Photographic Bhutan - March 2012

From bustling markets to prayer flag strewn mountain passes and from happy monks in maroon robes to massive ancient fortresses, Bhutan is certainly a magnificent destination for photographers. Join Jon Nicholson, award-winning photo-journalist on a journey through this incredible mountain kingdom. Due to the nature of travel photography, whilst you will visit the main sights in each city, our daily timings will be flexible so that you we can maximise the best light, capture day to day life and be spontaneous. Jon will seek out the best photo opportunities, provide technical tips and composition advice and critique your images after each day's exploration.

Accommodation throughout Bhutan is staying in local hotels. These clean and comfortable properties provide a real insight into Bhutanese life. Whilst they may not have all of the amenities of a 5 star international hotel, you can be assured of a warm Bhutanese welcome.

Our journey to Bhutan in March coincides with the Paro Tsechu (festival), one of the largest in the country offering a once in a lifetime opportunity to document a unique way of life beyond the sky and the clouds.

26th March 2012 - London/Delhi
Depart from London Heathrow in on an overnight Jet Airways flight to Delhi.

27th March 2012 - Delhi
Upon arrival you will be met by an Abercrombie & Kent representative and driven to the Grand Hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. An optional afternoon sightseeing of the city can be arranged.

28th March 2012 - Delhi/Paro/Thimphu
An early start today as you depart Delhi for the flight on Druk Air to Paro Airport. After visa formalities, you will be met by Jon Nicholson and your local Bhutanese guide. You will transfer by road (approximately 1 hour) to a local hotel in Thimphu. Rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Overnight in local Thimphu hotel/guesthouse.

29th March 2012 - Thimphu
A full day to explore and capture the sites of Thimphu under Jon's guidance. Overnight in local Thimphu hotel/guesthouse.

30th March 2012 - Thimphu/Punakha
Travel over the incredible Dochu La pass. At 3,140 metres high, from here you can capture the incredible panoramic views of the Himalaya. Overnight in local Punakha hotel/guesthouse.

31st March 2012 - Punakha
Spend the day exploring this wonderful valley with its rural farming communities. A visit will also be made Bhutan's second oldest dzong, also known as the Palace of Great Happiness. Set on the confluence of two rivers, the Punakha dzong is one of the most picturesque sights. Overnight in local Punakha hotel/guesthouse.

1st April 2012- Punakha/Gangtey
Drive from Punakha into the Phobjikha Valley, one of Bhutan's few glacial valleys. Overnight in local Gangtey hotel/guesthouse.

2nd April 2012 - Gangtey
Today you will explore the valley with Jon. This is a great chance to visit rural communities with a backdrop of stunning scenery. Overnight in local Gangtey hotel/guesthouse.

3rd April 2012 - Gangtey/Thimphu
Take a leisurely drive back to Thimphu for the night. Overnight in local Thimphu hotel/guesthouse.

4th April 2012  - Thimphu/Paro
Travel to the incredible Paro Valley. Paro is a very picturesque valley with tiny hamlets scattered amongst the paddy fields. Overnight in local Paro hotel/guesthouse.

5th April 2012 - Paro
You will be arriving in Paro at the time of their annual tsechu. Jon will be on hand to assist you throughout the day to capture this colourful festival.  Overnight in local Paro hotel/guesthouse.

6th April 2012 - Paro
This morning you will witness the unfurling of the Thangkha. This silk and embroidered painting is held in the dzong and is the climax to the Paro festival.For those feeling energetic, we recommend the two hour climb to Taktsang Goemba, or more popularly known as Tiger's Nest. This monastery clings to the cliff edge and it is believed that this is where Guru Rinpoche landed on the back of a tigress, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan from Tibet. Overnight in local Paro hotel/guesthouse.

7th April 2012 - Paro/Delhi
Depart Paro on Druk Air to Delhi where you will overnight before flying back to  London Heathrow the following day. Alternatively you may wish to spend longer in India to put your new found photography skills to the test.

Pricing
Cost per person from £5,275 includes accommodation in Delhi (with breakfast) and Bhutan staying in local hotels (full board), return international flights from London to Delhi, flights between Delhi and Paro on Druk air and all sightseeing in Bhutan.  International flights from London to Delhi, please contact your Abercrombie & Kent consultant for latest prices and offers. Cost based on 6 persons travelling. Should participation fall below this number, provided that numbers are not too low, we will endeavour to operate the tour, however, we do reserve the right to adjust prices should it become necessary. Single room supplement from £465.

Useful information
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.

You will require a visa for India that needs to be arranged before you leave the UK. We recommend the services of travcour.

A visa is also required for Bhutan. We will arrange this for you at the time of making your booking and upon receiving a copy of your passport and passport photos. Please note that visas for Bhutan can not be arranged other than via an approved Bhutanese tour operator.

Recommended camera equipment to take:
Camera - Any Digital SLR (single lens reflex) camera.
Lenses - There is no need to bring super long lenses (up to 200mm will be fine). Jon works with 50mm and 35mm lenses himself. Trick lenses like super wide or tilt and shift can give great effects but don't forget you will need to carry all of your own equipment.
Flash gun - not essential.
A light weight tripod - not essential.
Don't forget, whatever you take, you need to be able to carry! Think weight as you will also be at altitude.