Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon
with Jennifer Spelman
April 23 – May 3, 2026
Course Description
Perched high in the Himalayas between India and China, tiny Bhutan is no ordinary place. Roughly the same size as Switzerland, with only 10% of its population, Bhutan stands as the last Buddhist kingdom on earth. Shrouded in mystery and magic, where a traditional Buddhist culture carefully embraces global developments, Bhutan has only been open to tourism since 1974, just a few years after it was recognized as a country by the United Nations in 1971. While its history in tourism is short, its thoughtful approach to welcoming visitors has allowed Bhutan to slowly open to the outside world without compromising its culture and traditions or degrading its pristine natural environment.
Known locally as Druk Yul, the Land of the Thunder Dragon, the country existed almost undisturbed for centuries, allowing unique traditions and ways of life to flourish. Cliff-hanging monasteries, golden-roof temples, roadside stupas, colorful prayer flags strung along trails and peaks, monks and nuns in maroon robes—Bhutan today has a spiritual footprint that draws travelers from around the world.
Bhutan provides sanctuary. It is the first carbon-negative country in the world. Any visitor soon becomes acquainted with Bhutan’s “Gross National Happiness.” This concept was invented by His Majesty the Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck in the 1970s and quickly became known the world over—the idea that a small Himalayan nation valued its citizens’ happiness and well-being over economic growth. There are 19 languages spoken in Bhutan, but the national language is Dzongkha. English is used throughout Bhutan’s education system, so it is widely used and understood. The scenery with soaring peaks and terraced valleys is gorgeous, and the country’s culture is vibrant and resilient. Bhutan is a feast for the soul—and the eyes!
Some people travel to Bhutan in search of answers, meditative opportunities, and guidance. Some people travel to Bhutan to unravel its mysteries and explore its visual bounty with a camera and lenses. Join Santa Fe Workshops and world-traveler Jennifer Spelman for a photographic itinerary expertly planned by Derek Baron to include traditional experiences and authentic local interaction, making it ideal for any photographer who wishes to truly explore and experience the fascinating history, culture, and landscapes of Bhutan.
As this 10-day journey unfolds day by day, Jennifer leads you photographically to new heights and understandings of the medium through hands-on lessons, individual image review sessions, and daily briefings on how to approach the day’s photographic opportunities. Portraiture, landscapes, street photography, reportage, abstract design, nature studies, and architectural details are part of our daily experiences. First and foremost, this is a photographic adventure to explore and discover the Land of the Thunder Dragon with Jennifer Spelman and local guides in order to understand and appreciate this unique place.
View complete itinerary (subject to change).
Additional Information
WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
This program is open to all photographers at all levels who are passionate about travel and improving their image making.
What You Should Know:
Participants should be technically self-sufficient, as this is not a program to learn how to use your gear or editing software. This is a photographic tour, not a photography workshop, and there isn’t structured classroom time. There are individual image review sessions with Jennifer, as well as help with photographic ideas and techniques on location.
Special Notes:
Participants make their own air travel arrangements to Kathmandu (Nepal), to arrive in time for the opening reception and dinner on Thursday, April 23, at 6:00 pm. To avoid jet lag, it is advised to consider arriving a day in advance to rest before the tour begins. If you choose to arrive one or two days before the tour start date or spend an extra night in Kathmandu (Nepal), our tour operator can book additional nights for you. Note: Departing flight from Kathmandu should be booked for any time after 1:00 pm in order to have enough time to transfer to the International Departures area of the airport.
It is required that you purchase trip cancellation/travel insurance for this international trip. We cannot vary from our published cancellation and refund policy regardless of your situation. We recommend a comprehensive policy including cancel for any reason coverage.
Once the trip is confirmed, additional information and travel details will be provided. Enrollment is limited to 12 participants.
Activity Level:
To get the most from this international experience, participants should be in good physical (mobility, stamina) and mental health. In general, arrive prepared for long days and seasonal weather including variable temperatures. You must be able to carry your own photographic and personal gear at all times. You are responsible for being open and honest about your physical fitness, and we reserve the right to remove you from the workshop if we find your fitness to be less than that which you have described.
While the tour itself is not very strenuous, it does require a certain level of physical activity. Please note that the trip can involve the following: long days, walking tours of up to 3 hours, being outside in potentially cold temperatures, multiple long drives, early morning wake ups, optional hikes on uneven terrain, walking up and down 30-50 steps at some locations, and altitudes reaching up to 10,200 feet (3,100 meters) above sea level, among other scenarios. This trip includes an opportunity to hike to the Tiger's Nest Monastery, a hike that can take 3-5 hours and involves steep inclines and steps. It is also possible to hire a pony to take you halfway up to a beautiful viewing point. For those not interested in the hike, other activities will be available. Additionally, Western-style toilets can be difficult to find while driving between certain destinations.
Policies:
View Payment, Refund, Withdrawal, and Transfer Policies for this International Program.
Package Price INFO:
$9,700 includes double accommodations for ten nights at three and four-star hotels, mountain lodges, and a nature resort (ideal for couples and friends traveling together; a single supplement is available for an additional $1,250); all breakfasts, nine lunches, and nine dinners; a Bhutan visa and the Sustainable Development Fee of $100 per person per day for 10 days ($1,000); all ground transportation in Nepal and Bhutan in private air-conditioned vehicles; roundtrip flights between Nepal to Bhutan, and domestic flight to Bumthang; airport transfers; group tour leader and English-speaking local guides; and all entrance fees. Airfare to and from Nepal, as well as required travel insurance, meals and activities not mentioned in the itinerary, gratuities, as well as any passport fees and visa to Nepal are not included.
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about
Jennifer Spelman is a sensitive documentary and fine-art photographer, as well as a playful observer of the subtleties of human activity. Her images pop with insight and imagination, exciting curiosity and suggesting secrets. As an educator and trip leader, Jennifer is in high demand for her creative instructional insights, easy-going nature, and sharply-honed international photography travel acumen.
Since 2011, Jennifer has co-instructed domestic and international photography workshops for National Geographic Expeditions, OneWorldSeen, and Santa Fe Workshops through Morocco, India, Cuba, Turkey, Romania, Mexico, Vietnam, and Japan. She is especially proud of the many imaginative and immersive photo trips she has co-led in elusive Cuba. Jennifer also co-founded the niche publication, CubaSeen, and is engaged in Santa Fe Workshops’ popular Mentorship Program ».
Website: jenniferspelman.com
Instagram: @jennifer_spelman
