Trip Name: Bhutan Photography Tour
Trip Activities: Sightseeing and Photography
Trip Grade: Easy
Best Season: All the round the year (autumn and spring are the best)
Group Size: 1 – 12
Largely isolated until very recently for centuries, Bhutan offers a matchless window into an alternative worldview ripe for capturing imagery. The Bhutan Photography Tour lets you capture the best shots of embracing culture, natural beauty, and spectacular Buddhist architecture.
The Bhutan photography expedition is designed to offer the avid photographer a unique learning experience that explores the highly venerated and extremely photogenic destination of Bhutan. Travelers will get a close peek at the enchanting Bhutanese lifestyle through the eyes of a photographer while discovering Bhutan’s hidden gems.
In Bhutan, the Thimphu and Paro photography tour offers Bhutan’s immersive photography experience, capturing Bhutan’s stunning landscapes, timeless heritage sites, picturesque villages, amazing terraced farmlands against the backdrop of giant ice, rich culture, wildlife, and the lifestyle of Bhutanese people.
This Bhutan Photography tour is not only about cultural and landscape photography but also about nature and wildlife photography expeditions. Here, photographers can capture Bhutan’s ancient monasteries, majestic Himalayan peaks, lush green forests, and diverse wildlife, including the rare takin and various exotic birds.
There are many Photography opportunities in Bhutan; here is a list of the best photography choices:
The Bhutan Aerial Photography Tour allows you to get on a helicopter and capture the bird’s eye view of Bhutan. It is more than just fun to photograph in the heart of the Himalayas. Capture the best shot with the guided tour that lets you explore the best of Himalayan peaks, valleys, farmlands, forests, heritage sites, and more.
Your tour guide will take you to the best places and will dial everything to make your vacation a memorable one.
Bhutan is a country of art. This tour will increase your creative vision and allow you to get a deeper perspective of Bhutanese ancient art, heritage sites, landscapes, and wildlife.
If you want to capture some artistic photos, there are countless subjects to capture.
On an outdoor photography tour, your professional guide will take you to a spectacular photogenic location at the right time, when the light is perfect, so you can capture the best shot.
You can capture the best shots of Dzongs, temples, monasteries, mountain peaks, villages, terrace farmlands, rivers, glaciers, and more. Also, you can experience the unique culture, learn new techniques, and gain some creativity during the process.
Archery is the national game of Bhutan. Capture how people play and how to relate it to their lives. You can photoshoot village team completion in elaborate, multi-day tournaments.
In addition to archery, you can shoot a traditional sport called Digor (a kind of shot put) and Khuru (a dart made of wood and a nail). You can add more fun by capturing traditional wrestling, where men wrestle, grabbing onto each other's belt.
If you're a wildlife photographer searching for wildlife, a Wildlife photography tour in Bhutan is an experience you don’t want to miss. The Bhutan nature and wildlife photography tour will take you through some of the most pristine natural landscapes in the world.
One of the highlights is the Bhutan black-necked crane photography tour, where you will have the chance to photograph the rare black-necked cranes during their winter migration.
Love birdwatching? Join a Bhutan birding tour & capture stunning shots! Bhutan Bird Watching Tour.
Dream Bhutan’s mission is not simply to improve your photo-capturing skills but also to pass on our enthusiasm and take you to new creative heights. We provide guided photography tours in Bhutan with an expert and professional photography guide who will provide all the information about the places you are traveling.
We assure you a fantastic photography holiday in Bhutan, allowing you to visit wonderful places, interact with great people, and have a fabulous time. We guarantee that you will learn something new and get a new perspective as a photographer. You only have to take a good camera and come with an open mind.
Book Bhutan photography tour and get an exciting offer on a Bhutan photography tour package. If you want to go on a professional photography tour in Bhutan, grab this opportunity and start your adventure with Dream Bhutan.
