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Bhutan with Peter Eastway & David Oliver
Bhutan With Peter Eastway & David Oliver 1 - 15 November 2016
AWAY PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS
Paro, Early MorningPhotograPhed from our hotel verandah!
Photography by Peter Eastway
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Bhutan with Peter Eastway & David Oliver
Why Bhutan?Hopefully a flick through the pages of this
brochure will explain why you have to visit the
remote and mysterious Kingdom of Bhutan.
It is a country like no other, steeped in history
and religion, tucked away between towering
mountains, yet with an authenticity that is hard to
find in an ever diminishing world.
For photographers, Bhutan is Paradise - or should
we say ‘Shangri-la’? There is so much to point
your camera at, from the local people in their
traditional dress to the imposing ‘dzongs’ or
fortified monasteries clinging to sheer cliffs.
However, don’t come just to take photographs.
Come to experience a truly unique part of the
world. Immerse yourself in the Tibetan Buddhist
culture, walk across the bare wooden floors of
ancient temples, listen to the drums, bells and
horns underneath the rhythmic chanting of the
crimson-robed monks.
We travel in Bhutan with Illuminating Tours and
our head guide, Namgay. We visit his family village
as well as the most famous landmarks, so we don’t
just see the touristy spots, we get a taste of real
life in Bhutan.
However, we travel in comfort. Our tour has six
comfortable vehicles, each with two guests, one
guide and one driver. The guides include Peter,
David, Kathie Eastway, Namgay and two other
Bhutanese guides. All the drivers are Bhutan
locals. It’s a great way to get around the country.
The 3 to 4 star hotels are clean and comfortable,
the food is excellent and there are lots of
opportunities to purchase souvenirs.
However, the biggest thrill will be the
photographs you capture while travelling through
Bhutan, the land of the thunder dragon.
Paro Dzong, ParoWe visit this location on our first day!
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Bhutan with Peter Eastway & David Oliver
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Bhutan with Peter Eastway & David Oliver
Photography ExclusivesThere are a number of tour companies offering
access to Bhutan and its incredible culture, so why
travel with Peter and David?
Bhutan with Peter Eastway and David Oliver
offers photographers a number of exclusive
opportunities that are not available with other
tours.
For instance, we visit our head guide’s home
village, Tshangkha, for a unique experience,
interacting with villagers of all ages. Learn about
their lives, share stories, visit their homes and have
an intimate and memorable experience.
We also take a short walk for a two-night stay
in a local guesthouse in the Ugyencholing
village. During your stay, you can visit the unique
Ugyencholing Palace Museum and participate
in village activities including dancing, hoisting
prayer flags, and the local village games of archery
and khuru. Very few tour groups are currently
overnighting in this authentic feudal village for an
experience you will never forget.
We also drive in a convoy of cars. Don’t
underestimate the importance of this when
negotiating Bhutan’s narrow, winding roads - it is
far more comfortable than a bus!
And most importantly, you have the expertise
and experience of two AIPP Grand Masters of
Photography. If photography is your thing, there
are few photography workshops that can offer this
depth of experience. Both have been practising
professional photographers for over 30 years,
both are invited around the world to lecture
on photography, and Peter has an incredible
knowledge of the technical side of photography as
well - and he’s done this trip Bhutan twice already!
So, please, this is not just an ordinary trip to
Bhutan, amazing as it is. It’s a photography tour
which will leave you breathless!
Red Rice PaddiesBring your telePhoto lens for shots like this
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Bhutan with Peter Eastway & David Oliver
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Bhutan with Peter Eastway & David Oliver
ItineraryTravel | Tuesday 1 November
Meet in Bangkok and overnight at the Novotel
Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel. The group will meet
for dinner and a briefing by Peter and David in
the evening to prepare for an early morning
departure to Paro the next day.
Day 1 | Wednesday 2 November
Bangkok - Paro - Thimphu
Early flight to Paro with Druk Air, the national
carrier of the Royal Government of Bhutan. If the
weather is clear, experience breathtaking views
of the Himalayan peaks as we descend into this
remote land. The flight into Paro is one of the
most spectacular in the world.
On arrival our guides and drivers will meet us at
the airport and drive us to Paro for sightseeing
and lunch. We will visit the dramatic Paro Dzong
(fortress) built in 1646 (where the movie ‘Little
Buddha’ was filmed).
There are many more photographic opportunities
along the road while we drive to the capital
Thimphu (2320 m).
Day 2 | Thursday 3 November
Thimphu - Tango - Memorial Chortan -
Painting School - Paper Factory
The walk up to Tango Monastery takes
approximately 45 minutes and provides a
wonderful opportunity to visit monks and receive
blessings. Spend some time at the monastery
and talk with the monks about their daily lives.
At present, Tango Monastery is a university of
Buddhist philosophy, with a student body of over
70 monks. The monastery was founded by Lama
Gyalwa Lhanampa in the 13th century and built
in its present form by Tenzin Rabgye, the 4th
Temporal Ruler in 1688. It underwent restoration
in the mid 1990s. Later in the day, begin exploring
Thimphu, including a visit to a painting school
and a paper factory.
Inside the Paro DzongWe asked the young monk to Pose.
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Bhutan with Peter Eastway & David Oliver
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Bhutan with Peter Eastway & David Oliver
Day 3 | Friday 4 November
Dochu La (3,150 m) - Punakha Dzong -
- Divine Madman’s Temple - Punakha
Today we will depart Thimphu eastwards for Punakha.
Enroute we will cross Dochu La (‘La’ means mountain
pass) at 3140 m featuring 108 stupas built by the
Queen Mother in 2004. On a clear day we may enjoy a
spectacular view of the eastern Himalayan mountains.
After stopping for tea and refreshments we will
proceed over the mountains and into Punakha Valley.
In the afternoon, our guides will arrange a visit to the
breath-taking Punakha Dzong. Punakha is the ancient
capital of Bhutan and the dzong, built in 1637, is the
winter residence of the Head Abbott of Bhutan and
the main monk body. The dzong lies between two
rushing rivers (chhu), the Mo (mother) and Po (father)
Chhu and so is one of the most dramatic looking
buildings in Bhutan.
Take photos from various vantage points, then cross
the cantilever bridge and spend some time exploring
the interior, a treasure trove of small temples and
especially fine examples of Buddhist iconography.
Day 4 | Saturday 5 November
Punakha – Trongsa - Pele La - Yak herders -
- Tshangkha village
This morning we depart for the village of Trongsa
(2000 m). There are some great photo opportunities
of waterfalls on this part of the journey. We also have
an exclusive invitation to visit Tshangkha, the ancestral
village of our head guide Namgay. He will wander
with us through a cluster of traditional village homes,
meeting some of the residents as they go about their
daily chores, walk beside the fields and visit the village
temple.
Above the main village we will visit a traditional
farmhouse in the kitchen (the warmest room where
the whole family eats and sleeps together) and then
also visit the traditional altar room and the storeroom.
Day 5 | Sunday 6 November
Trongsa Dzong - Lunch at Bumthang -
Overnight in Ugyen Choling
There are some amazing views of the Trongsa Dzong
in the morning from our hotel and after breakfast, we
will walk through the ancient dzong ourselves and
perhaps see the monks going about their daily duties.
We Think This Is Namgay’s Uncle!at tshangkha village on the Way to trongsa
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Bhutan with Peter Eastway & David Oliver
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Bhutan with Peter Eastway & David Oliver
We then drive over another mountain range with
spectacular views and down into Bumthang.
In the afternoon, we will depart for the Tang valley
where we will have a two-night stay in a rural village.
On arrival, we will take a beautiful one hour walk over
a suspension bridge, and pass rice fields to the isolated
village of Ugyencholing (2800 m), a pilgrimage site
since the 15th Century. This is the location of the
stately Ugyen Choling Palace.
This evening you will stay overnight in a highly
authentic guesthouse in the Palace complex. Shared
accommodation for these nights may be required.
Day 6 | Monday 7 November
Ugyencholing - Prayer flag hoisting -
interaction with the locals
Ugyencholing Palace has been converted by its 20th
generation of owners into a museum and houses
permanent exhibits that chronicle Bhutan’s feudal
history and also its agricultural development.
Traditional living quarters have been restored in
addition to the servants’ quarters, the temple and grain
storage areas. Today we spend time in the village with
the guides and drivers, interacting with the locals.
In the morning a local monk will join us to hoist prayer
flags, a cultural and religious gesture of goodwill and
intention. Buddhism and the animist Bon religion are a
part of daily life throughout Bhutan and many cultural
activities stem from it.
There will also be a many opportunities to interact
with the locals. There’s a chance they will be preparing
for a big festival, but if not, maybe we’ll watch an
archery match between the villagers and our guides,
or even play khuru with them ourselves. Khuru is a
dart game unique to Bhutan.
There are landscape and people photo opportunities
galore!
Day 7 | Tuesday 8 November
Ugyencholing Museum - Nunnery - Jakar
After breakfast and spending the morning in the
museum, we will return to Bumthang and on the way,
visit a local nunnery to observe how they live. This
is a large nunnery built by the nuns who live there.
Inside The Templeugyencholing Palace. great Wooden floors!
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Bhutan with Peter Eastway & David Oliver
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Bhutan with Peter Eastway & David Oliver
They were responsible for making the mud walls by
pounding the mud to form the structure, like adobe
walls in the west. In the afternoon in Bumthang/Jakar,
you can enjoy an afternoon at your leisure, with or
without your guides.
Day 8 | Wednesday 9 November
Jakar Tshechu (Festival) - Jambay Lhakhang
(temple) - Kurji Lhakhang (temple) - Tamshing
lhaknag(temple) - Wangducholing palace
Lots of things to do today, including attending
a festival and watching the monks dance and
perform. This will be a highlight!
In addition, we may visit Jambay Lhakhang, one of
the 108 temples built by the Tibetan King Songtsen
Gampo in the 7th century. The central figure is Jampa,
the future Buddha.
Many Bhutanese spend their time circling the temple
to gain life-long merit. Kurjey Lhakhang is another
temple to see. ‘Kur’ means ‘body’ and ‘Jey’ means ‘print’.
The revered Buddha, Guru Rinpoche is believed to
have left the imprint of his body on a rock here after
meditating in this spot for many years.
The cypress tree on the site is said to be the walking
stick of Guru Rinpoche. The temple was built in 1652
and the first King and Queen Mother of Bhutan built
the other two buildings.
Day 9 | Thursday 10 November
Trongsa Museum - Gangtey Gomba - Overnight
in Phobjikha
We have a fair drive today, but some great sights
along the way. The museum in the watch tower
above the Trongsa Dzong is simply amazing. Even
people who are not museum lovers will enjoy this
experience and the view from the top of the tower.
We cross back over the pass of Pele La and down to
the famous Phobjikha valley (3000 m), the winter
breeding ground of the endangered Black-necked
Crane. This is a beautiful glacial valley that is quite
different to others you will have seen. With noticeably
different vegetation, it is well worth the visit.
Day 10 | Friday 11 November
Black Necked Crane festival - Punakha
Our second festival - can’t wait! There will be
more great opportunities to practise your people
The Oldest Nun In The Nunnerynote the Wonderful orange ‘crocs’
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Bhutan with Peter Eastway & David Oliver
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Bhutan with Peter Eastway & David Oliver
photography skills and the colour and costumes
will amaze you! We may have spotted some cranes as
well, but there are no guarantees with the wildlife.
In the afternoon, we return to Punakha. Gradually, we
are heading back the way we came, but there’s lots
more to photograph yet!
Day 11 | Saturday 12 November
Punakha Dzong - Lunch at Thimphu
We will be up in the early morning for a
photograph of the Punakha Dzong - fingers
crossed for some great atmosphere. Then it’s
into the cars for a drive back to Thimphu and an
opportunity to walk the streets of the capital.
Visit the book shops, have a real coffee, visit the
local archery field. There’s lots to do, or you can
take a little time off for yourself.
Day 12 | Sunday 13 November
Chele La - The Ruined Drugyal Dzong
- Overnight in Paro
We drive to the highest motorable pass in Bhutan,
Chele La (3988 m) and on a clear day, you will see
snow-capped mountains. Make sure you carry
warm clothes and some rain gear ( just in case)
because you will want to get out to photograph
the forest of prayer flags on the pass.
After lunch, we will stop at the ruins of the
Drukgyel Dzong that was built in 1649, but
destroyed by fire in 1951. It was one of the four
principal fortresses built to protect Bhutan against
invading armies.
The name ‘Druk Gyel’ means ‘fortress of victory’,
and was built to celebrate the victory of the
Bhutanese over the Tibet-Mongol forces. Only the
ruins of giant walls, charred large wooden posts,
beams and watch towers remain of the important
fortress.
Day 13 | Monday 14 November
Hike to Taktshang (Tiger’s Nest) - Traditional
hot stone bath at the farmhouse - Paro
We save the best for last! Following breakfast
you will drive for about thirty minutes to reach
the start of your two and a half hour walk up to
Taktshang Monastery. (There is an option for a
YakaBove the PhoBjikha valley
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Bhutan with Peter Eastway & David Oliver
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Bhutan with Peter Eastway & David Oliver
pony ride part the way up, but not coming down.)
This is the most famous monastery in Bhutan.
