Important information

• Dates: March 30 - April 12, 2025 (13 days,

• Expedition starts/ends in: Paro, Bhutan

• Type: Van based overland expedition

• Physical difficulty: Easy to Moderate

• Price: $ 5120 per person (based on twin sharing / double sharing accommodation)

• Deposit payment: 50% of $ 5120 to be paid upon booking (to hold your seat), 120 days prior to departure the remaining 50% will have to be paid

• Single supplement available for additional cost

• Group size: Min 5, max 9

• Experience level: Anyone is welcome, from beginners to professionals

• Above price is incl VAT

• Make sure to read the Terms & Conditions before booking

• Read the full day-to-day itinerary by scrolling down

A Journey Beyond Time.

For years, my travels have taken me to some of the world’s most remote and culturally rich landscapes. From the tribes of Meghalaya to the archipelagos of Southeast Asia, my lens has always been drawn to the spaces where human connection, nature, and tradition intersect. In Bhutan, I was privileged to offer a private photoshoot for King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck & Queen Jetsun Pema.

Bhutan is a place that exists outside of time. The first time I set foot here, I knew I had entered a world unlike any other—a land where monks walk the same paths their ancestors did centuries ago, where rituals remain unchanged, and where spirituality is woven into daily life.

Over the past year, I have worked to craft an itinerary that is not just a trip but an invitation to immerse—to move slowly, to observe deeply, and to allow Bhutan’s rhythm to reshape our perception of time and presence.

But this journey is so much more than a photographic expedition. It is an opportunity to witness one of the world’s most enduring cultures, to step into a sacred way of life that is slowly disappearing in many parts of the world. We will meet the monks who carry centuries-old wisdom, the nomadic herders who follow the ancient rhythms of the land, and the artisans who preserve Bhutan’s soul through their craft.

This is a journey for seekers, storytellers, and those who crave deeper meaning in their travels. Together, we will experience Bhutan in a way few ever do—beyond the surface, beyond the guidebooks, into the heart of this remarkable land.

Why This Journey?

• Two Exclusive Festivals: The Zhemgang Festival, a rare and deeply spiritual experience in one of Bhutan’s most remote regions, and the Paro Festival, where centuries-old masked dances unfold against the backdrop of Paro Dzong.

• Interactive Experiences like hands-on dumpling making, Sunday archery matches with locals, organic paper making and Buddhist teachings from monks.

• Wellness & Reflection: Optional pranayama breathwork, meditation, yoga, and daily handpan sound healing to deepen your connection within.

• Photography Workshops & Mentorship: Daily challenges, field coaching, and image reviews to refine your ability to capture not just images, but emotions and untold stories.

• Immersive Accommodations: A balance of premium three-star hotels/traditional farm stays, supporting local communities & embracing Bhutan’s eco-tourism philosophy.

Day-to-day itinerary

For a period of 13 days, we will travel through this unique Himalayan region under the guidance of my dear friend Tharchu, one of the best guides in Bhutan. He will take us on a journey at a slow pace that allows us to create meaningful and thoughtful images of people, culture, and landscape, while visiting Buddhist monasteries, remote villages, and sacred festivals. This is not about rushing through places—it is about deep immersion, being present, and letting the stories come to us

Day 1: Arrival in Paro

The journey begins in the valley of Paro. After landing, we will spend the afternoon exploring ancient temples, local markets, and Bhutan’s rich architectural heritage. As the sun sets, we will gather for our first group dinner, setting intentions for the journey ahead.

Day 2: Paro to Gangtey (170 km)

A scenic drive through winding mountain roads takes us to the Phobjikha Valley, home of the endangered black-necked cranes. Here, we will visit Gangtey Monastery and enjoy an evening photography walk through the valley, capturing the interplay of light and landscape.

Day 3: Gangtey to Bumthang (160 km)

We continue eastward into the cultural heart of Bhutan—Bumthang, a valley rich with ancient monasteries, spiritual legends, and age-old craft traditions. Our evening will be spent learning about Bhutanese spiritual practices from resident monks.

Day 4-5: Exploring Bumthang & Tingtinbi

A deep dive into Bhutan’s religious and artistic heritage, including visits to Tamzhing Monastery, traditional weaving centers, and rural villages. We then journey into Tingtinbi, a hidden gem where Bhutanese village life remains untouched by time.

Day 6-7: Buli & Zhemgang Festival

In the sacred village of Buli, we will spend time with local artisans and farmers before making our way to Zhemgang, where the festival begins. Over the next two days, we will witness rare ritual dances, ancient storytelling traditions, and the deep spiritual devotion that permeates Bhutanese festivals.

Day 8-9: Trongsa & Gangtey

We journey through Trongsa, the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family, stopping to explore the imposing Trongsa Dzong and its watchtower museum. The road then takes us back to Gangtey, where an optional sunrise meditation in the valley awaits.

Day 10-11: Punakha & Thimphu

The adventure continues into Punakha, Bhutan’s old capital, where we will visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. A visit to Thimphu, the country’s bustling capital, offers a glimpse into Bhutan’s evolving identity, blending tradition with modernity.

Day 12: The Tiger’s Nest & Paro Festival

At sunrise, we begin our ascent to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), Bhutan’s most iconic landmark. In the afternoon, we will step into the Paro Festival, where vibrant costumes, rhythmic dances, and spiritual storytelling bring the dzong’s courtyard to life.

Day 13: Thongdrol Ceremony & Departure

Our final morning begins with the Thongdrol Ceremony, a deeply sacred ritual where an enormous, centuries-old thangka painting is unfurled, offering blessings to all who witness it. With hearts full and cameras rich with stories, we bid farewell to Bhutan and transfer to the airport for departure.

Who is This Expedition For?

This journey is designed for travelers, storytellers, photographers, and seekers who are drawn to cultural immersion, introspection, and the beauty of presence. No prior photography experience is required—only a willingness to slow down, observe deeply, and engage with the world in a more meaningful way.

The Hosts

Alon Cohen

Alon Cohen is an explorer of cultures and the natural world, driven by the transformative power of mindful travel and storytelling. Through his nomadic production house, Wu Wei Studio, he integrates the Taoist principle of "effortless action" into thoughtful and intuitive content creation. His work celebrates artisans, farmers, and healers, exploring the connection between people, land, and tradition, while highlighting sustainability and cultural preservation.

Tharchu – Our Bhutanese Guide

With decades of experience leading travelers through Bhutan, Tharchu is not only an expert guide but a storyteller and cultural ambassador. His deep connections within Bhutanese communities grant us exclusive access to monasteries, festivals, and villages few visitors experience. Whether arranging an intimate discussion with Buddhist monks or securing entry into hidden sacred sites, Tharchu ensures that this expedition is more than just a trip—it is an invitation into the soul of Bhutan.

Join Us

Bhutan is not a place to be rushed. It is a place to breathe, to listen, to witness. This is not a trip about checking off sights—it is about stepping into an ancient rhythm, one that still whispers across these valleys, temples, and villages.

Join us for an expedition that goes beyond the surface.

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