Travellers' reviews about Bhutan

5
18 reviews
Happy traveller
5
Bhutan
Couple
We had a brilliant time travelling for 23 days in Nepal and Bhutan. Our time in Nepal included having a few days in Kathmandu and visiting the major sites there, walking in the hills around the Kathmandu valley, flying to Pokhara and walking in the Annapurna foothills, having a peaceful and rural few days next to Chitwan national park in the southern lowlands and finishing in Patan, a really interesting ancient place now pretty much joined up with Kathmandu city but with a very distinctive, upmarket atmosphere. The people and cultures, landscapes and habitats are so diverse in Nepal. It has so much of beauty and interest to see, more than we could ever have imagined, despite its obvious poverty and the devastating effect of the 2015 earthquakes. We had 9 days in Bhutan which is an intriguing place, that raised many contradictory feelings and a lot of thinking. The natural environment and landscapes of Bhutan are stunningly beautiful - still over 70% forested, its a carbon negative country and the still preserved traditional culture and ancient temples are truly amazing. Travellers should be aware that tourism is heavily controlled and monitored here. We spent our entire 9 days with our guide and driver and we could have felt pretty restricted but they were both so lovely and such great fun to be with, and all the people we met were so kind and welcoming that this more than compensated. The whole organisation of our trip was superb from the moment of being put in touch with Sudarshan in Kathmandu to returning home.
The best parts:
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.
The worst parts:
There was nothing we didn't like about our trip except realising how much more there was still to do and see, especially in Nepal - and having to come home! We did so much in the time we had and it was all worth doing. The place we liked the least was Pokhara because it is so touristy and sadly almost as polluted as Kathmandu. Even so we had a wonderful hike in the hills north of Pokhara flanked by the amazing Annapurna Himalayan range, rowing over the lake and walking up to the beautiful Peace Stupa and chilling in the lakeside cafes. You learn a lot being in a country and If we were planning the trip again there's a couple of things we'd add in. We'd build in more time for hiking. The emphasis often put on 'trekking' in Nepal can be off putting if you feel your fitness level may not be high enough. However we do a lot of walking at home and discovered that 'hiking' - a much less intimidating concept, is very feasible in Nepal and takes you on some great routes. We did some lovely day hikes and if we do ever get back we'd do more of this. We'd also build in more time for bird watching. The range of birds in Nepal and Bhutan make them a bird watchers paradise but to get the most out of that we should have made sure we had the time in the schedule to go to the right places for this and with guides who were specialists in this field, which I'm sure would have been possible if we'd pressed for it. Sadly the air pollution in Kathmandu is awful. We deliberately limited the time we were in the city and wore good quality face masks with filters whilst walking about. Having said that its a hugely vibrant and interesting place to be and we loved it.
Nirmala
Hi Happy traveller. Thanks a lot for the excellent review. It was great having you and Rob in Nepal. I look forward to seeing you again for your next adventure in Nepal :-)
Evaneos
Dear Happy traveller, Thank you for your feedback! We are more than happy that you enjoyed your trip to Bhutan and we are looking forward to see you again soon! Yours sincerely, Your Evaneos Team!
Susan
5
Bhutan
Couple
We loved Bhutan. It is somewhere I have wanted to go for some time and it was as wonderful as I'd anticipated. I loved the trekking and enjoyed the camping element even more than I thought I would. There was the perfect mix of activity, time to relax and being part of the cultural experience. Our guide, Tenzing, was great. Very knowledgeable, very caring about us and our experience and very easy to be with. We went at the start of the walking season so we had the Druk Path and the camping sites to ourselves! Bhutan is such a beautiful and peaceful country and the itinerary *** put together for us was just perfect.
The best parts:
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.
The worst parts:
The only element which we didn't like so much was the rain. We had more rain than we expected and the views of the mountains were very limited as a result.
Ugyen
Hi Susan, your fabulous feedback is much appreciated. I’d like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to organise this autumn holiday through Evaneos for you couple. Great to know that the customised itinerary was perfect! Weather conditions had been little bit unusual during your visit and rained more than last year otherwise October is the best time of the year with clear blue skies offering majestic views of the eastern Himalayas. A good customer service is our core value with which *** always put extra efforts to meet our guests’ needs and desires. You couple was lovely indeed and look forward to welcoming again in our beautiful country. Tashi delek, Ugyen.
Evaneos
Dear Susan, Thank you for your feedback! We are more than happy that you enjoyed your trip to Bhutan and we are looking forward to see you again soon! Yours sincerely, Your Evaneos Team!
