Small group · Real access · Built around light
DATES: 14th - 26th February 2027 (12 nights)
GROUP SIZE: 8 max SOLD OUT
(Includes 2 Flights, All Meals, Hotels, Transfers, Tips & No Bank Fees!)
See exactly how this trip works in the field (not just where we go)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Tom's team had us hooked up as VIP's at many of the events, which allowed us
very special access for photo opportunities."
Ron C | Bhutan Photo Tour Participant 2024
Led by award-winning photographer and GuruShots Guru Pro Tom Bourdon, this expedition is designed around
how photographers actually work in the field - not how tours are typically run.
Festivals, monks, and real moments - not a tourist itinerary
Bhutan is one of the few places where tradition and daily life still exist side by side, not preserved for visitors, but lived quietly as part of everyday rhythm.
This expedition is built around photographing that reality. The focus is on light, timing, and observation, rather than moving quickly between locations.
We begin in Kathmandu before flying into Paro, with our first view of the Himalayas from the air.
From there, we move through the western valleys into Punakha and Wangdue, where we start to settle into the pace of the country and photograph our first festival.
As we travel east into Bumthang and Tang Valley, the feel shifts. Fewer visitors, slower days, and a stronger sense of everyday life.
Here, we work through two authentic local festivals, including the Tharpaling Thongdrel and the Tangsibi Mani fire ceremony, alongside quieter, more observational scenes.
Throughout the journey, there are opportunities to photograph monks, villagers, and daily life, as well as a dedicated session with masked dancers in full ceremonial dress.
We then return west through the mountain valleys towards Paro, where we close the expedition with the climb to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, one of the most striking locations in the Himalayas.
We finish back in Kathmandu with a body of work shaped by access, patience, and time spent properly in each location.
What Makes This Expedition Different
A photography-led approach designed around access, timing, and the way real images are made in the field.
Three authentic regional festivals
Punakha, Tharpaling Thongdrel, and Tangsibi Mani, each offering a different rhythm, scale, and photographic opportunity
Private masked dancer session
Controlled access to ceremonial performers in full costume, allowing you to work more deliberately alongside the unpredictability of the festivals
Maximum 8 photographers
More space, more flexibility, and the ability to respond to light and moments as they happen
Access to quieter regions
Including Bumthang and Tang Valley, where the pace slows and everyday life becomes part of the photographic experience
Ongoing feedback and guidance
Support throughout the journey to help refine your approach, composition, and decision-making in the field
Documentary and controlled work
From real, unfolding moments to more structured portrait opportunities, giving you a stronger, more complete body of work
Want to see how the trip actually works?
Download the full itinerary for a detailed breakdown of the route, festivals,
and how we approach each day in the field.
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Limited to 8 photographers.
Most tours fill well in advance.
Our photo tours are relaxed, fun and adventurous!
Beginner/Novice
Intermediate
Advanced
Your mentor on the road in Bhutan
Tom is a multi-award-winning travel photographer known for capturing the soul of cultural festivals. While his work has won the prestigious Wanderlust/Nikon Professional Travel Photo of the Year and appeared in National Geographic Traveller, The Sunday Times amoungst many others, his role on this tour is simple: to help you capture the best images of your life.
As the "Top Guru" at Gurushots, Tom has a proven track record of educating and inspiring photographers of all abilities. He brings that expertise into the field, helping you master composition, handle difficult light, and refine your unique style in real-time.
Because Raw Tours strictly caps this group at just 8 photographers, you aren't just a face in the crowd. You get genuine 1-on-1 access to a master photographer. Whether you are a 10-time finalist in the Travel Photographer of the Year (like Tom) or an enthusiastic hobbyist, Tom will be right beside you to ensure you nail the shot.
Why travel with Tom?
✅ Proven Expertise: Learn the exact techniques uses.
✅ Hands-on Mentorship: Daily advice on settings and composition - Tom prioritizes your portfolio over his own.
✅ Access All Areas: Tom handles the logistics and "fixer" duties so you can focus entirely on creativity.
Welcome to Kathmandu! Upon arrival, you'll be escorted to our elegant hotel for some rest. Later, you'll explore Kathmandu's rich historical architecture and culminate the day with a delightful welcome dinner.
Day 2 (Kathmandu - Timphu)
An early flight introduces us to the breathtaking Himalayas en route to Bhutan. In Thimphu, we savor lunch at a 14th-century restaurant and visit significant monasteries to start our photographic journey.
We 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.
Day 6 (Trongsa - Bumthang)
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.
Day 7 (Tharpaling Festival & Fire Ceremony)
We begin with the Tharpaling Thongdrel festival, a more intimate and spiritual setting with strong portrait opportunities. In the evening, we attend the Tangsibi Mani fire ceremony, working with low light, movement, and atmosphere.
Day 8 (Tang Valley)
We travel into the quieter Tang Valley, where the pace slows and everyday life becomes more visible. The afternoon is spent exploring villages and photographing in a more observational, documentary style.
Day 9 (Tangsibi Mani Festival)
A full day at the Tangsibi Mani festival, one of Bhutan’s more raw and less visited events. We work the scenes as they unfold, focusing on ritual, interaction, and moments away from the main action.
Day 10 (Bumthang - Gangtey)
The morning is spent on cultural visits before we begin the journey west towards Gangtey. It’s a longer drive, but with flexibility to stop where light and scenes present themselves.
Day 11 (Gangtey to Paro)
We explore Gangtey Valley in the morning before continuing back towards Paro. In the afternoon, we photograph a private masked dancer shoot in full ceremonial dress.
Day 12 (Tiger’s Nest Monastery)
Today we hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, one of Bhutan’s most dramatic locations. We take our time on the ascent, with opportunities to photograph along the way before a farewell dinner in the evening.
Day 13 Departure (Departure)
After breakfast, we fly back to Kathmandu in time for onward connections. The journey ends with a strong body of work and a deeper understanding of how to photograph Bhutan.
We've found that small groups provide the best experience. That's why we've limited this tour to a maximum 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.
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 and all ground transport.
EXPERT LOCAL TOUR GUIDE
To give us those local insights that we might not otherwise get.
EXPERT PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDANCE
With multi award winning photographer Tom Bourdon.
ALL BANK FEES NEW
Pay with your credit card using our secure online system. No additional fees, the price you see is the price you pay.
ALL ENTRANCE FEES & TIPS NEW
There's nothing to pay for on location other than personal expenses.
This tour is for you if:
✅ You want to photograph living Bhutanese culture, not just iconic landmarks.
✅ You’re drawn to small, local festivals, rather than large, tourist-heavy events.
✅ You’re interested in photographing belief and spirituality - monks at prayer, fire ceremonies, morning assemblies, and sacred spaces.
✅ You’re comfortable photographing in respectful, culturally sensitive environments where patience matters more than speed.
✅ You value time in remote valleys, rather than ticking off viewpoints.
✅ You’re happy with a flexible approach that prioritises observation, light, and atmosphere over shot lists.
✅ You are willing to learn and the country, the people and photography
This tour is probably not for you if:
❌ You want a fast-paced itinerary focused on iconic viewpoints.
❌ You’re looking for a tightly structured, classroom-style photography workshop.
❌ You expect polished or repeatable photographic setups.
❌ You want luxury at every step, especially in rural regions.
❌ You’re uncomfortable with early starts, long festival days, or adapting to local rhythms.
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Raw Tours Ltd 120 Cavendish Place, Eastbourne, England, BN21 3TZ United Kingdom
