Max. Altitude
3420m
Best Season
Mar-May | Sep-Nov
Activity
Tour/Sightseeing
Start / End Point
Paro / Paro
Overview of Bhutan Photography Tour – 10 Days
Do you want to see, experience, and photograph the BHUTAN that others often don’t see? Then, Life Himalaya Trekking endeavors to take you on its unusual Bhutan photography tours 10 days trip, where we will take you to the very known and unknown Bhutan.
This is an absolutely unique photography expedition to Bhutan where you will be able to gain new photography skills and improve your abilities under the guidance of our professional team.
However, do not mistake our Bhutan photography tour 10 days trip with just a lesson. Every day, you will photograph the picturesque, unique locations while at the same time, you will also get to know the fantastic culture of this mystic kingdom.
Bhutan, which is not just the most joyous nation, is also a nation of majestic snow monsters such as Gangkar Puensum (7,497 m), Tsendagang (6,960 m), Zongphugang (7,060 m), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m), Terigang (7,060 m), Masagang (7,158 m), and Kangphugang (7,170 m).
From these Himalayan summits to distinct monasteries, fortresses, temples, and passes, you will have an extraordinary palette of colors and contrasts for your pictures that will radiate with beauty and energy.
During our Bhutan tour with photography, you will also have the chance to get closer to the local Bhutanese people and learn about their unwavering Buddhist faith and beliefs.
Thus, your photos will be a blending testimony of this kingdom’s beauty and the story of its history and people.
Our Bhutan photography tours itinerary will first take you to the familiar corners of Paro, where you will capture the spectacular images of the 1646 made Paro Dzong, and 1641 made watchtower, and the now museum of Ta Dzong.
A flight the next day will then move you to Bumthang, where you will catch the in situ images of the four valleys of Ura, Chhume, Tang, and Chokhor or Jakar.
These tiny valleys are rich in heritage monasteries such as Jambay Lakhang and Kurjey Lakhang. Our Bhutan photography tours 10 days trip, then continues to the new town of Trongsa, where Trongsa Dzong awaits to be photographed by your lenses.
The trip will then guide you toward the Black Mountains, where the Phobjikha Valley with the astounding Gangtey Monastery sits. If fortunate enough, you may even be able to capture the sightings of rare black-necked cranes.
From here, our Bhutan tour with photography enters the Golden Triangle of the Kingdom: Punakha, Thimphu, and Paro. You will take the Punakha Valley in your camera and then Thimphu, the newest, busiest, and youngest capital of the world.
In Thimphu, one day will be dedicated to touring and picturing its marvelous monuments such as the National Memorial Chorten, Takin Reserve, and a 51 m tall Buddha statue.
The journey then ends with the absolutely gorgeous Paro town and, of course, its Taktsang Monastery, better known as the Tiger's Nest, where, according to legend, Guru Rinpoche brought Buddhism to Bhutan.
Additionally, our Bhutan photography tours 10 days trip will also move you through deep, calm forests along with several high passes such as Dochula, Yutong La, and Lawa La.
So if you wish to have the learning and discovery go hand in hand, then you must not miss our Bhutan photography tour. Sign up today and be a part of this unique expedition.
Life Himalaya trekking could made custom packages for any luxury - standard or longer - shorter best Bhutan photography tour with decade of experienced guide.
Highlights of Bhutan Photography Tour – 10 Days
- Incredibly fascinating capital of Thimphu and its lively streets, markets, and landmarks
- The center town of Bhutan- Paro and its distinguishable watchtower and Tiger’s Nest Monastery
- Extremely photogenic Bumthang Valley and its unique Lakhangs
- Picturesque Phobjikha with its series of black mountains and black-necked cranes
- Mighty mountain passes of Lawa La, Dochula, and Yutong La
- The extraordinary Punakha Valley and its oldest divine madman temple
- Learning photography skills from professionals
- Short, comfortable, and luxurious journey across central Bhutan
Bhutan Photography Tour – 10 Days Itinerary
01
Day 1: Arrival in Paro, Bhutan, 2200 m
Your Bhutan photography tours 10 days trip will initiate from the moment you arrive at Paro International Airport. Here, you will get to know our local Bhutanese guide and driver, your loyal friends for ten days.
They will graciously escort you to your designated hotel in Paro. Please take a refreshing rest and have your first Bhutanese lunch. Then, you will set out to see and picture the magical town and one of the biggest names in this kingdom.
First, you will venture towards Ta Dzong, the 1641-erected watchtower, which was later converted in 1968 into the National Museum. You can capture several images of colorful textiles, paintings, weapons, thangkas, numerous antique household items, and countless other treasures with your lens here.
