BHUTAN: THE KARMA KINGDOM 2027

 OVERVIEW

Join OFFBEAT Photo for an unforgettable Bhutan photography workshop through the heart of the Himalayas, designed for both photographers and travellers seeking culture, landscapes, and meaningful connection. This 10-day guided photo tour explores the valleys of Paro, Punakha, and Thimphu, blending iconic Bhutan locations, vibrant festivals, and peaceful mountain scenery with accessible walking options for all fitness levels.

Photograph ancient monasteries, dzongs, rice terraces, and Himalayan vistas while experiencing the colour and energy of the Thimphu Festival, where masked dancers and traditional music create powerful storytelling moments. Capture sunrise light over prayer flags, document daily life in remote villages, and create compelling portrait and landscape imagery with guidance from professional instructors.
This Bhutan photo tour includes visits to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Punakha Dzong, Dochula Pass, and local artisan workshops, offering a deep connection to Bhutanese culture and spirituality. With optional hikes and non-hiking alternatives, this small-group photography adventure is designed to be inspiring, comfortable, and creatively fulfilling.

Whether you are building your portfolio or seeking a transformative travel experience, this Bhutan photography tour offers a rare opportunity to slow down, explore deeply, and create powerful visual stories in one of the world’s most magical destinations.

Location: Western Bhutan

Dates: Oct 8 - 17, 2027

Trip Guides*: Kris Andres and Joel Robison

* As per our Terms and Conditions, OFFBEAT reserves the right to change, at any time, the tour leader of any workshop.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

1. Creating With Intention - Working to photograph guided by purpose and vision.

2. Dealing with challenges specific with the mountain environment. - Capturing the wild, unpredictable beauty of high-altitude landscapes.

3. Shooting Cultural Events. - Capturing the energy and culture during traditional festivals and ceremonies.

4. Seeing the small scenes. - Celebrating the subtle, overlooked details that tell a deeper story.

5. Portrait photography. - Photographing the essence of people through soulful portraits.

ITINERARY
(Note: subject to change)

Day 1

It will be an early flight as we arrive in Paro & First Steps into Bhutan
Paro Dzong • Valley Views • Gentle Explorations

Welcome to Bhutan, where the mountains hold stories and the air feels sacred.

You’ll land in Paro, one of the most breathtaking airport approaches on Earth. After settling in, we begin our journey at the magnificent Paro Dzong, a fortress monastery rising above the river in white walls and golden roofs.

After lunch, the group will split into two pace options:

Explorers (hikers): a scenic walk up toward the Zuri trail for sweeping valley views

Wanderers (non-hikers): a relaxed visit to Drukgyal Dzong and the surrounding valley, with views of Mount Jomolhari on clear days

This is your first taste of Bhutan’s rhythm—slow, intentional, and deeply connected

Day 2

Crossing the Himalaya to Punakha
Dochula Pass • 108 Chortens • Divine Madman Temple
We journey east toward Punakha, crossing the legendary Dochula Pass at 3,100m.

Prayer flags flutter. 108 chortens stand in silence. On clear days, the Himalaya stretches endlessly into the sky.

After lunch, we enter the Punakha valley, lush, warm, and full of life.

Explorers: follow the Divine Madman Heritage Trail

Wanderers: take a gentle 30–40 minute walk through rice paddies and farmhouses to Chimi Lhakhang—the temple of fertility and folklore

Both routes lead us into Bhutanese rural life which is authentic, colourful, and welcoming.

Day 3

Punakha Valley & the Queen’s Temple
Punakha Dzong • Rice Terraces • Optional Trans Bhutan Trail

Today we explore one of Bhutan’s most photogenic landmarks, Punakha Dzong, resting at the confluence of two rivers like a living painting.

Then we wander into the hills:

A gentle hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten (Queen’s Temple) through rice terraces and forest paths

Optional extension along the Trans Bhutan Trail, offering a glimpse into everyday village life

For those wanting a slower day, the afternoon invites rest, reflection, or riverside wandering.

Day 4

Rivers, Bridges & Himalayan Adventure
Suspension Bridge • Pho Chu River • Rafting Experience

We begin together crossing one of Bhutan’s longest suspension bridges, prayer flags dancing in the wind beneath our feet.

From here:

Explorers: continue along the Pho Chu hiking trail

Wanderers: enjoy a riverside walk or relax before meeting the group downstream

Then we all come together for a gentle rafting journey down the Pho Chu—floating past valleys, dzongs, and untouched wilderness.

We celebrate the day with a riverside lunch overlooking Punakha Dzong, before driving to Bhutan’s capital: Thimph

Day 5

Thimphu Festival: A Celebration of Spirit
Mask Dances • Colour • Culture • Connection

Today we step into one of Bhutan’s most powerful cultural experiences: the Thimphu Tshechu Festival.
Dancers whirl in elaborate masks. Monks chant. Locals gather in vibrant dress.

This is a photographer’s dream and a human experience you will never forget.

In the evening, we wander through Thimphu’s streets, markets, and quiet corners, connecting with daily life in Bhutan’s capital.

Day 6

Art, Craft & Bhutanese Heritage
Zorig Chusum • Handmade Paper • Living Traditions

Today we slow down and go deeper into Bhutanese culture.

We visit the School of Traditional Arts, where students practice the 13 ancient Bhutanese crafts: painting, carving, sculpture, embroidery.

We continue to:

The Bhutan Post Office to create your own custom stamps

A traditional handmade paper factory, where bark becomes art

This is Bhutan beyond landscapes, this is Bhutan through human hands.

