Bhutan Kingdom of Fungi

Mushroom & Photography Tour

Season: August

Duration: 11 Days

Join this extraordinary journey to the heart of Bhutan, a mystical kingdom nestled in the Eastern Himalayas. This specially curated tour is designed for mushroom enthusiasts and macro photography lovers alike, blending Bhutan’s incredible biodiversity, breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unique gastronomic experiences.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Experience and capturing Matsutake Mushroom festivals
Learn Foraging Techniques
Staying in authentic heritage lodge and good ambiance.
Taking unique photographs; morning and afternoon.
Healthy and authentic food tasting.
Experience Rafting

ITINERARY – 11DAYS

August

Day 1 ARRIVAL IN PARO & DRIVE TO THIMPHU

Arrive in Paro and drive through the stunning valley to Thimphu.
Relax and meet your photography and mushroom experts over dinner – mushrooms guaranteed

Day 2 GENEKHA VILLAGE & MUSHROOM HARVESTING

Travel to Genekha, known for its rich mushroom diversity.
Learn foraging techniques from Sabitra Pradhan and local experts.
Introduction to macro mushroom photography by Max Mudie

Day 3 MATSUTAKE MUSHROOM FESTIVAL & RETURN TO THIMPHU

Attend the Matsutake Mushroom Festival, tasting rare mushroom dishes.
Cultural performances and photography opportunities.
Return to Thimphu for an evening photo review session.

Day 4 DOCHULA PASS, LUNGCHUTSE HIKE & MUSHROOM FORAGING

Hike to Lungchutse and forage for wild mushrooms.
Capture panoramic mountain landscapes with Ugyen Wangchuk
Evening UV fungi walk to discover bioluminescent mushrooms.

Day 5 TRANS BHUTAN TRAIL HIKE & CHIMI LHAKHANG VISIT

Hike along the historic Trans Bhutan Trail.
Continue mushroom hunting in lush valleys.
Visit the Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of the Divine Madman.

Day 6 KHAMSUM YUELAY NAMGAY CHORTEN HIKE & RIVER RAFTING

Hike to Khamsum Yuelay Namgay Chorten with photography lessons.
Experience white water rafting on the Pho Chhu River.
Visit the stunning Punakha Dzong.

Day 7 DRIVE TO PHOBJIKHA & GANGTEY NATURE HIKE

Visit the Phobjikha Valley, home to black-necked cranes.
Mushroom foraging and photography in the wetlands and forests.
Cooking Mushrooms out in nature.

Day 8 DRIVE BACK TO PARO VIA WANGDUE DZONG

Explore the Wangdue Dzong, a historic fortress.
Travel back to Paro with photo stops along the way.

Day 9 MUSHROOM FORAGING IN PARO VALLEY

Explore the rich mushroom biodiversity of the Paro Valley

Day 10 HIKE TO TIGER’S NEST & MUSHROOM PHOTOGRAPHY

Hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Bhutan’s most iconic site.
Mushroom foraging and macro photography workshop above the monastery.

Day 11 DEPARTURE FROM PARO AIRPORT

Transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure home.
Depart with dried mushrooms, stunning photographs, and knowledge of Bhutan’s mushroom treasures.