PHOTOGRAPHYSKILLLEVEL
Our photo tours are relaxed, fun and adventurous!
BHUTAN 2024
LANDSCAPES, TRADITIONS & FESTIVALS
DATES: 9th - 21st November 2024
DURATION: 13 days
GROUP SIZE: Max 8 Participants
STARTS/ENDS: Kathmandu, Nepal
PRICE: $5995USD (all-inclusive, including 3 flights)
Embark on an extraordinary 13-day photography tour that uncovers the mystical allure of Bhutan, a hidden kingdom where culture and spirituality live among breathtaking landscapes. Our adventure begins in Kathmandu for one night before taking an early flight to Paro. Setting the stage for an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Himalayas.
In Thimphu, Bhutan's serene capital, we'll immerse ourselves in the spiritual ambiance of ancient monasteries, capturing the essence of Buddhist devotion and architectural marvel. The journey continues as we experience the vibrant colors and communal spirit of a local festival at a quaint monastery, offering a glimpse into Bhutanese traditions and rituals.
The following days will bring intimate encounters with monks and artisans using time-honored techniques that have been handed down through the generations.
Our path then leads us to Punakha for a night, where the natural beauty and historical depth of this former capital unfold. Next, we venture to Bumthang, the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, to revel in two local festivals that showcase the rich tapestry of Bhutanese culture, dance, and music.
To avoid returning on the same road we will enjoy a flight back to Paro, where the climactic ascent to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery awaits. Perched precariously on a cliff face, this sacred site offers more than just a photographic paradise.
As we return to Kathmandu, marking the end of our tour, we leave with not just memory cards full of breathtaking images, but hearts filled with the indelible spirit of Bhutan.
PHOTOGRAPHYSKILLLEVEL
Our photo tours are relaxed, fun and adventurous!
Beginner/Novice
Intermediate
Advanced
THE ITINERARY
Welcome to Kathmandu! Upon arrival, we'll escort you to our elegant hotel for some rest. Later, we explore Kathmandu's rich historical architecture and culminate the day with a delightful welcome dinner.
An early flight introduces us to the breathtaking Himalayas en route to Bhutan. In Thimphu, we'll savor lunch at a 14th-century restaurant and visit significant monasteries to start our photographic journey.
We'll start early to attend the Dechenphug Festival, capturing the mesmerizing masked dancers. The afternoon is reserved for a cultural tour, visiting artisans and their traditional crafts.
Our day begins with a visit to young monks before we journey east into Bhutan, making stops at several monasteries, and end our day at an eco-lodge with stunning valley views.
As we continue east, we're treated to Bhutan's stunning architecture and warm hospitality in picturesque villages nestled within the mountain ranges.
Transitioning into a mix of rolling hills and fertile valleys, we explore traditional villages and stay in a spectacular heritage house, immersing ourselves in the rural Bhutanese lifestyle.
Retracing our steps to Bumthang, we observe traditional farming methods. The highlight is a traditional fire ceremony in the evening, embracing Bhutan's rich cultural practices.
We attend the vibrant Prakhar Festival, meeting the colorful masked dancers and spend the afternoon leisurely reviewing our photographic captures of the tour so far.
We attend the vibrant Prakhar Festival, meeting the colorful masked dancers and spend the afternoon leisurely reviewing our photographic captures of the tour so far.
We attend the vibrant Prakhar Festival, meeting the colorful masked dancers and spend the afternoon leisurely reviewing our photographic captures of the tour so far.
We depart Bumthang for Paro, exploring the town and a riverside monastery, depending on our flight schedule, soaking in the last glimpses of Bhutan's natural beauty.
Dedicated to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, we trek to various viewpoints and enjoy lunch with splendid views halfway up, followed by a farewell dinner in a heritage house to commemorate our journey.
It's time to say goodbye to Bhutan. Following breakfast, we head back to Kathmandu to catch our flights home, filled with unforgettable memories and photographs of our journey.
