Who is this trip for?

This trip is open to all, no matter where you hail from and no matter what your level of experience in photography. This is a physically active tour, with lots of walking on uneven surfaces, loads of steps in addition to hikes on trails that may be dirty or muddy. You should be able to walk and stand and carry your own gear for up to 4 hours. This photo tour will concentrate on experiencing and photographing the Bhutanese culture and landscape. We expect most travelers will be enthusiastic photographers. John and Michelle will be your photo guides and instructors in the field, available to answer and help with all photography related questions.

Whether this is your first international trip or you're a seasoned traveler, John and Michelle are here to make your trip memories ones that last a lifetime.

COVID-19 Note:   Please be certain that you are aware of all the most recent requirements relating to your travel — in your home State/Country/Municipality, any countries you are transiting, and your final destination.

John Greengo Photography Tours makes donations to nonprofit organizations that contribute positively to the local communities and environments we encounter. Our chosen nonprofit organization for this trip is The Bhutan Foundation for Cultural Preservation.

Highlights:

• Tour and schedule customized for photographers
• Small group of 8-12 travelers
  
• In-the-field photography instruction and tips, catered to your needs
• Large number of inclusions; reduced out-of-pocket expenses during tour

Inclusions:

• Small group of 8-12 travelers
  
• All hotels (10 nights accommodation)
• Return flight between Bangkok, Thailand and Paro, Bhutan
• Bhutan visa fees
• All breakfast, lunch and dinners in Bhutan
• All transportation in Bhutan
• Local guide(s) and drivers as per itinerary
• All tips included - meals (as per itinerary), guides, hotels & drivers
• All entrance fees to museums, historical sites & exhibits, as per itinerary
• Bottled drinking water

Majestic Bhutan 2025: PDF version of Itinerary

Majestic Bhutan 2025: Terms & Conditions

Bhutan is a country where mountainous beauty meets ancient culture. This remote land, that measures success in terms of ‘Gross National Happiness’, awaits you and your camera.

Also known as ‘The Land of the Thunder Dragon’, Bhutan will capture your heart and inspire your creativity with stunning photographic opportunities that range from precariously perched cliffside dzongs to the vibrantly colorful Tshechu Festival. During this trip, we'll be capturing images of those who worship and live in ancient temples and Monasteries. The unique cultural heritage that has remained intact due to isolation until the mid-20th century continues to be preserved through traditions steeped in Buddhist heritage. This is a photographic adventure you won't want to miss.

Itinerary

Day 1:

After arriving in Bangkok, take the airport shuttle to the pre-arranged Bangkok accommodation (included in trip price). Settle in, grab a bite to eat and then join us for the evening meet n' greet and tour briefing. John and Michelle look forward to meeting everyone.

Though your excitement may be building, we encourage a good nights rest. Tomorrow is an early start.

  -  |  Hotel location: Bangkok, Thailand

Day 2:

The day is started with an early morning flight, soaring above the spectacular Himalayan mountain range, on our way to Paro, Bhutan. If the skies are clear, we'll be able to see and photograph the world’s highest peaks. As we descend into Paro Valley keep your eyes on the view out the window. You'll see farms and mountain goats welcoming us.

Upon arrival in Paro, we leave directly from the airport with our local guides and head for Thimphu - a 1.5 hour scenic drive away. On our way we’ll visit the Tachogang Monastery and the iconic iron chain bridge, built in the 1400s by the great Tibetan saint, Thangtong Gyalpo. Best known as the founder of the Tibetan opera, Thangtong Gyalpo was also a great Bhuddist master, yogi, physician, blacksmith and an architect.

Arriving in Thimphu we check into our hotel and grab lunch. We then spend the rest of the day at sights around Thimphu, most notably The Memorial Stupa and the riverside market. Those of you who are seeking some more action for the day can join John in an evening stroll around the town and by the river.

BLD  |  Hotel location: Thimphu

"We were so happy to meet in person the guy who pretty much taught us (and continues to teach us) almost everything we know about the key fundamentals of photography.  It was great to see how his creative vision worked.  Also, the fact that he's structured and disciplined, yet easygoing and a bunch of fun to hang around with, makes future considerations for a Greengo branded tour a no-brainer."

Jane L.

Day 3:

We fully immerse ourselves into the Bhutanese culture today, specifically the educational part of Bhutan. Firstly we visit the monastic school of Dechen Phodrang Monastery (Palace of Great Bliss) and witness the morning’s activities undertaken by the young resident monks.

After a well-earned breakfast back at the hotel, we attend the 13 Arts & Craft school. This institute, commonly known as ‘the painting school’, operates four- to six-year courses that provide instruction in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts. The craft demonstrations are a photographer’s dream. There is also the opportunity to purchase pieces made by the students.

Later in the day we'll visit the largest Bronze Buddha, popularly known as Buddha Point. The 51.5 meter statue is three storied with several chapels. The body of the Buddha is filled with 125,000 smaller statues of Buddha.

BLD  |  Hotel location:  Thimphu

Day 4:

We depart Thimphu and commence our drive to Punakha (about 2 hours drive). On our way, we will stop at Dochu La Pass for it’s majestic view of the Eastern Himalayas. The pass offers a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range. The view is especially beautiful on clear winter days when the snow-capped mountains form a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the Druk Wangyal Chortens - the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass.

