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Bhutan – Land of the Thunder Dragon
A Photographic and Spiritual Journey with Jaime Kowal
Including the Jambay Lhakhang Festival
November 10 - 20, 2008
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Tour Leaders: Jaime Kowal is a professional photographer, author, teacher
and social entrepreneur. She specializes in travel photography and authentic
portraiture and expertly captures the essence and beauty of all that comes
across her lens. Pema Tashi is a cultural guide certified by the
Department of Tourism and has over a decade of experience in the Tourism
Industry. He is by birth, a Buddhist and a keen follower of Buddhist philosophy.
Learn more about Jaime & Pema on our About
Your Tour Leaders page.
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Detailed Itinerary |
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Day 1
Monday, November 10: Arrive in Paro; Transfer to Thimphu |
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 Arrive in Paro at the country’s only airport and transfer together to our hotel
in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Along the way we will enjoy the
beautiful landscapes and trickling streams that wander their way through the
countryside before reaching this small and peaceful city. After checking into
our accommodations and settling in, we gather in the conference hall for a
short presentation and introduction to Bhutan with Pema. This
will be followed by a welcome reception and dinner,
and brief lecture on how to develop a strong photo essay or
story. Later we enjoy an evening outing to familiarize ourselves with the
land. (Overnight at Jambayang Resort, Thimphu) |
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Day 2 Tuesday, November 11: Photography Lecture and Discussion, Zorig Chuksum -
The School for Thirteen Arts & Crafts; Thimphu (B, L, D) |
 We will have an early start this morning to enjoy a presentation and
lecture by Jaime who will show selected examples of successful
travel imagery. We will identify the concept for each individual’s story
idea and teach you how to strengthen your photography skills through various
assignments that will be accomplished throughout the trip. Our first
assignment will be offered to us this morning, and we can get started right
away on location at Zorig Chuksum, the School for Thirteen Arts & Crafts.
The institute, established in 1971, welcomes students from across Bhutan to
learn the art of traditional craft making.
Enjoy
the remainder of the day independently to continue your assignment and roam
through the streets of Thimphu. Peruse the small local shops that
boast a diversity of traditional goods and enjoy the lively weekend market
atmosphere. Stroll through the courtyards of the Tashicho Dzong, a
medieval fortress and monastery that houses the King’s Throne room and
government office, to view the temples, sculptures and brightly painted
mandalas. Browse the National Library and its many ancient Buddhist
texts and manuscripts which provide insights into this cloistered culture,
or drift over hills to gaze at the picturesque monasteries that dot
the beautiful landscapes.
In
the early afternoon we will enjoy a
discussion
at our hotel
on Gross National
Happiness,
Bhutan’s development in philosophy, by our lecturer Mr Sonam Kinga. Later
in the afternoon we gather for dinner and to download and edit our slides.
After dinner we enjoy a slide show presentation of our day
in Thimphu with a constructive critique from Jaime. (Overnight at
Jambayang Resort, Thimphu)
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Day 3 Wednesday, November 12: Dochula Pass, Himalayas, Druk Wangyal Chortens, Wangdi
Zong, Pelela Pass, Black Mountains, Trongsa Valley (B, L, D) |
After breakfast, we depart for a long
scenic drive to Trongsa via
Wangdue, passing undulating hills, sheer mountain valleys, dense forests and
meadows where yaks graze freely. En route, we stop at the Dochula Pass at
10,500 ft for tea and biscuits and enjoy the breathtaking views of the
spectacular Himalayas. We will spend time photographing the Druk
Wangyal Chortens, a unique cluster of 108 chortens that spiral up to form a
main monument which was built as a tribute to the selfless service and visionary
leadership of His Majesty the King and is a symbol of appreciation, loyalty,
dedication, and love of his people. Then on to Wangduephodrang where the
prominent feature is the imposing Wangdi Dzong.
 We continue on our way along one of the most beautiful roads in Bhutan, crossing
rivers and streams, dense forests and quaint local villages. We will make
numerous stops to photograph herds of yak and their shepherds, pretty alpine
flowers, picturesque villages, and stunning panoramas. After travelling through
Pelela Pass, blanketed by high altitude dwarf bamboo, we get our first
glimpse of the Black Mountains. These mountains, which separate Western
Bhutan from Central Bhutan and whose peaks range between 1500 to 2700 metres,
form a watershed between two major river systems, the Mo Chhu and the
Drangme Chhu.
