Bhutan's rich culture, ancient traditions, and colourful textiles make it a photographers paradise. This isolated Himalayan Kingdom is filled with scenic landscapes just waiting for the budding amateur or seasoned professional to take advantage of the mesmeric images that surround you in this beautiful country.
Travelling from west to east, you will encounter interesting local people, lush greenery, rugged landscapes, gurgling rivers and gorgeous mountain ranges. Add to this The Tiger's Nest Monastery, one of Bhutan's most iconic spots, and you have a trip that will provide you with amazing photography in Bhutan and lasting memories.Bhutan's rich culture, ancient traditions, and colourful textiles make it a photographers paradise. This isolated Himalayan Kingdom is filled with scenic landscapes just waiting for the budding amateur or seasoned professional to take advantage of the mesmeric images that surround you in this beautiful country.
Travelling from west to east, you will encounter interesting local people, lush greenery, rugged landscapes, gurgling rivers and gorgeous mountain ranges. Add to this The Tiger's Nest Monastery, one of Bhutan's most iconic spots, and you have a trip that will provide you with amazing photography in Bhutan and lasting memories.
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Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival Paro and Sightseeing
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At the airport, you'll be greeted by your tour guide and then it is off to a local restaurant for a snack. Afterwards, visit the impressive Paro fortress, take some great snaps inside the main courtyard and capture the candid moments of young monks. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant in Paro town. After the lunch, visit the historic Drugyal Dzong built in the 17th century and the Kichu temple in the 7th century. In the evening drive to Thimphu.
Accommodation
Peaceful Resort★3 star
Activities
Rinpung Dzong
Kyichu Lhakhang
Drukgyel Dzong
Street Photography in Thimphu City
Night Photography from Buddha Point
Transportations
Private Driver from Paro International Airport to Thimphu
Meals
Lunch and dinner
Destinations
Paro
Thimphu
Day 2
Thimphu Sightseeing and the National Archery Stadium
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Thimphu offers endless photography experiences to please photographers of all levels. Our photography plan spans from long exposure photography of landmarks at dawn and dusk to capturing amazing moments in the main street of Thimphu. Add to this, the weekend local market and Changlimithang National Archery Stadium offers impressive opportunities. Also, we will organise a Bhutanese model to do a portrait photoshoot at an agreed venue.
Accommodation
Peaceful Resort★3 star
Activities
Early Morning Photography at Kuensephodrang Park
Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory
Memorial Chorten
National Institute for Zorig Chusum
Thimphu Weekend Market
Motithang Takin Preserve
Changangkha Lhakhang
Changlimithang Archery Ground
Tashichho Dzong
Thimphu Night Photography Exploration
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Destinations
Thimphu
Motithang
Day 3
Thimphu and Drive to Phobjikha Valley
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Check out of the hotel early this morning to catch the glorious Dochula Pass at sunrise. After the photography session, you will be treated to breakfast at a cafeteria in the close proximity. Then, continue your road journey, winding through the thick forest of Lamperi, Menchuna and all the way to lower Punakha valley. In between, you will stop at scenic spots to capture the fascinating landscape of rural Bhutan. From Lobesa and after a 2-hour journey, you will reach Phobjikha Valley.
Accommodation
Aap Yangka Farmhouse ★2 star
Activities
Sunrise Photography at Dochula Pass
Chimi Lhakhang
Phobjikha Valley
Evening Photography in Phobjikha
Transportations
Private Driver from Peaceful Resorts to Dochula
Private Driver from Dochula to Lobesa Community Center
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Destinations
Thimphu
Punakha
Wangdue Phodrang
Day 4
Phobjikha Landscape Photography
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Phobjikha valley is unique in it's own way with its wide-open valley, dotted with rural settlements. Wake up early and drive to a hillock in the vicinity of Gantey Monastery for morning landscape photography in Bhutan. After breakfast, visit the local farmland where you will do a portrait photoshoot of farmers working in the farmland. Then enjoy hiking in the periphery of the Crane Reservation Centre. In the afternoon drive back to Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan.
Accommodation
Hotel Lobesa★3 star
Activities
Sunrise Photography in Phobjikha
Mid-morning Photography in Phobjikha
Punakha Dzong
Transportations
Private Driver from Phobjikha Valley to Punakha
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Destinations
Wangdue Phodrang
Punakha
Day 5
Punakha Sightseeing and Drive to Paro
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Punakha is the erstwhile capital of Bhutan and presents a joyful photography opportunity. Today you will wake up early and depart to Kabesa, a heavenly valley hidden in the northern pocket of the Punakha district. From the ridge below the Khamsum temple, you will start capturing the misty morning scene of the lower valley. Visit the landmark Khamsum temple to photograph the architecture. After lunch, visit the impressive Punakha Dzong followed and then return to Paro.
Accommodation
Bhutan Mandala Resort★3 star
Activities
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
Evening Photography of Paro Dzong
Transportations
Private Driver from Punakha to Paro
Meals
Lunch and dinner
Destinations
Punakha
Paro
Day 6
Tiger's Nest Hike and A Hot Stone Bath
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This morning brings a photo opportunity of the Rinpung Dzong followed by a drive to a hilltop above the fortress to photograph the aerial view of Paro Valley at sunrise. After breakfast, drive to the base of Taktshang to start your hike to the revered Tiger's Nest clinging onto a 1000-metre rocky cliff. A couple of viewpoints en route offers the perfect spot to capture breathtaking shots of Tiger's Nest. In the evening soak up in a traditional hot stone bath and have dinner at a farmhouse.
Accommodation
Bhutan Mandala Resort★3 star
Activities
Hike to Tiger's Nest
Hot Stone Bath at Farmhouse
Restaurants
Taktsang Cafeteria
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Destinations
Paro
Day 7
Early Morning Photography Session and Departure
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At dawn, you will be driven to a hillock above Bonday community via Chele La road. The place offers mind-blowing scenery of Shaba valley and Paro international airport. This morning you can capture both long exposure and sunrise scenes of the valleys. Hot tea, coffee and snacks will be served at the site. On completion, drive back to the hotel for breakfast. Afterwards, your guide and driver will accompany you to the airport.
Activities
Paro Valley Morning Photography
Transportations
Private Driver from Bhutan Mandala Resort to Paro International Airport
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Paro
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What’s included?
6 nights accommodation
27 activities
5 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners
Airport transfer
Ground transportation
Licensed English speaking guides
What’s not included?
Alcohol beverages
Domestic flights
Entrance fees
Entry visas / airport departure tax
Gratuities
International flights
Laundry
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Trekking permits
Starting From
AU$ 3,490/ per traveller sharing
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Benefits of this trip
Bhutan in 7 days
3-star, 2-star accommodation
24/7 in-destination support from your local designer
