Bhutan Photo Workshop 2026
October 19th - 28th
Journey through Bhutan’s ancient fortresses and mountain passes, ending at the Royal Highland Festival, where remote communities gather to celebrate their highland heritage.
* SOLD OUT*
Bhutan is a dream destination for many - a Himalayan kingdom where ancient traditions still guide everyday life. Timed with the Royal Highland Festival, this workshop takes you through Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and deep into the mountains to photograph vibrant celebrations, remote villages, and ancient Buddhist culture. It’s a rare chance to experience Bhutan at its most alive, and capture moments few travellers ever witness.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Paro → Thimphu
Welcome to Bhutan! Upon arrival in Paro, we make our way to the capital, Thimphu, a scenic drive through valleys and mountain passes.
If time allows, we visit the Memorial Chorten, a lively stupa where locals gather to pray and spin prayer wheels - a perfect first opportunity to photograph the Buddhist devotion that lie at the heart of Bhutanese life.
Day 2: Thimphu
We start the day at the Great Buddha Dordenma, overlooking Thimphu Valley, to photograph the morning light hitting the valley and locals making offerings.
Next, we’ll visit the Institute for 13 Traditional Arts, where students practice traditional Bhutanese crafts - a fantastic opportunity for portraits and detail shots.
After lunch, we explore the streets and markets of Thimphu, before visiting the Tashichho Dzong fortress after 5pm, when monks return for evening prayers.
Day 3: Punakha
An early departure as we drive through the mountains to Dochula Pass, where 108 chortens sit beneath snow-capped peaks.
We stop to photograph prayer flags and morning mist before descending into the lush Punakha Valley.
In the afternoon, we visit the Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple), surrounded by rice paddies and traditional farmhouses, and if time allows, the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery - a peaceful spot for portraits and culture as the light softens over the valley.
Day 4: Journey to Laya
We start the morning photographing Punakha’s suspension bridge, where monks, locals, and schoolchildren cross in soft morning light.
After breakfast, we continue north through Gasa District, passing terraced hillsides, rivers, and remote villages before beginning our hike up to Laya. The hike is around 2 hours into the mountains.
It’s a long but rewarding day, with dramatic changes in landscape, yak herders along the trail, and endless opportunities to capture the wild, remote side of Bhutan.
Day 5: Royal Highland Festival
We spend the day immersed in the Royal Highland Festival, one of Bhutan’s most important annual celebrations. The festival brings together highlanders from across the mountains to showcase their traditions through song, dance, and yak competitions - a vibrant expression of life in one of the country’s most remote regions.
It’s a photographer’s dream: bold colors, energetic performances, and the festival unfolding against a backdrop of vast Himalayan peaks.
As evening falls, we return to our camp beneath the stars, surrounded by the stillness of the high Himalayas.
Day 6: Laya + Gasa Village
We start the morning exploring Laya Village, photographing daily life as the sun rises over the mountains - smoke curling from rooftops, prayer flags fluttering, and villagers beginning their day.
After breakfast, we begin our hike back down to Gasa, retracing the trail through forests and open ridgelines with plenty of stops for photos along the way.
If the weather holds, we spend the late afternoon photographing Gasa Monastery, perched dramatically above the valley with sweeping views of the surrounding peaks. A perfect way to end the day, if I do say so myself.
Day 7: Gasa → Punakha
We start the day photographing sunrise from the viewpoints overlooking Gasa Dzong, with soft morning light illuminating the fortress and the valley below.
After breakfast, we begin the drive back to Punakha, stopping along the way for any last mountain scenes.
In the evening, we unwind with a traditional hot stone bath, a well-earned way to relax after the journey from the highlands.
Day 8: Punakha + Paro
We start the morning at Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most photogenic fortresses, with monks crossing the bridge and light filtering through courtyards.
After lunch, we drive back to Paro, stopping for any photo opportunities along the way, and settle in ready for an early start tomorrow to hike Tiger’s Nest.
Day 9: Tiger’s Nest
We start early for the hike up to Paro Taktsang, better known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery, one of Bhutan’s most sacred and iconic sites. Perched dramatically on a cliffside 900 metres above the valley floor, it’s believed to be where Guru Rinpoche meditated in the 8th century, introducing Buddhism to Bhutan.
The hike is steady but rewarding, with breathtaking views and countless photo stops along the way. We spend time exploring the monastery and its viewpoints before descending to Paro in the afternoon.
In the evening, we come together for a traditional farewell dinner.