The fast-flowing rivers have carved out spectacular gorges in
the lower mountain areas and the woodlands provide most of Bhutan's valuable
forest production. This drive between Wangdue and Trongsa is the most scenic and
exciting leg of the journey. Winding through cloud cover and crossing many
waterways, we pass by chortens with water-driven prayer wheels and colourful
rock carvings then descend into the captivating Trongsa Valley. We check
into our hotel just before Trongsa to admire the majestic views of the
Trongsa Dzong across the Valley.
After a rest and dinner, we gather together
to review how to efficiently download, edit and prepare our new images for a
slide show critique the following morning. Jaime and her course assistant will
provide support and answer any questions. (Overnight at Yangkhil Resort,
Trongsa) |
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Day 4 Thursday, November 13: Trongsa Dzong, Yongtong La Pass, Jambay Full Moon
Festival (B, L, D) |
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 This morning we spend a couple of
hours constructively critiquing our photographs, learning new techniques, and
building upon our travel stories and ideas. Jaime will give a lecture on how to
use your flash to capture all of the exciting evening events. Then we are off to
visit and photograph the Trongsa Dzong, one of the most impressive Dzongs
in Bhutan which represents Bhutan’s link with its historical monarchy. Built in
1644, this masterpiece in architecture includes a labyrinth of courtyards and
corridors in addition to the 23 Temples inside the Dzong itself. This
impregnable fortress was once used as the seat of power during the Wangchuck
dynasty and is now the ancestral home of the present Royal Family. Trongsa Dzong
offers the best opportunity to capture the true essence of the Bhutanese
monastic parliamentary architecture and houses sacred images and
religious relics, intricate wood carvings, and beautiful frescoes emblazoned
on walls and pillars. With a little patience, monks will float in and out of
your frame as you photograph the remarkable and rare structures.
 After an early lunch, we depart for Jakar over the Yongtong La Pass
that separates the Trongsa Valley from Bhutang. After dinner
at our hotel we head out to the festival grounds for tonight’s full moon and the
commencement of the Jambay Lhakhang Festival, Bhutan’s grandest festival.
Here you will see the Bhutanese adorned in their finest apparel or traditional
costumes. Masked dances are performed to instruct onlookers in the ways of
Buddhist Dharma and later in the night, the Fire Dances and Blessing
Ceremonies take place. Make sure to walk around the many stalls to shop for
beautiful handicrafts and jewellery. (Overnight at Yozerling Lodge,
Bumthang) |
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Day 5
Friday, November 14: Jambay Lhakhang Festival (B, L, D) |
 After an early breakfast we spend a couple of hours downloading and reviewing
images from the previous day. Enjoy a lecture by Jaime which explores the idea
of authentic portraiture and how to achieve a trust and rapport with your
subject. We then return to the festival grounds for the Jambay Lhakhang
Festival to feast our eyes on the show. Festivals here are known as
Tshecus, meaning 10th day of the month, on which Saint Padmasambhava was
born, and thus are celebrated to commemorate his birth. Spend hours attending
the most photogenic day of the festival to capture the lively scenes,
traditional dances, colourful costumes and intricate masks. Sit or stand on the
edge of the cobblestones and work with your tripod and equipment to photograph
fantastic close-ups and wide panoramas. A wonderful day of fun and merriment and
an excellent opportunity to capture wonderful memories and to practice our new
skill set of photographing people!
In the afternoon, return to our lodge for a discussion
with a Buddhist Monk
on the topic of emptiness. (Overnight at Yozerling
Lodge, Bumthang) |
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Day 6 Saturday, November 15: Trongsa Valley, Tamshing Lhakhnag, Kenchosum
Lhakhang, Membartsho, Jampa Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang Monastery (B, L, D) |
This morning we gather again to download, edit and share our images. Jaime will
share ideas of how to capture the essence of a place through photography. After
a lively question and answer period, we head out to explore the broad Trongsa
Valley which ranges in altitude from 8,500 to 13,000 feet and is different
from any other valley in Bhutan. It is a haven for trekkers and hikers, outdoor
enthusiasts, and landscape photographers.
We then visit Tamshing Lhakhang (“Temple of the Good Message”), the most
important Nyingmapa temple in Bhutan. Established by the Bhutanese saint, Pema
Ling Pa, the temple and monastery are remarkable for their original wall
paintings. Then on to Kenchosum Lhakhang built during the Tresong
Dengtseng time and considered to be the oldest Lhakhang. Later we visit
Membartsho (“Fire Lake”), where Terton Pema Ling Pa discovered a hidden
treasure. The surrounding area here is covered with prayer flags and small clay
offerings called “Tsa Tsa” left behind by the local worshippers.
