7-Day Photography Journey with Nuno Alves and Leica Singapore

Welcome to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Touching down at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide upon exiting the arrival hall. Today, we will take it easy to acclimatise to the altitude. Drive to Thimphu, check in to the hotel and lets have your first taste of Bhutanese cuisine.

View of Tashichho Dzong at Night

Walk Around Thimphu Town

Situated at an altitude of 2400m, Thimphu is the centre of government, religion and commerce. The capital has an interesting combination of tradition and modernity, and includes some of the most advanced and remotest parts of the kingdom. It is home to the Kings and the Royal family members, civil servants, expatriates, politicians, business persons and monks. Enjoy this cultural mix based on livelihood. Of culture we will take you through temples, dzongs, chortens, museums, handicraft stores, nunneries, parks and many more. Allow yourself to meet both traditional and contemporary artist.

Buddha Point 

Simply Bhutan

Kaja Throm Thimphu

National Memorial Chorten

Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu Dzong)

We will set off early from Thimphu after breakfast. Then proceed to Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan, about 2 1/2 hours drive from Thimphu across Dochu-la pass. Once you cross the pass, you wind down into a warm fertile valley and meander along a gently flowing aquamarine river that leads you to the Punakha Dzong, the second dzong to be built in Bhutan.

Dochula Pass

Chimi Lhakhang

Punakha Dzong

Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge

Drive back to Paro, stopping at the breathtaking Dochula Pass to experience the vibrant Druk Wangyel Tshechu, one of Bhutan's most unique cultural festivals. Set against a dramatic backdrop of the snow-capped Himalayas and the iconic 108 chortens, this extraordinary celebration blends ancient Bhutanese traditions with modern history through colourful masked dances, elaborate costumes, and powerful storytelling. 

Unlike other tshechus, the performances honour the leadership of His Majesty the Fourth King and celebrate Bhutan's peace, sovereignty, and national unity. Surrounded by fluttering prayer flags and crisp mountain air, this is a rare opportunity to witness Bhutanese culture come alive in one of the country's most spectacular settings before continuing your journey to Paro.

Gain excess to behind-the-scenes photography sessions with the performers prior to the start of the festival.

Druk Wangyal Chortens

Dochula Druk Wangyel Tshechu

Tachog Lhakhang

Paro Valley

Discover the cultural heart of Paro as you explore some of Bhutan's most treasured landmarks. Visit the historic National Museum to gain insight into the country's rich heritage, experience the serenity of the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, witness the intricate craftsmanship of traditional sand mandala art, and end the day with an authentic Bhutanese meal at a local farmhouse, where warm hospitality and home-cooked flavours offer a genuine taste of Bhutanese life.

National Museum (Ta Dzong)

Kyichu Lhakhang

Sand Mandala Art

Authentic Bhutanese Cuisine at Rimphu Heritage

Are you ready? We will be making the hike up to one of the key highlights in Bhutan today! Tiger's Nest aka Taktsang Monastery

Taktsang Monastery

Hot Stone Bath

Today we will bid a fond farewell to this beautiful Himalayan country and take a flight back home. We hope by now you would have made some friends and also kept many photos and beautiful memories of Bhutan! And we look forward to seeing you again in this beautiful land of endless Enchantments! Tashi Delek