Taktshang Monastery is built on the sheer cliff
about 900 metres above the Paro valley floor.
It is believed that in the eighth century, Guru
Rinpoche (regarded by the Bhutanese as the
second Buddha) flew to the site where the
monastery would eventually be built, riding on
the back of a flying tigress (one of his consorts)
to subdue the local demon Sengay Samdrup.
After Guru Rinpoche subdued the demon, he
meditated in a cave there, which has become a
place of Ney (holy place).
Fortunately, the cave was spared in the fire that
gutted much of the original seventeenth century
monastery on 19 April 1998. The careful and
complex restoration provides us with a never to
be forgotten experience. You will walk alongside
many pilgrims on the way up. Cameras are not
allowed inside the monastery itself.
After visiting the many sacred rooms of this
complex of monastery and temples, we will briefly
retrace our steps to the waterfall and then begin
the final descent of about an hour along the
ancient pilgrim path to reach our vehicles and
drive back to Paro.
That evening enjoy a hot stone bath at a
farmhouse after your walk, or a cup of good
coffee in one of the new cafes in Paro.
Day 14 | Tuesday 15 November
Paro – Bangkok
We know you won’t want to leave, but this is a
journey you will never forget.
It’s so much more than just a photography trip.
Friendly MonksWe met on the Walk to taksthang
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Bhutan with Peter Eastway & David Oliver
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Bhutan with Peter Eastway & David Oliver
How Do You Like To Learn?Everyone has different ways of learning. For some,
it is sitting back and watching an expert at work,
noting how he or she positions and uses the
camera, reacts to the light and the weather, or
interacts with people and wildlife to achieve the
best posing and expression.
Others like to be given suggestions, to understand
what the experts are seeing and thinking, and
then left to experiment and discover on their own.
They are looking for guidance, but not too much.
And yet other photographers like to be shown
how to find the photograph, how to compose
the image and what camera settings are required.
They want help with their camera controls
and detailed instructions on how to frame and
compose.
Different photographers at different stages require
different levels of assistance and that’s fine! Peter
and David provide all three levels of interaction,
all you have to do is ask. Importantly, you will
never be made to feel silly because you asked a
basic question - chances are others in the group
don’t know the answer either!
Peter and David will be shooting as well. They are
just as passionate as you are about photography.
They also feel it is important to practice what they
preach and to show participants what they have
captured as the tour/workshop progresses.
However, both Peter and David are very aware
that their primary role is to act as your instructor
and guide. And they want you to return on other
workshops and trips, which you will only do if you
are happy.
So, please don’t be shy to ask for help at any time
and it will be cheerfully provided with a smile!
Drummer, Jakar DzongPhotograPhed at one of the festivals.
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Bhutan with Peter Eastway & David Oliver
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Bhutan with Peter Eastway & David Oliver
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Bhutan with Peter Eastway & David Oliver
What Level Of Photographer Do I Need To Be?You don’t need to be an experienced
photographer to come on this expedition and
you can choose as much or as little photography
education as you like.
On trips like this in the past, we have had all
levels of photographers attending, from seasoned
professionals wanting to refine their skills, to
newcomers who need assistance with basic
camera settings.
Peter and David actually like a range of
photographers to attend. The more experienced
participants invariably help the newcomers, and
the newcomers give all of us new ideas we’ve
never thought about!
“One of the things that keeps me grounded”,
said Peter, “is the range of ideas and viewpoints
participants bring. They see things I don’t, so I’m
learning just as much as everyone else.
“And importantly, it is all done in a positive and
encouraging environment. I’ve been doing this
long enough that I don’t need my ego stroked.
“What I get a buzz out of, is helping other
photographers capture great photos - my reward
is seeing the expression on their face when they
nail a top shot.”
And David said that Peter lied about not needing
his ego stroked.
“Please pay him a compliment every now and
then – or I will never hear the end of it!”
Young Monk, Bumthangmost PeoPle are very oBliging for a Portrait
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Bhutan with Peter Eastway & David Oliver
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Bhutan with Peter Eastway & David Oliver
How Physical Is It?You don’t need to be super fit to enjoy this
photography tour. If you can bushwalk in Australia
along well maintained tracks, you should have no
trouble on this trip.
However, there will be some walking involved
when we leave the hotel or the vehicle to get to
the best photographic locations.
Sometimes we will be walking a few hundred
metres, on other occasions there are tracks of two
to 5 kilometres.
There are really only two main walks. One is up to
Tango Monastery. It is an easy path, but it takes a
good 45 minutes and it’s all up hill.
