Festivals of Bhutan

Better than expected. Loved it!

Bhutan is a unique country and Chencho, ably assisted byTandin and driver Captain John, was central to an excellent local team. He was enthusiastic, informative, cheerful and helpful and was a first class ambassador for his country and culture. Fortresses, temples and monasteries were fascinating however equally so were the delightful people, scenery, high passes and the iconic Tiger’s Nest. Accommodation was made by the staff, with Thimphu’s centrally located hotel being excellent, with the best hotel food. Paro’s hotel, with lovely staff, was too far out of town for me and limited local independent sightseeing. Pre and post Bhutan in Kathmandu, Sandar was an excellent leader, transport coordinator and guide, with the Ambassador Hotel being well located and excellent. Kathmandu guided tour was very good despite this being a long day, post a very early flight from Paro. The Drukair flights to Paro were very good however an important area for improvement is to arrange for the group Bhutan flight booking to enable individual online check in and seat selection on the favourable side of the plane for Himalayas views. With airport check in, one ends up with what seat is left, or in the case of the outbound flight, what’s right!

Kinzang was an excellent tour leader and along with our driver Ngawang made our trip very memorable. Kinzang was always informative and helpful, and Ngawang was an excellent and careful driver. Our highlights: 1. The Punakha festival, which was a wonderful colourful spectacle. However you will be sitting for several hours on the paved stone ground so bring a cushion or mat to sit on. 2. Our walk up to the Tigers Nest Monastry. A challenging but rewarding trip. Kinzang was excellent and thoughtful in setting a pace to suit us all. Bhutan is a beautiful country, with lovely friendly people.

Bhutan is very interesting and staggeringly beautiful. The Black Crane festival is great. The walk up to the Tigers' Nest Monastery is very hard but totally worth it. The Kichu resort and spa was disappointing. Hotels without a reliable electricity supply should have generators. It was much warmer than I was expecting, even in November I needed T shirts rather than warm clothes most of the time. Almost all the meals are hotel buffets aimed at visitors. It was great to have a meal in a local farmhouse and taste some local food. Most younger people speak very good English which makes life easy for British tourists. Go to the National Textile Museum in Thimpu, the skill in weaving and crafts is so impressive. The driver, Captain John, is one of the best drivers I have had in more than 20 Explore holidays.