WHATTOEXPECT
We've found that small groups provide the best experience. That's why we've limited this tour to 8 participants. That means there will be plenty of one-to-one time for everyone.
Tom has real-world experience of shooting professional travel images and can ensure that tour guests will benefit from the knowledge he has gained in decades of travelling and photography.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
The experience includes
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation will vary from elegant hotels to family run guesthouses and an eco lodge.
FOOD & DRINK*
All meals are included. If you have any special dietary requirements just let us know.
TRANSPORTATION
Return KTM-PARO flight, an internal flight and all ground transport.
EXPERT TOUR GUIDE
To give us those local insights that we might not otherwise get.
EXPERT PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDANCE
With multi award winning photographers Tom Bourdon.
ALL ENTRANCE FEES
There's almost nothing to pay for on location other than personal expenses and tips
WHATWEEXPECTTOSEE
Tom is a real guru.
He doesn't show you his way, he shows and facilitates you to find your own way. He tries to help you to be your better version as a photographer.
He is very generous with information about every aspect of photography; in a gentle mood he gives you tips and sound advice to improve and enjoy your own photography.
He is so respectful of your own taste and interests and in no way, he forces you to change your identity as photographer. So many "teachers of photography" think that's his way is the only one and they want that you make photos as they do. Tom doesn't.
It's very impressive to see him working.
Pablo A
Uzbekistan Photo Tour Participant 2023
Tom gets you to the right places at the correct times for the highest chance of successful photographs. There is something for every level of photographer. Even as a veteran photographer, I was challenged by specific scenarios; Tom was able to put me in the best positions for success through advice and even holding my hand occasionally.
I learned things, and I am a better photographer from this experience.
I would not hesitate to go on another tour with Tom.
Glen G
Peru Photo Tour Participant 2023
THE ITINERARY
Welcome to Kathmandu! Upon arrival, we'll escort you to our elegant hotel for some rest. Later, we explore Kathmandu's rich historical architecture and culminate the day with a delightful welcome dinner.
An early flight introduces us to the breathtaking Himalayas en route to Bhutan. In Thimphu, we'll savor lunch at a 14th-century restaurant and visit significant monasteries to start our photographic journey.
We'll start early to attend the Dechenphug Festival, capturing the mesmerizing masked dancers. The afternoon is reserved for a cultural tour, visiting artisans and their traditional crafts.
Our day begins with a visit to young monks before we journey east into Bhutan, making stops at several monasteries, and end our day at an eco-lodge with stunning valley views.
As we continue east, we're treated to Bhutan's stunning architecture and warm hospitality in picturesque villages nestled within the mountain ranges.
Transitioning into a mix of rolling hills and fertile valleys, we explore traditional villages and stay in a spectacular heritage house, immersing ourselves in the rural Bhutanese lifestyle.
Retracing our steps to Bumthang, we observe traditional farming methods. The highlight is a traditional fire ceremony in the evening, embracing Bhutan's rich cultural practices.
We attend the vibrant Prakhar Festival, meeting the colorful masked dancers and spend the afternoon leisurely reviewing our photographic captures of the tour so far.
We attend the vibrant Prakhar Festival, meeting the colorful masked dancers and spend the afternoon leisurely reviewing our photographic captures of the tour so far.
We attend the vibrant Prakhar Festival, meeting the colorful masked dancers and spend the afternoon leisurely reviewing our photographic captures of the tour so far.
We depart Bumthang for Paro, exploring the town and a riverside monastery, depending on our flight schedule, soaking in the last glimpses of Bhutan's natural beauty.
Dedicated to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, we trek to various viewpoints and enjoy lunch with splendid views halfway up, followed by a farewell dinner in a heritage house to commemorate our journey.
It's time to say goodbye to Bhutan. Following breakfast, we head back to Kathmandu to catch our flights home, filled with unforgettable memories and photographs of our journey.
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