Bhutan Photo Expedition 2010
Our itinerary
Bhutan is a land unlike any other. Beautiful, mountainous landscapes provide picture-perfect backdrops to ancient temples and age-worn monasteries. The Bhutanese people greet visitors with their customary charm and warm hospitality, making any visit here a rare pleasure.
Our 2010 photo expedition will coincide with the autumn festival (tsechu) season and our group will photograph lively, colourful celebrations that it is impossible to witness elsewhere.
From Paro and Thimpu, in the west of Bhutan, we will travel eastwards, visiting increasingly remote locations and timing our itinerary to arrive at villages in time for the local festival.
Our 2010 Bhutan Expedition promises to be a memorable experience.
Day 1 September 13, 2010: Arrival: Paro
We arrive in Paro midmorning and after clearing immigration we check in our hotel in time for lunch. This afternoon, we will photograph at the Paro Dzong and the Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country. We will walk along some of the town’s streets and get a flavor of Bhutanese lifestyle.
Day 2 September 14, 2010: Paro
After an early breakfast, we hike up a path to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s most famous and scenic monastery. You will have full day at the monastery. Lunch half way to the Tiger’s nest. Dinner at a farm house in a traditional Bhutanese style. Overnight in Paro.
Day 3 September 15, 2010: Paro-Wangduephodrang
It’s an early wake up for us to start our long drive to Wanduephodrang. There’s a stop at the beautiful Dochu La pass (10,000 feet). On clear days there are spectacular views of the Himalayas, dozens of chortens, prayer stones and a multitude of prayer flags. We continue our drive to Punakha. After lunch we will trek to the Chimi Lakhang traversing flat rice fields. Its about 20 minutes hike through the rice fields. This monastery was build by a monk who was popularly known as the divine madman. Here devotees are blessed by a solid rock phallus believed to be the masters’. Overnight Wangdue.
Day 4 September 16, 2010: Wangduephodrang (festival)
Today full day at the Wangdi festival. Overnight Wangdi.
Day 5. September 17 . Wangdiphodrang. – Punakha
Today once again we will witness the festival. Afternoon drive to Punakha and visit the Punakha Dzong. Its one of the most spectacular dzongs in Bhutan.
Day 6 September 18, 2010 Wangduephodrang – Bumthang
It’s another early departure from our hotel for our long drive to Bumthang valley, the religious heartland of Bhutan. We will break our drive to visit Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. We the continue our drive towards Jakar and Tamshing. We will also stop for a quick visit at the yethra (textile weavers) cottage industry, for us to stretch our legs, photograph and buy weavings that are unique to the valley.
Day 7 September 19, 2010 Ura Valley
Today we will photograph in the Ura area. Ura is the highest of Bumthang’s Valleys and is believed by some to have been the home of the earliest inhabitants of Bhutan. Cobbled streets and a medieval feel give Ura villages an attractive atmosphere, and houses are unusually clustered The old women of Ura still wear sheepskin shawls which double as blankets and cushions, and distill ara (eau de vie spirits) in the olden ways.
Day 8 September 20, 2010: Bumthang Valley
After breakfast, we tour the area, and stop at the Jakar Dzong, the administrative center of the valley; Jambey Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, dating from the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan; and the sacred Kurjey Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche left his body imprint on the cave when he was meditating. Later, we stop at Tamshing Lhakhang, which houses interesting religious Buddhist paintings, and see Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake). Subject to time, we will stop by the Karchu monastery.
Day 9 September 21, 2010: Bumthang Valley
Sightseeing around villages in Bumthang. We will visit some villages and experience real rural life. It will be fun interacting with the rural folks and see them go about their daily chores. Overnight in Bumthang
Day 10 September 22, 2010: Tangbi Mani festival
Today is the start of the Thangbi Mani Festival; the rural festival held in the courtyard of Thangbi monastery, built in 1470. The monastery courtyard becomes a stage for enactment of ancient Buddhist tales. Dancers clad in colorful costumes and masks act out themes – morality plays, purification rites, and the triumph of a virtuous life.
