Bhutan: The Land of the Thunder Dragon.

Join us on our 10-day Bhutan Photo Tour and Cultural Adventure and uncover the magical Land of the Thunder Dragon, nicknamed after its wild thunderstorms. Bhutan is awe-inspiring from the moment you fly over the Himalayas and step foot in one of its many breathtaking valleys. This is a country where chilies are a staple, rice is red, erotic art is painted on temple walls, and Gross National Happiness is treasured over Gross National Product. We will explore this small nation of about 750,000 people in the Eastern Himalayas, nestled between Tibet, China, and India. It has a unique government that has intentionally kept itself isolated from modernity. 

Before we reach the captivating Punakha Valley, we will be stopping off in Lobesa to make a pilgrimage to the eccentric Chimmi Lhakhang fertility temple, built in the 14th century by Lama Drukpa Kunley, or the “Divine Madman”. He was a Buddhist master known for his unorthodox teachings using humor and sexual innuendo, evident from the lude phallic drawings painted on the temple walls. Perched on a small hill, the temple provides an excellent vantage point for sweeping shots of the valley and its terraced rice fields, which will be a warm golden yellow when we visit in autumn. 

To get to the second oldest and second largest fortress in Bhutan, Punakha Dong, we will have to first cross the country’s longest suspension bridge that offers great establishing shots of the majestic fortress. Situated at the confluence of the Male and Female rushing blue rivers and against the backdrop of lush green hills, this site is an architectural masterpiece of red roofs and whitewashed walls. 

As we flock to the Phobjikha Valley in late October to enjoy its alpine wetlands, so will the migratory black-necked cranes, which the area is famous for and the locals revere as sacred. Amongst the natural landscapes and the wildlife is the Gangtey Monastery, which will add a cultural element to our shots. Continuing our valley-to-valley voyage, we will take a scenic drive to the Hidden Paradise of Bhutan, Haa Valley. Despite the recent arrival of tourists to this remote area, we will notice how the locals have upheld their agricultural way of life for centuries. 

Thimphu is an unusual capital city, with no traffic lights and ancient monasteries, yet it is expanding and modernizing relatively swiftly. We will stop by the Royal Textile Academy and the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, where Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts are taught. Here, we will snap the students while they work, whether it’s painting, sculpting, or sewing. One of the most memorable moments of our photo tour will be visiting one of the largest Buddha statues in the world in Kuensel Phodrang. There are so many ways to tackle photographing this 169-foot godly golden marvel sitting crossed-legged against the Himalayan Mountains, perhaps incorporating the local Bhutanese pilgrims and monks who have come to pay their respects. 

Finally, the climactic end to our Bhutan adventure will be visiting the Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery in Paro. Amongst the piney wilderness, the religious site seems to cling precariously to the side of the rocky cliffs while prayer flags flutter in the mountainous winds. Our task will be experimenting with scale and perspective to fully emphasize the monastery’s position hanging on the edge of a vertical precipe, a dramatic drop of almost 3000 ft. 

This 10-day photography tour is more than just a quest to capture exceptional images; it is an invitation to elevate your craft and see the world through a new lens. Our expert photographer guides will not only lead you to the most photogenic locations under the best light but also help you master the art of visual storytelling. Along the way, you will refine your camera techniques and discover how to navigate the challenges of photographing in a foreign land. You will also learn to anticipate a scene before capturing the decisive moment, elevating ordinary photos into extraordinary works of art. 

Join us for spirited discussions, enriching camaraderie, and moments of unforgettable inspiration. With Bhutan’s epic mountains, reverent monasteries, and giant golden buddhas, our photography will be a celebration of the last remaining great Himalayan kingdom. Your visual odyssey starts here!  

Before we reach the captivating Punakha Valley, we will be stopping off in Lobesa to make a pilgrimage to the eccentric Chimmi Lhakhang fertility temple, built in the 14th century by Lama Drukpa Kunley, or the “Divine Madman”. He was a Buddhist master known for his unorthodox teachings using humor and sexual innuendo, evident from the lude phallic drawings painted on the temple walls. Perched on a small hill, the temple provides an excellent vantage point for sweeping shots of the valley and its terraced rice fields, which will be a warm golden yellow when we visit in autumn. 

To get to the second oldest and second largest fortress in Bhutan, Punakha Dong, we will have to first cross the country’s longest suspension bridge that offers great establishing shots of the majestic fortress. Situated at the confluence of the Male and Female rushing blue rivers and against the backdrop of lush green hills, this site is an architectural masterpiece of red roofs and whitewashed walls. 

As we flock to the Phobjikha Valley in late October to enjoy its alpine wetlands, so will the migratory black-necked cranes, which the area is famous for and the locals revere as sacred. Amongst the natural landscapes and the wildlife is the Gangtey Monastery, which will add a cultural element to our shots. Continuing our valley-to-valley voyage, we will take a scenic drive to the Hidden Paradise of Bhutan, Haa Valley. Despite the recent arrival of tourists to this remote area, we will notice how the locals have upheld their agricultural way of life for centuries. 

Thimphu is an unusual capital city, with no traffic lights and ancient monasteries, yet it is expanding and modernizing relatively swiftly. We will stop by the Royal Textile Academy and the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, where Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts are taught. Here, we will snap the students while they work, whether it’s painting, sculpting, or sewing. One of the most memorable moments of our photo tour will be visiting one of the largest Buddha statues in the world in Kuensel Phodrang. There are so many ways to tackle photographing this 169-foot godly golden marvel sitting crossed-legged against the Himalayan Mountains, perhaps incorporating the local Bhutanese pilgrims and monks who have come to pay their respects. 

Finally, the climactic end to our Bhutan adventure will be visiting the Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery in Paro. Amongst the piney wilderness, the religious site seems to cling precariously to the side of the rocky cliffs while prayer flags flutter in the mountainous winds. Our task will be experimenting with scale and perspective to fully emphasize the monastery’s position hanging on the edge of a vertical precipe, a dramatic drop of almost 3000 ft. 

This 10-day photography tour is more than just a quest to capture exceptional images; it is an invitation to elevate your craft and see the world through a new lens. Our expert photographer guides will not only lead you to the most photogenic locations under the best light but also help you master the art of visual storytelling. Along the way, you will refine your camera techniques and discover how to navigate the challenges of photographing in a foreign land. You will also learn to anticipate a scene before capturing the decisive moment, elevating ordinary photos into extraordinary works of art. 

Join us for spirited discussions, enriching camaraderie, and moments of unforgettable inspiration. With Bhutan’s epic mountains, reverent monasteries, and giant golden buddhas, our photography will be a celebration of the last remaining great Himalayan kingdom. Your visual odyssey starts here!  

*All prices are per person and based on double occupancy. Please select single occupancy for a private room. For your convenience, we offer optional early arrival and late departure accommodations so you can extend your stay before or after the trip. We typically stay in upscale boutique hotels in the 4 and 5-star category. Not all destinations offer these types of properties. We look for unique hotels that offer cultural, historic, and/or authentic features. Depending on the size of the group, smaller boutique hotels may have limited room inventory. In some countries or in remote locations, we may be limited to lodges or branded chain hotels. In Cuba, we stay in upscale family-owned Casas (bread & breakfasts). On all of our tours, breakfast is almost always included, but not guaranteed. Meal categories listed include (B) for breakfast, (L) for lunch, and (D) for dinner.