang
We are staying in the central region of Bumthang for five nights in a really charming guest house, and making trips around the valley to attend a couple of festivals. It will be a very intense few days, with lots to photograph. We will try to keep the schedule relaxed so we don't over do it, and leave time for downloading and taking in the culture. In addition to the festivals, we want to explore some of the Tang Valley and experience the natural beauty of these mountains.
 
Day 14-15 Paro
We return back to Paro by air instead of road and will enjoy a little pampering in the most scenic valley Bhutan has to offer. We'll get up close to the scenery in a serious way by ascending the trail to the Tigers Nest. The walk is difficult and demanding, but will be much easier at the end of our journey having acclimated to the local conditions.
 
Day 16 Departure
We will have time for one more stop in downtown Paro before reaching the airport. Our departure from Paro is the 4pm flight into Bangkok, scheduled to arrive at 9:35pm.

Flight to Frankfurt late that evening, arrival on Dec 20.