RHYTHMS
of
EASTERN BHUTAN
When: 15 ~ 27th November 2026 (13 Days)
Who: Tour leaders ~ Lynn Gail & Tshangkhap Namgay
Where: Exploring the untouched landscape and people of East Bhutan
Level: Beginner to experienced photographer
Fitness: Photographic pace
Sleeping: A mixture of traditional homestays, nunnery and hotels.
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TRADITION | CULTURE | BELIEF
THE HEART OF EASTERN BHUTAN
This specially curated photography tour takes you deep into the heart of Eastern Bhutan, a region few travellers reach, yet one of the most rewarding for photographers wanting to experience real life in a landscape untouched by the hand of tourism. From visiting and staying at a nunnery to the vibrant colours of the Trashigang Tsechu festival to the timeless rhythms of life in highland villages, this in an invitation to slowly stretch into days as life unfolds in a land soaked in traditions. Every day offers rare and incredible opportunities to capture Bhutan’s living beliefs, striking landscapes, and heartfelt hospitality. The journey winds through tea gardens, ancient monasteries, weaving villages, and dramatic mountain passes, ending in the serene valleys of Bumthang and Paro.
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This is a journey for those wanting to immerse themselves in the ordinary that is extraordinary.
DAY 1 : SINGAPORE - SAMDRUP JONGKHAR
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You will fly out from Singapore to Guwahati (India) with Drukair, one of the national airlines of Bhutan. Upon arrival, our team will greet you at the airport and accompany you to Samdrup Jongkhar, Bhutan’s southeastern gateway. The drive is approximately 3 hours, travelling through the assam tea garden to Samdrup Jongkhar.
DAY 2: SAMDRUP JONGKHAR - TRASHIGANG
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After an early breakfast, we begin the long but breathtaking drive to Trashigang, a journey of about 6 to 7 hours through subtropical forests and quaint hillside villages. Lunch will be at Wamrong, before continuing toward the highlands. Along the way, we stop at the National Handloom Development Centre in Khaling, where you’ll witness the intricate process of dyeing and weaving using natural colors and traditional techniques. The vibrant patterns and rhythmic movements of the weavers offer endless opportunities for detail photography.
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DAY 3: TRASHIGANG - MERAK
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Today, we journey to the highlands. Our first visit is Khardung Anim Dratshang in Radhi, a peaceful nunnery built by Dungse Garab Rinpoche. Home to a community of dedicated nuns, the monastery is a place of serenity, devotion, and beautiful light. We will have the opportunity to stay here and immerse ourselves in the nuns' daily activities offering a wonderful window into their devotion, and into their lives.
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We continue to Merak Village, home to the Brokpas - semi-nomadic highlanders whose lives revolve around yak herding and mountain living. The village, situated at about 3,500 meters, is known for its striking red woolen attire and centuries-old customs. Here, you can photograph both sweeping landscapes and intimate scenes of daily life. Local legends of the Yeti still echo in these valleys, adding mystery to the mountain scape.
DAY 4: MERAK - TRASHIGANG
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After breakfast, we will photograph the people of Merek wearing their traditional attire. After the photoshoot we descend once more towards Trashigang, pausing for photos of early-morning light spilling softly across the hills. En route, we visit Rangjung Monastery, an elegant spiritual center founded by Dungse Garab Rinpoche. Its prayer wheels, ornate architecture, and surrounding landscape provide serene photographic compositions. We return to Trashigang for the night, resting before the vibrant festival the next day.
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DAY 5: TRASHIGANG
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This day is devoted to the Trashigang Tshechu, one of eastern Bhutan’s grandest festivals. Held annually at the historic Trashigang Dzong, the Tshechu draws villagers from across the region, all dressed in their finest attire. You’ll have the opportunity to photograph sacred mask dances, dramatic costumes, and moments of devotion as people gather to receive blessings and celebrate their faith.
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The energy, color, and joy of the Tshechu make it a photographer’s paradise. As the day unfolds, immerse yourself in capturing both the spectacle and the quiet, contemplative moments in between.
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DAY 6: TRASHIGANG TO MONGAR
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Before breakfast, attend Trashigang Thondrol. Trashigang Thongdrole is a large applique thangka displayed to the public during the annual festival. A thongdrol, which means “liberation on sight” is revealed in order to confer blessing on those assembled.
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After breakfast, we continue westward to Mongar, a drive of about four hours through mountain ridges and weaving villages. We stop at Yadi Village, where women sit by their doorways working on handlooms, a living tradition that has barely changed over generations. The vibrant threads and rhythmic weaving make for beautiful photo subjects.
