Bhutan Photo Tour 2018

Bhutan with Peter Eastway, David Oliver and Robert van Koesveld

AWAY PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS

Magical Bhutan With Peter Eastway, David Oliver & Robert van Koesveld 19 April - 2 May 2018

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Photograph by Peter Eastway

Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge Photographed on the road to Thimphu

Bhutan with Peter Eastway, David Oliver and Robert van Koesveld

Why Bhutan?

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Hopefully a flick through the pages of this

We travel in Bhutan with Illuminating Tours and

brochure will explain why you have to visit the

our head guide, Namgay. We visit his family village

remote and mysterious Kingdom of Bhutan.

as well as the most famous landmarks, so we don’t just see the touristy spots, we get a taste of real

It is a country like no other, steeped in history

life in Bhutan.

and religion, tucked away between towering mountains, yet with an authenticity that is hard to

However, we travel in comfort. Our tour has six

find in an ever diminishing traditional world.

comfortable vehicles, each with two guests, one guide and one driver. The guides include Peter,

For photographers, Bhutan is Paradise - or should

David, Robert, LIbby and Namgay. All the drivers

we say ‘Shangri-la’? There is so much to point

are Bhutan locals. It’s a great way to get around

your camera at, from the local people in their

the country.

traditional dress to the imposing ‘dzongs’ or fortified monasteries clinging to sheer cliffs.

The 3 to 4 star hotels are clean and comfortable, we have one night in Namgay’s village, the food

However, don’t come just to take photographs.

is excellent and there are lots of opportunities to

Come to experience a truly unique part of the

purchase souvenirs.

world. Immerse yourself in the Tibetan Buddhist culture that values kindness, walk across the bare

However, the biggest thrill will be the friendly

wooden floors of ancient temples, listen to the

locals and photographs you capture while

drums, bells and horns underneath the rhythmic

travelling through Bhutan, the land of the thunder

chanting of the crimson-robed monks.

dragon.

Photograph by Robert van Koesveld

Snippets of Religious Life There are many opportunities for your camera!

Bhutan with Peter Eastway, David Oliver and Robert van Koesveld

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Bhutan with Peter Eastway, David Oliver and Robert van Koesveld

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Photography Exclusives 19 April - 2 May 2018 – US$8490 There are a number of tour companies offering

are few photography workshops that can offer this

access to Bhutan and its incredible culture, so why

depth of experience. Both have been practising

travel with Peter, David and Robert?

professional photographers for over 30 years, both are invited around the world to lecture

Magical Bhutan offers photographers a number of

on photography, and Peter has an incredible

exclusive opportunities that are not available with

knowledge of the technical side of photography as

other tours. For instance, we visit our head guide’s

well - and he’s done this trip to Bhutan three times

home village, Tshangkha, for a unique experience,

already!

interacting with villagers of all ages. Learn about their lives, share stories, visit their homes and have

And finally, few tours can claim the background

an intimate and memorable experience. We also

and experience that photographer Robert van

drive in a convoy of cars. Don’t underestimate the

Koesveld and author Libby Lloyd bring. They have

importance of this when negotiating Bhutan’s

authored a book on Bhutan and co-led many

narrow, winding roads - it is far more comfortable

tours there, so they have a truly inspired and

than a bus! It also means more flexibility to stop

in-depth understanding of one of the world’s last

when special opportunities arise.

untouched kingdoms.

Importantly, you have the expertise and

So, please, this is not just an ordinary trip to

experience of two AIPP Grand Masters of

Bhutan, amazing as it is. It’s a photography tour

Photography. If photography is your thing, there

which will leave you breathless!

Photograph by David Oliver

Village Life It pays to always have your camera at the ready!

Bhutan with Peter Eastway, David Oliver and Robert van Koesveld

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Bhutan with Peter Eastway, David Oliver and Robert van Koesveld

Itinerary 8

Travel | Wednesday 18 April 2018

Afterwards, there are many more photographic

We suggest you arrive in Bangkok the day before

opportunities along the road as we drive to the

you fly to Bhutan and overnight at the Novotel

capital Thimphu (2320 m).

Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel. It is an early morning departure to Paro the next day. (There are options

Day 2 | Friday 20 April

for flying via Singapore and India as well.)

Thimphu - Simtokha Dzong - Memorial Chortan - Painting School - Dochu La -

Day 1 | Thursday 19 April 2018

Punakha

Bangkok - Paro - Thimphu

We will visit Simtokha Dzong, the “Palace of the

Early flight to Paro from Bangkok. If the weather

Profound Meaning of Secret Mantras”, a small

is clear, experience breathtaking views of the

dzong. It was built in 1629 by Zhabdrung, who

Himalayan peaks as you descend into this remote

unified Bhutan. It is the first of its kind built in

land. The flight into Paro is one of the most

Bhutan. Spend some time in the dzong, talk with

spectacular in the world.

the monks about their daily lives and take photos.

On arrival our guides and drivers will meet us at

There will also be time to visit the Memorial

the airport and drive us to Paro for sightseeing

Chorten and the painting school in Thimphu, and

and lunch. We will visit the dramatic Paro Dzong

still drive over Dochu La (pass) to Punakha for the

(fortress) built in 1646 (where the movie ‘Little

night.

Buddha’ was filmed), and maybe the historic Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest dzongs in

Dochu La (‘La’ means mountain pass) at 3140 m

Bhutan.

featuress 108 stupas built by the Queen Mother in Photograph by Peter Eastway

Inside the Paro Dzong We asked the two monks to pose.

Bhutan with Peter Eastway, David Oliver and Robert van Koesveld

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Bhutan with Peter Eastway, David Oliver and Robert van Koesveld

2004. On a clear day we may enjoy a spectacular view

Day 4 | Sunday 22 April

of the eastern Himalayan mountains.

Punakha – Wangdue - Pele La - Yak Herders - Tshangkha Village

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Day 3 | Saturday 21 April

To get a feeling for rural life in Bhutan, we’ll visit a

Khamsum Yueling Namgyal Chorten,

weekend market in bustling Wangdue. It should be a

Punakha Dzong, Chimi Lhakhang.

wonderful cacophony of colours and sounds.

Today we will take a stroll in the beautiful Punakha Valley, walk across a really long suspension bridge,

From here we have an exclusive invitation to visit

and then climb up to the Khamsum Yueling Namgyal

Tshangkha, the ancestral village of our head guide

Chorten, with spectacular views over the valley. It’s

Namgay. He will lead us through a cluster of traditional

about a 15-20 minute walk up from the bridge.

village homes, meeting some of the residents as they go about their daily chores, walk beside the fields and

Next, our guides will arrange a visit to the breath-

visit the village temple.

taking Punakha Dzong. Punakha is the ancient capital of Bhutan and the dzong, built in 1637, is the winter

We will visit a traditional farmhouse in the kitchen (the

residence of the Head Abbott of Bhutan and the

warmest room where the whole family eats and sleeps

Central Monk Body.

together) and then also visit the traditional altar room and the storeroom.

The dzong lies between two rushing rivers (chhu), the Mo (mother) and Po (father) Chhu and so is one of the

We overnight in Tshangkha (camp/farmhouse).

most dramatic looking buildings in Bhutan.

In the afternoon we’ll visit the delightful Chimi Lhakhang and maybe get to watch the monks in their classroom.

Photograph by Robert van Koesveld

Real Festivals And you will see very few tourists!

Bhutan with Peter Eastway, David Oliver and Robert van Koesveld

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Bhutan with Peter Eastway, David Oliver and Robert van Koesveld

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Day 5 | Monday 23 April

The museum in the watch tower above the

Tshangkha

Trongsa Dzong is simply amazing. Even people who

David was so impressed with our night in Tshangkha

are not museum lovers will enjoy this experience

last trip that we have arranged to spend the entire day

and the view from the top of the tower.

in the village. It will be one of the highlights of the trip for travel and people photography.

