Small Group Departure
Group Size: Min. 03 persons, Max. 12 persons.
- Jun 20-29, 2010
- Nov 02-09, 2010
From bustling markets to prayer flag strewn mountain passes and from happy monks in maroon robes to massive ancient fortresses, Bhutan is certainly a Shangri La for image-makers. In the month of June the summer landscape takes on a luscious green with rice paddy fields covering all of Paro Valley and wildflowers strewn like dots of paint on the alpine meadows.
In November the monsoon clouds are a distant memory and the landscape snaps into sharp focus with crystal light, inky blue skies and fabulous mountain views. Uma Paro has developed this unique adventure for photographers of all levels and interests.
An experienced photographer will accompany the group on their adventures in the Kingdom. Our time is divided between the two distinctly different valleys of Paro and Punakha and is a combination of location shoots and serendipitous meetings or “happy accidents” with friendly locals along the way. Offering authentic insights into the magical Land of the Thunder Dragon and the chance to benefit from our guide’s deep knowledge of the Kingdom, this is a dream trip for image-makers offering a once in a lifetime opportunity to document a unique way of life beyond the sky and the clouds.
Returning to our comfortable homes in the Himalaya (Uma Paro and a Local Hotel in Punakha) after each day’s adventures – accommodation is included on a full-board basis, excluding beverages.
Itinerary
Note This itinerary is intended as a guide only. Local conditions and weather may necessitate variations to the programme and can affect the availability of views and panoramas described.
Be aware that all times stated are approximate, and may vary with individual and group fitness.
Day 01 / Jun 22 or Nov 02 / Bangkok – Paro
Arrival, check-in, show round and first photo opp Uma Paro staff will welcome you at the airport for the 10 minute transfer to the property. After lunch, in order to aid acclimatisation and to get your bearings, we invite you for an introductory photo opp with a short, guided local walk. Stroll through bustling Paro Town and out to the massive Rinpung Dzong – ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’. The trail then leads across Paro Chhu (river) via a traditional covered bridge (Nyamai Zam) – this bridge provided the backdrop for scenes in the feature films, Little Buddha and Travellers and Magicians. This evening please join us for a welcome dinner and photographic adventure briefing with slide show.
Duration of walk: 2-3 hour photo opp
Difficulty: EASY Guided with support vehicle
Overnight: Uma Paro
Day 02 / Jun 23 or Nov 03 / Thimpu – Punakha Valley via Dochu La – Chimmi Lhakhang
Depart for the one hour scenic drive to Thimpu, winding alongside two snaking rivers and passing countless fine examples of the quaint, traditional farmhouse architecture of Bhutan.
The capital itself sprawls up the wooded western hillside of the Wang Chhu and is the centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimpu is a bustling town where traditional ways mingle with modern introductions. After lunch the drive is truly awe-inspiring as it zigzags up to the 3,140m- high mountain pass of Dochu La with its forests of fluttering prayer flags, maze of memorial chortens and sweeping views of the main Himalayan range.
A short walk across rice paddies to Chimmi Lhakhang, a fertility temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, a Tibetan Buddhist saint known popularly as ‘Divine Madman’ infamous for his colourful and sometimes outrageous adherence to the Buddhist faith. The temple sits atop a picturesque hill surrounded by rice fields and by late afternoon the light is perfect.
Duration of drive: 3-4 hours; 76km
Overnight: Meri Puensom (or similar), Punakha
Day 03 / Jun 24 or Nov 04 / Punakha Dzong, Khamsan Yuley Namgay Chorten Walk, Wangdue Phodrang Dzong and Bazaar
A full day for further exploration of this scenic valley, low enough (1200m) to allow bananas and oranges to grow. The destination for this morning’s optional walk up through whitewashed homesteads and farmland is Khamsum Yuley Namgay Chorten, a shrine recently built by the royal family a startlingly ornate and elaborate structure with a rainbow of Guru Rinpoche images and superb views of the Punakha Valley. Heading down along the riverside the massive architectural edifice of the 17th century Punakha Dzong (fortress/monastery) soon looms into view. Built in 1637 by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyal in a commanding position at the confluence of the Po Chhu and Mo Chhu (Father and Mother rivers). Bhutan’s second oldest dzong goes by the full name of Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (the Palace of Great Happiness) and is arguably the country’s most attractive. It served as the seat of the Kingdom’s government until the time of the second King and today serves as the winter home of Je Khempo, the head abbot of Bhutan, along with a retinue of 1,000 monks. An afternoon stroll through the quaint bazaar at Wangdue Phodrang to visit its dzong rounds off the day. Founded in 1638 by the Shabdrung, Wangdue Phodrang Dzong is located on a high promontory overlooking the Punatsang Chhu river.