The best time for a Bhutan Photography Tour depends on the preferences of photographers and the type of Photography you want to focus on:
If you want to do the Bhutan traditional festival photography trip and the Bhutan Festival Photography Tour, spring and autumn are the best. These seasons coincide with famous festivals such as Thimphu Tsechu and Paro Tsechu. During these festivals, you can capture the vibrant cultural and traditional mask dances, which are central to Bhutanese traditions.
Similarly, if you want to do a Bhutan Landscape Photography Tour, Spring and autumn are best because they offer clear mountain views, lush valleys, and golden landscapes.
You can get the best ideal captures of bustling markets, local life, and traditional attires in towns like Thimphu and Paro during your Bhutan Street Photography Tour around the year.
Winter is perfect for black-necked crane photography and sunrise and sunset photography tours along with the Himalayan landscapes with snow-covered peaks.
Summer, also known as monsoon season, offers a unique opportunity for rural life photography in misty villages.
Ever wondered how Bhutan’s culture looks through a camera lens? Here is the Bhutan Cultural Tour.
There are some important things that photographers need to remember during their Bhutan photography tour:
1) Always follow the “Leave No Trace” principle to respect Bhutan’s pristine environment.
2) Bhutan promotes sustainable tourism. So, some photography areas have homestays, which offer a chance to experience local hospitality.
3) Avoid loud noises while photographing, as they may disturb both birds and local communities. Always be patient and enjoy the experience, as some rare species require long waits to spot.
4) You should always ask before taking portraits, especially of monks and elderly people, because Bhutanese people are deeply rooted in culture and spirituality.
5) Always be mindful of photography restrictions, as some religious sites prohibit photography inside temples and monasteries.
6) Bhutan has limited access to photography workshops, so always come well-prepared with spare batteries and memory cards.
Day 01:Arrival at Paro International Airport
The flight to Paro International Airport is one of the most scenic trans-Himalayan flights in the world. You will get glimpses of the highest Himalayan peaks and mountain valleys.
Upon your arrival at Paro, our airport representative will receive you and transfer you to the designated hotel.
After a short orientation, you will have lunch and explore Paro town.
Day 02: Sightseeing in Paro
After breakfast, our Bhutan photography tour from Paro begins with the exploration of the Rinpung Dzong (the fortress of the heap of Jewels built in the 17th century).
Photography is allowed in the expansive courtyards and outside of the Dzong but is not allowed within the holy shrines.
After lunch, we proceed to visit the Drukgyel Dzong ruins and its surrounding landscapes. We also explore Kyichu Lhakhang, which was built in the 7th century and is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.
We spent the rest of our time strolling around Paro town.
Day 03: Paro – Thimphu (56 km – 1.5 hours)
After breakfast, we drove to Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan. Here, we visit the Grand Memorial Chorten and the big Buddha perched above the ridge of the city.
We also make a tour to capture Wangditse or Zangto Pelri (photography is allowed in the shrine room).
Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu
Day 04:Thimphu Sightseeing
After breakfast, You can do a Bhutan cultural photography tour with sightseeing to ancient heritage sites of the modern capital of Bhutan, Thimphu.
We will visit the Folk and Heritage Museum, the late king’s memorial stupa, the textile museum, the takin (National animal), the weaving center, and the traditional paper factory.
In the afternoon, we will explore the painting school which houses traditional paintings, and sculpting and displays excellent woodwork. We will also visit the National Handicraft Emporium. Enjoy leisurely time in Thimphu.
Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.
Day 05: Thimphu – Punakha (74 km – 3 hours’ drive)
After breakfast, we’ll start our Bhutan photography trip to Punakha. We’ll enjoy the scenic drive from Thimphu to Punakha with a stop for tea at DochuLa Pass (3,100m).
On a clear day, we get stunning views of the Himalayas. From the pass, we drive downhill through the forest rhododendron, fir, and hemlock and then pass through rick fields along the river banks to reach Punakha.
After lunch, we’ll visit Punakha Dzong, which was built between 1637 and 1638 and is the second oldest and the second largest Dzong in Bhutan.
Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.
Day 06: Punakha – Bumthang (210 km – 8 hours drive)
After breakfast, we will drive to Trongsa which takes about 5 – 6 hours. We stop for a while at Wangdi town to capture its cultural and natural wonders.
