Depart from Los Angeles today and make your way to Thailand. Lose a day as you cross the International Date Line. Note: Gateway city is subject to change.

WHAT YOU"LL LEARN ON THIS JOURNEY WITH MARK

- How to refine your photo techniques - even with your cell phone!

- How to create dynamic environmental portraits

- Creating your personal travel memories with images

- Photographers of all levels welcome

Upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi Bangkok International Airport, you will be met and greeted by a local representative and transferred to a nearby airport hotel for check-in and overnight.

Depending on your arrival time, dinner will be provided at the hotel this evening.

Overnight:  Novotel Airport Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Dinner

Welcome to Bhutan! Head back to the airport very early this morning for your flight to Paro. The Dragon Kingdom of Bhutan is the last of the Buddhist kingdoms that once occupied a vast area of the Himalayas. 

Upon arrival in Paro you will be met by your national guide/leader for the two hour drive to Thimphu, through spectacular mountain scenery and serene countryside to Bhutan’s capital. Sandwiched in the heart of the Himalayas, Thimphu is a small, charming city, with all the buildings constructed and painted in the traditional Bhutanese style.

Arrive in Thimphu this afternoon for check-in and welcome briefing & orientation. Travelers will gather this afternoon with the national guide and receive further information on the program.

This evening the group will visit a local farmer’s market or the majestic Tashichoe Dzong, office of the King and residence of the central monk lead by the Je Khenpo (chief abbot) of Bhutan.

Overnight:  Khang Residency Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we will explore and photograph the Memorial Stupa, a pious landmark of Thimphu residents. You will have the opportunity to meet with local people from all walks of life. Capture images of the Giant Buddha Dordenma Statue. Inside of Thimphu’s 169-foot Buddha Dordenma statue, there are 125,000 miniature Buddhas, ranging from 8 to 12 inches tall. The statue sits atop a golden meditation hall and came with a price tag of 100 million dollars when built in 2015 to honor the 60th birthday of Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the fourth King of Bhutan.

This afternoon we will visit artisans at the Jungshi Handmade Paper factory (Jungshi meaning natural), one of the oldest in the country. Learn how authentic Bhutanese paper (De-Sho) is made from the bark of the daphne papyri bush using ancient techniques.  The Ministry of Labor & Industry established this school in 1990 to preserve and promote this age-old Bhutanese tradition.

Each evening you will have the opportunity to gather as a group to review your photography and explore with Mark how you can improve your technique. 

Dinner will be provided this evening.

Overnight: Khang Residency Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
 

This morning take part in a humanitarian visit at a local non-profit or community program, such as Draktsho Vocational Training Center. They are a non-profit organization and the only one of its kind in the country with aspirations to enhance the living standard of children and youth with disabilities through empowerment by training. 

Continue to explore to the Folk Heritage Museum, where displays feature traditional Bhutanese history and life including a typical house filled with indigenous household items. At the National Textile Museum, see a vast collection of old and rare textiles and traditional garments such as the kira worn by women, and the gho, by men. These museums, both of which opened in 2001, provide fascinating insight into Bhutanese culture.  

Lunch is on your own this afternoon.

Continue exploring during a stop at a handicrafts emporium and onward to see the Drubthob Goemba Monastery and enjoy the views of the fascinating Thimpu Valley. This is also home of the Zilukha Nunnery, where you will have a chance to talk with the nuns about their lives and Buddhism in general. Finally, stroll along Thimphu’s main street, visiting shops and markets. Before the light fades, capture images of everyday life as the local’s shop and socialize with each other.

Dinner will be provided this evening.

Overnight: Khang Residency Hotel​
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we will take a close look at the Bhutanese art forms that continue to flourish in everyday life: weavings, woodcarvings and the traditional art of painting Thangkhas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls).

As we drive to Punakha, we will traverse Dochula Pass (10,500 ft.) and see one of Bhutan’s most breathtaking views – a plethora of colorful rhododendron blossoms and soft green wild herbs and forest trees dot a canvas of alpine snow. Enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges and the fertile valley of Punakha.

Late this afternoon you will arrive in Punakha, formerly established as Bhutan’s winter capital because of its more temperate valley climate. After arrival, visit the nearby stone mason village of Rinchen Gang. Believed to be one of the oldest villages in Bhutan, the short hike up to the village affords magnificent views of the Dzong valley and river below. Visit some of the village homes to see the fine stone and masonry work firsthand.

Enjoy an excursion to Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the temple of fertility, situated on a hillock in the center of the valley. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children should pray at this temple and are usually blessed with a child soon after.

Take an early evening stroll along the roadside markets at Lobesa. This will be a great opportunity to capture images for your photo essay including local produce, vendors and everyday life.

Lunch and dinner will be provided today including staples of the local diet like rice, seasonal vegetables, noodles, naan, chicken/beef and vegetarian Ema Datshi Chili Cheese along with local dessert options.

Overnight: Drubchu Hotel (or SImilar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning you will take a short drive through the valley, then a trek up to the majestic Khamsung Yuely Namgyel Temple. Enjoy the grand views of Mo Chu River Valley before a meandering walk through terraced rice fields and small villages. After the Namgyel Temple visit, you will visit Punakha Dzong which is arguably the most beautiful dzong in the country, especially in spring when the lilac-colored jacaranda trees bring a lush sensuality to the dzong's characteristically towering whitewashed walls. This dzong was the second to be built in Bhutan and it served as the capital and seat of government until the mid-1950s. All of Bhutan's kings have been crowned here. 

Lunch will be provided today. 

Depart Punakha for the scenic drive back to Paro, arriving at your hotel in the afternoon. Tashi Namgay Resort is set amidst five acres of lush foliage and green lawns. Located conveniently in the heart of Paro valley but away from the distractions of the main town, 

End your day with a visit to a local primary school in Paro. Meet with the staff and students to learn about the education system in Bhutan and opportunities for children to be educated.

Dinner is on your own this evening after you check into your local hotel.

Overnight: Tashi Namgay Resort (or similar)​
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, your guide leads you on a hike to the enchanting Tigers Nest, the Taktsang Monastery viewpoint. Built around a cave where the Guru Rinpoche meditated, this monastery impossibly seems to cling to a cliff of rock 3,000 feet above the valley floor. The Taktsang Monastery is one of the most venerated pilgrim sites of the Himalayan world, containing 13 holy places.

Please note: The hike takes about 5 hours (round trip) and is challenging although unforgettably thrilling and mystical. *Transport by pony is available on the ascent if you do not wish to hike. Walking is mandatory on the descent.*

Lunch is on your own arrangement today with either free time to relax or those interested can continue your exploration with the local guide.

Later in the day, those interested can visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning “fortress of the heap of jewels”, which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore.

A farewell dinner will be provided this evening.

Overnight: Tashi Namgay Resort (or similar)​
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner