Bhutan Photography Expedition
July 1 - 14 , 2025 | Bhutan | $5120 excl. flight
There are places that don’t just exist—but ask you to slow down and notice. Bhutan is one of them. A kingdom where time isn’t measured in speed, but in presence. Where stillness and movement are not opposites—they are part of the same rhythm.
Monk prayers linger on monastery walls, dissolving into the mountain air. And mountain paths unfold step by step, asking nothing of you but to simply be. In Bhutan, what once felt like nowhere becomes now-here—a quiet moment of mindfulness, where the world softens, and your attention sharpens.
This expedition isn’t about chasing photographs—it’s about observing, not pursuing. About seeing beyond the lens—not just capturing images, but experiencing life as it unfolds. Meeting monks in silent retreat, artisans preserving their craft, nomadic herders that follow the ancient rhythm of the land and villagers whose way of life is woven into the mountains.
I first noticed this contrast during a festival—drums echoing, masked dancers moving in sweeping rhythms, devotion woven into sound, color, and ritual. Yet, just beyond the movement, I saw something else—a monk writing ancient script, his hands gliding over parchment as children watched, completely immersed. In the midst of all that energy, there was stillness.
Here, I invite you to immerse in presence and sharpen your eye for storytelling.
Dates: July 1 - 14 , 2025
Expedition starts/ends in: Paro, Bhutan
Type: Van based overland expedition
Physical difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Price: $ 5120 per person incl. VAT (based on twin sharing / double sharing accommodation)
Flight not included in price (we can assist in the booking)
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
Group size: Min 6, max 10
Experience level: Anyone is welcome, from beginners to professionals.
This journey is designed for travelers, storytellers, photographers, and seekers alike.
No prior photography experience is required—only a willingness to slow down, observe deeply, and engage with the world in a more meaningful way.
Single supplement available for additional cost
Read the Terms & Conditions before booking
See the full day-to-day itinerary below
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 the land of the thunder dragon, Bhutan, I was honored to document King Jigme Khesar & Queen Jetsun Pema as part of their revealing of the Mindfulness City plans during the innovation forum 2024, while hearing about the kingdom’s philosophy first hand.
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 and presence are 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’s 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 pulsing heart of this remarkable land.
Expect the unexpected:
Two Festivals in the villages of Nimalung & Krujey, Bumthang, where centuries-old masked dances unfold against the backdrop of powerful fort-monasteries (dzongs).
Interactive Experiences like hands-on dumpling making, Sunday archery matches with locals, organic paper making and Buddhist teachings from monks.
Wellness & Quiet Reflection are integral—optional pranayama breathwork, meditation, yoga, and daily handpan sound sessions
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 in line with Bhutan’s eco philosophy, we’ll stay in three & four star hotels, traditional farm stays and a unique wellness resort.
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 and wise tour guide Tharchu and his team. They 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, drink tea with monks and enjoy an evening photography walk through the valley, capturing the interplay of light and landscape. This is a good time to mention that every night we will gather to edit / storybuild (for those interested)
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 3-5: Exploring Bumthang & Festivals
A deep dive into Bhutan’s religious and artistic heritage and attending the infamous festivals at Nimalung & Kurjey Over the next three days, we will witness rare ritual dances, ancient storytelling traditions, and the deep spiritual devotion that permeates Bhutanese festivals in these region of Bumthang.
In between, we will visit the monks at Tamzhing Monastery, traditional weaving centers and rural villages like Tingtinbi, a hidden gem where Bhutanese village life remains untouched by time. Our last morning at Bumthan begins with the Thongdrol Ceremony, a deeply sacred ritual where an enormous, centuries-old thangka painting is unfurled, offering blessings to all who witness.
Day 6-9: 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
At sunrise, we begin our ascent to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), Bhutan’s most iconic landmark. A day full of surprises.
Day 13: Rejuvenation & Departure
With hearts full and cameras rich with stories, we bid farewell to Bhutan and transfer to the airport for departure. But our journey doesn’t stop there—we will meet on Zoom once more after the expedition for a valuable class on expressing ideas through photography and a visual storytelling sharing circle.
About 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 storytelling. His work explores the connection between people, land, and the unseen forces that shape us.
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 a group of like-minded travelers on an immersive journey beyond the lens