Burch/Huynh
5
Bhutan
Friends
We loved every moment of our trip - a few of the highlights (but not all!): 1. We loved our visit to the monastery (Dzongdrakha) en route to Haa where we were invited to join with a group of monks in a chanting ritual. 2. Our stay in Haa which included watching a festival 3. The festival we visited in Thimphu. 4. Our visits to a weaving school, a paper making factory, an incense making factory and an arts school 5. Dochula Pass 6. Our family stay in Paro and stone bath 7. Our hike to Paro Taktsang
The best parts:
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 worst parts:
There was absolutely nothing that we did not thoroughly love about our trip. We mean that with the utmost sincerity.
Tashi
Dear Steve & Lauren's Thank you so much for taking the time to leave this excellent review and sharing your beautiful pictures with us. We really appreciate you taking time to share your experience with us. We put customer experience and satisfaction as our priority, and your review reaffirms the hard work we put in every day. Come back and see us soon. Cheers! Lobzang
Evaneos
Thank you for your feed back! See you around the world!
NA
5
Bhutan
Solo
Bhutan had been on my bucket list for some years. It was only after Mr. ****** of**********. called me all the way from Bhutan, (in response to my online inquiry), that I started to think seriously about making this journey at this particular time. I was so struck by his professionalism, his re-assuring description of the trip and his sincerity, that I decided to embark on this memorable journey. My only regret is the brevity of my trip, and that I could not manage some of the strenuous uphill hikes. The Paro museum visit was an eye opener. The bio-diversity of the flora and fauna in Bhutan is fascinating. The visit to this museum educated me in many aspects of this remarkable tiny country.The view from here is spectacular, of the city and the Paro airport. As a travel destination, Bhutan is so unique, and should be at the top of a world traveller's list . That Bhutan has successfully kept a lid on unbridled tourism and reckless pollution, should be a model for reflection, and envy. Thank You to the thoughtfulness of the People and the Country. . .
The best parts:
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.
The worst parts:
If an improvement can be made, it would be the Food. Although it was nourishing and relatively tasty, there were times when it did not live up to expectations. Mostly at lunches, some of the buffet dishes were not replenished at all or quickly enough, as tour groups kept pouring in. Secondly the car back seat was quite uncomfortable and did not provide enough back support. Suggest some cushions, better vehicle suspension, for the long drives each day. . .
Ugyen
Dear Mr Ansari, thank you for the superb comments about your short holiday experience with us. The suggestions on food and vehicle seat will be taken care of, and ensure that there’s no stone left unturned the next time you visit again for a longer trip. We take the feedback from our valued guests seriously and strive to improve our services on a continuous basis so that we are able to deliver the highest standard of service to our clients around the world. Wishing your family and you a Happy and Prosperous New Year 2020. Ugyen and the Team.
Evaneos
Thank you for your feed back! See you around the world!
Milano_1985
5
Bhutan
Friends
We agreed at the phone about the itinerary. There was the perfect mix between cultural sites and nature, with beautiful trekkings, temples, accomodations and guides (guide + driver).
The best parts:
Everything!
The worst parts:
Nothing!
Tashi
Dear Cristina and Camilla, Thank you for choosing Evanoes to travel in Bhutan. Thank you for sharing your beautiful pictures and for taking the time to write a review! We are so glad to hear that you enjoyed everything, as well as you had wonderful time with our guide and driver, we are thrilled that we were able to exceed your expectations. We look forward to welcoming you back to our hotel in the future. Sincerely, Lobzang
Peter McLennan
5
Bhutan
Friends
We found the tour online. We selected the 'Festival of Paro' tour mainly because the dates aligned with our needs and the festival sounded interesting.The visits to Thimphu and Punakha were interesting and offered a chance to see more of the landscape. We had a limited time in-country and this tour worked well for us. I can upload some photos, but I need to process them first. They are too large to send as-is. Can I access this feedback site later?
The best parts:
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.
The worst parts:
There were some difficulties with credit cards, but that is to be expected in a small country like Bhutan. Facilities that don't take credit cards (in particular, the hotel in Paro) should make this clear at the outset to avoid surprises at checkout time. This hotel is showing significant wear and is sadly in need of renovations. Internet is important. The hotels we visited had very slow internet, mostly due to a lack of infrastructure. A single Wi Fi router was used to service the entire hotel in Thimphu, for example. This is unsatisfactory. The hotel in Paro had just one serviceable router, too. I found it necessary to re-start the router myself once I located it. It was delivering approximately 0.01 mbps. Not even enough for email.
