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THE KINGDOM OF BHUTAN

Thimphu, Punakha, Haa Valley, Phobjikha & Taktsang

BHUTAN

THAILAND

CENTRAL VIETNAM

NORTHERN VIETNAM

CAMBODIA

NEPAL

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!  

Group Size

4-8 Guests

Experience | Difficulty

  • Beginner, amateur, enthusiast and semi-pro photographers
  • All cameras and camera phones are welcome
  • Moderate schedule
  • Travel by car or minibus
  • Moderate elevation changes and lots of walking (hiking optional)
  • (non-photographers also welcome)

Weather | Sun

October – Temps 71-82/50-66 F  22-28/10-19 C  Sunrise 6:01 | Sunset 5:34 (17:34)

Includes

  • 10 Days
  • Travel, landscape, architecture, people, nature, and photography
  • Visa and entry documents
  • Professional photographer | guide
  • Private guide and driver
  • Small group size (4-8 guests)
  • Photo walks & discussions
  • Premium hotels (except in remote locations)
  • All meals
  • Local transportation
  • National Park entry fees

Travel Information

We suggest flying out of Bangkok, Thailand (BKK), however, you can also fly from Delhi, India (DEL) or Kathmandu, Nepal (KTM).
Druk Air is the official airline of Bhutan and we can assist you in booking your flights.
Bhutan Arrival & Departure Airport: Paro, Bhutan (PBH) – Transfer time to hotel 03 hours
Our adventure begins with our arrival at Paro Airport.
Travel Visa: A visa may be required depending on your nationality. Go to iVisa to find out.

Accommodations

Thimphu – Hotel Druk, Ariya Hotel, TAJ Tashi, or similar
Punakha – Dhensa Boutique Resort or similar
Phobhjikha – Thegchen Guesthouse or similar
Haa Valley – Lechuna Heritage Lodge or similar
Paro – Tashi Namgay Resort, Hotel Zhiwaling, or similar

Helpful Links

> Monks and Monasteries – by Ian Robert Knight
> Getting to the Tiger’s Nest – by Ian Robert Knight
> Photographing People in Asia – by Ian Robert Knight

Bhutan Prices & Dates


Nepal & Bhutan Prices & Dates

Combination tours include a flight between destinations, and one hotel night.


Photographer Leader

Photographer Leader

Lorenz Berna

October 18-27, 2024
October 17-26, 2025

*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.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

KINGDOM OF BHUTAN 10 DAYS

Day 1 | Arrive in Paro - Punakha

We will meet you at Paro International Airport upon your arrival. Our driver and photographer guide will escort us to our hotel in Punakha (3 hr drive).

After an hour’s drive, the road gradually climbs through a forest of pine and cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high up near Dochula Mountain Pass (3,050 m/10,000ft.). This pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges, as we descend along a series of hairpin bends to the fertile valley of Lobesa and Punakha (1,350 m/ 4,430 ft.). Before proceeding further to Punakha town, we will eat lunch in Lobesa and hike to the Chimi Lhakhang (temple) on a small hilltop. It is a pleasant 30 minutes hike through the rice paddies and the small village. This temple is dedicated to the great Yogi in the 14th century known as Drukpa Kuenley or popularly known as the “Divine Madman” in the west. He preached in a way that is unlike the stiffness of clergy and society of the time; he dramatized the teachings using songs and outrageous sexual humor. Bold phallus symbols and paintings on the houses or temples are a result of his influence to date. It is believed that this temple blesses women who seek fertility. A popular pilgrimage spot for the Bhutanese, it is frequented by childless couples and parents who have difficulty raising children from all over the world.

Continue the drive to Punakha and check into our hotel. After settling in we will have informal discussions on what our guests are trying to achieve in their photography, subject matters, styles and techniques.

In the evening we celebrate with our Welcome Dinner. (L) (D)

Day 2 | Punakha

During breakfast, we’ll discuss PWA’s “10 Guiding Principles to Great Photography” as well as our “THE ART OF SEEING” photographic technique.

