7-Day Photography Adventure in Bhutan
View Trip Map
Download
Share
Terms and Conditions
Overview
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.
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.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival Paro and Sightseeing
Hide details 
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
Hide details
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
Hide details
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
Hide details
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
Hide details
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
Hide details
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
Hide details
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
Included in Price
- 6 nights accommodation
- 27 activities
- 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners
- Airport transfer
- Ground transportation
- Licensed English speaking guides
Not Included in Price
- Alcohol beverages
- Domestic flights
- Entrance fees
- Entry visas / airport departure tax
- Gratuities
- International flights
- Laundry
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Trekking permits
Want to Read This Later?
Download this trip itinerary as a PDF and start planning your next trip offline!
Low season price starting fromAU$3,263
per traveller sharing Terms and Conditions
Book with Flexibility
Flexible Payment
Book this trip today with a deposit and pay the rest 60 days before departure.
Extra Mile
Our dedicated Travel Concierge Team will work with you to manage any unforeseen changes, where possible.
Why Choose Designer Journeys
Access Exclusive Experiences
Open your eyes to a world of exclusive experiences that will make your next trip extraordinary. Designer Journeys’ local travel designers are connected to unique experiences that are out of reach for most people – so you’ll return with some amazing stories to tell.
Extraordinary Local Expertise
Using highly experienced local travel designers means you have access to your very own local expert. You'll find experiences you never knew existed, avoid some of the common pitfalls and, most of all, feel like you have an insider guiding you every step of the way.
Supported Every Step of the Way
Our in-destination local travel designers are the first line of support when you are travelling. They are in your time zone and have the local expertise and knowledge to solve any issue that may arise – making you feel more confident about your trip.
Travel Designed For You
Designer Journeys style of travel is all about how you want to travel – its private travel designed exactly to your needs. Our local travel designers customise every trip to suit you, whether completely bespoke or based on one or more of our 2,000+ gallery of itineraries.
It is great having local people who are able to tailor a trip to my individual needs. I love that I can chat to my consultant to make changes. The turnaround times from my brief were excellent.
Prompt and knowledgable of many areas and things to do. We felt like our requests were heard and they went above and beyond to provide a mixture of plans for our budget.
Sangita was amazing. She was always available by phone if needed and we felt no hesitation to be in contact. She listened to exactly what we asked for and got it right. All the people we met that worked with her were very trustworthy and honest. I would recommend her and all the people she works with. It was a very personal and well managed trip.
DESIGN YOUR EXTRAORDINARY
Why Travel with Designer Journeys
Your Trip. Your Version of Extraordinary.
At Designer Journeys, we know that we all travel differently. That's why you decide where you travel, how you travel and your travel experiences when you design your trip with us.
Connect and Design With an Expert.
Our trusted Local Designers use their destination insight, local knowledge and travel planning expertise to build your extraordinary trip. Our dedicated Travel Concierge team will be there every step of the way to ensure your perfect trip becomes reality.
Book with Confidence. We are Trusted.
Secure payment platforms, multiple accreditations, rigorous Local Designer selection process, and decades of travel expertise means you are in safe hands with Designer Journeys.
As seen on
Partners
