Compare Bhutan Photo Expedition by National Geographic Expeditions
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
3.5 | Average
|
| Duration | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 6,695 |
| Price Per Day | $ 558 |
| Highlights |
|
| Trip Style | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium |
| Physical Level |
|
| Travel Themes |
|
| Countries Visited | |
| Cities and Attractions |
|
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
|
| Meals Included |
10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches and 8 Dinners |
| Description |
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. |
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 the seventh-century Kyichu Lakhang. Kyichu is one of the two oldest temples in Bhutan, and is believed to be holding the left foot of an ogress whose body is so large that it covers Bhutan and most of eastern Tibet.
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 Gangtey Gonpa has recently been renovated, allowing us to examine the fine workmanship of Bhutan’s best woodcarvers, sculptors, and painters during our visit. Then set off on a half-day hike, stopping to meet a family at a local farmhouse along the way.
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 spiritual expressions and are admired for their diversity and sophistication. Tonight, get a behind-the-scenes perspective on contemporary Bhutan during a lively Bhutanese banquet with members of the government, local dignitaries, and respected professionals.
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 monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 2,000 feet above the valley floor. This evening, celebrate your Bhutanese adventure at a festive farewell dinner and enjoy a private masked dance performance by some of the country’s finest dancers.
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.