The second is to Taktshang Monastery which is a
couple of hours up and it will test you! However,
there are ponies to take you up to the tea house
from where you can view the Monastery, but you
will have to walk back down. However, it’s an easy
walk down.
If you don’t want to do any of the walks, you
can stay with the vehicles and/or the guides will
arrange an alternative activity.
Behind Ogyen Cholingsome of the landscaPes are Breathtaking
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Bhutan with Peter Eastway & David Oliver
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Bhutan with Peter Eastway & David Oliver
Bring Your PartnerThis trip is as much about being a traveller as it is
about being a photographer. Yes, the focus will be
on photography, but that doesn’t mean you have
to be a photographer to enjoy it.
However, the itinerary is all about photography,
so there will be some early mornings and late
evenings when we might not eat breakfast or
dinner at exactly the right time. If the light is right,
we want to be taking photographs.
However, these are often the most memorable
times of the day and even non-photographers will
appreciate the experience.
So, if you feel you need to convince your partner
that they will enjoy themselves without a camera,
we don’t think you will have much convincing.
The Bhutan trip is a smorgasbord of experiences
that everyone will appreciate, whether they have a
camera in hand or not.
Spectator, Jakar DzongWatching the festival, oBlivious to the camera
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Bhutan with Peter Eastway & David Oliver
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Bhutan with Peter Eastway & David Oliver
Peter Eastwayg.m. Photog., mnZiPP, hon faiPP, hfnZiPP, faiPP
Sydney-based photographer Peter Eastway
is a Grand Master of Photography and a two
time winner of the AIPP Australian Professional
Photographer of the Year. Known best for his
landscape and travel photography, he has worked
in most areas of the profession and also loves
sport, studio still life, portraiture and wildlife.
Peter is the editor and publisher of Better
Photography magazine and website, a position
that has given him special access to many of
the world’s leading photographers over the past
30 years. His ability to communicate both the
technical and aesthetic sides of photography
makes him a sought after speaker on the
international circuit.
Peter was the chairman of the Canon AIPP
Australian Professional Photography Awards for
many years and is still involved in all aspects of
photography competitions, both as a judge and
as an active participant. He judges and speaks
internationally on a regular basis.
Peter’s work has been published internationally
in photography and travel magazines, and he
was also the author of the Lonely Planet’s Guide
to Landscape Photography. His photography has
featured on the cover of the Lonely Planet’s guide
to Australia, an Australian postage stamp, in
articles in the Qantas inflight magazine, and in an
Apple television commercial. And he has worked
with Phase One researching and promoting its
Capture One raw processing software, and with
Adobe on its Lightroom software.
In 2015 he featured in the National Geographic
Channel’s Tales By Light six-part photography
series produced in partnership with Canon.
He is familiar with Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm and
Phase One camera systems.
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Bhutan with Peter Eastway & David Oliver
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Bhutan with Peter Eastway & David Oliver
David Oliverg. m. Photog., faiPP
A Nikon Ambassador with over 30 years as
one of Sydney’s leading wedding and portrait
photographers, David Oliver has a passion for
photographing life and the landscape as he finds
it. A devotee of Henri Cartier-Bresson’s approach
to photography and capturing the decisive
moment, you will learn from David a fresh and
responsive style of photography where in-camera
technique is incredibly important.
Over the years, David developed a keen attention
to gesture and nuance learned from posing
and lighting thousands of portrait subjects. This
skill has followed him into the worlds of street
and documentary photography, and of course,
his passion for the landscape. The connections
between portrait and landscape in terms of
lighting are surprising.
David photographs for clients from New York
to Hong Kong, has worked with a not-for-profit
organisation in Rwanda, and has been a speaker
and workshop leader all around the world. He
works mainly in black and white for his personal
work, but is very comfortable with colour
compositions.
David is a Fellow of the AIPP and a Grand Master
of Photography. He spends half his time at his
property in the Lower Hunter Valley farmlands
near Gresford, working from his studio in Pennant
Hills as little as possible. What a life!
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Bhutan with Peter Eastway & David Oliver
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ChecklistHere’s an incomplete list of some of the things you
may need.