Duration: 6–8 hours
Difficulty: EASY Guided with support vehicle and picnic
Overnight : Meri Puensom (or similar), Punakha
Day 04 / Jun 25 or Nov 05 / Punakha Valley – Paro, Chuzom, Tamchog Lhakhang
Time to retrace our steps back over the Dochu La for a second chance of that wonderful view of the Himalayan range. An early morning start for the 3-4 hour drive means that on arrival in Thimphu, the capital’s weekend market is in full swing where colorful produce and interesting faces can be spotted. Returning to the Chuzum or confluence we catch a glimpse of the three shrines in Nepali, Tibetan and Bhutanese style which were built to ward of evil spirits near the checkpoint.
The journey will be broken with a visit to Tamchog Lhakhang built by Thangtong Gyalpo or the Iron Bridge Builder as he is known. This former saint from the 14th century introduced the art of building suspension bridges with iron chains and the only way to reach his temple is by one of these photogenic bridges. On the final leg the road snakes alongside the Pa Chhu, through apple orchards and rice paddies, past quaint homesteads to our home in the Himalaya, Uma Paro. After check-in and a show round, we invite you to spend the rest of the day relaxing around the property, enjoying the facilities (Uma has two desktop computers in the library on which to view photos) or perhaps trying some other activities like the Bhutanese national sport of archery.
In the early evening we pay our friendly Farmer Tshering a visit at his smallholding for a traditional Bhutanese dinner and the chance to shoot the farm at rice plantation time (June) or harvest time (November).
Duration of drive: 4-5 hours
Distance: 120km
Difficulty: EASY Guided with support vehicle and picnic
Overnight : Uma Paro
Day 05 / Jun 26 or Nov 06 / Paro: Chele La – Kila Goemba and Dzongdrakha, Archery
Start early for the drive to Chele La (pass) which at 3,988m is the highest road pass in Bhutan, snaking upwards through blue pine and rhododendron (Etho Metho) forests for 35km. On a clear day the view sweeps away to the snow-dome of Bhutan’s second highest peak Mt Jhomolhari (7314m). This sacred prayer flag bedecked pass has appeared in several Bhutanese films plus many fashion shoots in the past. Once we have captured our images, we walk down through the rhododendron forest to Kila Goemba, an ancient nunnery and then drive further down the mountain where we walk out to the Dzongdrakha Goemba complex (time permitting), both locations are rarely visited by foreigners and once we have paid our respects and made some offerings the photography can begin in earnest. Back at Uma Paro our guides await in their finest traditional costumes (gho for men and kira for women) to put on an archery demonstration for our cameras.
Duration of walks: 3–4 hours
Trail Conditions: a well-trodden but narrow mountain path
Difficulty: MODERATE Guided with support vehicle and picnic
Overnight: Uma Paro
Day 06 / Jun 27 or Nov 08 / Paro: Kyichu Lhakhang, School Visit, Weavers
A few kilometers north of Paro, we pay our respects at Kyichu Lhakhang one of the oldest temples in Bhutan with its magic orange tree which bears fruit all year round. This ancient temple is connected to the famous Jokhang in Lhasa, Tibet and the comings and goings of the worshippers make for unforgettable images.
Nearby, we have arranged a visit to a local school to meet the kids and handout some disposable cameras for a school project. Afterwards there is the opportunity to shoot at the weavers centre in Paro. The rest of the day is free for more photography or to begin the big job of editing all your unique images or perhaps just to relax around Uma Paro, enjoying the peace and quiet.
