Photographing and traveling to the eastern part of Bhutan has been on my bucket list for a long time. Having visited Bhutan before, I was eager to discover what this new destination had in store. With its reputation for stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, I knew Trashigang would be a feast for the senses and great to photograph.

For this trip, my main gear was the medium format Fujifilm GFX 100s, with three zoom lenses and flash equipment.

Like for the rest of Bhutan, I documented my journey in video. The first one, posted on my YouTube Channel, covers my first two days in the area.

TRASHIGANG

Situated at an altitude of 1,150 meters, Trashigang is the largest town in the eastern region of Bhutan and serves as the administrative capital of Trashigang District. Nestled in a valley surrounded by picturesque mountains, it's home to numerous historical and cultural landmarks.

The distance between Trashigang and Paro is around 600 KM, so air is the best way to travel. The closest airport is Yonphula; from there, it is another thirty kilometers to get to the town. So, I flew to Yonhpula; the one-hour flight was picturesque since the airplane left Paro. The stunning scenery of Bhutan unfolded before me; the lush green forests, snow-capped peaks, and winding rivers created a tapestry of natural beauty that was breathtaking to behold.

During the first couple of days, I wandered around fantastic places, first the town of Trashigang itself, then the village of Trashiyangtse and Chorten Kora, and finally, the wonderful village of Merak.

TRASHIYANGTSE & CHORTEN KORA

Chorten Kora is a Buddhist stupa in Trashiyangtse, revered by both Bhutanese and Tibetan Buddhists; the stupa is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the region. Built in the 18th century, it features a unique design that differs from the traditional Bhutanese chortens -a place for offerings- The stupa is adorned with colorful prayer flags, murals, intricate carvings, and a there is a large courtyard surrounded by prayer wheels, and meditation huts. I spend some time here, photographing the area and the locals.

Chorten Kora is at the entrance of Trashiyangtse, which is known for its traditional arts and crafts. The town has several workshops and studios where local artisans produce intricate wood carvings, pottery, and traditional textiles. So I also explored and photographed the village.

MERAK & THE BROKPA

Lastly, I headed to Merak, a small village near the border with China, only accessible by road; the journey was long and challenging due to the rugged terrain, but in the end totally worth it.

Merak is home to the Brokpa people, a unique community of semi-nomadic herders who have lived there for centuries. Needless to say, the area and landscape are spectacular.

The Brokpa people are known for their distinctive way of life, which is closely tied to the natural environment. They live in traditional wooden houses and rely on yaks, sheep, and other livestock for their livelihood.

They also practice a unique form of agriculture, which involves cultivating crops on steep terraced fields using traditional methods.

One of the most striking features of Merak is the traditional dress worn by the Brokpa people. Men wear a long cloak made of yak wool, while women wear a colorful striped skirt and a headdress adorned with turquoise and coral. The Brokpa people are also known for their rich cultural traditions, which include music, dance, and storytelling.

Unfortunately, I miscalculated how long it would take to get to Merak, and I was left with just a couple of hours to photograph there. Yet, I had a fantastic time witnessing a ceremony, interacting with the locals, and making portraits. Merak is a fascinating and enchanting village that offers a glimpse into a way of life that has remained practically unchanged for centuries, and I am delighted with the photographs.