Destination Himalaya

Photo: Jeff Davis

Featuring the Tangbi Mani Festival

Bhutan is an immensely beautiful and serene land, and is a place where the Buddhist faith of its people remains the nation’s most vital cultural force. The Bhutanese joyously express their fervent faith during their festivals; in particular, the annual Tangbi Mani is one of Bhutan's most preeminent Buddhist festivals.

The Bumthang Valley is considered one of the most beautiful valley locales in Bhutan. People from all over the country gather at Tangbi to pay their respect and in turn be blessed at the Mani festival. Dressed in their finest clothes and jewelry, Bhutanese people attend the Tangbi celebration of purification and religious blessings. Arrays of colorful brocades whirl through the air as the dancers spin and dance the “thunderbolt step.” Masks of glorious demonic demons and animals arouse your senses as you watch the purification take place.

Outline Itinerary – 2011

Days 1 & 2, October 3 & 4: USA to Bangkok.

Day 3, October 5: Arrive Bhutan
The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas, offering dazzling scenic views of some of the world’s highest peaks. We drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital and spend the afternoon photographing the city.

Day 4, October 6: Exploring Thimphu
Today we will visit the local bazaar where everyone goes to buy fruit and vegetables, rice, grains, chilies and other fresh foods - a great portraiture day.

Day 5, October 7: To Punakha/Wangdi Valley
A landscape photography day as we drive to Punakha, over Dochu-la pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft), with impressive views of many towering mountain peaks.

Day 5, October 8: Exploring Punakha/Wangdi Valley
We get up close to rural Bhutan as we hike past (and photograph) terraced rice fields to the temple of Chimi Lhakhang.

Day 6, October 9: To Bumthang
Explore Wangduephodrang Dzong and then continue our drive over Pele-la pass (3,300 m/10,800 ft) to Trongsa.

Day 7, October 10: Reach Bumthang
Day to visit and photograph Trongsa Dzong, built in 1648, and was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Driving over the Yutong-la pass (3,400m/ 11,155 ft) we reach Bumthang.

Days 8 & 9, October 11 & 12: At Tangbi Mani Festival
Two full days to partake in and photograph the festivities at the Tangbi Mani (the annual festival at Tangbi Monastery). People from all over Bhutan gather at Tangbi to pay their respects and in turn be blessed at this social gathering. Dressed in their finest clothes and jewelry, Bhutanese people from all over Bumthang and eastern Bhutan attend the celebration.

Day 10, October 13: To Gantey Valley
Today we head to Gantey Valley, one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. We will explore and photograph Gantey village and the monastery.

Day 11, October 14: Paro Valley
A few kilometers beyond the Gantey Monastery, we visit the village of Phobjikha before continuing on to our next destination, the idyllic Paro Valley.

Day 12, October 15: Paro Valley / Taktsang Monastery
On our last day in Bhutan we visit the most famous of Bhutanese monasteries, Taktsang, Guru Rinpoche’s “Tiger’s Nest”. This evening we will take a stroll around Paro market and the town before enjoying our Farewell Dinner.

Day 13, October 16: Depart Bhutan
Today we leave Bhutan, taking the return flight from Paro to Bangkok.

Day 14, October 17: Arrive USA.

Other Photo Cultural Journeys:

Photographer's Tibet
On the Roof of the World, locked away for centuries, Tibet has always held a unique place in the human imagination, conjuring an unearthly realm beyond our reach. Known for its stunning landscapes, colorful festivals and friendly people, Tibet is a photographer's paradise

Incredible India
Photograph the contrasting lands and people of India from fertile Punjab to the desertscape of Rajasthan, via the foothills of the HImalaya in Dharamsala. On this tour we partake in one of the most colorful of Indian festivals – the Pushkar Camel Fair.

Suggested Extensions:

QuickEscapes – Mountains
Visit the Hill Stations of Kalimpong and Darjeeling offering fabulous views of the high Himalaya. Everest, Kanchenjunga and Makalu can all be viewed from Tiger Hill, above Darjeeling.

QuickEscapes – Tibet
Immerse yourself in the vivacious culture of the Tibetan heartland, as we explore many of Tibet’s major cultural and historical sites in an incredible 10-day journey.

Other itineraries featuring Bhutan:

Call us toll free at 1-800 MY INDIA (1-800-694-6342) or email us to request a detailed day-to-day itinerary.

"Jeff.........You were great in every way; a leader, a coach, a mentor, a motivator, a friend. Rest assured I will tell everyone I meet what a wonderful experience it was and to any photographer that they should try it."
- Michael L, CA