Bhutan Photography Tour: 11 Days of Himalayan Wonders

Summary

Photo Adventure in Bhutan: Monasteries, Valleys & Local Life

You’ll travel deep into Bhutanese culture—photographing ancient monasteries perched on cliffs, meeting monks high in misty hillsides, wandering through valleys where cranes glide overhead and villagers greet you with shy smiles. This tour blends real moments with epic scenery—you’ll come home with more than just great shots.

What’s the experience like?

Landing in Paro is something I won’t forget—the plane dips between green hills and you catch flashes of snow peaks if you’re lucky with the weather. I grabbed a window seat on the left and got a glimpse of Everest and Kanchenjunga poking above the clouds. The air felt crisp as we drove into Thimphu, passing the old Paro Dzong and that watchtower sitting quietly above town. First stop was Tachhog Lhakhang—crossing its iron chain bridge with prayer flags fluttering in the wind made me feel like I’d really arrived somewhere different. The river below was loud and cold; my hands tingled from the breeze.

Thimphu Valley surprised me—modern but still holding onto its roots. After breakfast at our hotel (the butter tea is an acquired taste), we hiked up to Cheri Monastery. It’s peaceful up there; you can hear monks chanting softly inside while mountain goats wander around outside like they own the place. Our guide, Sonam, pointed out how Tango Monastery nearby dates back to the 12th century—he even knew a few of the monks by name. Snapping photos of red robes against stone walls felt special somehow.

The next morning started early at Buddha Dordenma—a massive golden statue overlooking Thimphu city. The sun was just coming up, lighting everything gold for about fifteen minutes before clouds rolled in. We stopped at Dochu La Pass for coffee (the little café there serves surprisingly good momos) and watched clouds drift over rows of 108 white stupas with snowy peaks behind them. Locals say if you can see all the mountains clearly, it’s good luck for your journey.

Punakha Dzong sits right where two rivers meet—it’s huge and feels almost like a movie set inside with its carved woodwork and painted pillars. Our guide shared stories about old battles fought here; apparently it’s where Bhutan’s most sacred relic is kept too. Walking through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang after that, we passed houses painted with giant phalluses (locals say it keeps away gossip). It’s quirky but everyone seems to take it in stride.

Phobjikha Valley was chilly even in spring—the air smells faintly of pine needles and wood smoke from farmhouse chimneys. Gangtey Monastery sits on a hill above everything; we caught sight of black-necked cranes gliding low over the marshes (they only come here in winter). Visiting a local home later, I tried yak butter tea again—still not my favorite—but photographing daily life felt genuine and unposed.

The Gangtey Nature Trail winds through bamboo groves and open fields; it’s an easy walk but you’ll want to stop every few minutes for photos. Trongsa Dzong loomed over us as we arrived—inside, novice monks practiced on long horns that echoed down stone corridors. The Royal Heritage Museum next door had old armor and handwritten texts behind glass; you’re allowed to take photos here which isn’t always the case elsewhere.

Bumthang region is dotted with ancient temples—Tamshing Monastery has faded wall paintings from centuries ago, while Kurjey Lhakhang holds what locals believe is Guru Rinpoche’s body imprint inside a cave room lit by butter lamps. At Jambay Lhakhang I watched elderly villagers walking slow circles around the temple murmuring prayers under their breath.

Ura Valley sits high up—over 3,000 meters—and sometimes gets dusted with snow even when lower valleys are green. Early morning fog makes Jakar Dzong look mysterious from afar; later we hiked down from Shelthang La Pass through wildflower meadows into Ura village itself (about 40 houses clustered together). Kids waved as we passed by; everyone seemed curious but friendly.

Tang Valley brought us to Maebar Tsho lake where sunlight sparkled off the water—locals call it “Burning Lake” because of an old legend Sonam told us about treasure hidden beneath its surface. Ogyen Choling mansion was packed with artifacts: swords, textiles, even old books in neat stacks—you’re actually allowed to photograph inside which isn’t common elsewhere in Bhutan.

A short flight took us back to Paro where we explored Paro Dzong—the same fortress featured in “Little Buddha.” If time allows, there’s a brewery nearby making craft beers (the Red Rice Lager is worth trying). But nothing topped hiking up to Tiger’s Nest monastery on our last day—it clings impossibly to a cliffside nearly 900 meters above Paro valley floor. The climb is tough but every step brings new views: prayer wheels spinning quietly beside waterfalls, incense drifting out from tiny shrines along the way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrive Paro and Visit Tachhog Lhakhang

• The flight into Bhutan with Himalayan views
• Visit Tachhog Lhakhang and cross iron chain bridge

Day 2 — Explore Thimphu Valley Monasteries

• Hike to Cheri Monastery
• Climb to Tango Monastery
• Photograph Tashichoe Dzong

Day 3 — Thimphu to Punakha via Dochu La

• Sunrise at Buddha Dordema statue
• Stop at Dochu La pass and photograph stupas
• Visit Punakha Dzong

Day 4 — Punakha to Phobjikha Valley

• Walk to Chimi Lhakhang temple
• Visit Gangtey Monastery
• Visit local farmhouse and capture daily life

Day 5 — Phobjikha to Trongsa

• Hike Gangtey Nature Trail
• Visit Trongsa Dzong and photograph monks
• Tour Royal Heritage Museum

Day 6 — Trongsa to Bumthang Temples

• Visit Tamshing Monastery
• Visit Kurjey Lhakhang
• Visit Jambay Lhakhang temple

Day 7 — Explore Ura Valley and Jakar Dzong

• Visit Jakar Dzong at sunrise
• Explore Ura Valley village and architecture
• Hike Ura Valley from Shelthang La to Ura Lhakhang

Day 8 — Explore Tang Valley and Ogyen Choling

• Photograph Maebar Tsho lake
• Visit Ta Rimo Chen medieval site
• Tour Ogyen Choling village and mansion

Day 9 — Fly Bumthang to Paro and Visit Dzong

• Domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro
• Visit Paro Dzong and photograph monks
• Visit Namgay Artisanal Brewery

Day 10 — Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery

• Hike to Tiger’s Nest (Taktshang) monastery

Day 11 — Departure

• Transfer to airport and farewell

Top questions

Is this Bhutan photography tour suitable for beginners?

Yes! You don’t need professional experience—our guides help with photo tips along the way and adjust pace based on your comfort level.

What kind of camera should I bring?

A DSLR or mirrorless camera works best for landscapes and portraits but even smartphones capture great shots here due to natural light and scenery.

Are meals included during the trip?

All meals are included: breakfast, lunch, dinner—usually served at hotels or local restaurants featuring Bhutanese dishes (vegetarian options available).

How difficult is the Tiger’s Nest hike?

The hike takes 4-6 hours round trip—it’s uphill but not technical; plenty of rest stops along the way so most people manage fine at their own pace.

Can I upgrade my hotel accommodation?

Yes! Standard stays are comfortable 3-star hotels but upgrades are possible for an extra fee if you prefer premium lodging.

What’s included

Your tour covers government SDF fees ($100 per person per night), all accommodation at comfortable 3-star hotels (upgrades available), Bhutan visa processing, all meals (breakfasts, lunches & dinners), private transport throughout your journey, certified English-speaking guide support every day, plus all internal taxes and entry charges. We also offer infant seats if needed—and yes, service animals are welcome!