Day 11 September 23, 2010. Bumthang Tangbi Mani festival
We will revisit and photograph for the second day at the Tangbi Mani, capturing more dances and their performers. This is well worth the extra day since it will allow us to photograph the inner lakhang, with circumbulating pilgrims wearing the coat of mail for penance. It’s encouraged that you engage the local villagers, as this is the only time of year that families from the area gather together in a festival, all wearing their finest dress. Our past experience has always been wonderful, and we returned with many personal experiences.
Day 12 September 24, 2010: Bumthang-Wangduephodrang
Early morning, we retrace our route back and head for Wangduephodrang (minimum 7 hours), and stop at the Trongsa dzong which represents the purest Bhutanese monastic architecture. We will cross the breathtaking 11,000 foot high Pele La pass.
Day 13 September 25, 2010: Wangdue with Paro
After breakfast drive to Thimphu. Sightseeing around Thimphu. Evening drive to Paro. Overnight in Paro.
Day 14 September 26, 2010: Fly to Bangkok.
September 13th to September 26th, 2010
Price: $4,350
Plus approximately $850 for return Druk Air flight to Bhutan from Bangkok, Delhi or Kathmandu.
All prices are based upon single occupancy, there are no additional single supplement fees to pay.
Includes: All accommodation, meals, in-country transfers and transport, certified English-speaking guides and drivers, Government tariff, Bhutan visa & departure tax.
Excludes: Tips and personal expenses such as laundry, beverages, internet access
The Tour Leaders
The Bhutan Photo Expedition will be led by professional photographers Gavin Gough and Lesley Fisher. As well as providing participants with an insight into the local culture and customs, Gavin and Lesley will share their knowledge and experience, helping you to make the most of the opportunities and to capture the very best images possible. Daily tuition is available to those who seek it and evenings are often spent discussing post-production techniques, critiquing images and enjoying photographic and software tutorials.
“Our aim is for our tour participants to enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experience, whilst capturing images that they can be proud of.”
Gavin Gough
Gavin Gough is an independent, freelance travel photographer. Originally from England, Gavin is currently based in Bangkok, Thailand, from where he travels extensively, working on assignment, on commission, creating stock images, writing and teaching.
“As a travel photographer, my studio is the world outside my door and the only equipment required is a camera and a willingness to look for new perspectives. Lighting comes courtesy of whatever is available; sun, sky, tungsten and neon – travel photographers have access to it all. We are not restricted by subject or location, only by an obligation to record the world we see with honesty and compassion. More than just exotic locations and wild adventures, travel photography is about seeing our surroundings with fresh eyes and childlike enthusiasm.”
Gavin Gough works primarily as a freelance photographer, working on assignment. He has been commissioned by a variety of NGOs, humanitarian and charitable institutions and has completed commissions for organisations as varied as Sony, Vanity Fair magazine and the Vietnamese Tourist Board.
Gavin produces stock photographs for Getty and Lonely Planet images. His vibrant stock collection includes images from more than forty countries which have been reproduced in hundreds of newspapers, magazines and books and are regularly featured in publications such as National Geographic, Geo, Vogue, The New York Times, The Guardian, and many more. His stock images have appeared on everything from postage stamps to magazine covers and billboards.
When time permits, Gavin contributes articles of words and pictures to several photographic and trade publications, relating his travel experiences and offering technical and career advice to enthusiastic photographers around the world.
Lesley Fisher
Since leaving Stirling University in her native Scotland with an honours degree in Psychology, Lesley Fisher has pursued her love of the arts with an adventurous spirit. Travel Photography has provided the perfect means to satisfy that search for adventure whilst offering an outlet for Lesley’s artistic flair. Despite having only recently started working as a full-time photographer, Lesley is already published and her growing portfolio of images is already in demand from Picture Editors and Art Directors.
Lesley has made Thailand her home for the last thirteen years, working in the travel and hospitality industry and speaks fluent Thai. Her willingness to experience life to the full and to fully engage with her surroundings has led her to become a certified PADI Rescue Diver and an accomplished practitioner in the techniques of Mysore Ashtanga Yoga.