After this, you will then proceed to photograph the Rinpung Dzong, located just ten minutes from Ta Dzong along a steep path. This Dzong is more famously known as Paro Dzong, established in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
The cosmic mandala and several murals will be the epic scene here to be photographed. We will then be back in Paro, where in the evening we will tour the now-popular Ka Ja Throm Market. Picture the handicrafts and local delicacies that are nicely arranged on the market street.
Maximum Altitude
2200
02
Day 02: Fly from Paro to Bumthang, 2800 m, 35 minutes
Early morning today, you will once more time travel towards Paro Airport to take a short domestic flight to the cultural and historical heart of Bhutan: the Bumthang. It is a wide valley area that consists within four smaller valleys of Tang, Ura, Chhume, and Chokhor.
These valleys were semi-independent for many years, but finally, in the 17th century, they were integrated into Bhutan. Here, you will have endless opportunities to photograph large traditional houses, dzongs, fertile farmlands, and royal palaces.
One of the monasteries that we mustn’t miss out on is the 7th-century built Jambay Lhakhang temple of the Chokhor or the Jakar Valley. If we happen to visit here in the first week of November, we may even witness the four-day celebration that honors Guru Rinpoche.
Inside this grand temple, you can see the relics of Future Buddha, Jowo Jampa (Maitreya), and over 100 statues of Kalchakra Gods.
Maximum Altitude
2800
Transportation
35 min
03
Day 03: Bumthang sightseeing
We will continue with the tour of the Chokhor Valley and proceed to Kurjey Lhakhang, which is constructed over a rock spot where Guru Padmasambhava meditated.
Our next stop will be at Tamshing Gompa, where we can see numerous Buddhist people beginning their educational studies. The Swiss Cheese Farm on the way is also worth a brief visit.
We will now move ahead towards the Tang Valley, and en route, we will make a stop at Mebar Tsho, the Burning Lake of Bhutan. Once in the Tang Valley, we will see and capture the wonderful art of the Ogyen Choling Museum, which used to be a palace on top of a cliff. A local nunnery is also there, which we will see and photograph the lovely nuns as we walk via the Tang Valley.
We may also move ahead with the tour towards the Chhume Valley, where we will photograph the beautifully crafted Prakar Monastery.
04
Day 04: Drive from Bumthang to Trongsa, 2200 m, 2 hours 30 minutes
From Bumthang, our drive will run through the dense forest along the steeper path towards the Yutong La Pass (3425 m). The trail from this pass will then move us down sharply, taking us ultimately to Trongsa town, which simply translates as the New Town.
A larger number of Bhutanese inhabitants can be found here engaging in agriculture. Once rested, later in the afternoon, we will tour the 1648-built Trongsa Dzong, which was once used to be the abode of the royal family.
It was constructed by the supreme order of Chhoeje Minjur Tenpa to bring together the eastern Bhutan. Later, it was widened around the 17th century, and today, it has been converted to Bhutan’s most unique Dzongs, where around 200 monks live.
We will mingle with these little monks and take their on-site images, of course. There are also huge, lively courtyards and stone stairs connecting the alleys, which create a beautiful plethora of images for you.
Maximum Altitude
2200
05
Day 05: Drive from Trongsa to Phobjikha, 3000 m, 4 to 5 hours
After Trongsa, our drive will take us deep inside the valley, farther away from Trongsa. Trongsa Dzong can be seen majestically still while we slowly proceed ahead through Rukubji and up to the Pele La pass (3420 m).
From this pass, we will head down to the extremely unique and gorgeous Phobjikha Valley that nestles along the edge of the very Black Mountains.
However, before we exactly reach this valley, we will have to drive over 3000 m Gangtey La, and below this ridge is this beautiful valley, which is also called the Gangtey Valley. On the upper portion of the pass, we can see numerous yaks feeding on the fallen dwarf bamboo, a perfect wildlife photograph.
As we go on progressing down towards the valley, we may also spot rare black-necked cranes, a perfect rare picture you can boast about. Once we are settled in, our guide will take us toward Khewang Lhakhang, where we can take images of the enigmatic butter lamp ceremony.
Our guide will then lead us deeper into this valley, where we will stop at the crane center with an observation deck. Then, we will head on to Gangtey Monastery, Bhutan’s largest and very vital Nyingmapa monastery.
Built from timber wood, the monastery today showcases the authentic Bhutanese art restored in 2008 after it was hit and damaged by the earthquake.
Later in the evening, you can enjoy a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath using oils, minerals, natural herbs, and aromatherapy.