This morning, we explore the beautiful Punakha Dzong (Fortress) situated between the two rivers Pho Chu and Mochu (Male and Female River). This fortress is now used as the winter seat of the Je Khenpo (the Spiritual head of Bhutan) and the monk body. It also houses several government offices including that of the Governor. This Dzong had served as the capital seat of the Kingdom for more than three hundred years. We will stop by one of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan, which is 10 minutes walk from the parking lot near the Dzong. In the afternoon we will explore the Nunnery located on a hilltop overlooking the valley of Punakha and Lobesa. In the evening we enjoy a wonderful dinner. (B) (L) (D)

Day 3 | Phobjikha Valley

After breakfast, we will drive to the broad and beautiful Phobjikha Valley. This valley also serves as the winter home for the rare black-necked cranes that migrate from the plateau of Tibet when it gets extremely cold. The birds migrate sometime in late October and they return to Tibet in March. The villagers celebrate their arrival.

The Black-necked Crane is also known as Thrung Thrung Karmo and is deeply revered as a heavenly bird (lhab-bja), which has harmoniously coexisted with the residents largely due to strong Buddhist beliefs. The lhab-bja appears in the Bhutanese folklore, songs, dances, and historical references. If the cranes are around, you will be able to witness them feeding in the marshy meadow. We will have the opportunity to photograph landscapes and small villages along the way. After check-in, we will review our images from the first three days. (B) (L) (D)

Day 4 | Phobjikha Valley

This morning, we start at the beautiful Gangtey Monastery and hike downhill into the Phobjikha Valley. We will continue our hike to the hotel. Gangtey Monastery (locally known as the Gangtey Goemba) enjoys the valley’s prime real estate, on a forested hill overlooking the green expanse of the entire Phobjikha Valley. The extensive complex consists of the central goemba, monks’ quarters, a small guesthouse and outlying meditation centers. Much of the interior and exterior woodwork of the 450-year-old goemba was replaced between 2001 and 2008 due to a beetle-larvae infestation. It is an important monastery including the Nyingmapa School of Buddhism, the main seat of the Pema Lingpa tradition, located in the Wangdue Phodrang District in central Bhutan.

We will spend the afternoon visiting and photographing the village and Monastery. If birding interests you, you may visit the crane information center. In the evening we enjoy a wonderful dinner. (B) (L) (D)

Day 5 | Thimphu

After breakfast, we embark on the journey to Thimphu (2,320 m/ 7,609 ft), the capital town of 120,000 residents. It is a 5-hour drive to Thimphu with stops along the way. Here you will notice a lot more vehicles and concrete buildings. The main street of Thimphu, Norzin Lam, is lined with shops of all descriptions mainly stocking goods imported from India, Korea, and Thailand. This is the only capital in the world where there are no traffic lights, only a few roundabouts. A policeman regulates the flow of traffic by gesturing/ hand signals. No McDonalds, KFC’s & Starbucks just yet.

In Thimphu, our first stop will be the Memorial Chorten built in the memory of the third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. We will stop by the weekend market which is now housed in a relatively bigger two-story building. All the locals come here to buy their weekly stock of fresh vegetables, cereals, fruits, meat, spices, etc. (B) (L) (D)

Day 6 | Thimphu

This morning, we visit Kuensel Phodrang where the world’s largest sitting Buddha statue is located. It is new and 169 feet tall and has a commanding view. It is largely funded by philanthropic money from Buddhists and well-wishers from Singapore and Hong Kong. We then explore the traditional arts and crafts school (locally known as the painting school) and the traditional medicine hospital.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we go to a viewpoint in Thimphu called Sangaygang. There we will have the option to take a leisurely/easy hike of 1-1.5 hours. Later, we drive to Drubthop Lhakhang, the nunnery temple for a late afternoon photo walk. (B) (L) (D)

Day 7 | Haa Valley

Today, we drive westwards to the pristine and remote Haa Valley, which was open to tourists not long ago. The valley is dotted with fields of millet, barley, and potatoes and full of ancient shrines. Haa Valley is the westernmost state in Bhutan. It borders the Indian state of Sikkim and Tibet. Haa town is at (2,670 m/ 8,811ft.). The drive will give you an insight into a medieval way of life that has changed little over the centuries. Modern development has brought better education, health care, and electricity to these remote areas but the local small farm-based economy that has kept the local people self-sufficient over the years is largely unchanged.