Ugyen
Hello Carol and Peter, thanks for the feedback. We work really hard to meet expectations of our guests from all over the world, and we’re happy to hear that, on the whole, you enjoyed your holiday with us. Although we have had hardly any complaint about the hotel in Paro and Internet, we’ll still take your review constructively and apprise to the hotel of what you had expressed for further improvements. Our hotel Option 1 is always O**** H**** in Paro but its occupancy rate was 100% prior to your enquiry because of Paro festiva during your visit. Although we've had hardly any complaint about the hotel in Paro and Internet, we’ll still take your review constructively and apprise to the hotel of what you had expressed for further improvements. Thank you for giving eight 5-stars and one 4-star on the accommodation against the total 9 benchmarks of our services. Cheers!
Velu
5
Bhutan
Family
Visited Paro, Punaka and Thimpu on a 5N 6D trip.
The best parts:
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.
The worst parts:
As OAPs we found hiking bit difficult.
Ugyen
Hello Dr Chandran, BGT and my team cannot thank you enough for rating “excellent” on all aspects of our services. Once again we thank you so much for your unbiased comments and for taking your precious time to write to us. Our strengths encompass organizing a trip efficiently, bespoke itineraries, professional and customer-focused team, full of courtesy, high-rated hotels, great places to eat, etc. We always go the extra mile with pride to exceed our guests’ expectations and to have them the best ever holidays of a lifetime. Your brilliant feedback has triggered us to strive even more for continuous perfections…and shall certainly not let down any of you who give us the opportunities to serve you. Hope you’ll definitely refer your relatives and friend around the world. Tashi delek and cheers!!! Ugyen
Mountain goat
5
Bhutan
Couple
Had a great time. Views of Himilayas were amazing, as were Fortress at Punaka, Tigers Nest and the other temples and fortresses. Bhutanese very friendly. A must for those who who want to experience something slighty different
The best parts:
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.
The worst parts:
The only slight issue was at the Dewachen hotel. If they are going to have tourist in the winter they need to sort a few things out. It is not really acceptable to have to sit in the dinning room with coats and hats on because there is no effective heating. Similarly they should have the heating on in the bedrooms before guests arrive and really need to improve room heating as an open fire which goes out during the night it not good enough
Ugyen
Thank you for taking the time to write to us. Your feedback means lots to us and is very much appreciated. We are glad that you generally enjoyed your stay in Bhutan. All our guides and drivers have been carefully selected and always do their best for meeting the expected standards of our guests from all over the world. We are sorry to hear about ineffective heating system felt by you at the Hotel Dewachen. In fact, this hotel is one of the best hotels in Phobjikha valley, however, we apologise for the discomfort caused to you during your stay in there. We'll ensure that such incidences are well taken care of going forward, and we raised this issue to the hotel management. Bhutan is all-year-round destination. It’s delightful to hear you had a great trip in January. You couple should come back and see the eastern Bhutan before end of the special promotional price by December 2020. All the best, Ugyen.
jeffandjulieLA
5
Bhutan
Couple
We fell in love with Bhutan. It is one of our favorite places in the world. We were very happy to get to the central part of Bhutan. We felt blessed to experience the Black Crane Festival, an authentic Bhutanese ceremony. We started with 2 nights in Panaka and we were happy with this accommodation. We then stayed 2 nights in Bumthang, and we also loved this accommodation. Then, we stayed 1 night at Gangley. Then, we stayed 2 nights in Thimpu and we did not feel that the hotel was very good. But, this was not the fault of the agency, we picked this hotel. Then, we stayed 2 nights in Paro, and we again loved both of our hotel choices.
The best parts:
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.
The worst parts:
We were happy to stay in a homestay in Gangley. This was an authentic experience of Bhutanese culture. However, our itinerary stated that this had 'adequate bathrooms and hot stone bath.'. This was a misrepresentation. There was only bucket showers, outside (the weather was very cold), and it was shared by 12 people. So, needless to say, this was not a 3 star accommodation. This was not represented accurately. However, when we voiced our concerns, we were very impressed with how the situation was handled. Our guide took care of this immediately and swiftly. He agreed with our assessment and changed the second night to handle this situation.