Lesley’s photographic work has evolved from her time in hospitality and she is now a sought-after architectural photographer and interior styling expert. Inspired by the work of Annie Liebowitz, Henri Cartier-Bresson and more contemporary photographers including Steve McCurry and Ami Vitale, Lesley continues to travel and photographs in some of the world’s more far-flung locations, honing her skills and sharing her unique blend of charm and humour with whoever she meets.
Our Terms and Conditions
We hope that you will enjoy your time on our Photo Expedition. In association with our local contacts, we make every effort to ensure that the tour runs smoothly but ask you to appreciate that the itinerary is necessarily flexible. Locations and timings may vary depending upon prevailing local conditions. The following terms and conditions should cover most potential situations but please feel free to contact us if you have any additional questions or comments.
Payment:
A deposit payment of US $550 is payable at the time of registration to secure your place.
Full payment is required 60 days prior to departure.
Cancellation Policy:
Clients are subject to the following charges in the event of cancellations. The fee depends on the number of days notice provided before the programme begins, as follows: More than 60 days before the tour commencement date: 10% fee. 30-60 days notice: 30%. 15-30 days: 50% . Fewer than 15 days: 100%
Cancellation fees apply to tour costs only and not to transfer flights, which will be refunded according to the airline’s cancellation policy. Notification of cancellation by either e-mail or phone is acceptable but must be followed by written confirmation.
In the unlikely event that we are forced to cancel a tour, as much notice as possible will be given and a full and immediate refund of the deposit will be made.
Travel Insurance:
All tour participants are required to obtain full and comprehensive travel insurance, which must include evacuation and cancellation cover. The policy duration must extend for thirty days beyond the intended conclusion of the tour. A copy of the policy schedule must be submitted to Gavin Gough prior to departure
Liability Waiver:
Participants will be required to sign a standard Liability Waiver form before the tour commences.
Responsibility:
Gavin Gough and his agents and representatives accept no responsibility for loss, damage, theft or injury to person or property resulting from the actions of Gavin Gough or his associates, their agents or any persons who provide services for the tour. Camera equipment and other possessions remain the responsibility of the owner at all times. Gavin Gough reserves the right to withdraw or conclude the tour at any time or to decline any person as a member of the tour at any time, for any reason.
Health:
It is the responsibility of the client to inform Gavin Gough of any potential health issues at the time of booking. Agreement of these terms and conditions indicates that you certify that you do not have any physical or other conditions that may hinder your participation in the tour or which might present a potential risk to yourself, the tour organiser or other tour participants.
Acceptance:
Payment of a deposit constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions.
My Testimonials
The opportunity to spend time with enthusiastic photographers is always one that I’m grateful for. When those photographers who have joined me for workshops, classes and photo tours feel moved to convey their appreciation, that’s the icing on the cake. Here’s a small selection:
“I had an amazing day. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge, insight, and experience with me. I really think this workshop made me grow as a photographer, and as a person. I have started to walk a bit more slowly, talking more with people and getting to know them better before bringing up my camera (the results were amazing). By the end of the day I have new friends and interesting stories to tell, not to mention a better knowledge and understanding of the place and its people.” Daniel Torres
“It was such a memorable experience… Your golden tidbits of instruction have stuck with me since our time together. Thinking about things differently and digesting your teachings has been empowering.” Linda Sykes I’Anson
“I cannot recommend the experience highly enough. Gavin is delightful company; incredibly experienced and your photography can only improve when you spend time with him.” Marco Ryan (Read Marco’s full review)
“ I feel that I know my camera so much better and I am trying out new ideas every weekend. I felt entirely comfortable asking questions and making comments. All sessions were excellent. I would be happy to recommend this course to others, let me know when you are planning another.” Jane Monks
“I think the course was absolutely fabulous. I have recommended it to many and should you consider to do more I will endorse every aspect. You were thorough, professional and enjoyable. The fieldtrip was incredibly helpful, even for those of us with some experience.” Penny Fournel
“I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the workshop, it was incredibly informative and was great to see the way you work. It has certainly given me lots of ideas to stretch my creativity when I am feeling “stuck”, and I just wanted to say thanks for sharing.” Sally Slack