On the road from Trongsa to our overnight destination in Bumthang are some more incredible alpine

We will be able to watch authentic religious rituals,

landscapes.

hoist prayer flags, play darts with the locals and capture a wealth of ‘real’ portraits.

Day 7 | Wednesday 25 April Bumthang

There will be many opportunities to interact with

There’s a great view of Jakar Dzong from our hotel

the locals and photograph the village in its dramatic

which can look great with early morning mist.

mountain surroundings.

After breakfast we will go exploring for the day Day 6 | Tuesday 24 April

and visit the quaint village of Ura. There are some

Tshangkha - Trongsa - Bumthang

40 small dwellings congregated around the Ura

We’ll be up early again for another opportunity to

Lhakhang, giving it a medieval appearance with

photograph village life before breakfast and then it’s

cobblestone streets. Once again, many opportunities

off to Trongsa.

to photograph the people and the landscape.

There are some amazing views of the Trongsa Dzong

There will also be a little time off this afternoon to

on the road and then once in Trongsa, we will walk

spend in Bumthang and possibly find one of the great

through the ancient dzong ourselves and perhaps see

new coffee shops that are springing up!

the monks going about their daily duties.

Photograph by David Oliver

Kitchen Window With a cup of tea in Tshangkha Village

Bhutan with Peter Eastway, David Oliver and Robert van Koesveld

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Bhutan with Peter Eastway, David Oliver and Robert van Koesveld

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Day 8 | Thursday 26 April

Day 10 | Saturday 28 April

Bumthang - Trongsa

Phobjikha to Thimphu

We have planned to attend the Domkha festival

Gradually, we are heading back the way we came, but

with an opportunity to photograph the locals in

there’s lots more to photograph! It’s into the cars for

all their finest clothing and the amazing dancers

a drive back to Thimphu and an opportunity to

as well. This is something not to be missed!

walk the streets of the capital.

After lunch we will return along the road to Trongsa,

Do some window shopping, visit the book shops,

capturing more great landscapes and life along the

have a real coffee, loiter near the local archery

road. We spend the night in Trongsa with more great

field. There’s lots to do, or you can take a little time

views of the valley and the dzong.

off for yourself.

Day 9 | Friday 27 April

Day 11 | Sunday 29 April

Trongsa - Gangtey Gomba - Overnight in

Thimphu - Haa

Phobjikha

Something new for our tour! Today we drive into

We have a fair drive today, but there are some

the mysterious Haa Valley. It is considered one

great sights along the way.

of the most beautiful and isolated areas in the kingdom and is one of the least visited.

We cross back over Pele La and down to the famous Phobjikha Valley (3000 m), the winter breeding ground

Haa is home to a number of nomadic herders

of the endangered Black-necked Crane. This is a

and there’s lots to explore before settling into our

beautiful glacial valley that is quite different to others

hotel for the night.

we have seen. With noticeably different vegetation, it is well worth the visit.

Photograph by Peter Eastway

Harvest Time, November We will be there at planting time this trip

Bhutan with Peter Eastway, David Oliver and Robert van Koesveld

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Bhutan with Peter Eastway, David Oliver and Robert van Koesveld

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Day 12 | Monday 30 April

Day 13 | Tuesday 1 May

Haa - Chele La - The Ruined Drugyal Dzong

Hike to Taktshang (Tiger’s Nest) - Traditional

- Overnight in Paro

hot stone bath at the farmhouse - Paro

We drive to the highest motorable pass in Bhutan,

We save the best for last! Following breakfast

Chele La (3988 m) and on a clear day, you will see

we will drive for about thirty minutes to reach

snow-capped mountains. Make sure you carry

the start of our two and a half hour walk up to

warm clothes and some rain gear (just in case)

Taktshang Monastery. (There is an option for a

because you will want to get out to photograph

pony ride part the way up, but not coming down.)

the forest of prayer flags on top of the pass.