We stop for lunch, then off to Jampa Lhakhang, built in the 7th century,
by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, and 1 of the 108 temples built by him throughout
Tibet and the Himalayas. According to legend, the temple was built to overcome a
demon giantess and to subdue evil spirits of the Himalayas. We then visit the
Kurjey Lhakhang Monastery, one of the most important and sacred sites
in Bhutan. This complex of temples consists of monks' quarters, three chortens
which mark the cremation sites of the first three kings of Bhutan, and three
temples. During the 8th century, a king from Bumthang, known as Sendhu Raja,
invited Guru Rimpoche (Precious Master), to cure him from a disease imposed by
the “White Lion”, a local deity which was draining his life force. Guru Rimpoche,
who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan and is considered the second Buddha, meditated
at Kurjey for three months and left his bodily imprint on a rock where he was
seated in meditation before defeating the “White Lion”. Legend states that when
Guru Rimpoche defeated the “White Lion”, the deity agreed to protect Buddhism
and restore the country to peace. Guru Rimpoche then drove his walking stick
into the ground and from that grew a large Cypress tree which now overlooks the
Monastery. Here we will
receive an initiation and empowerment
from HH10th Tuskey Rimpoche, and
make our offerings of Tsho (offerings for
accumulation of merits), butterlamps and prayers.
We will also
meet with local Buddhist teachers and monks at
Kurjey Monatery for teachings and wisdom. (Overnight at
Yozerling Lodge, Bumthang) |
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Day
7 Sunday, November 16: Punakha, Picnic at Chendebji (B, L, D) |
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After an early breakfast, we enjoy reviewing our photos from the previous day,
and observe how the group’s skill set is improving. We then leave for Punakha
and retrace our route. We stop for a picnic lunch at Chendebji, a quaint
local hamlet home to a charming covered footbridge, a notable landmark in
Bhutan. Even though we will be journeying along the same road, you will be
surprised to find the return drive just as interesting for we will discover new
scenes and sites. (Overnight at Meri Phuensum Resort, Punakha) |
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Day 8 Monday, November 17: Khamsun Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, Punakha Dzong,
Paro (B, L, D) |
 After breakfast we meet to explore and review how our new techniques are helping
to create new and interesting images. After a review and slide show
presentation, we drive north of Punakha for a short excursion to the Khamsum
Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, a three-storey monument housing beautiful and
complex paintings built by the Queen of Bhutan and strategically perched on a
ridge to dominate the Punakha Valley. Built to ward off negative forces, promote
peace, stability and harmony with its sacred religious edifices, it is the only
one of its kind in the world. This fine architectural and traditional
manifestation of constructional design drawn from scripture, is also an esoteric
embodiment of positive forces prevailing over all negative influences in the
three forms of existence. We are fortunate to be able to practice architectural
photography here in this unique locale.
Later we visit Punakha Dzong (“Palace of Great Happiness”), one of the
most famous and most attractive Dzongs in the country. The Dzong lies between 2
rivers known as Pochu and Mochu, symbolising the masculine and
emale energies, which flow in different colours and unite at this site. Built
during the 17th century, it has been rebuilt many times due to several floods,
earthquakes and fires. The reconstruction and restoration of the Punakha Dzong
is widely acclaimed as a historical accomplishment in the preservation of
Bhutan’s rich heritage and an important spiritual legacy for all Buddhists.
After evening tea, we make our way to Paro for the night.
(Overnight at Janka Resort, Paro) |
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Day 9
Tuesday, November 18: National Museum, Paro Dzong (B, L, D) |
This morning enjoy an exciting summary of our architectural images from the day
before and discuss the various ways to share our travel stories through online
galleries, blogs and portfolios. We also discuss how to pitch an editor, and
learn tips on how to make a living as a photographer.
 We then visit the National Museum, once the watchtower for the Rinpung
Dzong, located high on a promontory and overlooking the Paro Valley. The museum
houses some of the finest specimens of Bhutanese art, including masterpieces of
bronze statues and paintings, and is the best way to quickly learn about the
culture and natural history of Bhutan. Although photography is not allowed
within the museum, there are numerous photo opportunities of the exterior and
the beautiful valley below. We then walk or drive down to the town of Paro
for lunch at a local restaurant, and later stroll along the Paro Chu to
take pictures of Paro Dzong, Bhutan’s strongest and most strategic
fortress, and the watchtower. Here we will be able to photograph the covered
footbridge, the huge wooden gate leading to the bridge, and the interior of the
Dzong. Built in 1645, this massive building now houses the District
Administration Office and the Monk Body. A beautiful flagstone path leads to the
Dzong, rising gradually from the bridge that is bordered by two guard houses.
