Overview
The Bhutan Film & Storytelling Journey explores Bhutan’s rich oral traditions and its growing independent cinema scene.
Meet local directors, record oral histories from village elders, and visit beautiful filming locations hidden throughout the kingdom’s historic valleys. This tour is tailored for visual and textual storytellers.
Trip Highlights
- A private screening of a Bhutanese indie film and Q&A with a local director.
- Ancient folk manuscripts at the National Library and interview practice at the Folk Heritage Museum.
- Legends of spirits and protectors on the drive over Dochula Pass.
- Recording folklore and ghost stories with village elders in Punakha.
- Filming the architecture and natural light of Punakha Dzong.
- A private Cham mask dance and folk song performance in Paro.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Paro and drive to Thimphu. Enjoy a private screening of an acclaimed Bhutanese indie film at a local studio, followed by an intimate Q&A session with a local director.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Thimphu
Visit the National Library to see ancient folk manuscripts. Spend the afternoon practicing interview techniques with traditional folklore preservationists at the Folk Heritage Museum.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Thimphu
Drive to Punakha over Dochula Pass. Your guide will share old stories of spirits and protectors that locals believe inhabit the high mountain gaps. Capture the landscape on film.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Punakha
Visit a quiet village in Punakha. Sit down with village elders to record traditional folklore and ghost stories, translated live by your senior guide.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Punakha
Spend the morning filming and photographing the stunning architecture of Punakha Dzong, exploring how its scale and natural light create beautiful cinematic frames.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Paro
Drive back to Paro. In the evening, attend a private performance of traditional mask dances (Cham) and folk songs, capturing the vibrant movements and sounds.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Paro
Hike up to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, focusing on documenting the visual story of the pilgrims making their way up the mountain trail.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Paro
Spend a relaxed day organizing your media or writing your travel logs at your resort. Celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner alongside a local cultural historian.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Paro
Final morning departure transfer to Paro Airport.
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions & Exclusions
What’s Included
- Private Transport & Guide: All ground transportation in a private vehicle with an English-speaking licensed guide.
- Accommodation: Twin/double-sharing rooms in 3-star tourist-standard hotels.
- Meals: All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) as per itinerary.
- Sustainable Development Fee: The daily SDF is included.
- Hydration: Bottled water during transfers and sightseeing.
- Government Dues: Government royalty and applicable taxes.
What’s Not Included
- Airfare: International/regional airfare to and from Paro.
- Visa Fee: Bhutan visa processing fee (arranged in advance by Gu-Mar as part of permit clearance).
- Personal Expenses: Laundry, telephone, beverages and tips.
- Insurance: Travel insurance.
- Pony Hire: Pony hire for the Tiger’s Nest hike (optional, paid on-site).
- Other Services: Any services not mentioned under Inclusions.
Good to Know
- Licensed Operator: All non-Indian, non-Bangladeshi and non-Maldivian nationals must travel through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator such as Gu-Mar; we process visa clearance and the SDF on your behalf before arrival.
- Hotel Upgrades: Hotel categories can be upgraded to 4-star or boutique/heritage properties under our Deluxe or Luxurious collections.
- Flexible Sequencing: Itinerary sequencing may shift slightly depending on flight timings, road conditions or festival dates — your guide will confirm the final day-by-day plan on arrival.