Recommended Camera Stuff• DSLR or CSC camera recommended
• Standard zoom - covers everything (but you might
leave this behind if you bring the next 4 lenses)
• Wide-angles - as wide as you have for interiors
• Standard 50mm f1.4 or f1.2 for portraits or
• Mid-tele 85mm f1.8 or f1.2 for portraits
• Telephoto zoom - 100-400mm is not too long
• Spare camera battery & battery charger
• Backpack style camera bag
• Tripod (with a quick release plate)
• Plenty of storage cards for your camera
• Polarising filter
• Neutral density filters (0.9x, 4.0x optional)
• Card reader and cable if necessary
• Laptop computer (Mac or PC)
• External back-up drives
• Photoshop, Lightroom, or Capture One
• Mouse or stylus/tablet
• Hat, sunscreen
Camera Equipment For The ExpeditionPeter and David are not equipment snobs! Yes,
they use professional equipment, but that’s their
full time job.
So, whether you turn up with the latest DSLR or
an older camera you’ve loved for many years, it
really doesn’t matter. However, there are some
lenses and accessories that will certainly help you
capture a wider range of photographs.
We do recommend you bring everything you
think you might need, but not so much you
can’t carry it with you. You will be able to leave
equipment behind in the hotel or car at any time.
And think about working quickly. While there are
some great landscapes, this trip is more about
capturing moments and working hand-held.
Local at Prayerogyencholing feudal village
The Atacama and Patagonia with Peter Eastway
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Bhutan with Peter Eastway & David Oliver
GENERAL INFORMATION Local Guide Leader – NamgayNamgay started working as a tour guide
in 2004, after graduating from Bhutan’s
Sherubtse College. He grew up in Tshang-
kha village, Trongsa, in the central part of
Bhutan where he experienced rural life
and worked on farms. He also studied
religious texts for a short period in a mon-
astery during his childhood.
Namgay currently lives in the capital city
of Thimphu, which is quite different from
the village. Through his life experiences
thus far, he’s come to understand the
urban, rural, and even the monastic life in
Bhutan. He sees his determination, sense
of responsibility, willingness to learn, and
sense of humour as some of his most
important character traits.
“Since starting my career as a tour guide,
I’ve gained more in-depth knowledge
about many things about Bhutan, such as
its culture, traditions, flora, and fauna.
“I have worked on photography tours
since 2007, which was when I began
developing my own interest in photog-
raphy. I like taking photos of people and
landscapes, and enjoy keeping an eye out
for photo opportunities for other photog-
raphers. Apart from photography, I enjoy
helping guests experience the cultures
and traditions that make Bhutan unique
from the other parts of the world.”
Namgay is the owner and head guide of
Illuminating Tours.
Driving across BhutanWe will be travelling on roads along rug-
ged and mountainous terrain that limits
car speeds to 40 km per hour. Even short
road journeys may seem long and slow as
a result.
Along the way there are spectacular views
of snow-capped mountains, lush green
valleys, unpolluted and crystal clear rivers,
farmlands and villages, as well as oppor-
tunities for great conversations. Bhutan
is truly spectacular and beautiful to drive
across.
PassportWell before travelling, please ensure that
you have a current passport, with an ac-
curate photo, that is valid for at least six
months after your scheduled return home.
Also check that your airline tickets are in
exactly the same name as your passport.
InsuranceYou must have comprehensive travel
insurance, which we recommend you take
at the time of paying your deposit.
Participants without adequate insurance
cover will be asked to arrange cover im-
mediately before commencing their trip
- this can be very difficult and expensive
to arrange locally.
Your policy MUST cover evacuation by he-
licopter and repatriation. In general, your
policy should cover you for medical and
evacuation expenses, lost luggage and
cancellation fees. Please check your policy
carefully before leaving home and familia-
rise yourself with the procedures that you
may need to follow in the unlikely event
that you need to make a claim.
If you are covered by a policy arranged
through your credit card company, you
will be asked to provide evidence of this
cover, as well as a 24-hour emergency
contact number.
Many credit card companies do not
provide an insurance policy number. In
this instance, the tour leader will need to
record your credit card number, as this is
required to activate any request for emer-
gency assistance.
You should also bring along the travel
insurance information booklet provided
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Bhutan with Peter Eastway & David Oliver
by your credit card company. It is your
responsibility to ensure that you meet
the requirements set out by your credit
card company in order to be effectively
covered and that the cover offered is of a
suitable standard.
VisasAll nationalities require a visa for Bhutan.
Travellers can only enter Bhutan as part
of a group visa. Independent visas are not
issued. Your Bhutan visa is organised by us
and issued on a group basis upon arrival
at Paro Airport, Bhutan. The cost of the
visa is covered in our tour.
VaccinationsVaccinations may be required for this trip.
Please consult your doctor or a travel
health specialist.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you
obtain any vaccinations or preventative
medicines. To find out which, if any, vac-
cinations are mandatory or recommended
for your destination, contact your local
doctor, immunisation centre or medical
centre for up-to-date information.
