April 12, 2027 – April 24, 2027

International Photography Tour is set to take place from April 12–24, 2027, under the tour leader Gavriel Jecan and local guide Pema Sonam. You are asked to embark on a journey that is intended to be much more than a photographic trip;  it is an immersion experience into Bhutan’s natural and cultural spirit, where time slows down and each moment subtly invites you into the present, observation, and introspection. The voyage unfolds like a live story as you travel across Bhutan’s landscapes, which include high mountain ranges, large valleys, and revered monasteries.Key attractions along the route include the colorful Bumthang Festival, the famous Taktsang Dzong (Tiger’s Nest), and a number of extremely important cultural heritage monuments dispersed around the nation.In Bumthang, April has a really unique vibe.Sacred masked dances, festival customs, and a strong feeling of communal celebration bring the valley to life. Being present during this time offers you a unique chance to observe not only a performance but also the actual practice of tradition. For many, this is the point at which photography organically changes, transcending the creation of images into something more felt, where the spirit of the location, people, and prayer subtly emerges. The photo trip is purposefully designed to be more than just sightseeing. You will see monastic life, spend time in high-altitude settings, and take in Bhutan’s classic architecture that blends beautifully with the surroundings. Along the route, you can get a straightforward, genuine glimpse into Bhutanese daily life by sharing regional cuisine and traditional cuisine with families. One of the most meaningful aspects of this experience is the opportunity for quiet reflection during private candlelit prayer photo sessions in Bumthang. These are gentle, reassuring moments that provide time to settle down, take deep breaths, and just be. You are gently urged to move with mindfulness throughout the tour, to watch and photo capture rather than rush, and to let the trip become as much an internal as an external inquiry.

Led by Gavriel Jecan

Early Bird Special Through Aug 2nd!

Limited to 6 participants

Tour Cost: TBA

Single accommodation: TBA

Tour organized by: International Photo Tours

TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY please contact Mallika Jecan at ipt.mallika@gmail.com

Transportation and Accommodation

All meals, lodging, and transportation specified on the itinerary are included. The flight to Bhutan from Bangkok and back is not included, but you are responsible for your international flights from Home to Bangkok and into Paro. Our travel agent can make your flight reservations from Bangkok to Paro and back if you’d like to be on the same flight with us.

Itinerary

Festival dates are determined by the lunar calendar and have recently been confirmed!

Day 1 / 11th – Arrive in Bangkok (D)

Arrive Bangkok International Airport. Welcome to Bangkok! Transfer to the hotel via a free 24-hour shuttle bus.

This evening, there will be a welcome dinner with Gavriel Jecan.

Accommodation: Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel (or similar)

Day 2 / 12th –  BKK-Paro – Thimphu (B,L,D)

Fly to Paro, greeted bythe local guide on arrival in Paro, then drive to Thimphu for 1hour 30 minutes where Gavriel and our guide will share special locations and subjects to photograph, such as an artful array of prayer flags and valley landscapes.

Distance/ Time : 1h 15m (49.8 km) Overnight: Hotel Migmar, Thimphu (B, L, D)

Day 3 /13th –

You set out early, traveling across Dochula Pass, where the first sweeping

views of the Himalayan range open before you. The journey continues through

Pele La Pass, marking the transition from western to central Bhutan.

Along the way, you pause at Chendebji Chorten, a peaceful 18th-century stupa

surrounded by open landscapes. After lunch, you continue toward Trongsa,

where the terrain becomes more dramatic and layered.

Before reaching your destination, you stop at a viewpoint to photograph the

magnificent Trongsa Dzong, stretching across a ridge above a deep valley. It is

one of those rare places where architecture and landscape feel completely

inseparable.

Distance/ Time : 4h 50m (185 km)

Overnight: Yangkhil Resort, Trongsa (B, L, D)

Day 4 / 14th  – 17th

Trongsa – Bumthang (Festival Days)

In Trongsa, you begin by exploring the historic dzong, once a powerful center controlling central and eastern Bhutan. You also visit the Ta Dzong watchtower, quietly overlooking the valley. From here, you continue your journey into Bumthang, often described as the spiritual heart of Bhutan. As you travel, the landscapes soften into wide, peaceful valleys, and the atmosphere becomes noticeably more serene. Along the way, you pause often—sometimes just to listen, sometimes to watch light move across the hills.

Special Highlights 

• You attend the vibrant Bumthang Festival, where sacred masked dances and rituals create a powerful and unforgettable visual experience for photography.