After lunch, we visit two famous monasteries, Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple). Lhakhang Karpo is also called Chundo Gompa, dedicated to the chief protector-deity of the valley. The central shrine in Lhakhang Nagpo is said to be almost identical to that of the Jowo temple in Lhasa, Tibet. Legend has it that local deities assisted in the construction of Lhakhang Karpo and as a result, the place came to be locally known as ‘Hay’ (meaning ‘surprise’) which later became ‘Haa’ due to varying interpretations and pronunciations over time. (B) (L) (D)

Day 8 | Paro (via Chele la pass)

Today we drive to Paro via the Chele-la Pass (3,800 m/13,000 ft.) through blue pine and rhododendron forests. On a clear day, there are superb views from the pass of two of Bhutan’s highest and best-known peaks – Mount Jumolhari and Jitchu Drake. We will stop here briefly to stretch our legs and enjoy the lovely mountain scenery and then continue down to Paro Valley.

The charming town of Paro lies on the banks of the Paro (or Pa) Chhu, just a short distance northwest of the imposing Paro Dzong. The main street, only built in 1985, is lined with colorfully painted wooden shop fronts and restaurants, though these appear under threat as the town grows and multi-story concrete buildings continue to propagate.

For now, Paro remains one of the best Bhutanese towns to explore on foot and is worth an hour or two’s stroll at the end of a day of sightseeing. Afterward, we’ll check into our hotel, enjoy dinner and retire for the evening for a well-deserved rest. (B) (L) (D)

Day 9 | Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest)

After breakfast, our driver will drop us off for a view of the spectacular and famous Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s lair). From here we’ll take the trail to the monastery which climbs through a beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. Our hike takes us to the imposing Taktsang monastery. Built in the 1600s, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. It is believed that in the 8th century, Guru Rimpoche, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tigress to subdue a demon. Guru Rimpoche is supposed to have meditated here for three months and it is considered a sacred site for Buddhists.

Upon our return to the car, we drive further up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong (the fortress of the victorious Drukpas) built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to celebrate victory over Tibetan invading forces and also to curtail further invasions from the enemy. The route is picturesque, and the site of Dzong magnificent (from here, only a two-day hike to the border with Tibet). From here, on a clear day, you can get a magnificent view of the mountain Jumolhari (7,314 meters / 23,990 feet).

After returning to town, we prepare for our festive Farewell Dinner, discuss the events of the trip, share our favorite photos and enjoy the fun and laughter. (B) (L) (D)

Day 10 | Depart Paro

After an early breakfast in the hotel we drive to the Paro International Airport (a short distance away) for our departure. We urge you to extend your stay in Asia and make good use of everything you will learn on our photo adventure. (B)

NOTE: This adventure is proceeded by our Nepal Photo Adventure. Combine both for 19 amazing days in the Himalayas.

 

Add our 10-Day “Nepal” tour for 20 days of culture and photography.

(B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner, (E) Excursion

 

May all who come as guests... leave as friends®

 

OPTIONS AND BENEFITS

Pricing

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 boutique hotels in the 4-star category. Not all destinations offer these types of properties. We look for unique hotels which 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. Breakfast is included only if included in our room rates.

