Combining jungle wildlife safaris and tranquil mountain sojourns, this unusual itinerary offers photographers a mosaic of diverse geography and cultures in two adjacent but very different Asian countries. In the shadow of the world's highest peaks, Nepal's lowland plains hold captivating animal subjects, including one-horned rhinos, sloth bears and leopards that prowl the subtropical forests. Next door in Bhutan, the "Land of the Thunder Dragon," photograph alpine panoramas, meadows dotted with grazing yaks, clear rushing rivers and ancient monasteries. Dedicated to preserving its deep Buddhist traditions and pristine landscapes, tiny Bhutan is a global conservation leader proud to be not only carbon-neutral but carbon-negative, sustaining ecological diversity through native forest restoration. Add in historic highlights and contemporary cultural scenes in the Kathmandu Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Center, and you have a photography adventure sure to engage all your senses and creativity.
Trip Highlights
Diverse Photo Opportunities in Varied Natural Realms
In two neighboring countries, find a distinctive focus on nature, scenery, wildlife and contrasting ecosystems, from tropical lowlands to subalpine heights
Wildlife Photo Safaris in Chitwan National Park
In the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chitwan, pursue photos of one-horned rhinoceros, Asian elephant, sloth bear, spotted deer, golden jackal, profuse birdlife and more
Evocative Imagery of Ancient Cultural Heritage
Photograph Hindu temples in the Kathmandu Valley, and get iconic shots of Taktsang Monastery, Bhutan's famous “Tiger’s Nest” temple perched on a sheer mountain cliff
A Unique Asian Photo Journey Melding Nature & Cultures
Most trips to the Himalayas tend to be somewhat singularly focused: you'll spend most of your time exploring museums and monasteries, or you'll sign on for a taxing trek between high-altitude camps. What about an alternative for the photographer who's fascinated by both nature and culture, who values diverse nature subjects but also appreciates rich human history, not to mention creature comforts? We think we have created your ideal adventure!
A Unique Nature-Intensive Focus
Our carefully crafted itinerary combines highlights of two countries and offers an unusual combination of natural and cultural subjects rarely presented together. Photograph native wildlife, such as Asian elephant and rhinos, in Nepal, and snap alpine panoramas from passes in Bhutan. We also capture images of each country's Buddhist and Hindu heritage expressed in rich architectural and religious sites.Spend Three Days Photographing Wildlife in the Jungles of Nepal
Nepal is known for its Himalayan heights, but its lowlands—called the Terai—are where its most abundant wildlife resides. We stay at a secluded luxury ecolodge near Chitwan National Park, Nepal’s premier wildlife reserve, and the lodge boasts high sightings of one-horned rhinoceros, crocodile and gharial. We may also see wild Asian elephant, leopard, sloth bear, wild boar, crocodile, sambar deer and monkeys—and, if we’re extremely lucky, the elusive Bengal tiger.A Diverse Itinerary Filled with Varied Activities
This unusual trip includes an engaging mix of activities that appeal to photographers: wildlife drives, guided nature walks and canoe rides, plus cultural experiences in Kathmandu and Bhutan. Bhutan is known for its dramatic landscapes and serene Buddhist culture, and we'll have ample opportunity to experience both as we visit temples adorned with fluttering prayer flags and its architecturally unique dzongs (massive fortified monasteries). If you’re the kind of photographer who finds everything interesting, this trip is for you!Outstanding Bird Photo Opportunities
In addition to the varied mammals we may spot, Chitwan abounds in bird species—more than 500 are found in the vicinity of our lodge—and we’re sure to see plenty in Bhutan as well. Even casual birdwatchers will enjoy the avian elements of our adventure. Bring your telephoto lens!Photograph Takin in Bhutan’s Motithang Reserve
While stunning mountainscapes and a rich Buddhist heritage are Bhutan’s greatest draws for most travelers, a visit to this wildlife reserve is also a highlight for photographers interested in Bhutan's native wildlife species. The takin, a large, shaggy ungulate related to the muskox, is Bhutan’s national animal, and we’ll get close-up shots at this sanctuary, as well as of sambar and barking deer.A Small Group for Quieter Photo Encounters
Because we know that both wildlife and cultural encounters are best in intimate settings, we travel with no more than nine guests—ensuring quiet moments with wildlife and personal interaction with the people we will meet.Travel with Outstanding Photographer-Naturalist Guides
At Nat Hab, we’ve developed a global reputation for the world’s best guides, because we know guides are the key to making a good trip truly great. In Bhutan, our own Expedition Leader is paired with an outstanding local Bhutanese guide, ensuring the ideal complement of trip management expertise, attentive personal service and insider insight—not to mention expert photography guidance. And in Nepal's Chitwan National Park, we are joined by expert local naturalists from our jungle lodge who are highly adept wildlife spotters, on hand to help you get the pictures you covet. Our Photo Expedition Leader oversees your trip from start to finish, while our knowledgeable local guides add in-depth understanding of local culture and wildlife. Read our Expedition Leader bios and traveler comments regarding the quality of our leaders.Our Quality-Value Guarantee Ensures Your Outstanding Himalayan Adventure
With Natural Habitat Adventures, you receive our exclusive guarantee, which clearly states that we will meet the high expectations we set forth in our promotional materials. To our knowledge, this is the most ambitious guarantee made by any adventure travel company. Read our important promise for yourself!Feel Good About Your Carbon-Neutral Journey
We care deeply about our planet, as we know you do. When you travel with us, the carbon emissions from your trip are 100% offset—including your round-trip flights from home. Natural Habitat Adventures has been the world’s first carbon-neutral travel company since 2007.Natural Habitat Adventures is WWF’s Travel Partner
Because of our commitment to environmentally friendly travel, as well as the exceptional quality of our small-group nature adventures, World Wildlife Fund, the world’s leading environmental conservation organization, has named Natural Habitat Adventures its worldwide travel partner—a designation that makes us exceedingly proud!
