Arrival at Paro Airport - Journey to Thimphu (54 km/1.5-hour drive)

Paro District - The flight into Bhutan offers breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayas, showcasing some of the world’s tallest glacial peaks. Sitting on the left side of the plane, weather permitting, provides stunning views of the eastern Himalayas, including Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga—five of the highest peaks globally—as well as Bhutanese peaks like Jhomolhari, Jichu Drakye, and Tsering Kang. Capture photographs of these towering peaks.

As the plane descends into Paro Valley, passengers will see forested hills and the silver Pa Chhu (Paro River) winding through the valley. Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watchtower) perched on the hills above the town offer a picturesque view.

Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge - A must-visit is the Tachhog Lhakhang, a temple across the renowned iron chain bridge over the Pa Chhu (Paro River). Crossing the bridge is an enjoyable experience, with a refreshing breeze sweeping over the river. The vibrant prayer flags and the ancient temple on the hill create an invigorating atmosphere, perfect for recovering from a long flight. The entire setting is a visual delight.

Discovering Thimphu Valley

Tango Buddhist Institute - On the return journey, a one-hour climb leads to Tango Monastery, dating back to the 12th century.

• Capture images of red-robed monks at the hilltop monastery.

Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu Dzong) - Photograph the exquisite Tashichoe Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. (If time allows)

Thimphu to Punakha (74 km/2-3-hour drive)

Buddha Dordenma - Capture the vibrant Buddha Dordenma statue at sunrise. The serene location offers a stunning view of Thimphu city.

Proceed to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan until the 1950s.

Dochula Pass - On the way to Punakha, stop at Dochula Pass (3,100 meters above sea level).

Enjoy a hot coffee at the cafeteria while admiring the mesmerizing panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges visible on a clear day. Take amazing photos of the 108 stupas beautifully adorned on the pass with the snow-capped Himalayan ranges in the background.

Punakha Dzong - Punakha Dzong is as striking inside as it is outside and is arguably the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan. Situated magnificently between the confluence of Pho Chhu (Male River) and Mo Chhu (Female River), the intricate carvings and stunning architecture of the Dzong are a great source of inspiration for photographers.

This famous structure, built in 1637, has a rich history, including various Tibetan invasions won from this strategically located Dzong. It also houses the kingdom’s most sacred relic, the “Rangjung Karsa-pani.”

Punakha to Phobjikha Valley (78 km/3.5-hour drive)

Chimi Lhakhang Temple - Walk along the path through rice and mustard fields leading to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple on a hillock.

Along the way, witness unusual phallus paintings on the walls of traditional houses. These paintings are traditionally believed to ward off evil influences and gossip that bring bad luck.

Gangtey Monastery - Upon arriving in Phobjikha, visit Gangtey Gonpa or Gangtey Monastery, an important Nyingmapa school of Buddhism. It is the main seat of the Pema Lingpa tradition. Situated atop a hill at an altitude of 2,800 meters, the monastery offers a stunning view of Phobjikha Valley, the winter home to the rare Black-necked Cranes.

The temple structures and monks in the monastery complex offer great photo opportunities.

Phobjikha Valley - The best way to understand a place is through its people and their daily lives. Visiting a farmhouse in the locality and making friends with the locals provides a chance to delve into the cultural aspects of Bhutanese society. Capture images of their daily activities.

Phobjikha to Trongsa (120 km/4-5-hour drive)

Phobjikha Valley - In the morning, hike the Gangtey Nature Trail, considered one of the most beautiful and shortest nature trails in Bhutan. The trail starts from the Mani (like Chorten) stone wall north of Gangtey Gonpa and ends at Khewa Lhakhang. The hike takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes through pine forests and small bamboo plants. The Phobjikha Valley is beautifully visible from this hike, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers. During winter, the endangered Black Neck Cranes can be seen.

Trongsa to Bumthang (68 km/2-3-hour drive)

Tamshing Lhakhang Temple - Tamshing Monastery was founded in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa. It contains fascinating and ancient Buddhist wall paintings.

Jambay Lhakhang Temple - From Kurjey Lhakhang, a tarmac road heads south along the right bank of the river to Jambay Lhakhang. This ancient temple was built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century as part of his mission to build 108 temples across the Himalayan region to subdue a giant ogress. It is one of the two oldest temples in Bhutan (the other being Kichu Lhakhang in Paro).

You may see elderly people circumambulating the temple or chanting sutras around it in deep faith and devotion.

Explore Ura Valley - Bumthang

Jakar Dzong - Jakar Dzong is a magnificent sight to capture at sunrise, especially if the valley below is filled with fog. After capturing some stunning shots of the castle from afar, visit the administrative center of the region. There are numerous scenic frames to capture, especially with monks adding a colorful human element.

Explore Tang Valley - Bumthang

Fly from Bumthang to Paro on a Domestic Flight

Paro District - Take a domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro, which takes about 45 minutes.

Rinpung Dzong - “Paro Dzong,” also known as Paro Rinpung Dzong, is “the fortress of the heap of jewels.” This structure serves as the residence for the district monastic body and government administrative office of Paro. Enjoy a photo shoot with the monks in the courtyard of Paro Dzong.

This is the fortress where the film “The Little Buddha” was made.

Namgay Artisanal Brewery - If time permits, visit Namgay Artisanal Brewery and indulge in a variety of locally brewed Bhutanese beers.

Hike to the Tiger’s Nest (4-6 hours)

Paro Taktsang - THE FAMOUS TIGER’S NEST HIKE:

Today, embark on a hike to the renowned Tiger’s Nest (Taktshang), perched 900 meters above Paro Valley. It is a pilgrimage site that Bhutanese people aim to visit at least once in their lifetime. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to this site and meditated in a cave here for three months, hence the name ‘Tiger’s Nest.’ The site, long regarded as sacred, was visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in the 17th century, around 1646. The Lhakhang of the present monastic complex dates from 1692.

Departure

Paro District - The team will escort you to the airport and bid you farewell.

• Government SDF of USD 100 per person per night
• Accommodation at 3-star hotels (can be upgraded with additional premium)
• Bhutan Visa
• Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
• Transportation, Certified guide, all internal taxes and charges

• Travel Insurance
• Airfare (International & Domestic)

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Discover and photograph the marvels of the secluded Himalayan kingdom.

Capture breathtaking images of the renowned Tiger’s Nest monastery, dramatically situated on a cliff at an altitude of 3,120 meters.

Engage with monks at hilltop monasteries; photograph the red-robed monks in a tranquil and profoundly quiet setting.

Take stunning photos of the 108 stupas beautifully decorated on Dochu La pass, with the snow-covered Himalayan ranges in the background.

Visit local homes and photograph their everyday activities.

Frame the awe-inspiring landscape of Ura Valley against a backdrop of blue skies and dramatic clouds.

• Single supplement of USD 500

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.