Bhutan Photo Tour

Arrival in Delhi. Upon landing, our representative greets the group and transfers us to the hotel for check-in. Rooms are available from 14:00 hrs. The rest of the day is at leisure to rest and prepare for the flight to Bhutan the following morning.

Overnight in Delhi
Accommodation: Pride Plaza Aerocity (or similar)
Meals: None

Photographic Opportunities

First impressions of India’s contrasts between modernity and tradition, glimpses of Delhi’s energy and architecture, evening city lights and street scenes around the hotel.

Early transfer to the airport for our flight to Paro. As the aircraft crosses the Himalayas, we see the peaks of Everest, Kanchenjunga, and Bhutan’s sacred mountains.

Upon arrival, we meet our Bhutanese guide and begin the drive toward Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. En route, we stop at Tachog Lhakhang, a temple founded by Thangtong Gyalpo, the builder of Bhutan’s iron suspension bridges. We cross his centuries-old bridge adorned with prayer flags and continue to Chuzom, where the Paro and Thimphu rivers meet beneath three stupas in distinct Bhutanese, Tibetan, and Nepali styles.

After check-in and lunch in Thimphu, we visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang), where the immense golden Buddha dominates the valley. Later, we stop at the Memorial Chorten, where devotees spin prayer wheels and walk clockwise around the stupa in constant meditation.

In the evening, we attend a private traditional Bhutanese dinner at a heritage home in Babesa, wearing national dress. During dinner, a private cultural performance introduces us to Bhutan’s traditional masked dances and folk music — an intimate, colorful, and unforgettable introduction to the country’s living culture.

Overnight in Thimphu
Accommodation: Access Suites / Hotel Osel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Photographic Opportunities

Himalayan vistas from the flight, the suspension bridge and temple at Tachog Lhakhang, rivers and stupas at Chuzom, prayer rituals at the Memorial Chorten, and the vibrant scenes of the private traditional dinner and cultural performance.

After breakfast, we visit the Choki Traditional Art School, a nonprofit institution dedicated to preserving Bhutan’s traditional arts while providing education and lodging to children from disadvantaged families. Our visit begins with a butter-lamp lighting ceremony before the statue of Guru Rinpoche, followed by a short documentary on the school’s mission. Over mint tea, we learn about the Zorig Chusum — Bhutan’s thirteen classical arts — and witness students creating works in painting, sculpture, and textile weaving.

We join a hands-on painting session guided by senior students and visit a 340-year-old building within the school, consecrated by Druk Desi Tenzin Rabgye and blessed by the Divine Madman. The experience includes live demonstrations of wood-turning, bamboo craft, tailoring, and embroidery.

After lunch, we proceed to Pangri Zampa Monastery, built in 1529, where astrologer monks read celestial charts and offer predictions. The afternoon continues at Kaja Throm, Thimphu’s revitalized market district, alive with artisans, food stalls, and street scenes. Later, we visit Trashichhoedzong, the majestic “Fortress of the Glorious Religion,” which houses the King’s throne room and the seat of the Chief Abbot.

In the evening, we explore the Local Craft Bazaar and then take a short driving tour of Thimphu’s illuminated monuments.

Overnight in Thimphu
Accommodation: Access Suites / Hotel Osel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Photographic Opportunities

The butter-lamp lighting ceremony at Choki Art School, artisans working on traditional crafts, portraits of monks during astrology readings at Pangri Zampa, bustling activity at Kaja Throm, sunset and night images of Trashichhoedzong, and the illuminated streets and markets of Thimphu.

After breakfast, we begin the journey toward Gangtey, crossing Dochu La Pass at 3,088 meters. We stop to admire the 108 chortens, prayer flags, and sweeping Himalayan views. A prayer flag hoisting ceremony takes place at the pass, surrounded by magnificent mountain scenery. If the sky is clear, we see peaks such as Masagang, Terigang, and Gangkar Puensum, the highest in Bhutan.