This is the most famous monastery in Bhutan.

After lunch, we will stop at the ruins of the

Taktshang Monastery is built on the sheer cliff

Drukgyel Dzong that was built in 1649, but

about 900 metres above the Paro valley floor.

destroyed by fire in 1951. It was one of the four

It is believed that in the eighth century, Guru

principal fortresses built to protect Bhutan against

Rinpoche (regarded by the Bhutanese as the

invading armies.

second Buddha) flew to the site where the monastery would eventually be built, riding on

The name ‘Druk Gyel’ means ‘fortress of victory’,

the back of a flying tigress (one of his consorts)

and was built to celebrate the victory of the

to subdue the local demon Sengay Samdrup.

Bhutanese over the Tibet-Mongol forces. Only the

After Guru Rinpoche subdued the demon, he

ruins of giant walls, charred large wooden posts,

meditated in a cave there, which has become a

beams and watch towers remain of the important

place of Ney (holy place).

fortress.

Fortunately, the cave was spared in the fire that gutted much of the original seventeenth century monastery on 19 April 1998. The careful and Photograph by Robert van Koesveld

Prayer Flags You’ll find flags all across Bhutan

Bhutan with Peter Eastway, David Oliver and Robert van Koesveld

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Bhutan with Peter Eastway, David Oliver and Robert van Koesveld

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.

18 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 | Wednesday 2 May 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.

Photograph by David Oliver

Traditional attire Photographed in Jakar Dzong, Bumthang

Bhutan with Peter Eastway, David Oliver and Robert van Koesveld

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Bhutan with Peter Eastway, David Oliver and Robert van Koesveld

How Do You Like To Learn?

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Everyone has different ways of learning. For some,

to do is ask. Importantly, you will never be made

it is sitting back and watching an expert at work,

to feel silly because you asked a basic question -

noting how he or she positions and uses the

chances are others in the group don’t know the

camera, reacts to the light and the weather, or

answer either!

interacts with people and wildlife to achieve the best posing and expression.

Peter, David and Robert will be shooting as well.

They are just as passionate as you are about

Others like to be given suggestions, to understand

photography. They also feel it is important

what the experts are seeing and thinking, and

to practice what they preach and to show

then left to experiment and discover on their own.

participants what they have captured as the tour/

They are looking for guidance, but not too much.

workshop progresses.

And yet other photographers like to be shown

However, Peter, David and Robert are very aware

how to find the photograph, how to compose

that their primary role is to act as your instructor

the image and what camera settings are required.

and guide. And they want you to return on other

They want help with their camera controls

workshops and trips, which you will only do if you

and detailed instructions on how to frame and

are happy.

compose.

So, please don’t be shy to ask for help at any time Different photographers at different stages require

and it will be cheerfully provided with a smile!

different levels of assistance and that’s fine! We provide all three levels of interaction, all you have Photograph by Peter Eastway

Phobjikha Valley Bring your telephoto with you for landscapes.

Bhutan with Peter Eastway, David Oliver and Robert van Koesveld

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Bhutan with Peter Eastway, David Oliver and Robert van Koesveld

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Bhutan with Peter Eastway, David Oliver and Robert van Koesveld

What Level Of Photographer Do I Need To Be? You don’t need to be an experienced

learning just as much as everyone else.

photographer to come on this expedition and you can choose as much or as little photography

“And importantly, it is all done in a positive and

education as you like.

encouraging environment. I’ve been doing this long enough that I don’t need my ego stroked.

On trips like this in the past, we have had all levels of photographers attending, from seasoned

“What I get a buzz out of, is helping other

professionals wanting to refine their skills, to

photographers capture great photos - my reward

newcomers who need assistance with basic

is seeing the expression on their face when they

camera settings.

nail a top shot.”