Ugyen
Hi Jeffrey, thanks a lot for your true opinions on what you ‘liked’ and ‘disliked’ about your authentic trip organised by us. In line our company’s motto to “provide the best quality service” all the time, I always communicate to my clients promptly with a bespoke itinerary and assign top quality guides, drivers, vehicles (such as Land Cruiser/Toyota Prado/Coaster Bus) and put up in high-rated hotels. What a pride to hear from you that my guide, Ugyen Chophel Dorji and driver, Tenzin made an unforgettable moment during your stay in Bhutan and burst in tears on the day of departure! Let me also explain you about a homestay misrepresentation felt by you. On any of our itinerary under Additional Pricing Information, I agree that it clearly states in a minimum of 3-star accommodation excluding homestay/farmhouse option. If a homestay or similar accommodation is deemed or requested, we also ensure that a proper information is communicated to our valued clients about the type of accommodation chosen as was the case with your itinerary on Day 6 wherein it stated that ‘Government (TCB) certified tourist accommodation, not exactly 3-star.’ All in all, one actually gets an authentic experience of the Bhutanese culture when mingled with farmers as you rightly pointed out, and this way we all are also giving back to the rural community from the sustainable tourism point of view. Thank you for your kind understanding for the alternative arrangement agreed mutually on the following night without making a fuss. We welcome you back to Bhutan for your another important anniversary in future too, hehehe. We must stay in touch.Thank you once more.
BP
5
Bhutan
Couple
Went for a week-long journey through western and central Bhutan, organized by Ugyen, our local agent. Went to Haa Valley, Paro valley, and to numerous monasteries and temples. The organization of the journey was meticulous and went to perfection. The included meals were superb. These alone would merit mention.
The best parts:
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.
The worst parts:
Nothing
Tashi
Dear Bobby's, Thank you so much for your feed back. I am glad that you enjoyed your stay in Bhutan. It means a lot for us. Thank you so much and have a good day! Best Wishes Ugyen
Evaneos
Hi Bobby, Wow, what great feedback! We love to hear 'perfection' being used in a description of a trip. :) It sounds like a thoroughly peaceful time and we are so happy you enjoyed your time in Bhutan. Kind regards, Rachel
Bridget in Bhutan
5
Bhutan
Solo
We packed a huge amount into 30 days and it`s difficult to condense that into a brief summary - we hiked, drove, ate, talked, danced, laughed across a country travelling from west to east discovering wonderful treasures on the way. I can`t thank you all enough, including the wonderful team in Bhutan, for enabling me to have such a wonderful experience.
The best parts:
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 worst parts:
Staying in western hotels. If I have to stay in hotels I would much rather stay in Bhutanese hotels as one of the main purposes of my trip was to immerse myself in Bhutanese culture not find myself in the company of other foreign tourists.
Kate
5
Bhutan
Solo
I had planned to travel west to east and leave for India at the border but had a change of plan and retraced east to west to fly from Paro and that worked out even better. By moving across I gig to see the main cities of Paro and Thimphu as well as the small villages in the east where the way if life is totally different. The homestay was a great chance to see a real working Bhutanese home so I'd recommend that to anyone.
The best parts:
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 worst parts:
There's nothing at all I didn't enjoy.
Tashi
Dear Kate, Thank you so much for your reviews. It means a lot for us. We will always welcome back you to Bhutan. Thanks
Chasta
5
Bhutan
Couple
We had a wonderful trip and Bhutan delivered everything we wanted. The hikes were really good going up to remote monasteries.
The best parts:
The guide and driver were superb and made the trip totally enjoyable.
The worst parts:
The hotels were generally lacking in refinement. They were nicely set up but lacked the service level we would have hoped for.
Tashi
Hi Chas, Many thanks for your feedback. It means a lot for us. We will definitely talk to hotels to improve. Thank you so much and have a good life a head and always enjoy your holidays. Best Regards
Karpas
5
Bhutan
Couple
Bhutan is a phenomenal place to visit which means it has a list of popular tourist attractions. Our guides put together a trip that was so we'll timed and tailored to our interests. We went to smaller temples with interesting stories that required a hike, my wife got to try some cooking at a homestay, we were allowed to get local food, rather than the non-spicy food served in the restaurants. When we did go to the big attractions like Tigers Nest our guide made sure we were approaching it a different way than everyone else. Our interactions with our guide and driver were the most rewarding part of the trip.
The best parts:
Our guide an driver were so thoughtful and communicative about our needs. The trip felt special and unique to us and our interests.
The worst parts:
For us it is difficult to be so taken care of, it was hard to learn to let our guide and driver get the door or carry our bags, but that is hardly a bad thing I guess.
mak
5
Bhutan
Solo
this was a long trip in a small country and I saw a lot. gasa was the very best due to the outstanding scenery and the wonderful family we stayed with and should be heavily promoted despite being a bit out of the way. merak and sakteng were very nice and so where all the farm stays. and again, it was the rinschen's and tshering's efforts to show me the country, people and explain the culture that made all the difference.
The best parts:
the people, the scenery, the culture, my guide rinschen and my driver tshering. those two were extremely professional, knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor. they were truly amazing.
Tashi
Dear Mark, Thank you so much for your review. It means a lot for us