Travelers' reviews about Bhutan

We have just returned from 23 days of really wonderful travelling in Nepal and Bhutan. The two countries are so different and both fascinating and stunningly beautiful. The ever present Himalayas were awe inspiring and the wildlife and bird life just amazing. The variety of experiences we had on our trip was incredible. Walking in the hills with the Himalayas as the backdrop, listening to monks carrying out ancient rituals in beautiful, vast monasteries in Bhutan, watching a mother and baby rhinoceros bathing and feeding in a pool in Chitwan, staying with wonderful people in their family homes in both countries and eating the healthiest, tastiest, freshly cooked meals with them are definitely some of the highlights for us. Sudarshan, the local agent in Kathmandu that Evaneos put us in contact with was absolutely brilliant throughout, from our first phone call to start planning our trip to him coming to say goodbye to us personally on the morning we left Nepal. We were able to communicate really easily with Sudarshan who responded so quickly during our whole time away. He made sure that all our arrangements ran smoothly in Bhutan and Nepal providing us with a really personalised service. The itinerary we’d worked out with Sudarshan really worked well and the day to day arrangements ran like clockwork. We’re both in our 60’s and travelling long distance now can be a bit more daunting than when we were younger. All through our time away, wherever we were, we felt so well looked after and were able to just relax and enjoy every moment of this holiday of a lifetime. We’d said we were keen to have a number of nights in homestays and this aspect of our trip really did make the holiday for us. Staying in peoples homes in countries like Nepal and Bhutan the accommodation was understandably fairly basic in certain respects (you need be prepared for a pretty firm bed and very basic washing & toilet facilities). But to be able to meet, talk, eat and share daily life with the families we stayed with gave such a richness to our experience and to our insight into the people, cultures and history of both countries. We’ll never forget the families we stayed with and the kindness and care shown to us. It’s the second time we have travelled with Evaneos and will definitely do so again and will definitely recommend others to do the same. We want to say a very big thank you again to Sudarshan in Nepal, and to our wonderful guide Somen and driver Namgay who looked after us for 9 days in Bhutan. Thank you to Evaneos for putting us in contact with these high quality, reliable agencies and taking the uncertainty and stress out of our trip.

We loved it all;-) Lobzang,*** did everything possible to make this all run smoothly. Our guide, Samdrup & our driver, Om were the best. 13 days and so much to see & do. Three festivals, one Homestay, & the incredible Tiger’s Nest. Thanks to Samdrup & Om were made it up and back. If you plan to travel to Bhutan DO IT NOW. Cannot thank all who made this trip possible enough.

The variety - trekking, camping, festival, cultural elements - also our guide (Tenzing) was wonderful. It was very easy to communicate with Ugyen from BGT through the Evaneos website which was helpful. Overall, we felt supported and valued at every step of the process from booking to being dropped off for our flight home.

1. We had the best guide possible and a wonderful driver. The two of them greatly enhanced our experience and we are very grateful to have spent time with them. 2. The trip included everything we asked for - and more! Each day was well organized but also had the flexibility that made it feel relaxed and not overwhelming.

The first thing that strikes you as you land and proceed through the airport, is the purity of the atmosphere and cleanliness. Immediately following is the Warmth and Hospitality of the people. That sets the tone for the rest of the visit. My guide, Mr. Sherab and driver, Mr. Tshering were exceptional. They made all the difference, providing me with great company and conversation throughout the long days of our journey together, especially since I was travelling by myself. The country itself is blessed with unsurpassed natural beauty, with a never ending majestic panorama. Amidst all this is the culture, the costumes and colours ... a veritable feast for the eyes.

Everything!

Ugyen C. was a superb guide in all respects. He was clear, helpful, informative, respectful and friendly. We could not have asked for more. He was more like a friend than a contractor. I cannot recommend him highly enough. His driver, Kensho. was also skilled and helpful. The tour was well organized and Ugyen was willing to adapt his schedule to our needs.. The accommodations in Punakha were superb. The others were satisfactory.

Well organised custom made trip. Professional guide and driver. Very courteous, punctual and helpful. Went out of the way to meet our requests. Never moaned or rushed us even when they were supposed to be off duty. Gave a helping hand in difficult terrains. Called hotels ahead to made sure we were comfortable in our hotels. Good food and did not allow us to carry any bags.

Bhutan is amazing. Everything worked like clockwork. Guide very knowledgeable and helpful and driver very safe. Visited some amazing sites and the weather in winter if fantastic, clear blue skies and not cold. Can understand why more people don't go in winter. Hotels were really good apart from one, see below.

We had the most spectacular trip to Bhutan. Ugyen (Khocki), the owner of local agency, was wonderful to work with. His communication was timely and exceptional. He adjusted the itinerary on several occasions to meet our requests. Our guide and driver were top quality. We cannot speak highly enough about our guide, Ugyen Chophel Dorji. He made the trip for us! He was professional, considerate, kind, thoughtful and planned all of our activities specific to our fitness level and interests. He was a delight to work with and I had tears when we had to say our good byes. Our driver Tanzien was also top quality. He drove a Land Cruiser that was high quality and was extremely safe, despite some poor quality roads. The itinerary was perfect. We really liked ending the trip with the Tiger's Nest hike. It was ideal to save the best for last. Another highlight was the Black Crane Festival.

A brilliantly organized trip through the peaceful and tranquil landscape of a tiny country at the foot of the Himalayas. Monasteries and temples abound, cows graze in the fields, and Buddhist chants fill the air.

Where to start! I had 2 wonderful chaps as guide and driver throughout the trip and Ugyen, the local agent was very responsive to what I wanted from the trip when we had to change the itinerary due to the dates a local festival being changed. I especially enjoyed the home and farm stays which gave me the opportunity to spend time in Bhutanese homes and spend time with their families. I loved the hiking, the climate, the food, the geography, the people and, over 30 days, I had the luxury of being able to experience so many different aspects of this lovely country.

The climb up to Tigers Nest was hard work without having acclimatised to the altitude (my fault for having it at the beginning of the trip) but well worth the effort, the views are stunning. The views across Bhutan are stunning! I'm pleased I travelled into the east of the country, I think those who didn't missed out and getting to see the mask dance festival was a real bonus. The hotels were all fantastic, as were the stop off points in between. My guide and driver were also wonderful and a great help.

The guide and driver were superb and made the trip totally enjoyable.

Our guide an driver were so thoughtful and communicative about our needs. The trip felt special and unique to us and our interests.