Expedition Details
Set out into the lush mountains of Bhutan with National Geographic photographer Chris Rainier to shoot images of exquisite temples, villages untouched by time, and towering Himalayas. As you explore together, Chris will share photography tips and techniques to help you improve your skills. Capture scenes from a lively market, or saffron-robed monks against the backdrop of white-washed dzongs. Venture into mystical forests where wild moss creates an otherworldly atmosphere, and photograph breathtaking panoramas of snow-clad peaks from a high mountain pass.Trip Highlights
Itinerary - 12 Days
Days 1 & 2 — U.S./Bangkok, Thailand
Depart the U.S., cross the international date line, and arrive the next night.
Novotel Suvarnabhumi Hotel
Day 3 — Bangkok/Paro, Bhutan
From Bangkok, fly to the Paro Valley (7,300 feet) in Bhutan. Transfer to our hotel and enjoy time to relax, or visit the seventh-century Kyichu Lhakhang. Tonight, gather for a welcome dinner.
Zhiwa Ling Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 4 — Paro/Punakha
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.
Punatsangchhu Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 5 — Punakha
After an invigorating hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, a spectacularly situated temple, be rewarded for your efforts with incredible views of the valley below. Then visit the Punakha Dzong, an impressive fortress guarding the southern end of the valley at the confluence of the Pho (male) and Mo (female) Rivers.
Punatsangchhu Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 6 — Punakha/Phobjika
Travel to the alpine valley of Phobjika (10,000 feet), considered one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan. It is also the largest wintering site for the endangered black-necked crane, which arrives here in November and stays through March.
Dewachen Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 7 — Phobjika
Against a backdrop of forest-clad mountains, the Gangtey Gonpa temple complex rises dramatically froma 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.
Dewachen Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 8 — Phobjika/Thimphu
Travel to Thimphu (7,900 feet), the capital of Bhutan. Stop in at the Traditional School of Painting and the Arts to watch students practicing the ancient arts of Bhutanese thangka painting, mask making, and wood carving. Then browse the exhibition at the new National Textile Museum. 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.
Namgay Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 9 — Thimphu/Paro
Today is the first day of the boisterous and colorful Thimphu Tsechu (festival). Villagers, dressed in their finest and most vibrant garments and jewelry, flock from the surrounding valleys to attend this important celebration. The festival is an important religious event but also the main social gathering of the year. Enjoy the festivities before returning to the Paro Valley in the late afternoon.
Zhiwa Ling Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 10 — Paro
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 magical 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.
Zhiwa Ling Hotel (B,L,D)
Days 11 & 12 — Paro/Bangkok, Thailand/U.S.
Fly to Bangkok and check into our hotel. The following morning, transfer to the airport for your return flight, arriving home the same day.
Novotel Suvarnabhumi Hotel (B)
Optional Extension
- Bangkok, Thailand - Pre- or Post-Trip Extension, 4 Days
Related Trip
View LargerNational Geographic Expert
Chris Rainier
Chris Rainier is considered one of the leading documentary photographers working today. A National Geographic Society Fellow, Chris is a director of the All Roads Photography Program and the Enduring Voices Project, documenting endangered languages and cultures. He serves as a contributing editor for National Geographic Traveler and a contributing photographer for National Geographic Adventure, as well as a photography correspondent for NPR. Chris knows Bhutan intimately and considers it one of his favorite destinations for photography.
Chris will join the following departure:
Sep 09 - 20, 2010Expedition Dates 
Expedition Costs
Airfare is not included in the expedition cost. Round-trip economy airfare from Los Angeles to Bangkok is $1,390. Round-trip economy group airfare from Bangkok to Paro is $825. All airfares are subject to change.
What To Expect
This is an active exploration with optional hikes that range from one to five miles and excursions that involve stairs and uneven footing. The average elevation in Bhutan is 8,000 feet above sea level. This trip is not suitable for those who suffer from cardiac, respiratory, or circulatory disorders or a disability that limits mobility. Participants should be physically fit.
We will stay at first-class hotels in Bangkok, Paro, and Thimphu; at a rustic lodge (without electricity) in Phobjika; and at a comfortable but basic hotel in the Punakha Valley.