• You are welcomed into a monastery and nunnery for a private evening candlelit prayer session with monks—an intimate and deeply reflective moment.

• You visit a traditional farmhouse, share simple meals, and spend time with local families, documenting everyday life with curiosity, respect, and openness.

Distance/ Time :2.30Hr- 3.00Hrs ( 68Kms)

Overnight: River Lodge, Bumthang (B, L, D)

Day 8 / 18th –

April 18–19: Bumthang – Gangtey

After breakfast, you begin your journey toward Gangtey, crossing high mountain passes and vast open landscapes. The drive itself becomes part of the experience, offering moments of silence, shifting light, and expansive views. You enter the glacial valley of Phobjikha, home to the rare black-necked cranes. Here, everything feels wide, quiet, and deeply peaceful. You visit Gangtey Goenpa, the monastery overlooking the valley, and later explore the village. You photograph prayer flags moving with the wind and observe the slow rhythm of daily life.

Distance / Time ; 4h 25m (157 km)

Overnight: Gakiling Guest House, Gangtey (B, L, D)

Day 10 – 11 / 20th -21th –

Gangtey – Punakha

You continue toward Punakha, where the landscape gradually transforms into warm lowlands, terraced fields, and flowing rivers. Over these two days, you explore the valley in depth—photographing traditional homes, agricultural life, and distant views of Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. A full day is dedicated to Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most iconic fortresses, rich in history and architectural grace. You also walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple known for its unique spiritual story and peaceful surroundings.

Distance / Time: 3hours ( 80kms )

Overnight: Zhimkhang or similar, Punakha (B, L, D)

Day 12 -13 / 22nd – 23rd

Punakha – Paro

You return to Paro in the afternoon. Depending on light and energy, you may visit the National Museum at Ta Dzong or explore Rinpung Dzong, both offering deep insight into Bhutanese heritage. A walk across a traditional cantilever bridge gives you quiet moments for reflection and photography. The highlight of your final full day is the hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), dramatically perched on a cliff above the valley. The climb is both physical and meditative, and reaching the top often brings a sense of silence, awe, and gratitude. In the evening, you gather for a farewell dinner in Paro, sharing reflections from your journey.

Distance / Time : 4hours ( 130kms)

Overnight: Khangkhu Resort, Paro (B, L, D)

Day 14 / 24th – After breakfast, you head to the Paro Airport to catch your aircraft back to Bangkok. Along with your photos, you take with you something more subdued and profound—a feeling of connection to the people, the place, and the soft cadence of Bhutan that tends to stick with you long after the trip is over.

TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY please contact Mallika Jecan at ipt.mallika@gmail.com

Services Included

• Accommodations (twin sharing basis) as indicated above in the itinerary.
• All meals noted on the itinerary.
• Services of Air Conditioned Van
• Services of English speaking guide escort accompanying the trip
• Entrance fee to visit monuments.
• Services of local English guides during city sightseeing (as required)
• Mineral water during all meals, transfers, drives and sightseeing (available in vehicle)
• Daily Sustainable Development Fee Required by Bhutan

Services Not Included

• Any international Airfare ( Home to Bangkok / Bangkok to Pharo Bhutan )
• travel insurance or medical insurance. (health insurance is mandatory and travel insurance is highly recommended)
• Anything not mentioned in inclusion above.
• Tipping for the accompanying escort and driver is not included in our quote.
• Any expenditure of personal nature like alcoholic drinks, Fruit shakes, sodas, laundry, telephone calls, or internet
• Anything ordered from room service at any hotel including mineral water (other than what being offered by the hotels on their compliment).
• Any sudden increase in price due to steep hike in fuel cost, change in government tax policy or for any reason beyond our control like acts of god, natural calamity, law and order situation, riots etc and any forced change in itinerary for any unforeseen situation or reason beyond our control.

Tour Payment:

We accept Bank transfer payment and Credit Card payment through Pay pal. To pay the deposit or other payments through Pay Pal, please click Add to Cart button below, which will take you to our Pay Pal Website. We accept all major credit cards;  Paypal is an accepted method of payment processing for any of our tours.  You can pay by credit card this way without joining Paypal yourself, or you can open a Paypal account if you wish. Payments are made directly online (and any personal details are protected through our secure server) – we do not take or store any credit card information, this is done at Paypal’s site. We have a verified account with Paypal which means that we have provided proof of our personal details, bank account, and address.  Paypal price will show different than our site, do to 4% Paypal service charge.

If you prefer Bank Transfer payment, please let us know, and we will provide the necessary information to you via email ( internationalphototours@gmail.com )