Maximum Altitude
3000
06
Day 06: Drive from Phobjikha to Punakha, 1200 m, 3 hours
From Phobjikha Valley, the steeply rising road will drive us over the 3250 m Lawa La Pass, which descends us into the Nobding Valley. We will, however, pause for a moment at the pass so you can picture the marvelous sightings of Jichu Drakye and Kang Bum Peaks.
Soon enough, the green, vibrant slope of Chuzomsa hails us and then advances us along the Highway beside the marvelous current of the Dang Chhu River.
Punakha is approaching soon, but just before Punakha, we will take a short picture tour of the Chimi Lhakhang Temple, the fertility temple. This temple is full of stories of the divine madman, Drukpa Kunley, to whom this temple is dedicated.
After we are well-rested, we will then proceed to Khamsum Yulley Chorten, which contains wonderful wall paintings, altars, and decorations. We will also go to the chorten top and capture the in situ image of the expansive greenness of the Punakha Valley.
Next, we will move ahead towards Punakha Dzong, the phenomenal monastery fortress that has several authentic temple rooms illuminated by the Phu Chu and Mo Chu Rivers.
This history-steeped monastery symbolizes Bhutan’s triumph over the Tibetan rebellions in 1639. The weapons can be seen still inside, but the attraction will be its distinct wooden art, colored in black, red, and gold.
Later, if we still have enough time, we may also go to meet the students of the Nalanda Buddhist Institute (NBI) near Talo Monastery. The monks meditating and reciting prayers can be observed and photographed with permission.
Maximum Altitude
1200
07
Day 07: Drive from Punakha to Thimphu, 2400 m, 2 to 3 hours
It is going to be a beautiful journey on our Bhutan photography tour 10 days trip. From Punakha, we will go over the massive 3250 m tall Dochula Pass, where we can capture a snapshot of 108 splendid Buddhist stupas.
They are the Druk Wangyel Chorten, which honors the brave Bhutanese armies that defeated the Assamese soldiers in 2003. The typical Tsa Tsa, cylindrical jars, containing the ashes of the dead Bhutanese armies, can also be seen here. A beautiful and honorable relic of your Bhutan photography tour 10 days trip.
And, do not forget to turn around to see and picture the precious snapshots of the Bhutanese snow monsters such as Gangkar Puensum (7,497 m), Tsendagang (6,960 m), Zongphugang (7,060 m), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m), Masagang (7,158 m), Terigang (7,060 m), and Kangphugang (7,170 m).
Once we are down the pass, we will drive through 2850 m Hongtso town before we are finally at the trading town and now the Bhutan capital, Thimphu.
Later, after we are well relaxed in our rooms, we will walk along the main Thimphu street and tour the National Memorial Chorten. It is a very exquisite monument that was inaugurated in honor of the reputable legacy of Jigme Dorjee Wangchuk, the third King, in 1974.
Its pyramid-shaped column, crescent moon and sun on top, countless tantric deities’ statues, and the Samantabhadra Buddha statues are the major photography elements for you here.
Once done, you can go on to experience the charming nightlife Thimphu has to offer.
Maximum Altitude
2400
08
Day 08: Thimphu sightseeing
Today, we will explore the gracious capital of Thimphu, where we will make a stop at the National Library, and Painting School, and snapshot the aspiring painters trying their hands at unique creations.
Then, we will shoot some beautiful takes through our lenses in the National Reserve. Next, we will see the Simply Bhutan and Textile Museums, where Bhutanese architecture will be something to behold in our cameras.
But the remarkable photographic location will be the Tashichho Dzong, a castle belonging to the medieval period of 1216. Inside, you can see the former Royal throne and some remnants of the Monastery.
We will also snapshot of the 51 m tall Shakyamuni Buddha of Buddha Point, aka Kuensel Phodran,g after which we will pause at the Crafts Emporium and make an image collection of its showcased handicrafts.
09
Day 09: Drive from Thimphu to Paro, 2200 m, 1 to 2 hours
From Thimphu, we will journey past Semtokha, where we may pause for a while to capture the 1629-built Shabdrung Dzong. We will then drive through Chunzom, where we can picture the stupas made by the artisans of Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet.
En route, Gyalpo Thangthong founded Tachog Lhakhang Monastery will greet our eyes, after which we will shortly be in Paro. After a brief rest, we will then move on to undertake a short 3 to 4 hour upward hike to Taktsang Lhakhang Monastery, generally known among foreigners as Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
At 3100 m, this monastery is steeped in the legend of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), said to have flown over the cliff on a tigress’ back to establish Buddhism in Bhutan.
The road will drive us through the enchanting shade of the jungle for around 15 minutes. From our parking spot, we will commence walking upward towards the refreshment cafe reached within 1 to 2 hours.
If you wish, up to this point, you can also choose to hire ponies. 700 long vertical stone steps will then have to be tackled to reach the cliff where the 1692-built monastery stands.
Inside, you can see the 13 caves and numerous stone and wood stairways connecting various chambers. But the eye and lens capturing spot is the Hall of the Thousand Buddhas, where iconic tigress statues can be seen.
We will then move ahead toward the historic ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, a 17th-century fortress that celebrates Bhutan’s triumph over Tibet. There is also traditional farmland nearby where we can picture locals getting on with their lives.
We will then move ahead to Kyichu Lhakhang Monastery, the 12th-century oldest temple was built under the supreme command of Emperor Songsten Gampo. In its garden, you can see the two trees of orange that are said to produce fruit in all seasons.
Maximum Altitude
2200
10
Day 10: End of the Tour
Our Bhutan photography tours 10-day trip is closing today as our loyal guide and driver will proceed with you to Paro Airport to send you off to your onward destination.
Required Equipments for Trekking in Nepal
- Breathable Underwear
- Sports Bra
- Base Layers
- Trekking Shirts
- Trekking Trousers and Shorts
- Fleece Jacket
- Down jacket (insulated jacket)
- Windcheater (water proof)
- Sun protection Hat
- Headband or Beanie
- Scarf or neckband
- Gloves (inner and outer )
- Hiking Boots
- Trekking Shoes
- Hiking Socks
- Thermal Socks
- Gaiters
- Duffel Bag
- Day pack
- Sleeping Bag
- Trekking poles
- Sunglasses
- Hydration bladder or Water bottle
- Head Lamps
- Batteries
- Personal towel
- Swiss army knife
- Sun lotion
- Medical & first-aid kit
- Woolen socks
- Waterproof jacket
- Lip Guard
- Insulated pants
- Baby wipers
Required Equipments for Climbing in Nepal
- Water bottle
- Batteries and bulbs
- Flashlight
- Personal towel
- Swiss army knife
- Rucksack
- Sun lotion
- Medical & first-aid kit
- Sewing kit
- Polypropylene/wool socks
- Other required equipment
- Sleeping bag
- Down Jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- Trekking shoes/boots
- Camp shoes
- Jumperorpile jacket
- Hiking pants
- Hiking shirts
- Full–sleeves shirt
- T-shirts
- Sun hat
- Gloves
- Woolen hat
- Long underwear
- Goggles or sun glasses
- Gaiters
- Sun block for lips
- Light cotton socks
- Mountain trekking boots
- Woolen socks to wear with boots
- Nylon wind breaker
- Insulated pants
- Nylon wind pants
- Long sleeved cotton/woolen shirts
- Sun hat
- Long cotton hiking shorts
- Fleece/wool for climbing
- Lightweight fleece
- Sleeping pad (karri mat) or thermarest
- Down high altitude sleeping bag
- Down jacket/trousers/vest
- Light cotton athletic socks and wool socks
- Water proof climbing jacket
- Head torch/batteries/bulbs
- Climbing sunglasses
- Lightweight thermal/insulated ski gloves
- Sun screen
- Warm climbing trousers
- Wool long underwear
- Other required equipment
- Climbing boots
- Gaiters
- Ice axe
- Harness
- Crampons
- Karabiners
- Tapes/slings
- Snow bars
- Ice screws
- Rock pegs
- Deadmen
- Crash hat
- Day bag
- Rucksack
- Lip salve
- T-shirts
- Ascenders
- Ascenders
- Kit bag
Includes
- All Bhutan Government Visa Fees and Permits
- Includes Bhutan visa processing and Sustainable Development Fee (SDF).
- Professional Tour Guide & Photography Mentor
- Experienced English-speaking Bhutanese guide and a professional
- Photography expert for hands-on guidance.
- All Accommodation
- Twin-sharing basis in 4-star Bhutanese comfort hotels or boutique lodges (as approved by the Tourism Council of Bhutan). Single supplement available at extra cost.
- All Meals (B/L/D)
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner at local restaurants and hotels.
- Private Transportation
- Comfortable, private vehicle with driver throughout the tour.
- Airport Transfers
- Pick-up and drop-off from Paro International Airport.
- Photography Permits & Location Access
- Includes access to temples, dzongs, and other photography-permitted sites.
- Bottled Mineral Water
- Provided daily during travel and photo excursions.
- Cultural Experiences
- Including traditional Bhutanese village visits, masked dance performances (if aligned with local festivals), and local market tours.
- All Entrance Fees
- To museums, dzongs, monasteries, and attractions listed in the itinerary.
- Taxes & Service Charges
- All applicable government and hotel taxes.
Exclude
- Personal equipments
- international flights
- tips for guide driver
- Donations
- Extra non mentioned things
Bhutan Photography Tour – 10 Days Trip Information
Upgrade Accommodation in Bhutan
Life Himalaya Trekking is committed to offering you the utmost comfort for ten days during the Bhutan photography tours 10 days trip. Thus, we intend to put you in a double spacious room of a three-star hotel in Bhutan approved by its tourism authorities.
However, Bhutan also contains marvelously designed four and five-star establishments that showcase their traditional style along with modern, elegant design.
Equipped with top-class luxuries, these accommodations offer you deluxe rooms with hardwood flooring, paneled walls, and high roofs with marble-floored bathrooms, rain showers, WiFi, flat screen TV, and round-the-clock staff service.
With wet bars to enjoy the evening, you can also choose to relax in their hot stone baths in spas and wellness treatments. They also offer you a gourmet dining menu from national delicacies to international varieties.
So if you would like to have your accommodation upgraded to one of these establishments, then please tell us beforehand. At a tiny added fee, we can turn your unique Bhutan photography tour itinerary into something extraordinary.
Bhutan Photography Tours 10 Days Trip: Best Season
Each season and each climate adds a unique flair to photography, and Bhutan’s climate, which is much determined by the monsoon rain like in Nepal, offers a unique contrast in each season.
However, Bhutan will be mesmerizingly beautiful and attractive in the delicate spring and autumn time. The sun of March, April, and May in spring bestows Bhutan with 18 to 24 degrees Celsius daytime heat. The entire landscape, on the other hand, turns into a beautiful palette of colors with blooming rhododendrons.
Sun in the autumn time of September, October, and November shines uniquely in the deepest blue sky, thus offering an excellent panorama of the giant Peaks.
October and November are also the high festival times in Bhutan when you can watch the Naked Dance, Mask Dance, and Tshechu festival.
The sun in the winter of December, January, and February can be pretty cold in the night and morning, but it shines fully during the day. The Eastern Himalayas can be seen outstanding way this time.
The only avoidable seasons are the summer and monsoon one, which occur in June, July, and August.
Bhutan Photography Tours Itinerary Difficulty Level
Our Bhutan tour with photography is more of a natural sightseeing, cultural, and photographic expedition that falls under the profile I Journey in Bhutan.
During this trip, simple travel meets with adventure as you also navigate several high passes that rise above 3000 m. However, don’t worry, you won’t be hiking but passing over in a private, comfortable vehicle.
The valleys and cities that we have included in this expedition are primarily Paro, Bumthang, Thimphu, Phobjikha, Trongsa, and Punakha, all of which are low-lying areas in Bhutan under 3000 m elevation.
Plus, you will be traveling by flights and drives, accompanied by professionals (a licensed guide and driver) the whole way. The accommodations will also be quite comfortable, which allows you to enjoy your nights in a peaceful atmosphere.
Without any long treks, high altitudes, or basic comforts, this tour is therefore the ultimate learning and discovery expedition in Bhutan. However, there is one moderately demanding section that involves a vertical upward trek to the 3100 m Tiger’s Nest monastery.
You will need to conquer an almost 1000 m vertically high cliff within 3 to 4 hours. To ease the trip, you have the choice of hiring the ponies halfway through the trip to the monastery.
So it is best that you are in good health and enjoy walking for short hours around the monuments we have planned for your photography session.
Who is our Bhutan Tour with Photography made for?
Our Bhutan photography tour 10 days expedition, is for photography enthusiasts who want to learn the skill of perfect professional photography. And what more would be alluring than the contrasting palette of Bhutan?
However, do not mistake this tour to be only suitable for photographers. Any normal tourists who like to tour the unknown and unfrequented corners of Bhutan can also equally take advantage of our Bhutan photography tour 10 days journey.
In addition, thanks to the relaxed journey and comfortable adventure and setting, this expedition lacks the concern of acute mountain sickness, making it equally worthwhile for families, older adults, and children.
And since Bhutan is counted as one of the safest nations in the world, it is equally perfect for lone female tourists as well. The short duration of the tour also makes it available for those who have difficulty scheduling a long vacation for themselves.
The locations we have set aside for your tour can also be an excellent romantic getaway for you, married and honeymoon couples. Plus, the cultural advantage you will get also makes it an extraordinary trip for those passionate about diverse, unique cultures.
Paro and Thimphu of Bhutan do have modern medical care available, but it can be very pricey. So if you have any chronic health conditions and if you are expecting a mother, we suggest that you seek your doctor’s approval first.
Why should I choose Life Himalaya Trekking Bhutan Photography Tours 10 Days Trip?
Our Bhutan tour with photography will allow you to learn the professional skills of photography from our experts. You will also discover those landmarks of Bhutan that are not often within reach of normal tourists.
From the mighty mountains to the holy dzongs of Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha, you will also discover the four valleys of Bumthang, the New Town of Trongsa, and the Gangtey town of Phobjikha.
Plus, Bhutan is the first nation with a zero negative carbon footprint, where you can breathe the cleanest Himalayan air.
However, traveling to Bhutan is not an easy feat, which only allows people from the Maldives, India, and Bangladesh to travel independently. Other citizens must go to Bhutan via a government-registered tour agency like us. We have been operating such tours for over a decade now in collaboration with the government and Bhutanese tour agencies.
And, so we are able to develop the itineraries that suit most of our guests. If not, we are always eager to make changes, and each of our packages is very wallet-friendly.
After booking, all the tour logistics will be taken care of by our team, from your sleeping, eating, and traveling to permit procurement. Our Bhuta photography tours 10-day package cost also integrates the SDF (Sustainable Development Fee) of United States Dollars 100 per day per tourist.
So you only have to reach your wallet only when you need to spend some extra for your personal choices. As for your security, our licensed, many experienced guides and drivers will also be with you the whole way.
The vehicles utilized will also be modern, spacious, and updated. We also pledge to sustainable tourism wherever we go, so we will be contributing to Bhutan’s upliftment as well.
So trust us, for we believe in honesty, responsibility, and entertaining tours.
Acute Mountain Sickness/Altitude Sickness/AMS
Our Bhutan photography tours 10 days expedition takes place only at a comfortable altitude of up to 3000 m, where the oxygen concentration is similar to that of sea level, which reduces the chances of AMS in our tour.
However, you will go through sudden and constant elevation changes (sudden gain and drop) throughout the tour within a few hours. So, these changes may occasionally cause the appearance of minor physical conditions related to AMS.
We should also not forget about the vertical hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery at the end of the tour. However, by that time, you will be well acclimated to the air in Bhutan.
To ensure that you have a safe and AMS-free tour as much as possible, we have included an exploration day in Bumthang and Thimphu. Additionally, each day, you will have plenty of time to rest and sleep, which is vital for proper acclimatization.
If you experience slight dizziness, fatigue, insomnia, or headaches, please hydrate, drink plenty of water, and sleep for a few hours. Our guide will be checking on you regularly, and he may also recommend the Diamox tablets if necessary.
However, if you have any kidney issues, please do not use this medicine as it acts as a diuretic. You can also use the Bhutanese herbal medicine Sowa Rigpa to fight altitude sickness.
Prep for Bhutan Photography Tours Itinerary
Our Bhutan tour with photography doesn’t contain any daunting challenges, so this tour won’t require advanced and extensive training and physical sessions.
If you are active and moderately athletic, you can easily conquer the Tiger’s Nest Monastery hike and other short walking tours around the monuments.
For those who are not that athletic and somewhat a couch potato, make sure to walk, run, and jog for a month to prep for this tour. Cycling, stair climbing, and swimming can also be added, along with planks, Pilates, or squats, if they are what you are accustomed to.
Apart from physical conditioning, know about Bhutan and its people, their faiths, and unspoken laws and customs, so that nothing won’t shock you once you are inside it.
Accommodation, Dining, and Travel Management
All the accommodations that we have chosen for you in Bhutan are sanctioned by the Tourism Association of Bhutan. Here, you will get two single beds each to be shared in pairs among same-gender tourists. You will get your own shower, toilet, hot water, along with WiFi (when available).
Regarding eating arrangements, all three meals, from breakfasts and lunches to dinners, have been managed, excluding, however, the drinks and beverages.
Bhutanese meals have now been adjusted with the flavors of Western tourists, and so you can try for once the Ema Datshi (chili and cheese sauce), Shamu Datsgi (chili, mushroom, and cheese), Keva Datshi (chili, potatoes, and cheese), Phagsha Pa (pork with radish), Kewa Phagha (pork with potatoes), or Jasha maru (chicken with veggies).
And, for your travel within Bhutan, we have sorted out for you private transfers with a licensed Bhutanese professional driver and guide. The Paro flights to and from your onward destination, however, will have to be paid for by yourself.
How to get to Paro, Bhutan?
The most common way of getting into Bhutan is traveling by air to its Paro International Airport. However, if overland tours suit you better, you can also do so.