Difficulty: EASY Guided with support vehicle and picnic
Overnight: Uma Paro
Day 07 / Jun 28 or Nov 08 / Taktsang Hike & Drukgyel Dzong
One of the most amazing and important pieces of architecture in Bhutan, Taktsang Goemba defies logic, gravity, and reason. Legend has it that this cliffside was where Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) landed on the back of a flying tigress, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan from Tibet. To avoid the hot sun an early start (by bike or vehicle) is advisable for the two-hour climb, via the cafeteria, to the Tiger’s Nest viewpoint. Descend steeply, then climb up to the monastery, passing waterfall (make monastery visit, if open – Uma Paro can arrange necessary permit). Retrace our steps or alternatively (if time and energy levels allow) head further up to several remote temples and monasteries. Drive further up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1644 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to control northern route to Tibet. The route is picturesque, and the site of dzong magnificent (from here, only two-day hike to the border with Tibet, dominated by Mt Jhomalhari). Drive or ride home to Uma Paro.
In the evening your group is invited for a fire lit farewell dinner either in the courtyard at Uma Paro or at our Bukhari restaurant.
Trail Conditions: Winding rough path which is steep at times
Duration: Taktsang Walk 4-6 hours
Difficulty: MODERATE TO HARD Guided with support vehicle and picnic
Overnight: Uma Paro
Day 08 / Jun 29 or Nov 09 / Depart Paro
Druk Air departs in the early morning to avoid adverse weather conditions so after breakfast, it is time for your transfer to the airport for the group flight back to Bangkok.
Outside of Uma Paro, we have selected well located, comfortable, somewhat rustic but charming hotels in terms of food and accommodation, for our journey.
Minimum 03 riders, Maximum Group Size 12 riders
Tour Cost
Superior Room
- USD $5,434 Double Occupancy
- USD $3,197 Single Occupancy
Deluxe Room
- USD $5,914 Double Occupancy
- USD $3,677 Single Occupancy
COMO Suite
- USD $6,634 Double Occupancy
- USD $4,397 Single Occupancy
One Bedroom Villa
- USD $8,074 Double Occupancy
- USD $5,837 Single Occupancy
COMO Villa
- USD $14,948 Four Persons
- USD $ Not Available
Tour Package Includes
- All Bhutanese Government Visa Fees, Taxes and Royalties (**FIT surcharge waiver if travelling on the specific tour dates)
- All airport transfers and transport
- 05 nights in choice of Superior or Deluxe Rooms in Uma Paro Resort
- 02 nights ††local hotels
- Full board meals throughout (excluding beverages)
- Services of a Bhutanese Uma Paro English-speaking Guide
- Mineral water on all days out
- All entry permits, road permits and fees
- Fire-lit courtyard welcome & farewell dinner
- Complimentary scheduled 01-hour daily yoga class whilst at Uma Paro (except Sundays)
- Complimentary use of the swimming pool, library and gym at Uma Paro
**In order to take advantage of the FIT surcharge waiver, guests must arrive and depart on the scheduled Druk Air flights to and from Bangkok on Jun 22/29 and Nov 02/09, 2010.
All other arrival/departure dates will attract the FIT surcharge of USD30 per person per day (2 persons travelling together) and USD40 per person per day (single traveller)
Tour Package Excludes
- All airfare & airport taxes in/out Paro (Please check with us for Druk Air airfares from connecting cities)
- Personal expenditure such as phone bills, laundry, hard/soft beverages, optional tours, etc.
††local hotels Outside of Uma Paro, we have selected well located, comfortable, somewhat rustic but charming hotels in terms of food and accommodation, for our journey.
Terms & Conditions
- Group size minimum 03 and maximum 12 people. Please note that if the minimum of three people is not reached 45 days prior to the start date, we can still offer this itinerary as a private journey for one or two people. As a private package this journey will attract additional government fees and will not be eligible for the group prices as quoted on this rate sheet. Prices available on enquiry.
- Full payment is required on booking.
- Deposit is refundable, less USD $200 service fee, if written cancellation is received 45days prior to arrival date.
- The offer is subject to availability and may not be used in conjunction with any other offer.
- All stays to be completed by 20th December 2010.