If you need to arrange vaccinations or
a supply of preventative medicine, you
should contact your doctor at least two
months before you depart. Some inocula-
tions require more than one visit and can
take several weeks to administer the full
course.
For travellers from Australia and New Zea-
land, we recommend Travel Doctor-TMVC
clinics to obtain the most up-to-date
advice on health risks and vaccinations
(see www.traveldoctor.com.au for loca-
tions and detailed vaccine information or
phone 1300 658 844 for an appointment
in Australia).
Travellers living outside Australia and New
Zealand will need to consult a similar
organisation in their own country (please
ask your travel agent for recommenda-
tions), but can still access the following
link for information: www.traveldoctor.
com.au
ClothingBhutan is not super cold, but temperature
is a relative thing. It could conceivably be
close to zero in the early mornings, but
more often it is 5o- 10o C. In the middle of
the day, it can get up to 20o C and even
25o C in the sun.
So bring lots of layers. A good, wind-proof
jacket is a great outer shell. Underneath,
have several layers, such as a thermal top,
a shirt, a light-weight skivvy and a thicker
jumper. Slacks or trousers are best.
Both men and women are asked to dress
modestly, especially when visiting the
dzongs and temples. Shorts and short
dresses are not suggested.
A good pair of walking shoes is useful, but
the paths and trails are not difficult and
so a good pair of comfortable runners will
work just as well. You will be taking your
shoes off quite a bit to go into temples, so
keep this in mind if you have challenging
shoe laces!
A rain jacket (which might be the same as
your windproof jacket) and water-proof
overpants are probably overkill - if it’s that
wet, we will probably do an alternative
activity, but Peter always carries these
with him.
Bring a hat and sunblock. A beanie could
be good for early mornings and maybe a
light pair of gloves, but they will probably
stay in your suitcase. We are unlikely to
have bugs or mosquitoes. Our guides will
have umbrellas if needed.
About this informationThe information provided here is given in
good faith and has been compiled with all
reasonable care. However, things change
and some of the information may become
out of date.
Please keep this in mind when you read it
and check with us if you want to be sure
about something.
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Bhutan with Peter Eastway & David Oliver
TERMS AND CONDITIONS These terms and conditions relate to the
photography tours and workshops organ-
ised by Pt 78 Pty Ltd [Pt78], ABN 75 003
152 136, trading as Better Photography,
and run by Peter Eastway, the workshop
leader.
RESERVATIONS Bookings can be made on the Better
Photography website at
www.betterphotography.com in the online shop, or you can email Kim
Valenti at [email protected],
or call her on +612 4388 6851.
The photography tour is limited to a
maximum of 12 participants (plus the
workshop leaders). A mininum of 10
participants is required for the workshop
to run. Workshop places will be confirmed
in order of receipt, payment or deposit.
We will be using Illuminating Tours in
Bhutan to arrange our photography tour.
PRICEBhutan 2016: US $8,490
The price includes the following:
• Return flights from Bangkok to Paro
with Druk Air, including taxes
• Accommodation in clean, comfort-
able 3 to 4 star local hotels
• Private 4WD transport with drivers
• Bhutanese guides
• All meals
• Bottled water along the tour
• Sightseeing and entrance fees
• Visas for Bhutan
• Bhutan Tourism Development fee
Not included are:
• Flights from your home to/from Bangkok
• Accommodation in Bangkok
• Travelinsurance(compulsory)
• Alcoholicdrinksandyourownsnacks
• Optionalactivitiesduringfreetime
• Tipsanditemsofapersonalnature
You may need to arrange a night’s accom-
modation in Bangkok at both the begin-
ning and end of the trip - check with your
travel agent when organising your flights
in and out of Bangkok.
DEPOSIT & PAYMENT To confirm and pay for our flights into
Bhutan, and to confirm accommodation
for our tour, Illuminating Tours asks for a
deposit to be paid.
• Deposit by 31 August 2015 US $1,995• Balance due by 1 July 2016.
CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDSShould you wish to cancel your booking,
you must advise us in writing (email is
fine):
• if you are cancelling more than 120
days from the tour/workshop date,
and after your cancellation we still
have 10 participants, we will refund
your deposit, less any monies that
Illuminating Tours is out of pocket
for booking your flights and accom-
modation;
• if you are cancelling more than
120 days from the tour/workshop
date, and after your cancellation we
have fewer than 10 photography
participants, we will not refund your
deposit unless we can re-sell your
place; in which case we will refund
your deposit, less any monies that
Illuminating Tours is out of pocket
for booking your flights and accom-
modation;
• if you are cancelling less than 120
days from the tour/workshop date,
which means you will have paid
in full at this time, we will refund
so much of the flights and accom-
modation as is refunded to us by
Illuminating Tours (which may be
nil); and if we can re-sell your place,
we will refund you the balance of
your booking to the extent that we
are not out of pocket due to your
cancellation.
