Mirella Pandjaitan
Dec 22, 2025
Photography is a timeless hobby that invites us to explore the world’s resplendent diversity — its cultures, people, and landscapes. Even if the eyes have seen it all, capturing moments of unparalleled beauty through the refined eye of the camera is immortalisation.
Photographers (and dwellers of the world) are welcome to a journey to the Himalayan Kingdom’s most striking landscapes and cultural landmarks through a thoughtful blend of creativity, exploration, and COMO’s signature hospitality. Introducing the "COMO Journey: Bhutan Through the Lens", an intimate six-day photography retreat led by renowned travel photographer and Leica ambassador Christina Tan, in collaboration with Leica Store Jakarta, from 14–19th April 2026.
This new COMO Journey underscores the COMO Hotels and Resorts' ongoing commitment to immersive, place-rooted experiences — those that invite guests to slow down, see more clearly, and engage deeply with their surroundings. This time, it's at one of the world's most inspirational destinations. As General Manager of COMO Uma Bhutan, Sonam Wangchuk, expressed, “COMO Journeys are designed to bring our guests closer to the heart of a destination — not just to visit, but to truly see." Travellers will journey between COMO Uma Paro and COMO Uma Punakha, two lodges that anchor the experience with their mountain views, serene design and exceptional cuisine.
“Bhutan has a rhythm and spirituality that moves at its own pace. Guided by Christina Tan’s artistry, this experience allows guests to discover the kingdom through a lens of curiosity, stillness and creative expression,” continued Wangchuk.
Christina Tan — widely recognised for her evocative travel photography and global following as @sassychris1 — brings her distinct visual storytelling to Bhutan. Featured in titles such as Condé Nast Traveller and Forbes Travel Guide, Tan will lead hands-on workshops and guided shoots across valleys, monasteries and mountain passes, helping guests elevate both their technical skill and artistic intention.
The six-day itinerary reveals Bhutan’s epic contrasts — from soaring Himalayan peaks to temples surrounded by fluttering prayer flags. Highlights include:
- A gentle introduction to Bhutan’s landscapes, with visits to local temples, Paro town and the surrounding rice paddies at Paro Valley.
- Photographing the monumental Buddha Dordenma, vibrant city landmarks, and panoramic Himalayan vistas framed by the Dochu La’s 108 chortens at the Thimphu and Dochu La Pass.
- Capture Bhutan’s living culture — from monks in crimson robes to terraces of rice paddies and tropical vegetation - at the home of the iconic Punakha Dzong and Chimmi Lhakhang fertility temple at Punakha Valley.
- The journey culminates with an early-morning ascent to Bhutan’s most legendary monastery, Taktsang Tiger’s Nest, perched dramatically on a cliff at 3,100 metres, where guests may hike or ride to the halfway viewpoint before photographing the monastery’s murals, waterfalls and sweeping valley views.
- Each evening, guests return to COMO Uma Paro or COMO Uma Punakha for restorative wellness rituals, including the Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath and COMO Shambhala therapies, as well as nourishing meals inspired by local flavours.
Below is an overview of the retreat:
DAY 1: Arrival, check-in, and local sightseeing
DAY 2: Paro to Punakha Valley via Thimphu and Dochu La
DAY 3: Chimmi Lhakhang, Punakha Dzong, and Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
DAY 4: Punakha Valley to Paro, Chuzom, and Tamchog Lhakhang
DAY 5: Paro Valley - Taktsang Walk
DAY 6: Depart Bhutan
Visit COMO Uma Bhutan for more details about this COMO Journey series. Book your retreat through the website.