Further, we will drive across Pele La Pass (3,300m), the traditional boundary between Western and Central Bhutan. We stopped for lunch at Chendebji, located near the gigantic Nepalese-style stupa, and continued our journey for 3 hours to reach Bumthang.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Bumthang.
Day 07: Bumthang sightseeing
After breakfast, you will visit Jakar Dzong, which means “The Castle of White Bird”. The current Dzong was established in 1667 and is the largest Dzong in the entire kingdom.
Then proceed to visit Lamey Goemba which is a large palace and monastery built in the 18th century by Dasho Phuntsho Wangdi.
Further, visit Jambay Lhakhang which was said to be built by Srongsen Gampo of Tibet in 659 on the same day as Kichu Lhakhang in Paro. The temple was revisited by Guru Rimpoche during his visit to Bumthang and was reconstructed by Sindhu Raja after Guru Rimpoche restored his life force. The popular festival, Jambay Lhakhang Drup is celebrated in October here.
You then move to visit Kurjey Lhakhang, which has the body print of Guru Rimpoche; it was built in 1652 by Minjur Tempa. Also, visit Tamshing Lhakhang, the temple of good messages built by Pema Lingpa in 1501. It is the most significant Nyingmapa temple in the country.
Overnight at a hotel in Bumthang.
Day 08: Bumthang – Phobjikha (4.5 hours’ drive)
After breakfast, we continue our drive to Phobjikha/Gangtey.
Here, you will visit Gangtey Gompa, which was built in 1613. It was built by Gyaltse Peam Thinley and Tenzin Legpai Dhendup, the second reincarnation. The present Abbot, Kunzang Pema Namgyal, is the ninth reincarnation.
Explore the Phobjikha Valley, which is the winter home to rare Necked Cranes.
Overnight at a hotel in Phobjikha Valley.
Day 09: Gangtey – Thimphu
After breakfast, drive back to Thimphu. After refreshment, explore Cheri Monastery and Mini Zoo.
Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu
Day 10: Thimphu – Paro
Your exciting festival tour in Bhutan comes to an end today. The representative from Dream Bhutan will drive you back to the Paro International Airport at the scheduled time for your final departure.
Farewell!!!
Cost Includes
Cost Excludes
The Bhutan Photography tour cost varies depending on the duration, accommodation, and number of travelers.
What is the best time for a Bhutan Photography Tour?Spring & Autumn are best for festival photography tours, landscape photography, and cultural photography.
Winter – Ideal for black-necked crane photography and snow-covered landscapes.
Summer – Offers unique opportunities for rural life photography in lush, misty valleys.
Yes, many photography tours, like those offered by Dream Bhutan, provide expert guides who assist in capturing the best shots and teach new photography techniques.
How long does the Bhutan Photography tour last?The Bhutan Photography tour lasts for 10 days, but it can be customizable according to your preferences by Dream Bhutan.
Can I take photos inside Bhutanese Monasteries and Dzongs?Photography is allowed in the courtyards and outside, but it is usually restricted inside temples and monasteries. You should always ask your guide for confirmation.
Do I need a visa for the Bhutan Photography Tour?Yes, all international travelers need a visa to Bhutan, which can be arranged through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. But Indians, Bangladeshi, and Maldivians don’t need a visa to visit Bhutan.
What types of Photography tours are available in Bhutan?There are various types of photography tours available in Bhutan. Some of them are as follows:
Landscape Photography – It helps to capture stunning mountains, valleys, and rivers.
Festival Photography – It's the best fit for documenting vibrant Tshechu and mask dances.
Wildlife Photography – This features rare species like black-necked cranes and takins.
Street Photography – It helps in exploring daily life in towns like Thimphu and Paro.
Aerial Photography – Helicopter rides for breathtaking bird’s-eye views.
Yes, Bhutan is one of the safest travel destinations. However, always respect local customs, ask permission before photographing people, and be mindful of restricted areas.
