𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝-𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐞𝐬

…𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒎 𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒔 𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒂𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒉𝒐𝒕𝒐𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒑𝒉𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒆 𝑩𝒉𝒖𝒕𝒂𝒏 𝒈𝒍𝒐𝒃𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚

Contributed by : Tsewang Rinchen, Managing Director, Original Bhutan Travels

For the first time, Bhutan’s temples, dzongs, and natural landscapes are being captured from a bird’s-eye view by a team of internationally acclaimed photographers, offering a fresh perspective for global audiences. The project, a collaboration between Original Bhutan Travels and the Department of Tourism, combines aerial and conventional photography to showcase the country’s cultural and natural heritage like never before.

“From the top, a Chorten looks like a mandala painted on temple walls,” said Tsewang Rinchen, Managing Director of Original Bhutan Travels. “But because we usually see Chortens from the ground or in conventional photos, we rarely appreciate these dimensions.”

Until now, most images of Bhutan’s iconic sites have been taken from standard ground-level angles. The new initiative aims to change that. Six photographers from the Amazing Aerial Agency, Paul Prescott of France and Britain, Agnieszka Wieczorek of Poland, Fran Arnau of Spain, Michael Chlebek of Germany, Kevin Pagès of France, and Teo Chin Leong of Singapore, have documented the country using both aerial drones and conventional cameras. They bring extensive international experience, having worked with Conde Nast Traveller, National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, Microsoft Bing, British Airways Club, Skyscanner, Nikon, Canon, Sony, The Guardian, and The Telegraph.

The photographers traveled across Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Wangduephodrang, Trongsa, Bumthang, and Haa districts to capture Bhutan’s cultural and natural attractions from new angles. These images will be used by the Department of Tourism for global promotional campaigns, while the photographers themselves plan to showcase Bhutan through their personal and publisher channels.

“Their skill is only matched by their passion for aerial photography. Bhutan has gained new friends in them, as we hear them speak about our country and how enchanted they are,” Rinchen said.

The photographers shared their impressions of Bhutan. Fran Arnau praised the country’s balance between tradition and modernity. “I have truly fallen in love with Bhutan. The country feels incredibly authentic. Both the government and the people are deeply committed to preserving their culture and way of life. For photography, it is perfect. The landscapes and people are amazing, friendly, and open to sharing their lives with us.”

Michael Chlebek highlighted the warmth of Bhutanese people. “The people here are so kind, it feels unique in the world. Photographing them is a real pleasure. When we launched our drones, children gathered around, excited to watch and eager to learn. That joy and curiosity made the experience unforgettable.”

Agnieszka Wieczorek reflected on Bhutan’s atmosphere of peace and respect. “I felt something very special when we landed. Everyone was kind, calm, and curious about us. It has been a long time since I felt such peace in a new place.”
Kevin Pagès noted, “Experiencing the culture firsthand and capturing the country from above with a drone was incredible. It opens a new perspective on Bhutan, and hopefully these images will show people how special this place really is.”

Paul Prescott said, “Bhutan is one of the most mystical, calm, and authentic places I have been to. In today’s era of mass tourism, it is inspiring to see a country and its leadership value culture and identity more than money and rapid development.”

Teo Chin Leong described Bhutan as a personal Shangri-La. “This is my 13th visit, but perhaps the most special yet. Bhutan has incredible tourism potential. We are pleased to support Bhutan tourism marketing for the benefit of tourism stakeholders.”

All six photographers agreed that Bhutan offers rare authenticity, cultural depth, and warm human connections.
“With their passion and skill, combined with aerial images, we are confident they will convey Bhutan’s beauty and what we are protecting to the world from a new perspective,” Rinchen said.