{"product_id":"bhutan-copy2027","title":"Himalayan Journey (Bhutan 2027)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApril 30th - May 10th 2027\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- split --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Kingdom in the clouds with snowcapped mountains, flower flooded valleys, incredible monasteries, countless hiking trails and breathtaking views, Bhutan beckons travelers from around the world to seek their happiness in the country considered the happiest place on Earth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver a period of 11 days we will be exploring the grand landscapes and rich culture of Bhutan. This trip involves mild to moderate hiking.  Accommodation for 10 nights is included in the workshop fee at double occupancy rate. The single occupancy supplement is an additional $1000. All nights are spent in very comfortable lodging. No camping will be involved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Activity Level : Mild to moderate. The days have been structured to provide rest and relaxation in between hiking days. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGroup size: Maximum of 8 participants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- split --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs we explore the Eastern Himalayas, the breathtaking views make the hiking a truly unforgettable experience. We will be in time to see the wildflowers \u003cspan\u003esuch as Iris, blue and yellow poppies, varieties of primulas, alpine roses, potentillas, alpine aster and rhododendrons blooming across the landscape. \u003c\/span\u003e The route is also an excellent place to sight the incredibly vibrant pheasants, partridges and jungle fowl.  The clean air and the lack of light pollution gives us a chance to photograph the night sky.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- split --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eItinerary Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 1: Arrival \u0026amp; Paro Valley Floor Fields\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArrive at Paro Airport and head straight away from town into the\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eupper Paro Valley. In May, the valley floor meadows are carpeted in early summer wildflowers. You will find easy, flat roadside pull-offs along the Paro Chhu river where you can photograph the rushing glacier water framed by blooming orchards and lush green hills.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Day 2 :\u003c\/strong\u003e  \u003cstrong\u003eSplendor\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eat Chele La Pass\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrive up to Chele La Pass (3,988 meters). The road takes you directly to the crest, meaning zero hiking is required for world-class alpine views. May is the peak blooming season for high-altitude pink and red rhododendrons. Arrive at dawn to photograph the heavy morning mist drifting through the flower canopy with the massive white wall of Mount Jomolhari in the background.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 3 \u003c\/strong\u003e:  \u003cstrong\u003eHaa Valley Meadow Strolls\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTake a relaxed, flat walk through the broad, open meadows of the Haa Valley. The valley floor is incredibly quiet and completely natural. You can easily stroll right out of your transport into fields filled with irises and primulas, capturing the soft, diffused light of the morning mist lifting off the forested ridges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 4 \u003c\/strong\u003e : \u003cstrong\u003ePanoramic Views at Dochula Pass\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTravel eastward over Dochula Pass (3,140 meters). The road drops you right at the summit. In May, the air begins to warm up, creating a natural thermodynamic effect where thick, dramatic cloud banks rise from the low valleys and collide with the pass. Use a telephoto lens right from the roadside to capture the distant Himalayan peaks peeking over a sea of rolling fog\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 5 : \u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eCascades \u0026amp; Subtropical Rivers.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDescend into the warm Punakha Valley. Head straight to the Basochhu Waterfall. This massive cascade is highly accessible, letting you set up a tripod for long-exposure water shots just a short, flat walk from the vehicle. Later, drive along the pristine Po Chhu (Male River) to shoot the dramatic turquoise glacial melt slicing through deep, green forested gorges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 6\u003c\/strong\u003e : T\u003cstrong\u003ehe Forest Gorges of Nobding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eExplore the steep, wild ravines around Nobding by car. This area is a haven for misty, moody photography. Because the road clings to the edge of the cliffs, you can step out onto safe, roadside overlooks to photograph clouds getting trapped in the dense, mossy jungle canopy below.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 7\u003c\/strong\u003e :\u003cstrong\u003eFlower Slopes of Pele La Pass to Phobjikha\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAscend the winding mountain highway over Pele La Pass (3,390 meters). The high-altitude highway passes directly through thick forests of blooming rhododendron and magnolia trees. You can shoot stunning macro and wide-angle flower landscapes right from the shoulder of the road before descending into the wide, flat Phobjikha Valley.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 8\u003c\/strong\u003e :  \u003cstrong\u003ePhobjikha Wetland\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePhobjikha is a completely flat, wide glacial valley. Instead of climbing hills, spend the day on the Phobjikha Nature Trail boardwalk. It is a completely level, effortless walk that takes you right into the heart of the marshlands. In May, the marsh is vibrant green, and early morning frost creates a layer of low-lying fog that hovers just feet above the ground.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 9 : \u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eLow-Angle Foothill Layers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBegin the relaxed drive back toward Paro. Your guide can stop at remote, unstructured mountain turnouts. May afternoons often bring dramatic, fast-moving sky conditions and sunbeams piercing through the clouds, perfect for capturing the endless, receding blue layers of the Himalayan foothills.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 10 :  Tiger Nest Monastery\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday we hike to the most iconic landmark in Bhutan which dates back to the 8th century, the cliffside Taktsang (Tiger nest) monastery. The hike is through alpine forests with spectacular views of Paro valley. There will be several vantage points along the way to photograph the monastery itself as well.    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 11 : Departure from Paro international airport.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbove itinerary is subject to change given weather, road conditions and best locations for wildflowers. Throughout our adventure in Bhutan we will be having multiple post processing sessions. This will give us not only an opportunity to review images acquired, but also learn how to how to optimize image rendition to suit your individual creative vision.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWorkshop fee: $6500 (double occupancy). Single supplement $1000.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIncludes:  \u003c\/strong\u003eTransfer to and from airport, accomodations for 10 nights, all meals, all domestic ground transportation, entry to national parks, personal porter for Tiger Nest hike, the mandatory sustainability tax and visa fees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExcludes: \u003c\/strong\u003eAlcoholic drinks, misc expenses. Domestic flight from Trashing to Paro. Airfare to Bhutan and back.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCancellation Policy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf workshop is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances a full refund will be issued. If canceled by participant 6 months prior to workshop travel credit will be applied to future workshop of your choice. If canceled within 6 months of start date no refunds can be issued.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #808080;\"\u003eDetailed itinerary and packing list will be sent to registered participants one month before the workshop.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sapna Reddy","offers":[{"title":"Reserve with Deposit 1500","offer_id":43610567540780,"sku":null,"price":1500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0286\/0439\/9660\/products\/BhutanWS.jpg?v=1639205172","url":"https:\/\/www.sapnareddy.com\/products\/bhutan-copy2027","provider":"Sapna Reddy","version":"1.0","type":"link"}