We’ve just returned from a remarkable 12 days in Bhutan and couldn’t recommend it more highly. This is some feedback from Sophie and me.
The whole thing went brilliantly from start to finish. We have some appreciation for the challenges of operating in developing countries, and so very much respect what went into delivering the outstanding service. We were continually delighted. Our expectations were well and truly exceeded.
The core trekking support team of Sam, Norbu, and Sigay was genuinely outstanding. They worked tirelessly and delivered incredible meals and services for us, always with a bright smile. They were 10/10.
The guide, Sonam, was good - capable, organised, calm and helpful. He dealt with the two mini crises extremely well - when one guest had to be evacuated and the 2nd set of ponies was very late. His one area for improvement is his communication. This would be three things: (i) English pronunciation, (ii) in talking to our group, he nearly always directed his gaze and speech to me, the only male in the group, to the exclusion of the women, and (iii) he could be more proactive and forthcoming with information. He will go from 8/10 to 10/10 if he can improve his communication.
There was a small misunderstanding about the tipping. From the WEx materials and common sense, we had assumed the tips would be given at the end of the trip. Sonam asked us for a tip for the first set of horsemen when they finished their work mid-trip, and he indicated that the team tip fund would usually be provided at the start. That didn’t seem consistent with the WEx materials, and we had no way to know how much horsemen should be tipped. Also, the WEx materials say “if” you have a guide or drivers, which is odd given that this trip had both. Our sense from the WEx materials was that there would be two tips: one for the team and one for the guide. We assumed the drivers and horsemen were part of the team. In reality, more than two tips were required, as drivers and horsemen were not considered part of the team. The practice of tipping is foreign to us and sensitive, and WEx would do well to achieve better clarity for all.
The hotels in Paro and Thimpu were both great, and the staff were wonderful.
Thank you again for a truly wonderful adventure. We are already talking about our next one!
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
AMAZING!! I have been fortunate enough to have done PLENTY of adventures and treks around the world, but this one was one of the VERY BEST, and i would recommend it to ANYONE!! :)
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Discover the major highlights and exhilarating attractions of one of the most magical and mysterious destinations on Earth on this tour of Bhutan! Begin your journey in Paro, where you will visit the local market and see the historic Dzong Fortress. Explore the Haa Valley before you depart for Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Here you will learn about traditional Thangka painting and visit Sangaygang for breathtaking views of the Thimpu Valley. Discover the Institute for Zorig Chosum where you will learn about traditional Thangka painting and visit the Folk Heritage Museum to learn about rural Bhutanese life. Continue your journey to Punakha and hike to Chimi Lhakhang, a breathtaking journey through rice paddies and the Yuwakha Village. Head to Jakar and visit the Wangduephodrang Dzong. In this fascinating city, you will hike through forests of pine, oak, and juniper trees to the Tharpaling Monastery and explore Jambay Lhakhang. Return to Punakha for a hike to Khamsum Yuelay Namgyal Chorten and uncover magnificent views of the valley. Next, continue your tour to Paro and visit the Taktshang Monastery or the "Tiger's Nest", a significant pilgrimage destination and sacred place, for your final destination on this tour of Bhutan.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
A wonderful country of the most beautiful art designed buildings with the most beautifully and colourful dressed people who are most kind, accepting and helful
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
An excellent trip with a great Bhutanese tour leader and driver. Such a beautiful and peaceful country and a big contrast to hectic, noisy and dirty Kathmandu. A fairly relaxed tour with highlights of the black crane festival, Tiger’s Nest monastery, Punakha and more. Generally good hotels except in Phobjika Valley, which had power cuts, cold rooms and poor food. Food in Bhutan was a bit monotonous- generally very similar buffets. Excellent guide and driver. Recommended.
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort, Guest House
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Kathmandu, Paro, Punakha, Paro D
Kathmandu, Paro, Punakha, Paro Dzong, Gangtey Valley, Thimphu
