Bhutan Photo Expedition

12 days
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3.5/5 Great
30 reviews  
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Group Tour
Set out into the mountains of Bhutan to shoot images of exquisite temples, timeless farming villages, and the towering Himalaya. Capture scenes from a lively market or crimson-robed monks against a backdrop of whitewashed dzongs. Hike into forests where wild moss creates an otherworldly atmosphere, and photograph breathtaking panoramas of snow-clad peaks.
From$6,695
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Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Capture images of daily life in Bhutan on hikes to local villages and excursions to lively markets.
    • Hike to Bhutan's most famous pilgrimage site, Taktsang Lhakhang (Tiger's Nest Temple).
    • Photograph the exquisite carvings and sculptures of the newly renovated Gangtey Gonpa temple.
    • Mingle with community leaders and government dignitaries at a banquet dinner and gain insight into modern Bhutan

What's this trip about?

    Set out into the mountains of Bhutan to shoot images of exquisite temples, timeless farming villages, and the towering Himalaya. Capture scenes from a lively market or crimson-robed monks against a backdrop of whitewashed dzongs. Hike into forests where wild moss creates an otherworldly atmosphere, and photograph breathtaking panoramas of snow-clad peaks.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeOperator does not provide
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityBangkok
End CityBangkok

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Education / Learning
  • Photography

Destinations

  • Asia
  • Bhutan
  • Thailand

Attractions

  • Taktsang Monastery
  • Thimpu

Activities

  • Culture
  • Hiking
  • Historic sightseeing
  • Photography

Trip includes

    • Accommodations
    • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
    • Pre-departure information
    • Entrance fees, excursions, and sightseeing noted as included in the itinerary
    • Ground transportation during the expedition
    • Transfers to and from group flights where applicable
    • Services of an adventure consultant, guides and any other staff, and on designated “Photography” departures, a National Geographic Photographer
    • Taxes, port charges, baggage handling, and service charges
    • For itineraries that include camping, camp and cook staffs, tents, kitchen and dining tents and necessary Trip equipment (e.g., sea kayaks, rafts, personal floatation devices, etc.) are provided.
    • Internal airfare is included on some international expeditions as indicated in the itinerary

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Days 1 & 2: U.S./Bangkok, Thailand

Accommodation: Novotel Suvarnabhumi Hotel

Depart the U.S., cross the international date line, and arrive in Bangkok the next night.

Day 3: Bangkok/Paro, Bhutan

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Zhiwa Ling Hotel

From Bangkok, fly to the Paro Valley (7,300 feet) in Bhutan. Transfer to our hotel and enjoy time to relax, or take in outstanding views of the valley from Ta Dzong before walking down to Paro’s traditional center, Paro Rinpung Dzong. Tonight, gather for a welcome dinner.

Day 4: Paro

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Zhiwa Ling Hotel

This morning, drive to the ruins of a fortress that once protected the Paro Valley from Tibetan invasion. Then take a riverside walk through isolated farming communities. After lunch, visit ...

Day 5: Paro/Punakha

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Meri Puensum Hotel

This morning, journey to Punakha, Bhutan’s ancient capital. Travel over the Dochu La pass (10,000 feet) and stop for tea and a view of 200 miles of Himalayan summits (weather permitting). Settle into our hotel in the golden Punakha Valley and enjoy dinner together.

Day 6: Punakha/Phobjika

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Dewachen Lodge

Travel to the alpine valley of Phobjika (10,000 feet), considered one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan. Along the way, the environment changes from semi tropical to pine forest, and then to an alpine environment—home to several species of rhododendron, dwarf bamboo, and Grey Langur monkeys

Day 7: Phobjika

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Dewachen Lodge

Against a backdrop of forest-clad mountains, the Gangtey Gonpa temple complex rises dramatically from a cluster of hilltop cottages. One of the oldest Nyingma monasteries in Bhutan, the Gangte...

Day 8: Phobjika/Thimphu

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Taj Tashi Hotel

Travel to Thimphu (7,900 feet), the capital of Bhutan and home to the royal family. Visit the National Textile Museum and browse its exhibitions. Bhutan’s weavings and brocades are considered...

Day 9: Thimphu/Paro

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Zhiwa Ling Hotel

After a morning exploring the country’s more modern side in Thimphu, visit the Traditional School of Painting and the Arts to watch students practicing the ancient arts of Bhutanese thangka painting, mask making, and wood carving. Late this afternoon, return to Paro for the night.

Day 10: Paro

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Zhiwa Ling Hotel

Our journey in the kingdom culminates with a hike to the most famous pilgrimage site in Bhutan: Taktsang Lhakhang, or the Tiger’s Nest Temple (9,300 feet). Visible from afar, this stunning m...

Days 11 & 12: Paro/Bangkok, Thailand/U.S.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Day11); Breakfast (Day 12)

Accommodation: Novotel Suvarnabhumi Hotel

Fly to Bangkok and check into our hotel. The following morning, transfer to the airport for your return flight via Bangkok, arriving home the same day.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $6,695
Price per day$558
Last Updated: 5/15/2023

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with National Geographic Expeditions.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • The “Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner” notations apply to the period during the expedition only and do not include any meals on flights to/from the Trip
    • International airfare
    • Optional gratuities
    • Personal items
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included

10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches and 8 Dinners

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Optional Activities

Angkor Wat, Cambodia - Post-Trip Extension, 4 Days

Additional Information
Trip ID
nation-bhuotonat

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