We continue to Gangtey, stopping for lunch at Punakha or Wangdue. On arrival, we check in at the hotel and explore the Phobjikha Valley, winter home of the black-necked cranes. In the afternoon, we visit Gangtey village, share yak butter tea with local families, and learn about their life in this remote valley. Later, we attend a prayer ceremony at Gangtey Monastery, a profound and peaceful experience that connects us to the valley’s spiritual essence.

Overnight in Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley)
Accommodation: Namgayling Cottage / Phobjikha Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Photographic Opportunities

The prayer flag hoisting ceremony at Dochu La, panoramic mountain views, pastoral life in Gangtey village, intimate moments during tea with locals, and the private prayer ceremony at Gangtey Monastery.

At dawn, we attend a morning prayer ceremony at Gangtey Monastery before breakfast. Later, we visit Gangtey Goenpa, the only Nyingmapa monastery west of the Black Mountains, and walk the Gangtey Nature Trail, a two-hour path through meadows, villages, and pine forests.

We continue exploring the Phobjikha Valley, visiting the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre, which offers insight into the valley’s ecology and the lives of its migratory birds. After lunch, we drive toward Punakha, stopping briefly at the restored Wangduephodrang Dzong.

Overnight in Punakha
Accommodation: Zen Punakha / Meri Puensum Resort (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Photographic Opportunities

The morning prayer ceremony at Gangtey Monastery, landscapes along the Gangtey Nature Trail, cranes and wetland views at the Information Centre, and the scenic dzong at Wangduephodrang.

Morning drive to Chorten Ningpo Monastery for breakfast with monks, surrounded by fruit trees and prayer wheels. Afterward, we photograph the stunning Punakha Dzong, strategically located at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers.

We then walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of Fertility, dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, the Divine Madman. The afternoon brings a hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a hilltop structure built for peace and harmony in the world. We return to the hotel in the evening.

Overnight in Punakha
Accommodation: Zen Punakha / Meri Puensum Resort (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Photographic Opportunities

Breakfast and ceremony with monks at Chorten Ningpo, the majestic architecture of Punakha Dzong, local life on the path to Chimi Lhakhang, and views from Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten.

After breakfast, we drive to Paro, arriving for lunch at a local farmhouse, followed by a friendly archery game, Bhutan’s national sport.

The afternoon includes visits to Ta Dzong, the former watchtower now serving as the National Museum, and Rinpung Dzong, the “Fortress of the Heap of Jewels.” We then explore Paro town before returning to the hotel.

Overnight in Paro
Accommodation: Himalayan Keys Forest Resort / Tenzinling Resort (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Photographic Opportunities

Rural scenes on the road to Paro, the archery match at the farmhouse, exhibits at the National Museum, frescoes at Rinpung Dzong, and street life in Paro.

Following breakfast, we attend the Paro Tshechu Festival, one of Bhutan’s grandest religious celebrations, featuring monks and laymen performing sacred mask dances at Paro Dzong.

In the afternoon, we hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), Bhutan’s most iconic site, built on a cliff 900 meters above the valley. The round trip takes about five hours with plenty of time for photography.

Overnight in Paro
Accommodation: Himalayan Keys Forest Resort / Tenzinling Resort (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Photographic Opportunities

Colorful mask dances and costumes at the festival, portraits of monks and devotees, and breathtaking views of Tiger’s Nest Monastery and its dramatic setting.

Before dawn, we witness the Thongdroel Ceremony, when a giant silk Thangkha is unfurled at daybreak, believed to bestow liberation by sight. After breakfast, we continue photographing the final day of Paro Tshechu before visiting Drukgyel Dzong, the historic fortress once guarding the valley, and Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples.

Overnight in Paro
Accommodation: Himalayan Keys Forest Resort / Tenzinling Resort (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Photographic Opportunities

The sacred Thongdroel Ceremony at dawn, final festival dances and blessings, mountain views from Drukgyel Dzong, and pilgrims at Kyichu Lhakhang.

After breakfast, transfer to Paro Airport for the flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, connect with international flights for onward travel.

Meals: Breakfast

Photographic Opportunities

Last views of Paro Valley from the air, the Himalayas seen at sunrise, and quiet reflections marking the end of the journey.

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