Itinerary

Day 01 / Arrive Paro from Bangkok or any other Drukair destination
Arrival, check-in, show round and first photo opportunity. 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 opportunity
Difficulty: EASY Guided with support vehicle
Overnight: Uma Paro

Day 02 / 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 / 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 / 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 / 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 / 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 / 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 / Paro – Bangkok
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.

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.
Please be aware that all times stated are approximate, and may vary with individual and group fitness.

Land Cost 2012
Prices per person in USD dollars

Forest View (Superior) Room

• USD $3,116.00 ~ Double
• USD $3,992.00 ~ Single

Valley (Deluxe) Room

• USD $3,410.00 ~ Double
• USD $4,580.00 ~ Single

COMO Suite

• USD $4,010.00 ~ Double
• USD $5,781.00 ~ Single

One Bedroom Villa

• USD $4,871.00 ~ Double
• USD $7,503.00 ~ Single

COMO Villa

• USD $4,153.00 ~ Quad

Validity

• Jan 01 – Dec 31, 2012

Inclusions

• Bhutanese Government Visa Fees, Taxes and Royalties
• Airport transfers and group transport
• 05 nights in choice of Rooms in Uma Paro Resort
• 02 nights ††local hotels>
• Full board meals throughout (excluding beverages)
• Six and a half days of guided excursions, walks and photo shoots
• All arrangements for listed special location shoots
• Services of an experienced English-speaking Bhutanese Uma Paro guide and a local
  professional photographer
• Mineral water on all days out
• All entry permits, road permits and fees
• Complimentary scheduled 01-hour daily Yoga class whilst at Uma Paro (except Sundays)
• Complimentary use of the library, internet facilities, swimming pool, steam room and gym at Uma Paro
• 10% service charge and 10% sales tax
• All museum and visitor centre entry fees and road permits

Exclusions

• All airfare & airport taxes in/out Paro (Please check with us for attractive Druk Air airfares from connecting cities)
• FIT surcharge of USD $30 per person per day (2 persons travelling together) or USD $40 per person per day (single traveller) for those arriving in and/or departing from Paro separately from the main party
• Personal expenditure such as phone bills, laundry, hard/soft beverages, spa treatments, optional tours, etc.
• Travel insurance is mandatory
  • It is strongly recommended that you be insured against medical and personal accident risks (including repatriation costs, air ambulance and helicopter rescue services) and that you also take out cancellation insurance. You should be aware that some policies restrict coverage or do not cover travel to Bhutan and may not cover activities such as trekking (and mountain bike). Please ensure that your policy provides a sufficient level of protection and covers you for the activities involved. You must carry proof of insurance (e.g. your insurance certificate) with you to Bhutan.

Validity

• Jan 01 – Dec 31, 2012

††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.

Guidance for Photographers

While there are no restrictions on photography outside monasteries, taking photos inside temples is strictly forbidden. If you wish to take a photograph of a Bhutanese person, please ask first and respect their reply – for the most part the Bhutanese love to meet foreigners and are only too happy to have their picture taken.

Local power supply is 220 volts AC. A limited supply of transformers is available at Uma Paro for appliances of different voltages, Uma’s power points are fitted with multi plugs.

Airline Hand Baggage Allowance

Druk Air requests that passengers limit their hand baggage to one piece, the size not exceeding 45cm x 35cm x 20cm and the weight not exceeding 5kg. Checked Baggage Allowance:
Economy Class: 20kg Business Class: 30kg

Customs

Photographers are advised that while stills cameras attract no customs duty, there is a very high levy imposed on video cameras.

Travel Insurance

It is strongly recommended that you be insured against medical and personal accident risks (including repatriation costs, air ambulance and helicopter rescue services) and that you also take out cancellation insurance. You should be aware that some policies restrict coverage or do not cover travel to Bhutan and may not cover activities such as trekking (and mountain bike). Please ensure that your policy provides a sufficient level of protection and covers you for the activities involved. You must carry proof of insurance (e.g. your insurance certificate) with you to Bhutan.

Group Adventure Retreats

• Uma’s special interest Adventure Retreat packages (Biking, Trekking and Photography) require a minimum of three or more people to make the added services and arrangements cost effective. In addition, this minimum group size avoids the added expense of the FIT surcharge (Free Independent Traveler) levied by the Bhutanese government (USD $30 per person per day for two people and USD $40 per person per day for single travellers).
• In order to take advantage of the FIT surcharge waiver, guests for each Adventure Retreat must arrive and depart together on the same scheduled Druk Air flights.
• This Bhutan Through a Lens Adventure Retreat is available all year round to friends, clubs, associations and families of three or more people.
• Full payment is required on booking and refundable, less USD $200 service fee, if written cancellation is received 45 days 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 Dec 31, 2012.

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