Air Route
As of now, two airlines operate flights to Bhutan, which are Bhutan Airlines and Druk Air. You can get these flights from:
- India: Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Bodh Gaya, Gauhati, and Mumbai
- Nepal: Kathmandu
- Thailand: Bangkok
- Singapore: ChangiBangladesh: Dhaka
Overland Route
If you prefer to avoid the flights and enter Bhutan via the overland route, then you will have to travel to West Bengal of India, and cross the Phuentsholing south border. The other two entrance borders through India include the Samdrup Jongkhar and Gelephu.
Bhutan Entry Guidelines
It is not heavily advertised, but Bhutan has now allowed an independent trip inside Thimphu and Paro. However, to travel beyond these regions, you must have a driver, private transport, and a local guide with you the whole time.
Therefore, you must organize your Bhutan photography tour 10 days trip via a licensed travel company like Life Himalaya Trekking. As for the formal necessary paperwork, a Bhutan tourist visa is essential, which we will arrange in your interest.
Just remember, you can’t get this visa through the Bhutan Embassy, but only through registered travel and tour agencies. The Bhutan tourist visa will only allow a single entry and will be stamped only after you are at Paro Airport on the payment of US Dollars 40 for each tourist.
One other element is the SDF/ Sustainable Development Fee, which is now charged US Dollars 100 each day for each tourist. If you have children between 6 and 11 years old, they will get a 50 percent discount on SDF and if they are under 6 years old, no SDF will be charged.
Bhutan Tourist Visa Procedure
If you want us to go on with the Bhutan tourist visa procedure in your interest, then provide us with your documents (passport and photo digital copies) once you reserve our Bhutan photography tour 10 days expedition.
Please remember that the residual time of your passport must be of six months expanding at least beyond our tour date. Once we have your papers, we will relay them to our Bhutanese travel partner, who will then forward them to the Tourism Department of Bhutan.
After the approval of our Bhutan photography tours itinerary, you will have your visa stamped once you arrive at Paro Airport. This visa will remain active for 15 days, and should you need to extend it, you can do so while remaining in Bhutan.
If you yourself like to arrange for a Bhutan tourist visa, then simply sign up with your valid email account on the website of the Bhutan Immigration Department ( https://immi.gov.bt/home).
Complete your form with the requested information and make the payment. Visa will be on hand at Paro Airport.
Language of Bhutan
The local language of Bhutan is called Dzongkha, yet people can also speak, read, and write in English, Chinese, Nepali, and Hindi, so you will have no communication difficulty in the country.
Currency Conversion, Credit Cards, and Online Payment
The official local currency of Bhutan is indicated as BTN, Bhutanese Ngultrum, and one BTN is equivalent to 100 chetrums. The trading centers and markets in Bhutan also accept Euros, American dollars, and Indian rupees.
Once you are at Paro Airport, change your money into BTN as you will get better rates here. If not, the exchange services of Bank of Thimphu, Bhutan National Bank, Tashi Bank, Druk PNB, Bank of Bhutan Limited, and Citibank can also be utilized between 10 AM to 1 PM on weekdays.
Change the amount you will need, as local Bhutanese currency will not be accepted anywhere else. However, if you have some leftovers, you can change them when you are leaving the kingdom, presenting the exchange receipt.
We advise you not to go to the hotel or other exchange counters, as the rates they charge are very high. If you are carrying up to ten thousand US Dollars, then you don’t need to declare them at the customs of Paro Airport.
If you seek ATM withdrawals, Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha have ATM booths, but be aware of the service charge, which can be pricey, so take the estimated amount you need for the whole tour at once.
In Bhutan, credit cards such as MasterCard, Diners, and Visa cards are becoming acceptable in bigger stores. Bhutan has also utilized the QR digital payment systems for trading on-site.
Indian Nationals can also make the necessary payment online via their BHIM App, PhonePe, and Apple Pay. And, foreign tourists, if you are in cryptocurrency and have accumulated some in your wallet, make use of it in Bhutan for flights, personal expenses, and hotel bookings.
Mobile Communication and Internet
To begin the mobile connection as soon as you are in Bhutan, it is best that you get the eSIM of Tashi Cell or B-Telecom (Bhutan Telecom) via their respective online site.
Once you make the purchase, a QR Code will be forwarded to your email, which you have to scan with your mobile. Once you are in Paro, it will be active for your communication.
The second method is to get the physical SIM Card at Paro with the help of our local Bhutanese guide. These networks have also already provided 5G service in major cities of Bhutan.
Please make sure that your mobile is compatible with standard-sized SIM Cards, as Bhutan doesn’t offer micro or nano SIM cards. Also, remember that the mobile signals in Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and Gangtey Valley are generally very good. However, on the mountain road of Bumthang, you may lose the mobile signal.