We actually like a range of photographers to

And David said that Peter lied about not needing

attend. The more experienced participants

his ego stroked.

invariably help the newcomers, and the newcomers give all of us new ideas we’ve never

“Please pay him a compliment every now and

thought about!

then – or I will never hear the end of it!”

“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 Photograph by Robert van Koesveld

Young Monk Dancer A telephoto lens is very useful for festivals

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Bhutan with Peter Eastway, David Oliver and Robert van Koesveld

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Bhutan with Peter Eastway, David Oliver and Robert van Koesveld

How Physical Is It? You don’t need to be super fit to enjoy this

If you don’t want to do any of the walks, you can

photography tour. If you can bushwalk in Australia

stay with the vehicles and/or the guides will be

along well maintained tracks, you should have no

happy to arrange an alternative activity. You won’t

trouble on this trip.

be left on your own!

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 is really only one main walk 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.

Photograph by David Oliver

Religious Rituals Found in a home temple in Tshankha

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Bhutan with Peter Eastway, David Oliver and Robert van Koesveld

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Bhutan with Peter Eastway, David Oliver and Robert van Koesveld

Bring Your Partner This trip is as much about being a traveller as it is

So, if you feel you need to convince your partner

about being a photographer. Yes, the focus will be

that they will enjoy themselves without a camera,

on photography, but that doesn’t mean you have

we don’t think you will have much convincing.

to be a photographer to enjoy it.

The Bhutan trip is a smorgasbord of experiences However, the itinerary is all about photography,

that everyone will appreciate, whether they have a

so there will be some early mornings and late

camera in hand or not.

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.

Photograph by Robert van Koesveld

Tiny Chortens There is a wealth of detail if you just look

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Bhutan with Peter Eastway, David Oliver and Robert van Koesveld

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Bhutan with Peter Eastway, David Oliver and Robert van Koesveld

Peter Eastway G.M. Photog., MNZIPP, Hon FAIPP, HFNZIPP, FAIPP

photography competitions, both as a judge and as an active participant. He judges and speaks

Sydney-based photographer Peter Eastway

internationally on a regular basis.

is a Grand Master of Photography and a two time winner of the AIPP Australian Professional

Peter’s work has been published internationally

Photographer of the Year. Known best for his

in photography and travel magazines, and he

landscape and travel photography, he has worked

was also the author of the Lonely Planet’s Guide

in most areas of the profession and also loves

to Landscape Photography. His photography has

sport, studio still life, portraiture and wildlife.

featured on the cover of the Lonely Planet’s guide to Australia, an Australian postage stamp, in

Peter is the editor and publisher of Better

articles in the Qantas inflight magazine, and in an

Photography magazine and website, a position

Apple television commercial. And he has worked

that has given him special access to many of

with Phase One researching and promoting its

the world’s leading photographers over the past

Capture One raw processing software, and with

30 years. His ability to communicate both the

Adobe on its Lightroom software.

technical and aesthetic sides of photography makes him a sought after speaker on the

In 2015 he featured in the National Geographic

international circuit.

Channel’s Tales By Light six-part photography series produced in partnership with Canon. It is

Peter was the chairman of the Canon AIPP

currently playing on Netflix. He is familiar with

Australian Professional Photography Awards for

Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm and Phase One camera

many years and is still involved in all aspects of

systems.

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Bhutan with Peter Eastway, David Oliver and Robert van Koesveld

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Bhutan with Peter Eastway, David Oliver and Robert van Koesveld

David Oliver G. M. Photog., FAIPP 31 A Nikon Ambassador with over 30 years as

to Hong Kong, has worked with a not-for-profit

one of Sydney’s leading wedding and portrait

organisation in Rwanda, and has been a speaker

photographers, David Oliver has a passion for

and workshop leader all around the world. He

photographing life and the landscape as he finds

works mainly in black and white for his personal

it. A devotee of Henri Cartier-Bresson’s approach

work, but is very comfortable with colour

to photography and capturing the decisive

compositions.

moment, you will learn from David a fresh and responsive style of photography where in-camera

David is a Fellow of the AIPP and a Grand Master

technique is incredibly important.

of Photography. He spends half his time at his property in the Lower Hunter Valley farmlands

Over the years, David developed a keen attention

near Gresford, working from his studio in Pennant

to gesture and nuance learned from posing

Hills as little as possible. What a life!

