Spring Light: Dzongs & Jacaranda
Punakha Dzong framed in lilac jacaranda, rhododendrons on the passes and soft spring light, with time built in for every frame.
In spring the jacaranda trees around Punakha Dzong burst into lilac bloom and rhododendrons colour the forests on the high passes. This journey is planned around golden hours, with early starts and relaxed middays.
Photography inside temples and lhakhangs is not permitted. Your guide will always advise, and will help you ask before taking portraits.
Highlights
- Punakha Dzong in jacaranda season
- Rhododendron forests on Dochula
- Morning light on the Tiger's Nest
- Tashichho Dzong lit up at night
Day by day
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Day 1
Arrive in Paro
Evening golden hour at Rinpung Dzong and the traditional cantilever bridge below it.
Rinpung Dzong · Photo: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0 -
Day 2
Paro
Dawn at Kyichu Lhakhang, then hike to the Tiger's Nest for morning light on the cliffs.
Paro Taktsang · Photo: David Broad, CC BY 3.0 -
Day 3
Paro to Thimphu
Elders circling the Memorial Chorten at first light; Tashichho Dzong illuminated after dark.
National Memorial Chorten · Photo: Vinayaraj, CC BY-SA 4.0 -
Day 4
Thimphu to Punakha
Rhododendrons at Dochula, then Punakha Dzong at golden hour.
Dochula · Photo: David Broad, CC BY 3.0 -
Day 5
Punakha
Sunrise from the suspension bridge, jacaranda around the dzong, and rice fields in the afternoon.
Punakha Suspension Bridge · Photo: Zachary Collier, CC BY 2.0 -
Day 6
Punakha to Gangtey
Wide valley landscapes and Gangtey Goenpa at sunset.
Gangtey Goenpa · Photo: Prof. Mortel, CC BY 2.0 -
Day 7
Gangtey to Paro
A scenic drive back west, with stops wherever the light is right.
Paro valley · Photo: Abhijit Kar Gupta from Kolkata, India, CC BY 2.0 -
Day 8
Depart
Transfer to Paro airport for your onward flight.
Paro International Airport · Photo: Vinayaraj, CC BY-SA 4.0
Included on this journey
More journeys
Cranes of Phobjikha
Winter in the glacial Phobjikha valley, where endangered black-necked cranes arrive from the Tibetan plateau.
Peaks, Passes & Dzongs
Autumn's crystal skies for the great Himalayan panoramas and the monumental dzongs of the west and centre.
Village Life & Portraits
Slow, human photography: farmhouse kitchens, harvest in the paddies, archery matches and the faces of rural Bhutan.
Make it yours.
Tell us your dates and wishes, and we'll tailor this journey around you.
- Private & tailor-made
- Licensed by Bhutan’s Department of Tourism
- Every enquiry answered personally