Charity Skydive Frequently Asked Questions

Day 1

Fly into Paro and marvel at the scenery of the Himalayas. Arrive at the airport and keep yourself cosy with our gift - a Bhutanese welcome scarf! Drive towards Thimphu and make a stop at the private temple of Tamchhog Lhakhang. Capture images of the temple's famous iron chain bridge. The temple's location on the ridge and the high rocky barren hills as its backdrop makes this a wonderful location to take pictures. Visit the Thimphu Dzong, which was built in 1641 by the founder of Bhutan, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Overnight Thimphu (2350meters).



Day 2

In the morning, depart to Kuensel Phodrang to see and photograph the magnificent 51-meter bronze Buddha statue. Hike Kuensel Phodrang's natural trail towards Changangkha Lhakhang and visit its 12th-century temple. After lunch, see local students practising traditional Bhutanese arts such as calligraphy, embroidery and wood carving at the 13 arts and craft school. If we are lucky, we will also get to learn about the national sport of Bhutan by watching and photographing an archery tournament next to the National Stadium! Overnight Thimphu.



Day 3

Journey to the alpine valley of Phobjikha after breakfast. Phobjikha is one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan and is well known for the migration of the black-necked cranes from Tibet for winter roosting. Stop at Dochula Pass, which was built in honour of 108 Bhutanese soldiers. On a clear day, the pass offers an amazing 360-degree panoramic view of the Himalayas. Arrive in Gangtey and visit the Gangtey Goemba monastery. Set against a backdrop of forest-clad mountains and surrounded by clusters of hilltop cottages, the monastery provides the opportunity for fantastic photography. One of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, Gangtey Goemba showcases the fine workmanship of Bhutan’s best woodcarvers, sculptors, and painters. Overnight Phobjikha (3000 meters).



Day 4

Drive out from Gangtey for about 30 minutes and hike Longtey village. Walk through a rhododendron forest for about 6km, where we may spot some grey langur monkeys. As the Longtey trail is still used by locals, we may meet and chat with some locals along the way. If time permits, make our way towards Phobjikha valley for some landscape photography. Gangtey is the upper part of the valley and Phobjikha is the lower part of the valley. Overnight Phobjikha.



Day 5

Drive for about 5-6 hours towards Bumthang. Stop at different shooting locations on the way for beautiful landscape photography. Upon arrival, visit some or all of the following sites: -The Tamshing Lhakhang, which was built by the famous Terton and saint, Pema Lingpa, in the 15th century. -The Kurjay Lhakhang (temple), which was visited by Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century. It is believed that Guru Rinponche left his body imprint at the site after his visit. -The Jambay Lhakhang, which is one of the oldest temples in the country. It was built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsan Gembo in order to defeat ogres. Overnight Bumthang (2800 meters).



Day 6

Experience and photograph the unique festivals around Jakar valley. Each dance is spectacular but different so you will have a chance to test and hone your photography techniques. Visit Jakar Dzong. Overnight Bumthang.



Day 7

Drive to Tang Valley, which is the most remote and off-the-beaten track destination around Bumthang. Explore the valley and visit the Ogyen Choling heritage Museum. Make our way from Tang Bepzur towards the Chamkhar bushman trail, which is a very nice hike to end the day. Overnight Bumthang.



Day 8

Drive towards Trongsa, one of Bhutan's most historic towns. Visit the Trongsa Museum and Trongsa Dzong, which is located on top of an imposing hill . Enjoy Trongsa town. Overnight Trongsa (2200m).



Day 9

After breakfast, journey towards Punakha (6-7 hours). Experience the Talo Tshechu festival, which is well known for its mask dances and the atsara (clown) dances. Learn new techniques in photographing the action and intensity of festivals. If time permits, visit Punakha Dzong. Overnight Punakha (1200 meters).



Day 10

In the morning, visit a beautiful hilltop nunnery. Gentle hike downhill towards Punakha Dzong. You will come across beautiful views as well as a variety of butterflies during the hike. After lunch, make our way towards Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten where you will get to capture spectacular views over the whole Punakha valley. Overnight Punakha.



Day 11

Drive towards Dochula. Hike the Lungchutse trail that slowly climbs a ridge through a forest of rhododendrons, hemlock and birch until reaching an open meadow. Enter into a forest of moss-covered rhododendrons, gigantic hemlocks, junipers, and bamboo undergrowth. A small trail leads you to the last 50 meters past a row of fluttering prayer flags up to Lungchutse temple. At the temple, if the weather is clear, enjoy a 360° view of the Himalayan mountain range. Overnight Dochula (3100meters).



Day 12

Wake up around 4:30 am to experience and photograph the magnificent sunrise over the top of Himalayan snow-capped mountains. After breakfast and depending on the weather, drive towards Paro. Visit the Paro Rimpong Dzong and the National Museum. Enjoy some leisure time in Paro town. Overnight Paro.



Day 13

Excursion to Haa valley. If the weather is clear today, you will get very good views of some snow-capped mountains when you reach the top of Chelela pass at 3988 meters. Explore Haa valley and drive back to Paro. Overnight Paro.



Day 14

Today is a big day! Early morning photo hike to Bhutan's most famous pilgrimage site, the Tiger's Nest (Taktshang) (9,300 feet). This extraordinary monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 2,000 feet above the valley floor. It will be an approximately 6-hour hike. The hike can be tiring but trust us, it's worth it!



Day 15

After breakfast, say our goodbyes (very sad!) and return to the airport for departure.