Himalayan Mountain Kingdoms Photo Expedition

With Travel Photographer Dan Heller, discover the magic and mystery of the Himalayas on a photographic journey to Tibet, Bhutan, and Nepal. We experience Tibet through the immense power of places like mandala-shaped Samye Monastery, founded 1,200 years ago. In the flourishing Tibetan Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan, we hike up to the hermitage of Taktsang, the “Tiger’s Nest,” and witness a traditional festival with masked dances. In Nepal, we discover an ancient melting pot of Himalayan cultures as we roam the fascinating bazaars of Kathmandu. Along the way, Dan will offer coaching on technique and we also have group sessions from time to time to review everyone’s photos (including Dan’s!). The only thing you need to bring is a digital camera! Spouses and non-photographer travel companions are absolutely welcome. Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime photo expedition in the Himalayas.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-5
Lhasa, Tibet / Yarlung Valley / Samye

In Lhasa, Tibet’s sacred city, our explorations include the Jokhang, Tibet’s holiest temple, and the massive Ganden Monastery, with its vast complex of temples and pilgrims engaged in devotional activities. In the remote Yarlung Valley, 7th century birthplace of the first kings of Tibet, we visit the 8th century Samye Monastery, an architectural showplace with 108 chapels built into a great circular stone wall.

Days 6-7
Kathmandu, Nepal

Kathmandu is an ancient city where Hindu and Buddhist worlds intertwine. We visit fascinating sites including the thriving Buddhist center at Bodha, where monasteries have been built by the Tibetan exile community.

Days 8-14
Paro, Bhutan / Thimphu and Wangdi Festivals / Punakha / Paro

Gold-roofed monasteries, emerald valleys, deep, rustling forests—Bhutan’s landscape is so ethereal it seems taken from the pages of a storybook. In this tiny kingdom, the presence of Tibetan Buddhism is everywhere, from fluttering prayer flags to exquisite hilltop lhakhangs (temples). In Thimphu, the capital, and in the small village of Wangdi, we attend spectacular Tsechu Festivals, where Bhutanese dress in their finery and renew their faith in a traditional celebration of community, and in Paro, we hike up to the famous hermitage called Taktsang, the “Tiger’s Nest.” In the peaceful Punakha Valley, Bhutan’s winter capital for 300 years, we hike to hillside chortens (shrines) and visit the labyrinthine Punakha Dzong, seat of the head abbot of Bhutan. Depart via Paro on Day 14.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 2+, easy to moderate. It features vehicle-based sightseeing with day walks and hotel/lodge accommodations throughout. Our optional day hikes take place at altitudes of 4,000-13,000 feet. All hiking is with a daypack only, and you always have the option to skip any hike you don’t want to undertake. This trip is appropriate for anyone in good health living an active outdoor lifestyle. Although you carry only a daypack on the walks, we recommend that you make a special effort to be in good physical condition. Daily brisk walking and/or regular hiking (or using a stair-climbing machine at your gym) are excellent preparatory exercises. You should wear sturdy, well-broken-in footwear. Accommodations in Tibet and Bhutan range from rustic to deluxe. The Zhiwa Ling Hotel in Paro, the Taj Tashi in Thimphu, and the Yak & Yeti in Kathmandu are deluxe and offer a great deal of comfort, while the lodge in Punakha and the hotels in Lhasa and Tsetang are well situated and cozy but somewhat rustic.

This special WT Expedition is similar to our classic Himalayan Mountain Kingdoms adventure, with a special focus on photography. We will be sending you Dan’s book on travel photography, which addresses very common and easily mastered photo techniques that anyone can do. It covers composition and other fundamentals that Dan will address throughout the trip. As we visit temples and people and markets, Dan will be there to help with photo ideas if and when you need them. We’ll also have group sessions on a daily or semi-daily basis to review everyone’s photos (including Dan’s!), both to get a sense of what we’ve seen, but to get tips and points on the spot for improving your pictures. Most people find their skills vastly improve within just a few days of these photo trips. The sessions are always fun for everyone, whether or not they are serious photographers. Dan will also provide one-on-one sessions for those particularly interested in taking their photo skills to the next step.

Explanation of Trip Levels