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Photography Tour

Photography Tour

Duration

10 days

Group Size

12

Difficulty Level

Fully Guided

Overview

This 10-day photography tour of Bhutan takes you through the country’s most stunning landscapes, sacred monasteries, and vibrant cultural sites. From the majestic Punakha Dzong and Tiger’s Nest Monastery to the serene Phobjikha Valley and remote Gangtey Monastery, you'll capture Bhutan’s rich heritage and natural beauty. The journey includes visits to iconic locations, including traditional villages and rural landscapes, providing diverse opportunities for photography. Whether you're capturing intricate architecture, sweeping mountain vistas, or candid moments of daily life, this tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion and photographic adventure.

Tour Highlights:

  • Punakha Dzong: Iconic dzong set at the confluence of two rivers, perfect for wide-angle shots.
  • Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang): Stunning cliffside monastery with dramatic views.
  • Phobjikha Valley: Serene valley ideal for landscape, wildlife, and rural life photography.
  • Gangtey Monastery: Traditional Bhutanese architecture set amidst a beautiful valley.
  • Rural Bhutan: Capture local life, from farming scenes to traditional street photography in Paro.

Tour Plan

Day 1: Arrival in Paro and Transfer to Thimphu

  • Arrive at Paro International Airport and transfer to Thimphu (1.5-2 hours).
  • Start with a visit to Buddha Dordenma for panoramic views of Thimphu Valley and stunning photo opportunities of the massive Buddha statue against the backdrop of the mountains.
  • Explore Tashichho Dzong for architectural photography of the fortress-monastery and beautiful courtyards.
  • Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 2: Thimphu Photography Exploration

  • Visit Memorial Chorten, capturing the peaceful moments of people walking around the stupa and the colorful prayer wheels.
  • Head to the National Textile Museum for a chance to photograph traditional Bhutanese textiles and artisans at work.
  • Explore Changangkha Monastery and its panoramic views of Thimphu valley.
  • Capture the vibrant colors of Thimphu’s streets, including the Weekend Market (if the timing is right).
  • Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha

  • Drive from Thimphu to Punakha (2.5-3 hours). Stop at the Dochula Pass for breathtaking views of the eastern Himalayas, perfect for wide-angle shots.
  • Visit Punakha Dzong, one of the most photogenic dzongs in Bhutan, beautifully located at the confluence of the Pho and Mo rivers.
  • Take photographs of the intricate architecture and the serene surroundings of the dzong.
  • Overnight in Punakha.

Day 4: Punakha Photography and Hike to Chimi Lhakhang

  • Capture Punakha Dzong from different angles, including reflections in the river for a unique shot.
  • Hike to Chimi Lhakhang (1-2 hours), also known as the Fertility Temple, and photograph the picturesque landscape along the way.
  • Take photos of the rice terraces and peaceful rural landscapes of Punakha Valley.
  • Overnight in Punakha.

Day 5: Punakha to Gangtey

  • Drive to Gangtey (3-4 hours) and photograph the scenic views of the Phobjikha Valley, known for its stunning landscape, especially during sunset or sunrise.
  • Visit Gangtey Monastery and capture the traditional architecture set against the backdrop of the valley.
  • Explore the Phobjikha Valley for wildlife photography, including the endangered black-necked cranes (in winter).
  • Overnight in Gangtey.

Day 6: Gangtey Nature Walk and Photography

  • Take a nature walk through the Phobjikha Valley, photographing the peaceful landscape, local villagers, and farm life.
  • Visit the Gangtey Crane Centre to photograph the black-necked cranes (if visiting in winter).
  • Spend the evening capturing the golden light and the valley’s natural beauty during sunset.
  • Overnight in Gangtey.

Day 7: Gangtey to Paro via Trongsa

  • Drive to Trongsa (3-4 hours), stopping at scenic spots along the way to photograph the rural landscape and Bhutanese villages.
  • Visit Trongsa Dzong, capturing its architectural grandeur against the backdrop of the valley.
  • Continue to Paro (2-3 hours) in the evening.
  • Overnight in Paro.

Day 8: Paro Valley Photography and Sightseeing

  • Visit Rinpung Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most iconic dzongs, and photograph its beautiful architecture and the surrounding landscapes.
  • Take a stroll through the traditional streets of Paro for street photography of Bhutanese life.
  • Explore the National Museum of Bhutan to capture the displays of traditional Bhutanese art and cultural artifacts.
  • Overnight in Paro.

Day 9: Tiger’s Nest Monastery Photography

  • Hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang), capturing the stunning views of the monastery perched on the cliffside.
  • Photograph the monastery’s intricate architecture, the surrounding landscapes, and the dramatic Himalayan backdrop.
  • Spend time capturing spiritual moments as you observe monks and visitors at the site.
  • Overnight in Paro.

Day 10: Departure

  • Take one last morning shot of Paro Valley before heading to Paro International Airport for your departure.

Included

  • Visa Fee
  • Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
  • Accommodation in 3 star hotels on twin sharing
  • All meals ( breakfast, lunch and dinner )
  • Entrance fees for monuments and cultural sites
  • Licensed English speaking guides
  • Airport transfer and all transportation
  • Bottled water during the tour
  • All applicable taxes and service charges

Excluded

  • International airfare to/from Bhutan
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, shopping, etc.)
  • Alcoholic and specialty beverages
  • Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff
  • Additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Additional expenses due to unforeseen events (weather, flight cancellations, etc.)

Good to know

We currently offer two payment methods for tourists to transfer payments for Bhutan tours: Wire Transfer and Wise. However, both methods incur a wire transfer fee of $40 to $50, as Wise payments also require a final transfer to Bhutan via wire.

  • More than 45 days before the tour: Free cancellation
  • Within 30 days: 35% of the total cost
  • Within 21 days: 50% of the total cost
  • No-show in Bhutan: 100% of the total cost

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Price

$2560.00

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Address

Doebum Lam P. O Box 1650. Thimphu Bhutan. 11001

Phone

Email

info@maebartravel.com