Punakha Dzong·Bhutan
Punakha Dzong

Freelance travel and wildlife photographer Margot Raggett shares her beautiful photographs of the fascinating kingdom of Bhutan.

Iron Chain Bridge of Tamchog Lhakhang Monastery, Paro River, Bhutan
Iron Chain Bridge of Tamchog Lhakhang Monastery, Paro River, Bhutan

“Whenever anyone asks me what Bhutan is like, I find the best way to describe it is like Narnia: it is so remote and unlike anywhere else on Earth that I’ve visited. And then I implore them to visit before it is too late, before it all inevitably changes.

“Bhutan is one of the last Kingdoms left on earth and describes itself as the happiest country on the planet, and I have to say from what I saw, they pretty much have it right. The country’s wealth is measured by the peoples’ happiness, not its GDP (they call it Gross National Happiness) and the citizens are incredibly well looked after by the state. Crime levels are low, graffiti and rubbish non-existent. The people have to wear traditional national dress at all times, which results in an explosion of colourful outfits wherever you go. My jeans put me to shame.”

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“I visited to coincide with the famous Paro Tshechu festival which includes days of traditional dances acted out for visitors who come far and wide in their best dress. Aside from the many stunning temples and breathtaking scenery, the best thing of all for me about Bhutan was the warmth and beauty of the people, which is what I spent most of my time trying to capture. It’s truly a unique place to experience.”

Tsechus festival
Tsechus festival
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Monks making their way into the dzong (monastery) for the Paro Tshechu Festival | Copyright Margot Raggett

Prayer flags in the wind

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Flags in Bhutan, copyright Margot Raggett
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Punakha Dzong, Paro

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Bhutan, copyright Margot Raggett
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Punakha Dzong | bhutan photos
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Punakha Dzong at night.
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Amonk in Punakha Monastery. Credit: bhutan blog.

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Masked-dancers in a row, Punakha | bhutan photos

Locals walking past Punakha Dzong, Paro

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Men walk in Bhutan, copyright Margot Raggett

A young nun at the entrance to a temple

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Bhutan Monk, copyright Margot Raggett

A traditionally decorated balcony

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Small girl in Bhutan, copyright Margot Raggett

An elderly woman turns a prayer wheel at Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro, Bhutan.
An elderly woman turns a prayer wheel at Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro, Bhutan.

 

Religious candles burn in a dzong

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Candles in Bhutan, copyright Margot Raggett

A joker (Atsara) mask on sale for the Paro Tshechu Festival, used to entertain the crowds

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Statue Bhutan, copyright Margot Raggett

A festival-goer with her young child strapped to her back

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Woman and baby in Bhutan, copyright Margot Raggett

Young boys watch a game of football from a monastery window

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Monks look out from Monastery, Bhutan, Copyright Margot Raggett

A giant thangka (embroidered painting) of the Guru Throngdel

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Festival dances in Bhutan, copyright Margot Raggett

Prayers held in front of the Throngdel

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Men worship in Bhutan, copyright Margot Raggett

A little boy plays with a piece of string

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Young boy in Bhutan, copyright Margot Raggett

A masked performer does a traditional dance at the festival

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Festival in Bhutan, copyright Margot Raggett

Crowds at the festival in their best outfits

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People of Bhutan, copyright Margot Raggett

A young nun amused at having her photo taken

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Bhutan Young Monk, copyright Margot Raggett

A giant statue is paraded around the festival

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Bhutan, copyright Margot Raggett

A masked dancer

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Festival dances in Bhutan, copyright Margot Raggett

All images belong to Margot Raggett. You can view more of her work at margotraggett.com.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Bhutan you can refer to

Rinpung Dzong in the Paro Valley; Paro, Bhutan
Rinpung Dzong in the Paro Valley, Paro, Bhutan | bhutan photo

Read more: The fullest Bhutan travel guide blog for a wonderful trip to Bhutan for the first-timers and Bhutan guide here.