After early breakfast, drive up to the mountain pass of Chele La (12,500 feet). From here, take landscape shots of a panorama of icy summits, which can include the sacred peak of Jomolhari and the Haa Valley if it’s a clear day. Set out on our first hike, pausing to photograph fluttering prayer flags as we descend to the emerald slopes of Paro. Enjoy a free afternoon or go exploring with your camera in Paro Valley. Overnight in hotel.

Travel to Thimphu (7,900 feet), the capital of Bhutan and home to the royal family. As the kingdom’s only true city, as well as the center for government and much of the country’s commerce, Thimphu features a unique mix of Bhutanese and Western traditions. Spend the afternoon photographing scenes of contemporary Bhutanese life in the capital. Pay a visit to the Buddha Dordenma, an enormous golden statue perched on a mountaintop at the edge of the city, and enjoy the sweeping view below. Overnight in hotel.

Journey to Punakha, Bhutan’s ancient capital. En route to Punakha, stop at the Dochu La pass (10,000 feet) and train your lens on the 200-mile panorama of Himalayan peaks (weather permitting) or on the 108 chortens set against a panoramic backdrop of majestic mountains. Upon arrival in Punakha, set out on a hike through the surrounding rice paddies to Chimi Lhakhang—a temple blessed by Drukpa Kuenley, known as the “Mad Saint”. It is also called the fertility temple where childless couples go to get blessed by the main relic of the temple- a wooden phallus. Overnight in hotel.

Hike through terraced fields to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, a hilltop shrine with sweeping views of the fertile valley below. Hike to a family farm where we’ll have a chance to photograph everyday life at lunch in their home. Wander through a nearby village, photographing typical homes and village life, and visit a school. Overnight in hotel.

Journey to Phobjikha. Set on the western slopes of the Black Mountains, Phobjikha is considered one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan. It is also the largest wintering site for endangered black-necked cranes, which arrive in November and stay through March. We may have the opportunity to photograph the first arrivals of this stunning, rare species. Capture the views during a hike through pine and rhododendron forests. Our destination is a farmhouse where we'll meet the family and get another chance to document life in rural Bhutan. Overnight in hotel.

Head out on a morning photo shoot at Gangtey Goemba, one of the oldest Nyingmapa monasteries in Bhutan. Recently renovated, the monastery showcases the fine workmanship of Bhutan’s best woodcarvers, sculptors, and painters. Spend time framing the monastery's beautiful details before we travel to the town of Trongsa. Here, we'll explore the massive dzong, which commands a lofty perch overlooking the valley. At one time, the only mule and foot trail between eastern and western Bhutan passed through Trongsa and the dzong itself. Then cross Yutong La pass (11,234′) and stop at a local weaving center to photograph artisans at work. Continue to Bumthang, a deeply spiritual area where Buddhism was first introduced to Bhutan in the seventh century A.D. Overnight in hotel.

Spend the day photographing the important Buddhist sites around Bumthang, some of which date back more than a thousand years. On an easy walk from Jambay Lakhang to Kurjey Lakhang, take shots of the temples and learn the rich legends associated with them. Hike to Tamzhing Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique murals, and explore Jakar Dzong. Time permitting this afternoon, you may choose to visit a beer factory, cheese factory, go on another hike, or explore the town. Overnight in hotel.

Today's hike is full of fantastic photographic opportunities. We'll cross the river to a secluded trail that ascends steeply through pine forests and meadows. Frame the view from various stops along the way and pause for a picnic and a photo shoot at Pedseling Monastery. Descend the other side of the mountain into beautiful Tang Valley, winding through Tang villages where we'll linger to photograph age-old houses, village families, and the lovely landscape. As we drive back to Bumthang, snap photos of religious sites along the road to Jakar, including Tang Rimochen Lakhang, a nunnery, and Member Tsho (Burning Lake). Overnight in hotel.

Catch a morning flight from Bumthang to Paro. Or Drive for 6-7 hours all the way back to Paro. After checking into our hotel, set out for the National Museum, housed in an old watchtower above the Paro Dzong. The museum’s collections include displays of spectacular thangkas (religious scroll paintings), bronze statues, and elaborate stamps. Overnight in hotel.

Set out on a steep, two-hour hike to a teahouse that affords fantastic vantages of the legendary Taktsang Lhakhang, or Tiger’s Nest Monastery, which clings to a cliff nearly 3,000 feet above the Paro Valley. Frame the site from a variety of angles, and if you wish, continue hiking another hour to a closer viewpoint. Later this afternoon, photograph archers practicing Bhutan’s national sport, and try your hand at using a traditional bow and arrow. Toast our photo adventure with a farewell dinner this evening. Overnight in hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Paro International Airport where your guide and driver will bid you farewell. Hope you had a pleasant stay in the magical Land of the dragon kingdom! Hope to see you in Bhutan again!