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

Bhutan with Peter Eastway, David Oliver and Robert van Koesveld

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Bhutan with Peter Eastway, David Oliver and Robert van Koesveld

Robert van Koesveld & Libby Lloyd Robert van Koesveld is fascinated

Robert makes photo books, leads

with the challenge of creating

photo tours and writes about

photographic images that

photography. He is the co-author,

represent ‘spirit of place’ and

with his wife Libby Lloyd, of ‘Bhutan

portraits of people who possess

Heartland’ (2010), a photo book

a certain ‘presence’. He is

that was well received in Bhutan

interested in the why and what of

and internationally.

photography as well as the how.

Together the pair have led many As a travel and cultural

small group photo tours of

photographer based in Perth,

Bhutan, offering guests ways to

Australia, Robert seeks opportunities to

expand the depth and breadth of their Bhutan

understand how people have responded to the

experience. Libby creates personal photobooks

complex intersections of traditional and modern

for herself as a way of integrating such complex

life-styles. He has encountered such places and

travel experiences and learning more about each

people in landscape as varied as the wilderness

destination.

of Australia, Namibia and Antarctica, and within communities in Bhutan, Japan, India, Central Asia

Robert’s latest publication, ‘Geiko and Maiko

and China. His authentic images and respectful

of Kyoto’ (2016), was awarded the Canon

stories collected from these travels reflect the

Photography Book of the Year by the Australian

sensitivity central to his previous career as a

Institute of Professional Photography.

psychotherapist.

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Bhutan with Peter Eastway, David Oliver and Robert van Koesveld

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Bhutan with Peter Eastway, David Oliver and Robert van Koesveld

Camera Equipment For The Expedition

Checklist Here’s an incomplete list of some of the things you may need.

Recommended Camera Stuff

Peter, David and Robert are not equipment

•

DSLR or CSC camera recommended

snobs! Yes, they use professional equipment, but

•

Standard zoom - covers everything (but you might leave this behind if you bring the next 4 lenses)

that’s their full time job.

•

Wide-angles - as wide as you have for interiors

So, whether you turn up with the latest DSLR or

•

Standard 50mm f1.4 or f1.2 for portraits or

an older camera you’ve loved for many years, it

•

Mid-tele 85mm f1.8 or f1.2 for portraits

really doesn’t matter. However, there are some

•

Telephoto zoom - 100-400mm is not too long

lenses and accessories that will certainly help you

•

Spare camera battery & battery charger

capture a wider range of photographs.

•

Backpack style camera bag

•

Tripod (with a quick release plate)

We do recommend you bring everything you

•

Plenty of storage cards for your camera

think you might need, but not so much you

•

Polarising filter

can’t carry it with you. You will be able to leave

•

Neutral density filters (0.9x, 4.0x optional)

equipment behind in the hotel or car at any time.

•

Card reader and cable if necessary

•

Laptop computer (Mac or PC)

And think about working quickly. While there are

•

External back-up drives

some great landscapes, this trip is more about

•

Photoshop, Lightroom, or Capture One

capturing moments and working hand-held.

•

Mouse or stylus/tablet

•

Hat, sunscreen

Photograph by Peter Eastway

Young Monk In School There are many opportunities for portraits

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Bhutan with Peter Eastway, David Oliver and Robert van Koesveld

GENERAL INFORMATION Local Guide Leader – Namgay

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Namgay started working as a tour guide in 2004, after graduating from Bhutan’s Sherubtse College. He grew up in Tshangkha 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 monastery 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 photography. I like taking photos of people and landscapes, and enjoy keeping an eye out for photo opportunities for other photographers. Apart from photography, I enjoy helping guests experience the cultures

and traditions that make Bhutan unique from the other parts of the world.”

insurance, which we recommend you take at the time of paying your deposit.

