Last November, I traveled to Bhutan with my father for a photography-focused journey. We wanted to capture the landscapes, meet the people, and understand more about the country’s way of life — a place known for its commitment to environmental sustainability as the world’s only carbon-negative nation, and for measuring progress through its unique Gross National Happiness philosophy. We couldn’t have asked for better companions on this journey than Kieran and Karma from Breathe Bhutan.

From the very first day, they were tireless in adapting the trip to our interests. They didn’t just follow an itinerary — they listened to what fascinated us, whether it was the light falling on a mountain ridge, a remote village we wanted to explore, or the chance to linger in conversation with a farmer. If we spotted something interesting, they stopped. If we mentioned something we were curious about, they found away to make it happen. There was never any rushing; we had time to wander, talk to people, and wait for the right light.

Some moments will stay with us forever:

Punakha, where the gentle beauty of the valley was made even more special by a visit to a serene nunnery, offering peaceful moments for both photography and reflection.

A night spent in a monastery, where we were invited to witness and be part of a ritual — complete with chanting and singing — a truly remarkable experience to share.

Phobjikha Valley, with its rolling landscapes and peaceful hikes, where we could slow down and take in the scenery at our own pace.

Homestays in traditional Bhutanese houses, where we were welcomed like family, learned about customs, and shared delicious home-cooked meals.

Kieran brought a depth of knowledge that gave meaning to everything we saw, not only explaining Bhutan’s history, culture, and environmental values, but also sharing his deep understanding of Buddhist history in the region and the many local tales connected to the places we visited.

Karma’s calm, skilled driving made even the narrowest mountain roads feel safe, which was no small comfort in Bhutan’s winding terrain.

There was also an unexpected twist to the trip: my luggage was lost in New Delhi before I even arrived in Bhutan, leaving me with only the clothes I was wearing and my camera gear. What could have been a stressful setback became one of the trip’s most memorable details. Kieran and Karma lent me traditional Bhutanese clothing, patiently showed me how to wear it correctly (harder than it looks), and in doing so, gave me a perfect conversation starter with locals everywhere we went.

Traveling with them didn’t just make the trip enjoyable — it elevated the whole experience. Their care, flexibility, and genuine interest in sharing their country turned a great trip into something unforgettable. By the end, it didn’t feel like we were just traveling with guides — it felt like we were traveling with friends who genuinely wanted us to seethe very best of Bhutan. Thanks for the experience, we will not forget this trip and hopefully come back for more.

Keep well and all the best,

Nuno and José