Bhutan in Your Lenses – A Photographer’s Paradise

Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Theme: Photography (Landscape, Culture, Wildlife, Architecture)
Best Seasons:

• Spring (March–May) – Wildflowers, Rhododendrons, Alpine Bloom

• Autumn (September–November) – Crisp Skies, Festivals, Golden Valleys

Destinations Covered: Paro – Thimphu – Punakha – Phobjikha – Bumthang – Haa

Tour Highlights

• Capture Bhutan’s sacred monasteries, ancient dzongs, and vibrant village life

• Explore alpine meadows, dense forests, river valleys, and snow-capped peaks

• Photograph rare bird species, rhododendron forests, and orchid fields

• Opportunity to shoot masked festivals (if aligned with travel dates)

• Professional photography guide (optional)

• Custom route planning based on your photography interests

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Paro

• Warm welcome at Paro International Airport

• Leisure walk around Paro town with shots of traditional architecture and market scenes

• Sunset photography near Rinpung Dzong and Paro River

• Overnight in Paro

Day 2: Hike to Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang Monastery)

• Early morning hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) – Bhutan’s most iconic site

• Panoramic shots of the cliffside temple, forests, and mountain valleys

• Stop at Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples

• Overnight in Paro

Day 3: Paro – Thimphu

• Scenic drive to Thimphu (1.5 hrs) via winding rivers and pine-clad valleys

• Visit Buddha Dordenma for wide-angle shots of the valley and giant statue

• Street photography in Centenary Farmers Market and Craft Bazaar

• Overnight in Thimphu

Day 4: Thimphu – Punakha via Dochula Pass

• Stop at Dochula Pass (3,100m) for breathtaking photos of the Himalayan range and 108 chortens

• Explore Royal Botanical Park, Lamperi – great for flower close-ups and forest compositions

• Sunset photography at Punakha Dzong by the river junction

• Overnight in Punakha

Day 5: Punakha Exploration

• Early morning visit to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten – panoramic hill views

• Visit to nearby villages to document rural life and traditional farming

• Long exposure shots of Mo Chhu Suspension Bridge and river scenes

• Overnight in Punakha

Day 6: Punakha – Phobjikha Valley

• Drive to the glacial valley of Phobjikha, home of the Black-necked Cranes (seasonal: Nov–Feb)

• Wide-angle and drone opportunities over wetlands and alpine meadows

• Walk along Gangtey Nature Trail for landscape and bird photography

• Overnight in Phobjikha

Day 7: Phobjikha – Bumthang (via Trongsa)

• Scenic journey through rhododendron belts and pine forests to Bumthang, Bhutan’s cultural heartland

• Stop at Trongsa Dzong, one of the largest and most photogenic fortresses

• Capture sunset over the Chamkhar Valley

• Overnight in Bumthang

Day 8: Bumthang Exploration

• Full day photographing ancient temples like Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, and Tamshing Goemba

• Visit local weaving houses and herbal gardens for close-up cultural photography

• Optional hike to Tharpaling Monastery for sunrise/mountain shots

• Overnight in Bumthang

Day 9: Bumthang – Fly or Drive to Paro

• Early morning return flight to Paro (weather permitting) or overland journey

• Final shoot at Drukgyel Dzong ruins or Chele La Pass for alpine and prayer flag scenes

• Farewell dinner and slideshow of photo highlights (optional)

• Overnight in Paro

Day 10: Departure

• Transfer to Paro International Airport

• End of Tour – Bhutan in Your Lenses

Tour Includes:

• Licensed guide with photography background (optional)

• All accommodations in scenic and culturally rich areas

• All ground transportation

• Entry permits and fees to all monuments, parks, and festivals

• All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

• Bottled mineral water

• Flexible timing for sunrise/sunset shoots

Add-ons (Optional):

• Photography workshops or post-processing sessions

• Drone permissions (subject to GovTech approval)

• Festival alignment for masked dance photography