Namgay is the owner and head guide of Illuminating Tours.

Participants without adequate insurance cover will be asked to arrange cover immediately before commencing their trip - this can be very difficult and expensive to arrange locally.

Driving across Bhutan We will be travelling on roads along rugged and mountainous terrain that limits car speeds in many areas 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 opportunities for great conversations. Bhutan is truly spectacular and beautiful to drive across.

Passport Well before travelling, please ensure that you have a current passport, with an accurate 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.

Insurance You must have comprehensive travel

Your policy MUST cover evacuation by helicopter 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 familiarise 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 emergency assistance.

You should also bring along the travel insurance information booklet provided

Bhutan with Peter Eastway, David Oliver and Robert van Koesveld

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.

Visas All 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.

Vaccinations Vaccinations 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, vaccinations 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 inoculations require more than one visit and can take several weeks to administer the full course.

For travellers from Australia and New Zealand, we suggest Travel Doctor-TMVC clinics to obtain the most up-to-date advice on health risks and vaccinations (see www.traveldoctor.com.au for locations 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 recommendations), but can still access the following link for information: www.traveldoctor. com.au

Clothing Bhutan 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 information The 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 and Robert van Koesveld

TERMS AND CONDITIONS 38

These terms and conditions relate to the photography tours and workshops organised 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 kim@betterphotography.com, 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.

PRICE Bhutan 2018: US $8,490 17 April - 5 May 2018 The price includes the following: • Return flights from Bangkok to Paro with Druk Air, including taxes • Accommodation in clean, comfortable 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 • Travel insurance (compulsory) • Alcoholic drinks and your own snacks • Optional activities during free time • Tips and items of a personal nature You may need to arrange a night’s accommodation in Bangkok at both the beginning 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 1 Dec 2017 US $1,995 • Balance due by 17 January 2018.

Please do not book your flights until you have been informed we have the minimum number of guests to proceed.

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS Should you wish to cancel your booking, you must advise us in writing (email is fine). We try to have a fair refund policy that works for both you and us: • Deposits are refundable, up to 90 days prior to the event. If you don’t request a refund of your deposit 90

days out or longer, we will assume you wish to come and the full balance is payable.

• if you are cancelling more than 90 days from the workshop date, we will refund your deposit in full; • if the workshop is not full and, after your cancellation within 90 days, we still have the minimum number of bookings to run, we will refund your deposit in full; • if the workshop is full, and we have turned away other customers, and you are cancelling within 90 days of the workshop date, we won’t refund you unless your place is filled by someone else; • if after you cancel your booking the workshop numbers fall below the minimum number required to run, and you are cancelling within 90 days, we won’t refund you.

No part refunds are made for unused portions or services of a workshop.

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 transportation services and any other circumstances

Bhutan with Peter Eastway, David Oliver and Robert van Koesveld

beyond our 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 REQUIREMENTS The 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 careful 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 LIABILITY As we are a small company, we are not in a position to insure your travel arrangements with Illuminating Tours. If Illuminating 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.

RESPONSIBILITY The responsibility of Pt78 is strictly limited. 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/workshop, 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 limited 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 or local 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 workshop 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 governed in all respects by and interpreted in accordance with the law within New South Wales, Australia.

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Bhutan with Peter Eastway, David Oliver and Robert van Koesveld

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Bhutan with Peter Eastway, David Oliver and Robert van Koesveld

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Bhutan with Peter Eastway, David Oliver and Robert van Koesveld

AWAY PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS

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Magical Bhutan

With Peter Eastway, David Oliver & Robert van Koesveld 17 April - 5 May 2018

For more information and bookings, contact Peter Eastway at eastway@betterphotography.com Or Kim Valenti - kim@betterphotography.com