Tschechu Festivals

Festivals are an extraordinary way of discovering the ancient traditions and culture of Bhutan. Tschechu festival in the capital Thimphu is the biggest of all of them. In addition to the performers, it's just as exciting to photograph people in the audience, focused on the proceedings and unaware of being captured. We will also visit a smaller and more intimate festival in Wangdue.

Punakha Dzong

the 17th-century Punakha Dzong (a crossover between a monastery / fort / palace) is arguably the most majestic piece of Bhutan's unique architecture, towering over a river valley. With a number of towers, courtyards and colourful dorrs, the dzong provides endless architectural backdrops for people photosgraphy.

Chimi Lhakhang

This small monastery near Punakha rose to fame due to a 15th century Tibetan Buddhist monk Drukpa Kunley, known as "Mad Saint". Upon his arrival, he proceeded to convert local women into Buddhism by sleeping with them, which earned him a title "The Saint of 5,000 Women". He is credited with introducing a practice of phallus paintings and statues in Bhutan, very prominent locally.

Tiger's Nest

Paro Taktsang, aka Tiger's Nest is the most iconic sight in Bhutan. It's an insanely photogenic 17th century monastery perched on the cliff of Paro Valley. Its graceful lines show Bhutan's architecture at its very best. Only reachable via a long, high-altitude trek, it's far away from the modern civilisation and seems literally suspended in the past.