Day 10: Departure
After breakfast, we’ll transfer to Paro Airport for onward flights - ending our journey through one of the world’s most photogenic and peaceful countries.
Pricing
Total price: $5,750 USD (normally $6,250)
Payable today: $1,000 deposit to secure your spot
Remainder payable: 10 x monthly installments
Total number of participants: 10
“To be honest I had very high expectations of this workshop and, well, those expectations were well and truly smashed!”
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9 nights of accommodation in carefully selected 3* & 4* hotels (including 2 nights camping in Laya), twin sharing, with single occupancy available on request.
All on-ground transportation (private bus with driver, pick-up truck for Gasa-Laya-Gasa, luggage vehicle for entire trip, horse to carry bags for RHF).
Sustainable Development Fee for 9 nights.
Bhutan visa.
All meals, non-alcoholic drinks with meals, and bottled water throughout the trip.
Snacks for the road to keep you fueled during long shooting days.
All entrance fees and gratuities for locals when photographing them.
Dedicated local guides and fixer for the entire journey.
Editing workshops with Jord, covering beginner to advanced post-processing techniques.
Photography lessons in the field, focused on storytelling, composition, and technique.
Photo review sessions to refine your work and elevate your creative vision.
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Your flights to and from Bhutan (these can be arranged through our local partner)
Travel insurance
Alcoholic beverages
Personal expenses
Who is this workshop for?
This photography trip is limited to just 10 participants, allowing me to give each of you my full attention and help you get the most out of the experience. The small group size means I can work closely with everyone - whether you’re just starting out, looking to refine your craft, or already shooting professionally. It’s a chance to learn, create, and grow in a supportive environment while photographing one of the most extraordinary countries on earth.
Photographers love Jord's workshops: see for yourself…
What gear should you bring?
Camera
A couple of lenses to cover bases between 16-200mm
Laptop for editing sessions
Altitude + Fitness
Bhutan’s altitude ranges from 1,200m in Punakha up to nearly 4,000m in Laya, so expect some thinner air in higher regions.
The hike to Laya and the Tiger’s Nest climb both require moderate fitness, with steady uphill sections and uneven trails. No technical hiking experience is needed, just good health, comfortable walking shoes, and a sense of adventure.
A detailed packing list will be sent ahead of the trip, covering everything from clothing layers and hiking gear to camera recommendations, so you’ll know exactly what to bring.
FAQs
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All international flights arrive at Paro International Airport (PBH). You can fly in via Bangkok, India, Kathmandu, or Singapore, depending on your location. Once you land, everything is taken care of from start to finish - and if you need help arranging flights, we can assist with recommendations and booking guidance.
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Yes - comprehensive travel insurance is required for all participants. It must include medical coverage and emergency evacuation due to the altitude and remoteness of some areas.
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October is one of the best times to visit Bhutan. so you can expect clear skies and mild temperatures, averaging between 10°C and 25°C. The sun can be strong at altitude, so sunscreen and a hat are essential. It can drop close to freezing in Laya, so pack a few warm layers for the higher regions.
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Drone permits are extremely limited and difficult to obtain, so please plan to leave drones at home.
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Absolutely. Many guests join solo. You’ll share a twin room with another participant unless you’d prefer a single room (available for an additional supplement).
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This trip is limited to 10 participants, keeping the group small and personal so everyone gets plenty of shooting time and guidance.
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A $1,000 deposit secures your spot and is non-refundable. The remaining balance can be paid in instalments.
For more info, take a look at the full refund policy here →
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Once your deposit is paid, you’ll receive a welcome email with all the details you need, including packing lists, gear suggestions, and arrival information.
A WhatsApp group will also be created about a month before the trip so everyone can connect, ask questions, and get updates before we set off.
“Great group, great locations, great photos, beautifully organised. 10/10!”
Hey, I’m Jord
I’m a full-time travel and landscape photographer from the UK, and I’ve been leading photography workshops around the world for several years.
I first started talking with a local tour company about visiting Bhutan back in 2017, and after years of planning, we finally made it happen just a couple of weeks ago. Within two days of arriving, I knew I wanted to host a trip there… the country’s deep-rooted spirituality, dramatic mountain landscapes, and quiet pace of life make it one of the most inspiring places I’ve ever photographed.
From the chanting halls of hilltop monasteries to remote highland festivals surrounded by the Himalayas, Bhutan feels timeless - a place where faith, nature, and daily life exist in perfect balance. I can’t wait to share this dream destination with you and help you experience the magic of Bhutan through your own lens.