We reserve the right to cancel your
booking if payment is not received when
due, wherein this Cancellations and
Refunds clause shall come into effect.
In addition, Pt78 and Illuminating
Tours are not responsible for and will
not provide any refund for portions of
travel services missed due to cancelled
or delayed flights, third party transporta-
tion services and any other circumstances
37
Bhutan with Peter Eastway & David Oliver
beyond explora’s control or responsibility
that may be considered events of “force
majeure.” This includes, but is not limited
to, cancellations and/or delays as a result
of weather conditions, road conditions,
fires, explosions, earthquakes, drought,
tidal waves, floods and general strikes.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTSThe workshop is designed to be suitable
for people of all ages in good health and
moderate fitness. While activities are not
strenuous, on some workshops we may
be taking hikes for several kilometres on
quite steep trails and you need to be care-
ful when you are on them.
It will be necessary to be able to carry
your own camera equipment and water
for these activities, although there is a
good chance we can arrange one of our
Bhutanese guides to assist you.
Should you have any concerns about
your own capabilities and/or fitness,
please contact us to discuss this before
booking your place.
You are required to disclose any medical
or physical condition that you have which
could create a risk for you or any other
participants. We assume no responsibility
for medical care nor guarantee to meet
any special dietary requirements.
INSURANCE: We have public liability insurance, but
we have no insurance for participants,
their health, their equipment or personal
belongings. We strongly advise you to
obtain your own insurances suitable for
your needs.
LIMITED LIABILITYAs we are a small company, we are not in
a position to insure your travel arrange-
ments with Illuminating Tours. If Illuminat-
ing Tours were unable to provide the
services for which you have contracted
and paid, Pt78 will not be liable to you for
any loss you incur. We strongly suggest
you take out travel insurance.
In such an unlikely event, we would
naturally refund the tuition component
of the tour. We are not opting out of our
responsiblities to you, only those over
which we have no control. We are asking
you to take the same risk you would were
you to book your accommodation directly
with Illuminating Tours.
RESPONSIBILITYThe responsibility of Pt78 is strictly lim-
ited. As a tour/workshop operator, Pt78
may organise, promote, and sell programs
consisting of services that it purchases
from various suppliers. Pt78 does not own
or operate any of these suppliers and as
such is not responsible for any negligent
or wilful act or failure or omission of any
supplier. By taking part in the tour/work-
shop, you agree that Pt78 shall not be
liable for the above failings.
Pt78 cannot accept responsibility for
losses or extra expenses caused by, but
not limited to, delay or changes in any
transportation services, weather, illness,
injury, strike, quarantine or other causes.
All such losses or expenses will be the
sole responsibility of the participant.
Pt78 reserves the right to cancel any
workshop prior to commencement,
whereupon paid funds will be refunded
in full, but is not liable for any other trip
preparation expenses such as, but not lim-
ited to, air ticket penalties, visa fees and
medical treatments.
Pt78 reserves the right to substitute
accommodations (if any) of similar
category for those indicated and to make
any changes in the itinerary or transport
where deemed necessary. Where weather
conditions or forces of nature restrict or
prohibit workshop activities, it reserves
the right to alter the trip program and
substitute alternative activities.
Prior to commencement of any work-
shop the Acceptance of Risk Release form
is a term of sale.
The Acceptance of Risk release must
be agreed to by each participant prior
to the commencement of the workshop.
No alterations to the Acceptance of Risk
Release will be accepted.
If a participant attends a workshop
without signing an Acceptance of Risk
Release, their attendance confirms their
acceptance of all parts of these Terms and
Conditions, and the Acceptance of Risk
Release.
These Terms and Conditions, and the
Acceptance of Risk release, shall be gov-
erned in all respects by and interpreted
in accordance with the law within New
South Wales, Australia.
38
Bhutan with Peter Eastway & David Oliver
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Bhutan with Peter Eastway & David Oliver
40
Bhutan with Peter Eastway & David Oliver
For more information and bookings, contact Peter Eastway
Bhutan With Peter Eastway & David Oliver 1 - 15 November 2016
AWAY PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS