Bhutan Photography Tour

The festivals of Bhutan are one of the most unique photographic experiences in Asia. Immense colour, drama and culture. This tour explores both the intensity of festivals and the peacefulness of the countryside. Avoiding the easy to reach festivals of Paro and Thimphu we head east to Bumthang. Along the way the itinerary gives us time to learn about Bhutanese people and traditions. On arrival for the Bhumthang festivals we'll be ready to engage with the Cham dancers.

As always the group size is limited to a very small number of people, just 8. We wont be spending all day driving across the country, but will have time as a group to talk about our work, discover new techniques and share some one-on-one time to help you with your creative journey. Think of this Bhutan tour as a festival of photography, not just a festival of the spirit. The tour starts and finishes in Bangkok, and includes ALL meals and the return flights between Paro and Bangkok.

October 22 - November 05, 2012
Maximum group size of 8, priced at US$7,250

Itinerary
Day 1 | Bangkok
Our journey into Bhutan is based through Bangkok and we meet on the evening of day 1 before flying into Paro the next day. The airfare into and out of Paro is included in the tour.
Day 2 | Thimphu
We have an early morning flight to Paro and then a slow drive through the countryside to get familiar with the landscapes. Normally this drive takes about 1 hour, but with a group of photographers we like to take all afternoon.
Days 3-4 | Punakha
Punakha has one of the most beautiful Dzongs in the entire country and we'll explore it from every angle. Several other temples in the area offer unique photographic charms too and the village of Chimi is a particular favourite for sunrise.
Days 5-6 | Phobjikha
This secluded valley gets really cold at night but we'll be cosy in a farmhouse with log fires and hot stone baths. The valley still continues with a very basic rural style and offers us a chance to really slow down and contemplate the art of photography.
Day 7 | Trongsa
This drive is beautiful and dramatic with lots of scenic stops along the way. Trongsa is the highlight of the journey with my favourite Dzong of all Bhutan dominating the view. The chance to see monks engaged in their traditions is excellent, and there's often a chance to see monkeys engaged in mischief too.
Days 8-12 | Bumthang
Bumthang is worth visiting regardless of festivals, but the presence of two major events on the calendar makes it even better. There are many temples around the Jakar valley and we'll have a chance to visit some of the quiet ones. No two festivals in Bhutan are the same and each day of dance is a new experience and new opportunity. They are spectacular, and a little challenging. We'll have time to talk about techniques plus reviews to help us advance our skills and try again the nexxt day.
Days 13-14 | Paro
We return back to Paro for a little pampering in the most scenic valley Bhutan has to offer. We'll get up close to the scenery in a serious way by ascending the trail to the Tigers Nest. We'll have the option of horses to make the trail more comfortable, but will need to walk back down the hill after the light has faded over the horizon. The Tigers Nest is remarkable, a fitting highlight to finish our journey.
Day 15 | Departure
We leave Paro on an early flight into Thailand, hoping to arrive in Bangkok before 8pm. Exact details of our departure flight may vary according to weather conditions and we recommend you do not book onward flight from Bangkok until late evening on day 15 or plan another night or two in the city before flying home. And why not, Bangkok is a great city!

Highlights without the Hikes
Please note that the itinerary here is subject to changes at any time, as is the nature of the festival calendar and logistics within Bhutan. The itinerary is offered in good faith, and we'll do our best to ensure you don't miss out on anything special :) This is not a trekking tour and the altitudes covered during the itinerary are not high enough to worry about altitude sickness. If you can walk across an airport you can manage this tour.

A Few Inclusions
What's included for this trip? All meals in Thailand and Bhutan, the Bhutan Visa fee, your return flight between Bangkok and Paro, all transfers in and around Bhutan, the mandatory Tourism Development Fee, the Bhutan Government Taxes (35%) and all entry fees to temples & monuments. What's not include? Drinks, laundry, phones, the internet and your camera!

Meet The Photographer
My name is Ewen Bell and I love photography. Bhutan is one of those places I always dreamed about visiting. There's a sense of the 'unattainable' with Bhutan, a place of great peace and monks in the mountains. Many fine photographers have been here before me, so the challenge will be to find my own interpretation and expression. My philosophy is simply to "go slow" and let the photographic moments happen.

Tamshing Festival in 2011
Explore images from Phobjikha on the 2011 tour

Feedback from Past Travellers
"I was one of the lucky three people to join Ewen when he did a research trip into the province of Yunnan, China in March 2009. What an unbelievable experience it was, full of amazing people, scenery, adventures and most of all fantastic photographic opportunities. I have to say it was one of the most memorable trips I have ever done and was a photographers dream, not to mention some of the best food I have ever tasted! This trip takes you off the usual tourist path giving you greater freedom and more opportunities to really immerse yourself into the local culture and meet the people and find out more about their way of life. Under the guidance of Ewen, I also learnt so many more tips and tricks to take control of my camera and achieve the results that I wanted. For anyone who may be contemplating this trip, an opportunity not to be missed."

  - Eve W.
Yunnan Research Trip, March 2009

Read more from past travellers and the media

Advance Your Photography
If you want to explore your creative potential, learn about the basics of photography or gain a little professional insight then these tours are a magnificent way to do it. If you're ready to learn new skills while you travel then this is the trip for you. If you want to spend quality time with like minded people and enjoy the sharing of knowledge and experiences, then we would love to have you along.

8 is Great
I never want to run a photography tour with more than 8 people, let alone 12 or 16. Smaller groups mean less drama, more fun and are infinitely more rewarding. My first responsibility is to ensure every person on my tour gets plenty of my time and advice, plus to ensure we don't ruin a lovely location by dragging a horde of photographers about. Small isn't just good, it's great!

Dates