PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
PARO TSHECHU FESTIVAL, BHUTAN
30th March – 3rd April 2026
Step into the vibrant world of Bhutan’s most iconic celebration—the Paro Tshechu. For photographers, it is a rare canvas where color, ritual, and devotion converge: sacred cham dances in the courtyard of Paro Dzong, the dawn unfurling of the immense Thongdrol, and portraits of families in their finest gho and kira. Beyond the spectacle lies intimacy—quiet gestures of faith, fleeting expressions beneath painted masks, and the pulse of a culture alive with artistry and community.
Workshop Highlights
This workshop is for photographers who wish to go deeper—immersing themselves in ritual, daily life, and the quiet poetry of people and place. Together, we’ll balance festival grandeur with everyday stories, blending cultural immersion with guided street and documentary practice.
- Festival Immersion: Photograph sacred mask dances, the giant Thongdrol, and throngs of pilgrims in traditional dress.
- Street Life: Explore Paro’s rhythms—old markets, winding lanes, and the valley beyond the dzong.
- Mentorship: Daily photo walks, evening edits, and group discussions to refine storytelling and vision.
PARO FESTIVAL ITINERARY
Day 1: 30th March 2026
Arrival at Paro International Airport: Touch down at the world’s most scenic airport, cradled by towering peaks and traditional Bhutanese- style terminal buildings. Scenic aerial photography of Himalayan peaks during descent. From above, Paro valley opens up with a patchwork of rice fields, pine forests, and rivers meandering through villages.Hotel Check-in & Refreshments: Capture the warmth of Bhutanese hospitality, traditional architecture of the hotel, and interiors decorated with hand-painted motifs.
Evening Orientation Walk in Paro Town: Paro town is a quaint blend of traditional and modern Bhutan. Wooden shopfronts adorned with intricate carvings, prayer wheels at street corners, and locals in vibrant attire create endless candid opportunities. At sunset, the golden glow often lights up Rinpung Dzong, providing a striking backdrop.
Presentation by Mentor
Dinner and Overnight Stay in Paro: Tashi Namgay Resort.
Day 2: 31st March 2026
MORNING SESSION: Rinpung Dzong (Fortress of the Heap of Jewels)
A masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture, Rinpung Dzong stands on a hillside overlooking the valley. Its whitewashed walls, red ochre band at the top, and gilded roof catch the morning light beautifully. The dzong houses monastic quarters and government offices, and the cantilever bridge below adds dramatic symmetry for photographers. Opportunity to photograph the daily life monks, portraits of devotees and monks. The site radiates spiritual energy.
Lunch at local restaurant: Traditional Bhutanese cuisine is colorful red rice, ema datshi (chilies with cheese), and buckwheat pancakes.
AFTERNOON SESSION: Village Walk Capture scenes of daily life-farmers in fields, children playing, and rustic houses framed by prayer flags.
EVENING SESSION: REVIEW & GROUP DISCUSSION
Dinner & Overnight Stay in Paro: Tashi Namgay Resort
Day 3: 1st April 2026
MORNING SESSION: PARO TSHECHU FESTIVAL AT RINPUNG DZONG COURTYARD
The highlight of the journey- locals in their finest kiras and ghos gather to witness sacred mask dances that depict stories of Guru Rinpoche. The courtyard is alive with swirling costumes, painted wooden masks, and monks chanting. For photographers, it is a visual feast of color, motion, and emotion.
Lunch with Festival Buzz: Capture the atmosphere of communal dining, traditional picnic settings, and families sharing food.
AFTERNOON SESSION: STREET PHOTOGRAPHY IN PARO TOWN
Explore bustling lanes filled with handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs. Prayer flags flutter above rooftops, monks stroll with red umbrellas, and children in traditional dress and charming subjects.
EVENING SESSION: REVIEW & GROUP DISCUSSION
Dinner & Overnight Stay in Paro: Tashi Namgay Resort
Day 4: 2nd April 2026
PRE- DAWN SESSION: UNFURLING OF THE THONGDREL
The most sacred moment of the festival. Arrive at 3:30 AM to witness the giant silk Thongdrel (religious scroll painting of Guru Rinpoche) being unfurled. Butter lamps glow in the darkness, monks chant, and devotees offer prayers in hushed reverence. The scroll is displayed only until sunrise, making this a once-in-a-lifetime photographic experience.
Return to Hotel for Breakfast & Rest
LATE MORNING + AFTERNOON SESSION: A chance to experience and photograph mask dances, folk performances, and bhutanese families in traditional costumes,
Lunch at Festival Grounds / Local Restaurant
EVENING SESSION: REVIEW & GROUP DISCUSSION Dinner & Overnight Stay in Paro: Tashi Namgay Resort
Day 5: 3 April 2026: Farewell & Departure
Breakfast at Hotel
Check-out & Transfer to Airport
BHUTAN PARO FESTIVAL FEE
ACCOMODATION: TASHI NAMGAY RESORT
The resort is set amidst five acres of lush foliage and green lawns. Located conveniently in the heart of Paro valley, Tashi Namgay Resort offers you a calm and peaceful environment within a five-acre compound. Unique blends of traditional Bhutanese and modern architecture have been provided for, yet at the same time offering you all the amenities of a modern lifestyle.
www.tashinamgayresort.com
FOREIGN NATIONALS - USD 1650/-
The above rate Includes:
*Mentorship fees
*Accommodation on double/twin sharing room basis.
*Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
*English Speaking Guide (Mandated by Bhutan govt. Certified by Tourism Council of Bhutan)
*Air condition/heater vehicle within Bhutan as per designed itinerary
*Drinking water bottle in the vehicle
*Monument Entrance Fee as mentioned in the Itinerary only
*USD 100 per night/ per person Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
The above rate Excludes:
*Airfare
*Travel Insurance
*Beverages/Laundry and other personal expenses
*Single room supplementary of USD 40 per night/room
*Any other expenses not mentioned above in the Included list
*Govt taxes and levy as applicable
INDIAN NATIONALS: INR 95,000/-
The above rate includes:
*Mentorship fees
*Accommodation on double/twin sharing room basis
*Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
*English Speaking Guide (Mandated by Bhutan govt. Certified by Tourism Council of Bhutan)
*Air condition/heater vehicle within Bhutan as per designed itinerary
*Drinking water bottle in the vehicle
*Monument Entrance Fee as mentioned in the Itinerary only
*INR 1200 per night/ per person Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
The above rate excludes:
*Airfare
*Travel Insurance
*Beverages/Laundry and other personal expenses
*Single room supplementary of INR 3,300 per night/room
*Any other expenses not mentioned above in the Included list.
*Govt taxes and levy as applicable
WORKSHOP IS LIMITED TO 7 PARTICIPANTS ONLY.
Make an advance of 50% to reserve your spot and hotel bookings.
PARTICIPANTS TO BRING THE FOLLOWING TO THE WORKSHOP:
- A digital camera with a wide angle lens preferably. You are most welcome to get other lenses.
- A laptop with software to edit/tone your images.
Join me in Bhutan for an unforgettable journey!
To sign up for the workshop connect on:
Insta DM: @Kobeso
komalbsohal@gmail.com
Whatsapp: +91 9599775148