Photography Tour of Bhutan escorted by Robert van Koesveld and Libby Lloyd. Suitable for all travellers who like to take photographs too no matter what level they are as photographers. Email Michelle or Robert to be sent the trip dossier. Dates 7 - 22 October 2013
A Photography Tour of Bhutan escorted by Robert van Koesveld & Libby Lloyd (co-authors Bhutan Heartland) This tour travels from the fertile western valleys into the spiritual heartland of central Bhutan to experience the warm Bhutanese hospitality and witness some of the country’s most extraordinary scenery and festival celebrations.We are thrilled to escort this photography tour organised by My Secret Bhutan (http://www.mysecretbhutan.com.au) and Summit Travel .
7 -22 October 2013
The photo tour will explore the townships of Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Trongsa before arriving in the valley of Bumthang in central Bhutan. Along the way you will have the opportunity to witness the ancient rituals of the Jakar Festival in the religious heartland of Bumthang. Also included is an incredibly unique experience to partake in traditional village life in the village of Ugyencholing, the location of the stately 16th Century Ugyencholing Palace. Here you will have an opportunity to meet villagers and play ancient games, as well as participate in local dances and religious ceremonies. Along the way Robert and Libby will reveal to you some of their most treasured places and experiences and will guide you in capturing the images and stories that are the essence of this beautiful kingdom.
The expedition is designed to meet the special needs of photographers by allowing the best of both worlds: access to two skilled specialist leaders as well as to informative local guides and drivers who understand photographers. You will be well oriented to each day’s photographic possibilities and have sufficient background to make sense of what you are seeing. In addition, with two guests to each of the 5-6 vehicles, (along with a driver and either a Bhutanese guide or one of the international leaders), there is flexibility that increases the options for stopping for photos that interest you. By changing cars each day you will access the unique knowledge of both the leaders and all the guides and drivers as well as meet fellow guests over meals to debrief and discuss. You are never stuck in a bus. This is a trip for travelers and photographers, though experience as a photographer is not a prerequisite. Partners who are open to learning about and experiencing Bhutan will readily enjoy themselves.
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Michelle will be happy to email detailed notes or can discuss the trip by telephone.
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A thrilling opportunity to witness the Jakar village festival. This is a fairly new festival held within the Jakar Dzong and organised by the Jakar Dzong Monastic body. It will feature colourful costumed masked dances considered unique and sacred in Bhutanese culture. After lunch, spend more time at the festival, or visit some of the most sacred Lhakhangs (temples) of Bumthang including Jambay Lhakang, Kurjey Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang.
We take a short walk for a two-night stay in a local guesthouse in the Ugyencholing village. During your stay you can visit the ancient Ugyencholing Palace Museum and also participate in village activities including evening dancing, hoisting prayer flags, and Bhutan's traditional favourites of archery and khuru.
Walk to the most famous monastery in Bhutan. Taktshang Monastery, also known as Tiger's Nest, is built on the sheer cliff about 900 metres above the Paro valley floor. It is believed that in the eighth century Guru Rinpoche (regarded by the Bhutanese as the second Buddha) flew to the site where the monastery would eventually be built, riding on the back of a flying tigress (one of his consorts) to subdue the local demon Sengay Samdrup.
Bhutanese guides • Professional international photographic escorts • Exclusive photographic opportunities • Return airfare with Singapore Airways & Druk Air (the national airline of Bhutan) • Airline ticket taxes (subject to change until paid in full) • Twin share accommodation in comfortable 3 to 4 star local hotels including overnight in Bangkok (first night) • All meals as indicated throughout the itinerary • Bottled water along the tour • Sightseeing and entrance fees • Private 4WD transport with 2 guests each + driver & Guide/Leader each car • Visas for Bhutan • Bhutan Tourism Development fee • Contact My Secret Bhutan for a more information and a copy of the trip notes.