How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Tour leader knew exactly what he was doing and was very keen to please.

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

If you smoke beware. There is a large import duty on cigarettes between Nepal and Bhutan. Only take what you need.  

Do you have anything else to add?

I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to returning, I hope it doesn't change too much.

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Explore leader was extremely professional and empathetic towards the needs of the group. He adapted the itinerary so that the keen photographers coud spend more time at festival whilst the others went a city tour.  

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

Please respect the local people and their customs. they are so respectful and polite themselves. The country's society is evolving with access to TV, Hollywood and commercialisation but to reduce the damage the tourists should be responsible and set a good example.  

Do you have anything else to add?

Bhutan is beautiful and this was an exceptional holiday. It started so well on arrival at Paro airport when the passengers took 30 minutes on the tarmac taking pictures of the most magical airport in the world.

A wonderful trip from start to finish made all the better by our fabulous guide, Namgay and driver, Tenzin who ensured that everyone was well looked after. Namgay's ability to explain the intricacies of Buddhism in clear terms along with his depth of faith and unashamed love of his country was refreshing and informative; his sense of fun only added to the whole experience. The Paro festival, Punakha dzong, Phobijka and the Tiger's Nest were all highlights for me but ultimately the most memorable part of the tour was the serene beauty of the country and the people. The hotels were all very individual and were of a high standard apart from the Wangchuck in Thimpu which was clean but lacked the high level of service to be found elsewhere in Bhutan. The food can be somewaht monotonous as it is all 'tourist buffet' style ... but who goes the Bhutan for the food? I hope that Bhutan does not succumb to tourist pressures and retains its policy on limiting the number of visitors each year. This is definitely the best trip I have done in over 15 years of travelling and well worth every penny.

I saw Bhutan once on a Michael palin programme in mid nineties. When I arrived I realised it hasn't advanced much. It is ancient tradition meets the 1970's. In a fun and friendly environment. We went for Paro festival, but on our tour we saw 3 other dances & festivals. Have the most amazing pictures of dancers in a very hospitable and ffriendly environment. I will strongly advise to people attending festivals. Guys - wear a long sleeve buttoned collared shirt. You can get in without, but our guide was or would have been proffesionally embarrassed had his group been scruffy or misbehaved. the other tip on Paro festival is that you sit all day on concrete steps. Take something soft to sit on. And something to kee sun off your face as well. Hats are banned as disrespectful. Good luck and enjoy. .

It was a wonderful holiday, providing a great introduction to Bhutan, with a fun and effective tour leader and really good local guides. The only problem is that I would like to have spent more time and travelled further in the country - or perhaps that's for another trip! (BI - 25th October 2010)

Just back from this trip. Arriving in Bhutan following the frenetic pace in Kathmandu is like bathing in a crystal clear lake. It's a chance to reset your mind and feel part of the Gross National Happiness which is part of the mindset of the people of the country, not just a phrase.     

Our trip coincided with the Thimpu festival. We saw rehearsals and smaller festivals on the lead up to the main event. The dances are exquisite and appreciated reverentially by the crowds. Phallus bearing clowns mimic the dancers and entertain the audience.    

We had a great tour leader, Laura, for this trip. Our local guides were fantastic and our driver very skilled as we went along the mountain pass roads.   

The trip to the Tiger's Nest Monastry at Paro is a real highlight. If you can't make it to the top it's still worth heading part way to the cafe for the great views.   

My overall impression of Bhutan is one of calm friendliness. Buddhism is really fully part of life and its worth having an overview before you go as you will be visiting a lot of Dzongs and monasteries.    Another tip is to try a rum Dragon Warmer in the Phobjika valley before you retire to the hotel room with a log burning fire! (BI -Sep10 2010)