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Further along, we visit Kadam Temple, dedicated to the “Tsampa” meaning the meditators. Most of the practitioners have long hair that they tie back and wear red ghos (traditional attire) down to the ankles. The temple’s prayer wheels, turned endlessly by elderly devotees, create a moving symphony of faith and sound. After exploring, we reach Mongar for a peaceful overnight stay.
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Day 7: MONGAR TO KHOMA, LHUNTSE
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After breakfast, we drive north into the beautiful district of Lhuntse, ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family and famed for its textile art. The route passes cliffs, deep gorges, and forests before arriving at Khoma Village, the heart of the country’s weaving tradition. Here, women weave the exquisite Kishuthara fabric, one of Bhutan’s most prized textiles, which is known for its fine silk patterns and vibrant motifs.
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Later, visit the towering Guru Rinpoche Statue at Takila, standing 148 feet tall, one of Bhutan’s most magnificent monuments. The statue overlooks the valley and offers sweeping views ideal for wide-angle landscape photography. We return to Mongar for the night.
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Day 8: MONGAR TO BUMTHANG
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Today’s journey is the longest, but also the most rewarding. The road climbs through the Thrumshing La National Park, passing bird-rich forests, and dramatic cliffs. At 3,750 meters, Thrumshing La Pass offers breathtaking panoramas, perfect for landscape photography.
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Descending into the Ura Valley, you’ll find a charming cluster of traditional homes with cobbled lanes and an ancient timeless feel. Local legend tells of an old woman visited by a lama who left behind a sacred statue; it's still revered by her descendants today. We continue to Bumthang or Trongsa for the night, depending on route timing.
Day 9: BUMTHANG TO ​PHOBJIKHA
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After breakfast, drive to Phobjikha via Trongsa. We explore the magnificent Trongsa Dzong, Bhutan’s largest fortress, perched dramatically on a ridge overlooking the Mangde Chhu River. The site offers extraordinary views and insights into Bhutan’s monastic architecture.
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We will continue our drive to Phobjikha. You will drive through Pele La (mountain pass, 3,420m). This was the demarcation of the eastern and western regions in the olden days. You might see yak herders to photograph at the pass, selling their wares and caring for the animals.
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Day 10: PHOBJIKHA TO PUNAKHA
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After the breakfast, hike along the Phobjikha Nature Trail. This hike is about 1 hour, and takes you through pine trees to the beautiful valley. The hike will start from Khewang Temple and end at Gangtey (Hill) Goemba.
After lunch, we visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong. This Dzong was founded in 1638. Unfortunately, in June 2012 it was destroyed by the fire, but was rebuilt and consecrated in 2022.
We will have time to visit Richengang village – a small village in front of Wangdi Dzong which is famous for its traditional stonework. It is believed to be one of the oldest villages in Bhutan.
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Day 11: Punakha – Thimphu
After breakfast, we will visit Punakha Dzong. It is also called Punthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of the Great Happiness). The Dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung, located between the Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955, and it is also the winter residence of the central monk body and the Chief Abbot.
The drive from Punakha to Thimphu takes about 2 hours total, with stops along the way. Your drive takes you through the beautiful Dochu La (mountain pass) with 108 stupas. The pass is at an altitude of about 3150m, and on a clear day you will see the snow-capped mountains.
Day 12. 26/11/2026 (Thru) Thimphu
After breakfast, we will visit the Memorial chortan to photograph portraits. Photographing people at the Memorial chortan in Thimphu is a deeply moving experience. Every morning, the place comes alive with elderly men and women circumambulating the stupa, murmuring prayers, spinning prayer wheels, and counting rosery beads.
After the visit, drive to Paro. The drive from Thimphu to Paro is about an hour. In Paro you can have a leisure time and buy souvenirs or visit the oldest temple, Paro dzong and the National Museum.
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DAY 13 FAREWELL AT PARO
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Your guide and driver will drive you to the airport for your departure. In Bhutanese culture there is no word for “goodbye” so they say “Lok Jay Gay”, which means “see you again”.
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Tour pricing:
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Tour Cost: AUD $11,550 -includes single supplement room
Numbers: Minimum photographers: 5. Maximum photographers: 8.
Photography ability: Beginner to advanced
Please note: A deposit of AUD$2,000 secures your place on the tour.
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The small print (made large)
Tour includes:
• Airport transfers.
• All meals - breakfast, lunch, dinner.
• All road transport.
• All tourism permits.
• All entrances.
• All guiding.
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Tour excludes:
• Any flights.
• Alcohol
• Travel / medical / trip cancellation / comprehensive travel insurance( Policy number REQUIRED)
• Items of a personal nature e.g. curios, souvenirs, beauty treatments, telephone calls.
• Tips/ Gratuities
• Camera insurance and equipment.
• Excess baggage claim.
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For terms and conditions covering the Bhutan tour, including cancellation fees, please make sure you read through our T&C’s policy, available on request.