The central tower, called the “Utse” of the Dzong, is adorned in superb woodwork
and is considered to be the nation’s most beautiful tower. The wooden footbridge
is one of only a handful of traditional cantilevered bridges left in the
Himalayas.
Later in
the day we return to our hotel conference hall for an
enlightening discussion
on the relationship of
cause and effect. Here we will have time to deepen our understanding of
Buddhist philosophy and ask any questions abut what we have learned thus far.
(Overnight at Janka Resort, Paro) |
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Day 10
Wednesday, November 19: Taktshang Monastery (B, L, D) |
 Today we begin the process of completing our travel story by reviewing our
entire image library from the trip, selecting the strongest images, and
sequencing them to create a powerful, dynamic story. You will be surprised and
proud of your results!
We then make our way to the foot of the Taktshang Cliff to begin our 2
hour uphill trek by either foot or hired pony to the Taktshang Monastery
(“Tiger’s Nest Monastery”), the most famous monastery in Bhutan which hangs
precariously on a cliff at 10,200 feet. A beautiful cascading waterfall seems to
magically appear here creating a dreamlike appearance. It is said that Guru
Rimpoche flew here on the back of a tigress and then meditated in a cave,
contained within the present structure, for three months. As a result, it is a
prime destination for Buddhist pilgrims from all around the world. Upon our
return from the Monastery we will enjoy a picnic lunch and share our wonderful
photos. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure to wander the town of Paro once
more. Jaime will be available to answer any final questions and help select the
strongest images from the day.
Later, meet back at the hotel for
a final recap and
discussion on Karma
with a local Buddhist monk.
In the early evening, we gather for our final dinner celebration
and share our travel story with our new-found friends. (Overnight
at Janka Resort, Paro) |
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Day 11 Thursday, November 20: Depart Paro (B) |
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Bid farewell to beautiful Bhutan and
your new-found friends and begin your journey back
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(B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D =
Dinner)
Note: This itinerary is subject to change due to conditions beyond our control. |
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Tour Inclusions
& Price |
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Tour
Includes: |
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Accommodation at 3 star resorts and lodges |
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Daily Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
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Transportation by Private bus |
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Entrance fees to all sites |
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Bhutan Tourist Visa (this will be arranged by our Bhutan operator. The cost is
quoted separately below and is not included in the $3340 tour cost) |
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Airfare Bangkok-Paro-Bangkok (this will be arranged by our Bhutan operator. The
cost is quoted separately below and is not included in the $3340 tour cost) |
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Professional Photographer Jaime Kowal as your Tour Teader throughout the Journey |
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Pema Tashi as your local Tour Guide throughout the Journey |
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Special Added Features:
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Lectures, Instruction, Technical Guidance and Presentations with Jaime
Kowal and her assistant |
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Photo Shoot at the Zorig Chuksum, the School for Thirteen Arts & Crafts |
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Thimphu Weekend Market |
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Jambay Lhakhang Full Moon Festival |
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Traditional Sacred Ceremonies |
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Discussion with Buddhist Teachers |
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Trek to Taktshang Monastery |
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Tour does not include: |
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International Airfare to Bangkok
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Cancellation & Medical Insurance (ask us for a quote if you are Canadian) |
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Cost to obtain valid passport |
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Any items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks and telephone calls. Any
item that is not specifically detailed on our website or in the final trip
itinerary |
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Tour Price |
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Tour Price Per Person (Land Only) |
Single Supplement |
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USD $3,340.00 |
USD $650.00 |
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USD $875.00 Airfare Bangkok-Paro-Bangkok
(Includes airport tax, air taxes and surcharges. Subject to change )
USD $20.00 Bhutan Tourist Visa |
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Please call us for a quote on
airfare from your home city
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Note: The single supplement is ONLY for those who would like to secure a
private room throughout the tour, at the indicated additional price. If you are
not traveling with anyone you know and would like to share a room, we will be
happy to work to find you a suitable roommate. Per our Terms and Conditions,
registration for the tour will be held open until two weeks before the departure
date in order to try to match everyone with a roommate. If by that date we have
not been able to match you with a suitable roommate, you will be responsible to
pay for the single supplement. An early registration will facilitate this
process. |
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© 2003 - 2010 Sacred
Earth Journeys.
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