Bhutan Through the Shutter – 7 Nights & 8 Days

Embark on a captivating 7-night, 8-day “Bhutan Through the Shutter: A Visual Journey” A photography tour through Bhutan, a land where spirituality and natural beauty converge. Your journey begins in Thimphu, the capital, where you’ll capture the grandeur of the Buddha Point and the serene elegance of the King’s Memorial Chorten. Experience the vibrant Thimphu Festival, an opportunity to photograph the colorful traditional dances and rituals that honor Bhutan’s spiritual heritage. The scenic drive to Punakha offers stunning landscapes, including Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge and the majestic Punakha Dzong, perfect for architectural and landscape photography.

Continue your exploration in Paro, where you’ll trek to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched dramatically on a cliffside, providing breathtaking photo opportunities. A visit to Chelela Pass promises high-altitude landscapes and panoramic views, ideal for capturing the essence of Bhutan’s rugged terrain. This journey offers an immersive photographic experience of Bhutan’s rich cultural tapestry, breathtaking landscapes, and spiritual essence, leaving you with a collection of stunning images and unforgettable memories of this Himalayan kingdom.

Day 01: Arrive in Paro & Transfer to Thimphu (55km, approx. 1.5 hours drive)
Arrive at Paro International Airport and embark on a scenic drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. Check into your hotel and prepare your camera gear for an evening of photography. Capture the breathtaking views of Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang), where the largest seated Buddha statue in Bhutan offers a majestic backdrop. Continue to photograph the King’s Memorial Chorten and take an evening stroll through Coronation Park, capturing the serene landscape and vibrant local life at the Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts bazaar.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m)

Day 02: Explore Thimphu’s Photogenic Highlights
After breakfast, delve into Thimphu’s rich cultural and architectural scenes. Visit the National Library and Institute for Zorig Chusum to photograph traditional Bhutanese art and crafts. Head to Takin Preserve to capture Bhutan’s national animal in its natural habitat. In the afternoon, photograph the impressive Trashichhoedzong, a fortress and monastery that serves as the center of government and religion. The evening is free for you to explore and photograph the local area at your own pace.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m)

Day 03: Thimphu Festival – A Photographer’s Paradise
Experience the vibrant Thimphu Festival, a colorful celebration held outside the Tashichhodzong. This annual festival, honoring Guru Rimpoche, is a visual feast with traditional dances, costumes, and rituals. Capture the dynamic scenes and vibrant colors of the festival, providing a unique glimpse into Bhutanese culture and spirituality.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m)

Day 04: Drive to Punakha – Scenic and Architectural Photography
After breakfast, drive to Punakha, crossing the picturesque Dochu La Pass. Photograph the stunning landscapes from the pass and capture the Bhutanese architectural marvels, including the Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge and the Punakha Dzong, a grand fortress at the confluence of the Phochu and Mochu rivers. Explore and photograph the tranquil Chimi Lhakhang, known for its unique temple of fertility.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m)

Day 05: Return to Paro – Capture Bhutan’s Historic Beauty
Depart for Paro, capturing the scenic journey back through the Dochu La Pass and via Thimphu. Photograph the historic Tachog Lhakhang and its suspension bridge, built by the legendary architect Thangtong Gyalpo. Upon arrival in Paro, check into your hotel and visit Ta Dzong, then walk to Rinpung Dzong, capturing the intricate architecture and stunning landscapes of this historic fortress.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Paro (Altitude 2,280m)

Day 06: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery – Cliffside Photography
Embark on a hike to the iconic Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), perched dramatically on a cliffside 900m above the Paro valley. Capture the monastery’s awe-inspiring architecture against the backdrop of the Himalayas and the panoramic views from the trail. After the hike, return to your hotel to relax and capture the evening life and market scenes in Paro.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Paro (Altitude 2,280m)

Day 07: Chelela Pass – High Altitude Photography
After breakfast, take a photography excursion to Chelela Pass, one of Bhutan’s highest motorable passes at 3,988 meters. Photograph the stunning high-altitude landscapes, lush forests, and panoramic views. Stop at Dzongdrakha Goempa, often referred to as “mini Taktsang,” for more photographic opportunities. Return to Paro, capturing the serene beauty of the Kyichu Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple, and enjoy your final evening capturing the tranquil ambiance of Bhutan.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Paro (Altitude 2,280m)

Day 08: Departure
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to Paro Airport for your departure. Reflect on the picturesque moments and landscapes you’ve captured throughout your journey, and bid farewell to Bhutan with hopes of returning to explore and photograph even more of its stunning beauty.

For your accommodation, we have selected Department of Tourism-approved 3-star hotels, ensuring you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay throughout your trip. These hotels offer great services and amenities to enhance your experience in Bhutan.

If you would like to make any changes to the hotel selections or upgrade your stay to a higher category, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is happy to assist you in customizing your accommodations to better suit your preferences.

We are here to ensure that your tour is tailored to your needs and expectations. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Day 1: Thimphu – Overnight stay at Hotel Dharla

Day 2: Thimphu – Overnight stay at Hotel Dharla

Day 3: Thimphu – Overnight stay at Hotel Dharla

Day 4: Punakha – Overnight stay at Hotel Kingaling

Day 5: Paro – Overnight stay at Riverfront Resort

Day 6: Paro – Overnight stay at Riverfront Resort

Day 7: Paro – Overnight stay at Riverfront Resort

All Transportation including airport Transfer
All Accommodation – Twin/Dbl sharing Rooms
All Breakfast & Dinner
Govt. SDF of US$ 100 PPN
One time visa fee of US$ 40
All Sightseeing as per Itinerary
Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
All Visa Formalities
1 Bottle Each Mineral Water daily
1 Tourist Sim-Card
All Internal Taxes
No Hidden Cost

Those Services not mentioned under Inclusions
Laundry, Drinks, Phone Calls, Travel Insurance
Entry Fees to museums and Monuments
Lunch
Photography Permit/charges if anywhere applicable
Professional Photography Tour Guide
Air tickets

Please note that the type of vehicle will be, SUV, Ertiga, Innova, H1 Bus, HiAce Bus, or Coaster Bus—will be arranged based on the number of travelers in group.

N/A

Peak Season: March, April, May, June, September, October, November & December

The cancellation before 30 days will lead to 50% of the total amount cancellation.
The cancellation after 30 days will lead to 100% of the Total amount cancellation.
Since we are inter-dependent with the Hotels so above cancellation charges might vary with few Hotel’s Cancellation charges.

Lean Season: January, February, June, July, August, and December

The Cancellation before 30 days will lead to Zero cancellation of the total amount.
The cancellation after 30 days but before 15 days will lead to 25% cancellation of the total amount.
The cancellation after 15 days to 7 Days will lead to 50% cancellation of the total amount.
The cancellation 7 Days will lead to 100% cancellation of the total amount.
Since we are inter-dependent with the Hotels so above cancellation charges might vary with few Hotel’s Cancellation charges.

Refund Policy:

In case if eligible for any refund occurring due to cancellation or any other reasons, the same will be processed within 7-14 working/ business days in the mode deemed suitable or appropriate at the discretion of both the parties.

Postponement Policy: –

Postponement of the tour will be allowed once and will be Valid for 6 Months.
If the trip is postponed and not cancelled, there will not be any refund under any circumstances irrespective of any reason/cause after postponement of the trip.
This rescheduling is allowed only once, hence choose your new dates wisely and inform us at least 30 Days in advance from your new dates. Further, reschedules may or may not have some additional charges and that will be communicated in real-time. Execution of the rescheduled trip will depend upon the availability of all the inclusions as per the original itinerary. We advise you to discuss well in advance before making any flight or train booking.
The inclusions as per the original itinerary may or may not remain same, all depends upon the availability at the time of rescheduled dates.
The total package cost may or may not change at the time of rescheduled dates. The increase or decrease in the prices will depend upon the current prices of all the inclusions at the time of new booking.
Any force majeure situation, addition/amendment in the package may or may not attract additional charges, the additional charges shall be borne by the traveler.
Payment Schedule will be at AD Tours & Travels discretion and has the right to forfeit the payment for not receiving payment on time.
Change of Destination is not allowed under any circumstances. Still the final decision will be taken on the basis of situation.

Booking policy:

For booking this package, you need to provide verbal consent on the acceptance of the offered package including all the inclusions and exclusions as mentioned in the quote. Such acceptance will be received on the quote as a whole including each and every minute details as a part of it.
On the receipt of the same, the concerned trip advisor in contact with you will raise the invoice specifying the number of installments, installment amount and their due dates as agreed.
On the receipt of the 1st installment, the booking will stand confirmed untill and unless any changes are made thereafter.
The Visa/Permit, hotel and flight bookings will be thereafter initiated and the vouchers for the respective services will be updated for you within 3-4 working/ business days. Though the cab details will be updated 1-2 days piror before the trip.

Payment Policy:

The payment will be received as per the agreed number of installments, amount and due dates.
On non-receipt of the payment of the 1st installment as scheduled until and unless any prior notice, the booking remains unconfirmed. In such cases, no booking procedures will be initiated at our end.
Special Notice has to be put forth in a proper manner in case of any delays in making the payment of any installment so that a next due date can be planned for you.