Since WiFi is not that dependable in Bhutan, it is wise that you opt for a 10 GB data plan that will be active for one month at 94 BTN. Unlike in Tibet, Facebook, WeChat, and other social media platforms are freely usable in Bhutan.
Custom Law of Paro Airport
According to the customs rules of Paro Airport, foreign tourists can bring up to a liter of alcohol without having to pay any duty fees. The foreign national can also bring up to 200 sticks of cigarettes for personal smoking, subject to a 200 percent tax.
Please keep this custom receipt safe, as police officials may ask for it; being unable to show the receipt can result in imprisonment on charges of smuggling.
For the cameras, video, and electric gear that you have brought with you for our Bhutan photography tour 10 days expedition, a declaration at Paro Airport is a must.
Again, keep this declaration receipt safe, as you will have to show it when you are getting out of Bhutan. If you wish to take some artifacts from Bhutan, then you must be able to present the special certificate that you will get from its seller.
Guidelines for Tourists of Bhutan
Some unspoken guidelines are there in Bhutan that you should know when touring in its designated locations.
- No to loud music in public places, use earphones if you like some loud music for yourself
- Click personal pictures of monks and locals only with permission
- Inside the monasteries and fortresses, make sure to ask the authorities before snapping photos
- Smoking is outlawed in Bhutan, but some designated sites will allow you to smoke
- You can drink alcoholic beverages in restaurants, hotels, and bars
- Show a respectable attitude toward their royal family
- No revealing clothing in Bhutan
- Remove your shoes before entering the sacred sites
- No usage of single-use plastics
- Large phallic paintings and statues are everywhere to ward off evil eyes
Travel Insurance
Bhutan travel and tour no longer need the mandatory presence of travel insurance now which has been in place to increase tourism in the country. Still, travel insurance is the most essential element of international traveling, so we recommend that you get one for our Bhutan photography tour 10 days expedition.
A new country means you will be exposed to new risks such as new altitude, new air, new weather, new people, new food, and new utilities. Adjusting to anything new out of your comfort zone needs time, and until then, you may face minor inconveniences that can sometimes become serious.
Such as infections, ailments, or injuries that may need immediate transfer by air in an ambulance to your home. Or, you may need surgeries or medical attention in Bhutan, and the services are very pricey for foreign nationals.
So, you should not only get the travel insurance but also make sure it is right with the coverage included for air ambulance, medical expenses, tour and flight interruptions, extra hotel stays, and luggage theft or damage.
FAQs For Bhutan Photography Tour – 10 Days
I am an aspiring photographer so is your Bhutan tour with photography suit me?
Yes, our Bhutan photography tours 10 days trip is made for new or seasoned photographers where our professional experts will guide you in taking stunning images with helpful tips. It will be a short, exciting holiday and photography workshop for you.
Which season will be appropriate for capturing the best images of Bhutan?
Winter, spring, summer/rain, and autumn have their own roles in offering you different lighting, moods, and settings for your photography. Sunny days may be perfect, but a little bit of rain and cloud give you a softer cloud.
So we suggested autumn and spring, where you get a bit of everything: sun, sporadic rain, and clouds, a bit of chill, and a bustling natural landscape.
What kind of camera will be ideal for your Bhutan photography tours 10 days expedition?
You can have mirrorless or DSLR cameras with versatile lenses or macro lenses for detail perfection.
What photography gear should I have for your Bhutan photography tours itinerary?
Besides the camera, a tripod for steady shots, a flashlight for night photography, memory cards, an extra battery, a waterproof camera bag, a cleaning cloth, a portable hard drive, or a large-capacity USB would be appropriate photography gear for the tour.
Will you provide us with all the photography details like what to bring and not before the tour?
Yes, once you have signed up and reserved the Bhutan photography tours 10 days trip, all the details will be emailed to you, or you can also ask for the details on our WhatsApp.
Is your Bhutan photography tours 10 days trip suitable for children and the elderly?
Certainly, our Bhutan photography tours itinerary does not have long hiking sections, and our guide will also offer you maximum support the whole time. Additionally, the accommodation, eating, and traffic in Bhutan are also very comforting, ensuring not only comfort but also safety to tourists of all ages. So as long as children and the elderly are able to walk, they will have an excellent experience on our Bhutan photography tours 10 days trip.
Do you have an age limit for your Bhutan tour with photography?
No, our tour is for everybody who desires adventure with the chance to sharpen their photography skills.
Can I get a single private room on your Bhutan photography tours 10 days trip?
Yes, if you request a single room at the time of registering for the tour, we can arrange it to accommodate your request, but an extra cost will be associated with the service.
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