Michael Lee, a UKMPA-certified MPA, specializes in travel photography, leading tours in Asia and Africa for over 20 years. With expertise in street candid, travel, and cultural photography, Michael is a respected guest lecturer at NAFA and a photography instructor with Leica Akademie Asia Pacific.
Michael Lee is a MPA by United Kingdom Master Photographer Association (UKMPA) with strong focus in travel photography. Michael has been leading unique and highly rated photography tours in Asia and Africa for more than 20 years (since 2003).
Michael was a guest lecturer at Nanyang Academy of Fine Art (NAFA), a premier arts institution in Singapore, for Leica T camera and photography instructor with Leica Akademie Asia Pacific which conducts workshop and class to increase the pleasure of photography, expand photographic knowledge and bring the total Leica experience to a new generation of photographers.
Embark on a captivating journey to the heart of Bhutan's cultural tapestry with Michael Lee, a seasoned leader renowned for his expertise in guiding photographic explorations.
With a wealth of experience, Michael has orchestrated seven immersive trips to Bhutan, welcoming over 80 enthusiasts to delve into its rich heritage. Notably, he spearheaded the esteemed Leica Akademie Bhutan Photography Workshop in 2015, fostering a deep connection with the country's captivating landscapes and vibrant traditions.
Michael’s passion extends beyond the lens, as evidenced by his four Bhutan Photography Exhibitions across Singapore, Hong Kong, and China from 2015 to 2023, sharing the allure of Bhutan with diverse audiences worldwide. As a pivotal contributor to the acclaimed photography book “The Happiness is a Place,” distributed in over 20 countries, Michael Lee invites you to join him on a transformative journey through the enchanting Thimphu Tshechu—an experience not to be missed.
About Thimphu Tshechu
In the heart of Bhutan, nestled amidst misty mountains and verdant valleys, lies the
enchanting city of Thimphu. Every year, the air becomes charged with anticipation as the Thimphu Tshechu approaches—a vibrant celebration of culture, faith, and tradition.
Amidst the rhythmic beat of drums and the melodious hum of traditional music, locals adorned in colourful attire gather to pay homage to Guru Rinpoche, the revered saint who brought Buddhism to Bhutan. Masked dancers, representing deities and demons, weave intricate tales of cosmic battles between good and evil, captivating the audience with their graceful movements and elaborate costumes.
Amidst the festivities, families come together to share laughter, blessings, and delicious traditional delicacies, fostering a sense of community and unity that defines Bhutanese culture. The Thimphu Tshechu is not merely a festival—it is a celebration of Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage and a testament to the enduring spirit of its people.
Michael Lee invites you to join him on a transformative journey through the enchanting Thimphu Tshechu—an experience not to be missed.
7D6N itinerary in Thimphu, Punakha and Paro city.
Emphasizes cultural respect and engagement, capturing the essence of Asia and its people.
To enhance photographic pleasure and knowledge, offering a holistic experience to aspiring photographers.
Testimonials and Reviews
Bhutan is a truly beautiful and peaceful country with amazing landscapes and the most friendly and kind people. We had an amazing week-long tour that covered Thimphu, Punakha and Paro, and we witnessed two Tshechu festivals in Thimphu and Gangtey. I don’t even know where to begin as there were so many memorable moments on the trip. Our photography guide Michael Lee was excellent as he had been to Bhutan 9 times before this and planned the itinerary for us. Our local guide Chencho Tsering was also exceptional - he was very knowledgeable about Bhutan’s history, culture and traditions and always so nice and helpful. He took such good care of us and helped me navigate the uneven surfaces and many steps we encountered along the way. Our driver Sigay was so nice too and a very experienced driver
Bhutan has always been on my bucket list and it didn’t disappoint. It is truly a beautiful country, with an amazing culture and lovely, friendly people. We joined Michael Lee’s photography tour and were treated to some heartwarming moments, like a visit to the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup nunnery in Punakha where we got to meet the sweet and friendly nuns. That experience will stay in my heart for a long time. Kudos also to our excellent guide Chencho Tsering and driver Sigay. What I really loved was the flexibility, eg, traveling to more remote and less crowded places, and bringing us to eat where the locals eat, away from the tourist street (the best momos, better than all the fancy ones!). It gave the feeling of a less commercial, more personal tour. Thank you, and we will be back!
Having yeoman service from our organizer, Micheal Lee aka Leica ambassador, photographer/film producer/guide Chencho Tshering and driver Sigay, helped make our recent trip to Bhutan pleasant and memorable. The grandeur of Bhutan’s valleys, rivers and festivals were breathtaking. But I was more impressed by Micheal’s contacts he had made over the years. Especially those in the Sangchen Dorji Lhuedrup Nunnery where a Buddhist nun he first photographed years earlier welcomed him with unadorned affection. Enroute to Bhutan, I anticipated the meeting of flakes pursuing happiness but I returned suitably chastened, impressed by her majestic beauty and her people’s friendliness and quiet determination to progress. Bhutan deserves the accolade, “Shangrila.”
We joined this trip only because it was led by Leica Ambassador Michael Lee. We had traveled with him before during our Silk Road adventure. I was warned that food in Bhutan will be BAD. So I brought along lots of snacks - biscuits, chocolates and bak kwa. We didn't need any. The restaurants that we were brought to by Michael and the local guide Chendo Tshering were excellent. Who says Bhutanese food is bad?? Get a good guide!! That's the crux!!
I don’t even know where to begin as there were so many memorable moments on the trip. Our photography guide Michael Lee was excellent as he had been to Bhutan 9 times before this and planned the itinerary for us. Our local guide Chencho Tsering was also exceptional - he was very knowledgeable about Bhutan’s history, culture and traditions and always so nice and helpful. I enjoyed every day of our trip and we would say it was the best day .. only for it to be overtaken by the following day which would also be a best day! There was just so much to see and to do and immerse ourselves in the amazing sights and scenery that surrounded us at every place.