Ugyen Wangchuk Photography – Proffessional Phographer & Tour Guide

About Punap Ugyen Wangchuk

Ugyen Wangchuk is an experienced freelance Photographer and tour Guide. With a track record of two decades, he has successfully led photography tours, provided cultural insights, and guided trekking expeditions.

Whether you’re interested in exploring Bhutan’s vibrant culture or embarking on a thrilling trekking adventure, Punap Ugyen Wangchuk is the ideal person to reach out to. His extensive knowledge of Bhutan ensures that you’ll have an unforgettable experience tailored to your preferences.

“Photography & Guiding is my profession & Passion” said Punap Ugyen Wangchuk.

Student on the way home after the class, at Wangdiphodrang

Testimonials

Ruaridh Nicoll Thomas

Travel writer for the Financial Times, the Telegraph, Condé Nast Traveller and the Guardian

" As a travel writer, I work with guides (and photographers) on a monthly, often weekly basis. Ugyen Wangchuk, who I met on an extraordinary and constantly evolving journey for the Financial Times last week, immediately placed into my top three guides of all time. His range of knowledge, across nature, religion, myth, history and culture, runs very deep. It emerges naturally and gently. I learnt far more about Bhutan than I did on my last visit. When he didn’t know something, he said so, but later, after I’d forgotten, he’d quietly answer having done the research. He was on the trip as our photographer - he does that very, very well too - but I fast came to rely on him to get the best out of the experience. He knew where to eat lunch, where to stay, how to negotiate the bureaucracy, and who to talk to about some new scheme. He knows people everywhere. And when he met new people he was fascinated by them, which they responded to, and which meant us being offered hospitality, information and kindness wherever we went. I can’t recommend Ugyen more highly"

Department of Tourism, Bhutan

Celebrating People in Hospitality

"Ugyen Wangchuk, popularly known as Punap Ugyen Wangchuk - a nod to his birthplace, Punakha - is a tourist guide who is also an accomplished and passionate photographer. For most people, it’s their love for a craft that takes them on their career journey, but Punap Ugyen Wangchuk believes that it was fate that led him to photography and guiding. 19-year old Ugyen was introduced to photography when he met a foreign photographer who was going around the country taking pictures and gathering content for a magazine. Later, in the early 2000s he stayed with a foreigner friend while studying in the US. The friend was a fantastic photographer, and he would take Ugyen around on his many photography trips, teaching him tips and tricks of the art, also gifting Ugyen with his first ever camera! After coming back home, he worked for a local tour company in the photography department. That was when he realized that he enjoyed this job, and wanted to become a professional tourist guide and a photographer. “One thing led to another,” he said. “I love travelling, meeting new people and capturing moments. Sometimes it’s a difficult job to guide a photography team. But we know what time to wake up to capture the perfect sunrise over which mountain, the best angles to capture a Dzong, the best places to go for the perfect landscape shot. In that way, I get to show my country to the guests.” Today, besides having several coffee table photo books and big projects under his belt, he has worked with independent tour operators to luxury travel agents around the world, and guided numerous tour groups ranging from trekking to photography, including His Majesty’s personal guests. He was also one of the photographers who took portraits of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen during the Royal Wedding in 2011."

Culture & Tradition

Bhutan embraces its unique cultural heritage, rooted in Buddhism and ancient traditions. The Bhutanese people deeply value their customs, which shape their way of life. Visitors to Bhutan have the opportunity to experience a vibrant and preserved culture that sets the country apart.

Portrait

Bhutan, with its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, is a great place for portrait photography. You can capture portraits against the backdrop of traditional Bhutanese architecture, such as colorful temples and monasteries. The country’s diverse natural landscapes, like mountains and valleys, offer breathtaking settings. Traditional Bhutanese attire adds a cultural touch to your portraits. Festivals and local daily life provide opportunities for capturing vibrant and intimate portraits. Remember to respect local customs and seek permission when photographing people. Hiring a local guide or photographer can offer valuable insights and access to unique locations

Landscape

Capture the ethereal beauty of Bhutan’s landscape through photography. Nestled in the Eastern Himalayas, this enchanting country offers a diverse and awe-inspiring canvas for landscape photography. Majestic mountains, verdant valleys, pristine rivers, and sacred lakes await your lens. From the iconic peaks of Jomolhari to the tranquil valleys of Paro and Punakha, Bhutan’s landscapes offer endless opportunities to capture breathtaking shots. Immerse yourself in this natural paradise and let your photography showcase the sublime beauty of Bhutan’s landscapes.

flora and fauna

Bhutan’s flora and fauna are incredibly diverse. The country’s lush forests house a variety of tree species like rhododendrons and pines. Wildlife includes the Bengal tiger, snow leopard, takin, and red panda. Bhutan’s conservation efforts, with protected areas covering over 26% of the land, aim to preserve its unique biodiversity. Nature tourism allows visitors to explore national parks and engage in activities like trekking and wildlife spotting. Bhutan’s natural treasures are a must-see for nature enthusiasts. while the skies are filled with the calls and colors of over 700 bird species. Bhutan’s commitment to conservation ensures the protection of its flora and fauna, preserving these natural wonders for generations to come

Contact

Motithang, Thimphu, Bhutan

Post Box 288.

Email: u.wangchu@gmail.com

Phone number: +975 – 171117823

Social media

“Photography & Guiding is my profession & Passion”

-Punap Ugyen Wangchuk.