After lunch, we stretch our legs on a walk to the Fertility Temple (Chimi Lhakhang), a Buddhist monastery located near the village of Sopsokha.

Arriving in Punakha, we check into our hotel and then take another walk to a charming village a short distance from the hotel.

BLD  |  Hotel location: Punakha

Day 5:

Get excited about the first day of the Tshechu, a Bhutanese festival! The festival is held in Punakha Dzong, perhaps the most striking dzong in the country with its richly painted gold, red, and black carved wood. It is also unique in that it has three docheys (courtyards) instead of the usual two. Locals gather from afar each year to partake in the festivities and celebrate their heritage. It is a day of activity, color, and history, as we witness cultural performers donning traditional clothes and masks.

After lunch we drive to Wolokha Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup Nunnery, a meditation center for over 100 nuns. In addition to serving as a religious education center, the complex aims to offer life skill training including Thangka painting, embroidery, tailoring, and sculpting.

BLD  |  Hotel location: Punakha

Day 6:

There is so much to see at the Tshechu that we return for a 2nd morning. The festival stalls outside the dzong are also a great opportunity for mixing with, and photographing the locals or maybe you could visit one or two of the other temples.

On the road again, we visit Rinchengang Village, one of the oldest villages in Bhutan dating back to Zhabdrungs era before continuing our drive to Gangtey.  Arriving late in the afternoon, for those with unspent energy we have a photo walk prior to dinner.

Time today will also be devoted to a photo sharing session. It’s quite fascinating to see the different aspects of Bhutan from your fellow travelers' point of view.

BLD  |  Hotel location: Gangtey

"John was great at keeping track of people, offering photo tips or equipment when needed, and making sure everyone was getting what they wanted out of the trip. He often offered extra shoots for anyone interested, before our planned day began or after it ended, so that was like getting "bonus tracks." (And I especially appreciated that he didn't discount my commitment or skills, just because I brought a very simple camera with me!) He made a point of being very inclusive, and was also a lot of fun!!"

Jean B.

Day 7:

Get ready for immersing yourself in Bhutan's nature as we take a 2-hour hike from the hotel to Gangtey Monastery. Our journey will pass through crane habitats, pine forests, working farms, and timeless village houses, at times surrounded by prayer flags. You are rewarded at the end of your hike with the Gangtey Gonpa, a monastery built towards the end of the 1400’s. The resident monks can often be seen taking part in chanting or rituals happening at prayer time.

After lunch we head to the remote area of Phobjikha (Valley of the Cranes) and visit the Shechen Ngenlung Drechaling Nunnery. The nunnery provides an education for the young girls and women who are just entering monastic life. The girls are taught by elder nuns from Shechen and educated in both monastic and secular subjects.

BLD  |  Hotel location: Gangtey

Day 8:

In the morning we commence our return to Thimpu. Enroute we stop at the breathtaking Pele La and Lawa La passes, taking advantage of the distant mountain views. We have lunch and then continue our drive to Thimphu, stopping along the way at scenic overlooks in the Dochula Pass, allowing time for making stops when impromptu photographic opportunities present themselves.

Following our arrival in Thimphu, if time allows, we may end the day with an evening photo shoot.

BLD  |  Hotel location: Thimphu

Day 9:

A pre-sunrise visit to a local Buddha statue starts the day, following a return to the hotel for breakfast. We then travel from Thimphu back to Paro, sightseeing along the way. Once in Paro we visit some of their main cultural places of interest. Bhutan’s National Museum, located inside Ta Dzong, showcases more than 3,000 Bhutanese artworks. Paro Rinpung Dzong houses the district Monastic Body as well as government administrative offices. With its intricate wood work, large beams slotted into each other and held together without nails, it is regarded as one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture.

After the day's activities, we then go to town for dinner, shopping and possible evening photography.

BLD  |  Hotel location: Paro

Day 10:

We set out for another adventurous day where we hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang Palphug Monastery); a 3 hour hike each way. Tiger’s Nest is the most iconic site in Bhutan, and for good reason. Clinging to the side of a cliff, the monastery is 2,600 feet above the valley floor and at an elevation of 10,232 feet. It was first built in 1692 around the cave where Guru Padmasambhava (credited with introducing Buddhism to Bhutan) is said to have meditated for three years, three months, three weeks, three days and three hours in the 8th century. No trip to Bhutan would be complete without a visit to this remarkable heritage site.

A coffee house at the half way point offers food, drinks, and a fabulous view of the monastery. Take a break before you continue your journey to the top or stop here and enjoy a lighter day. But, making it to the top is well worth your effort.

We'll end the day back at the hotel for our farewell dinner and a final photo review extravaganza.

BLD  |  Hotel location: Paro

Day 11:

After breakfast it is time to depart our Bhutan accommodation and make our way to the airport.

Flight from Bhutan to Bangkok on Druk Air KB where our tour unfortunately comes to an end.

B  |  -

"I'd tell someone thinking about traveling with John to jump at the chance. That they'd get great opportunities, the trip will be well planned (yet flexible) and they'd get tons of good opportunities for photos."

Tom D.

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