Private Guided Adventures

We offer amazing private guided photo adventures, cultural tours and vacations for individuals, couples, families and groups. We can customize any of our published adventures, as well as others, to meet your individual needs, schedule, budget and interests. This may include the finest 5-star accommodations, business-class travel, and private guides and fixers who are able to make the impossible possible. If you are not interested in a photo-centric vacation, but you love our approach to private travel, we will be happy to design and deliver an amazing adventure focused on travel, culture and cuisine. Click here to request a quote. Feel free to call us at 1-888-834-0288 or contact us for more information.

Travel Insurance

We offer travel insurance through the internationally recognized Travelex Travel Insurance Company, as well as evacuation and medical transportation insurance through MedJet, one of the best in the industry.

The cost for travel insurance can be as low as 4% of the total trip cost, depending upon age and other factors. Knowing you have trip cancellation coverage can make a big difference should you have to cancel for some unforeseen reason. Travelex Insurance Services is a BBB Accredited business with an A+ rating. Click here to learn more about why you should consider travel insurance.

Rewards Program

Start earning points today and SAVE $200 - $900 off future trips!
Simply register for one of our amazing photo adventures and begin earning points today!

How The Program Works
For every adventure reservation you make with Photo Workshop Adventures, you earn valuable points which you can redeem on your next trip. This is a great way to save up to 8% off future trips. Our Rewards Program is designed with three tiers: Orange, Gold and VIP Members. Points may be applied towards balance payments on your next trip, or you may choose to accumulate points for a free trip in the future.

ORANGE REWARDS
All guests begin with our Orange Rewards Program (Level 1), which earns 4 points for every dollar you spend. You begin earning points immediately after your first trip. A $5,900 spend earns 23,600 points with a value of $236 USD.

GOLD REWARDS
With our Gold Rewards Program (Level 2), you earn 6 points for every dollar you spend. Orange Members who reach 120,000 accumulated lifetime* points (approx. 4-6 trips), automatically move up to Gold Rewards. A $5,900 spend earns 35,400 points with a value of $354 USD.

Additional Gold Benefits:

  • Earn up to double points during promotional events
  • Advance notifications for upcoming adventures and special offers

VIP REWARDS
With our VIP Rewards Program (Level 3), you earn 8 points for every dollar you spend. Gold Members who reach 350,000 accumulated lifetime* points (approx. 8-12 trips) move up to VIP Rewards. A $5,900 spend earns 47,200 points with a value of $472 USD, (8+/-% discount).

Additional VIP Benefits:

  • Earn up to double points during promotional events
  • Advance notifications for upcoming adventures and special offers
  • Ability to Gift or Transfer points to others
  • Receive complimentary airport transfers at the destination location*

Redeeming Your Points
Redeeming your points couldn’t be easier. You can always log in to your account to check your points balance. When you are ready to book your next trip, register and pay your deposit. When you go to pay your balance you will be given the option to apply your points and receive a discount.

THINK ORANGE Magazine

Subscribe to our Think Orange Magazine and eNews. THINK ORANGE is a wonderful mix of stories and tips related to travel, photography, adventure, culture, art, technology, cuisine, lifestyle, people and more. Our objective is to immerse you in a world you may only fantasize about. Raise your awareness and inspire your creativity. Perhaps even help make you a better photographer. We deliver similar experiential experiences that our guests enjoy on our photo adventures. Like all of our adventures, our blog is “photo-centric”, while also allowing you to experience all the nuances and cultural aspects of travel and adventure. Welcome to our world. We hope you enjoy. Our eNews is a great way to receive information about upcoming photo adventures, exciting new destinations, photography tips, special offers and more. Subscribe today!

Gift Cards

Give someone you know a Gift Card, good toward any of our Photo  Adventures, Photo Tours, Private Guided Tours, Online Courses, Prints or Merchandize. Our beautifully personalized eGift Cards and Certificates are delivered to you electronically. They are fully transferable and have a 2 year expiration date. They are available in any amount from $100 to $5000. It makes a great gift for anyone who loves photography, travel or adventure. Order now, or email for more information.

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