Day 7

Big Buddha & Return to Paro

Buddha Dordenma • Takin Preserve • Valley Views
We begin the day at the towering Buddha Dordenma, watching over Thimphu valley.

From here:

Explorers: hike into the hills toward Changangkha Lhakhang

Wanderers: visit the Takin Preserve, viewpoints, and sacred sites at a relaxed pace

We reunite for lunch and journey back to Paro, soaking in the last stretches of Bhutan’s winding mountain roads.

Day 8

Slow Day in Paro
Museum • Town Wander • Rest Before the Climb

Today is intentionally gentle.

We visit the National Museum of Bhutan, then spend time wandering Paro town, cafés, prayer wheels, hidden streets.

This is a day to rest, prepare, and ground yourself for tomorrow’s iconic experience.

Day 9

Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Taktsang • The Icon • The Pilgrimage

This is the day.

Clinging impossibly to a cliff 900 metres above the valley floor, Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang) is one of the most iconic spiritual sites on Earth.

Explorers: complete the full hike to the monastery

Wanderers: enjoy a shortened hike or take a vehicle option and still experience the magic

No matter your path, you will stand before this sacred place and feel its power.

This is Bhutan’s heart.

Day 10

Departure
Today marks our departure from Bhutan, leaving with memories and photos of this truly one of a kind place.

 PRICE AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE 

Cost: CAD $13,500.00

Payment options: Full payment or CAD $1500 non-refundable deposit to secure a space with balance paid in instalments prior to  August, 2027.

If you choose the deposit option + instalments, your payment schedule will be as follows (after initial deposit):

• May 17,2026 - $3,000.00 CAD
• September 17, 2026 - $3,000.00 CAD
• January 17,2027 - $3,000.00 CAD
• May 17, 2027 -$3,000.00 CAD 

Single Room Supplement: $650 CAD

 THE FINER DETAILS 

Registration fees include:

What’s Included:

• All-inclusive during workshop dates:
  • Round-trip flights from Bangkok, Thailand to Paro, Bhutan
  • All meals in Bhutan (no alcohol)
  • All in-country transportation in Bhutan
  • All accommodations in Bhutan
• Round-trip flights from Bangkok, Thailand to Paro, Bhutan
• Photography instruction by Kris Andres and Joel Robison
• Local Bhutanese guides
• Location scouting and itinerary planned by OFFBEAT instructors.
• Lifetime membership to OFFBEAT Community.

Not included in registration fees: 

• Airfare to/from Bangkok, Thailand from your home country.
• Accommodation or transportation in Bangkok, Thailand.
• Personal expenses including alcohol.
• Required travel insurance.
• Tips

 GUIDES

About Kris Andres

Based at the doorstep of the Canadian Rockies in Calgary, Alberta, Kristopher considers the mountains (along with everywhere he travels) to be his second home. Kris is always up for endless adventures with a smile—no matter how "atmospheric" the conditions are. He will be overly excited in almost everything he does in life, capturing each story with the click of a shutter, in any and all genres—from adventure to landscapes to portraiture to food and more! When he’s not out creating, Kris is a full-time yogi working to refine himself every day. 

About Joel Robison
Joel Robison is a creative portrait photographer from Cranbrook, British Columbia, Canada. His work is a blend of whimsy and realism and focuses on the fine line between our imagination and the real work around us. Much of his work is inspired by his own interpretations of real-life events, dreams, fears and his understanding of mental health. His work has been featured around the world with clients like Coca-Cola, Google, Oprah Magazine, Adobe and others. He has taught workshops both online and offline around the world and is passionate about inspiring other artists to develop their own creative identity.

 CANCELLATION  INSURANCE POLICY 

CANCELLATION: Spots are non-refundable but are transferable, with the exception of a $250 administration fee.  For instance, we will provide a refund, minus the administration fee, if the participant is able to find someone else to take his or her spot and can sell/transfer the spot to a new participant. Please contact us at [email protected] to make arrangements.

Although extremely unlikely, OFFBEAT Photography Inc. reserves the right to cancel the tour at any time for a variety of reasons (i.e. if a minimum number of participants is not met or if unforeseen circumstances dramatically impacted cost of the tour or global conditions somehow warranted a cancellation). In the very unlikely event of a cancellation within OFFBEAT’s control, all monies/deposits made to OFFBEAT Photography Inc. would be refunded to participants, however, no compensation would be made for participant flight cancellation fees or any other associated travel costs. See Insurance Policy for more details.In the very unlikely event of a cancellation beyond OFFBEAT’s control (I.e global situation, act of God, war, medical outbreak, extreme weather, pandemic), every attempt would be made to rebook the tour within a period of two years. In this situation, no refunds would be given but every effort made to find participants a spot on the rescheduled tour or another upcoming OFFBEAT tour.

 INSURANCE  

It is not only advised but required that workshop participants have trip cancellation/interruption insurance, as well as emergency medical/illness insurance and rescue coverage (proof required within 4 months of departure).

Weather and other unforeseen factors can cause delays in travel, particularly from some of our more remote locations. It is the participant’s responsibility to cover any costs in the case of a travel delay of any length. Please ensure your trip cancellation/interruption insurance accommodates this possibility.

 OFFBEAT TERMS AND CONDITIONS 

Please take the time to review OFFBEAT’s Terms and Conditions, including our Cancellation Policies. You are required to agree to these in order to confirm your registration. Effective June 16, 2022.

For any additional questions, please contact us at [email protected]