Discovering the Hidden Photography Gems of Bhutan: Journey to Mongar
Greetings. In this new post, I'm excited to share my latest video and photos of the stunning landscapes of Bhutan. This journey took me from the eastern region of Trashigang to Mongar, with captivating stops at monasteries and villages. This portion of the trip was undoubtedly unforgettable. Hopefully, the following words, photo galleries, and video will help me recount that experience.
We are on the way to Bumthang, but it is far, and you'll see that the road is challenging, so we had to stop in Mongar (that alone took us a full day of driving.
Morning Drive and Unexpected Stops
The day began with a beautiful drive. You drive a lot in Bhutan, but the views and stops are always rewarding. During the morning, we found a scenic spot with a breathtaking view of the mountains. Equipped with my GFX 100S and a 100-200mm lens with a teleconverter, I captured the majestic mountains. Later on, we also photographed some locals walking on the road. These quick roadside stops set the tone for the day, promising more photographic opportunities ahead.
The Challenge of Light at Drametse Gompa
Our next stop was the Drametse Monastery, one of the most important and biggest monasteries in eastern Bhutan. The architecture and serene atmosphere were captivating, but the harsh midday sun posed a significant challenge.
As a photographer, you don't always get the luxury of perfect lighting when traveling. However, I made the most of it by finding shaded areas and focusing on architectural details.
I also tried to capture monastic life and candid shots of the monks. I stumbled upon a group of young monks playing; their energy and laughter provided a fantastic opportunity for some action photos. The contrast between their vibrant personalities and the monastery's serene backdrop resulted in some of my favorite images from the trip.
Overall, despite the harsh light conditions, I managed to capture some interesting photographs from the quick stop at this monastery.
A Village Stop at Yadi
On the road again, we passed through the quaint village of Yadi. The village's charm and the warmth of the locals made it a delightful stop. I photographed the villagers and their daily activities, capturing the essence of Bhutanese rural life. Here are some of the images from Yadi.
We finally arrived in Mongar late evening, exhausted from the long journey. After checking into our accommodation, we looked forward to resting, recharging our batteries (and gear), and getting ready for the following day.
Morning Celebrations at Mongar Dzong
The following morning, we visited the Mongar Dzong, where a vibrant celebration was taking place. It was pure luck, as we timed the trip for other festivals, but we caught this one by chance.
This celebration was a spectacular sight, mainly because of the display of a giant tapestry hanging from one of the monastery's walls. This massive tapestry is only brought out once a year. The monks and locals added to the vibrant atmosphere in their traditional attire and wonderful morning light.
A Serendipitous Stop at Sengar
Halfway between Mongar and Bumthang, we stopped at the small village of Sengar to stretch our legs. The challenging road conditions made the journey longer, but the stunning scenery made up for it. While there was little time for extensive photography, the village's charm and the scenic views provided some excellent photo opportunities.
The Breathtaking Thrumshing-la Pass
Our journey took us to the Thrumshing-la Pass, one of Bhutan's highest passes. Standing at 3,700 meters, the pass offered stunning views and dramatic cloud formations. The sunset behind the mountains created a perfect setting for some extraordinary landscape shots.
Wrapping Up the Adventure
As we descended from the pass towards Bumthang, darkness set in, signaling the end of this leg of our journey. Although the road was long and challenging, the experiences and photographs made every moment worthwhile.
I hope you enjoyed this video and photographs. Each stop along the way offered unique photographic opportunities and memorable experiences.
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Feel free to share your thoughts and favorite moments from this journey in the comments below.
