9 independent reviews for Bhutan small group tour
Reviews for Bhutan small group tour
Maria Mousley review 1 Mar 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Trekking to the Tigers nest Monastery2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Make sure you leave a minimum of 24 hours for any onward flights as you leave Paro. Departures from Paro are frequently delayed due to bad weather. We travelled in February and the weather was bright but cold. Some areas had snow as we travelled.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, tourism is the second most important source of income for the country after hydro electric power.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
excellentFiona Hewitt review 2 Nov 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Climbing up to the Tiger's Nest; visiting Punakha and Paro Dzongs; spectacular scenery; visiting a farmhouse and having a meal with a local family. Our guide and driver were great - friendly, helpful, informative and interesting to talk to.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
A lot of the sites we visited were temples and monasteries, so it would help to have a little bit of background knowledge about Buddhist traditions/teachings before you start.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Talking to our guide and driver, they told us that tourism is one of the two main sources of income for the country, and that at least some of the revenue from it is used to improve roads and facilities for more remote and less developed areas. So from that point of view, yes, tourism in Bhutan does benefit local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was a fantastic vacation. I have wanted to visit Bhutan for a long time (30+ years!) and it lived up to expectations.Phil Mitchell review 9 Apr 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
I think the overall feel of Bhutan was utterly inspiring the Gross national happiness index is amazing2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take the time to climatise the altitude is a significant factor, in yoru ability to function3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I have to point out that the company that sold this in the UK was utterly useless, we did have some issues with hotels in both Nepal and Bhutan, I know that the hotels are 3 star but a couple of them fell significantly short, one in Nepal was going through extensive renovation so had wires hanging from the ceiling and no water, and one in Bhutan didn't even have a shower or bath just a bucket. The guides in both places accepted they weren't up to scratch and did what they could to correct it and both agreed that it wasn't even meeting the 3 star standard, the team in the UK however when this was reported was utterly useless and basically kept saying 'its basic' and 'you clearly bought the wrong vacation'. so while I love the trip I would never travel with that company againItay Mehl review 12 Oct 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Stay Gangtey lodge, it was like a dream2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The plan was good, the people are great and friendly3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we spent time with local people and ate in local restaurants.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was excellent, however I would improve the quality of the lunch restaurants. And eat more dinner at the hotels.Hugh Colton review 6 Mar 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Climbing to the Tiger's Nest.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Make sure that you are fit and used to walking at high altitude.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Controlled tourism is undoubtedly benefiting the local economies and improving the infrastructure.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Outstanding.Annie Krefting review 23 Mar 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
walking up Tiger Nest2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
you will for sure enjoy the trip, but bring warm cloth with you.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
yes, I think the hotels and restaurants were pleased to have tourists and also the local shops were we bought souvenirs.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
a very good vacation, Everything went well, the tourguide was nice, the hotels were good, and we saw a lot of interesting things.Renee Summers review 4 Feb 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The stunning, rugged beauty of the Himalayas, and doing some hikes throughout Bhutan. The scenery is stunning, and hiking with a local guide allows you to be immersed with the local culture, from chatting with the farmers, watching local sports competitions, or sharing a meal. A very authentic experience!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Talk to your guide about the best places to visit/extra things to do to modify the itinerary. While the itinerary provided was excellent, sometimes local knowledge can uncover some hidden gems! For example, in Thimpu is an ‘interactive museum’ of the Bhutanese way of life. This wasn’t on the itinerary – but it should be! From seeing how they made traditional homes, dressing in local costumes, learning archery, and trying some local beverages…it was a really great authentic experience.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Environmental impacts were always considered by the company, and this was evident when passing through some tourist areas where other visitors were less considerate.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Loved it! Bhutan provides an opportunity for adventure like no other place Ive visited. Don’t let the price put you off. Bhutan is not somewhere you travel to just to snap a selfie, grab a souvenier and add a stamp to your passport. Go to Bhutan if you want to be immersed in a spiritually rich, beautiful and authentic nation with a captivating history and road to moderniasation. Their way of living could teach the west a lot!Roisin McArdle review 18 Oct 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Climbing to the Tiger's Nest is a must do and see. Nothing can prepare you for the sight of the Temple appearing out of the mist/clouds. Also it is not a case of seen one Dzong, seen them all, each Dzong has its own personality.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Bring a stout and comfortable pair of waterproof walking shoes/boots and waterproof (& breathable) rain jacket. The humidity can be quite high so throwing on a simple plastic mac from your last rock concert just won't cut it. You should also probably consider bringing the equivalent of up to $50 per day to cover drinks, tips and souvenirs.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Bhutan is well used to tourists at this stage so can't really say that my vacation could be said to benefit the local people, reduce environmental impacts or supported conservation in any obvious or material way.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fantastic vacation and would recommend a trip to Bhutan to anyone. I would say get there sooner rather than later before the charm of Bhutan is lost altogether in modern hotels, towns and WiFi. Possibly the area I was in is more tourist saturated (Paro, Thimphu, Punakha Valley, Gangtey) than other parts of Bhutan.Pamela Cranston review 19 Apr 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The hike up to Tiger's Nest. Great walk and once you get to the steps it is nowhere near as bad as you think. I was told there were 700 steps. With hindsight I wish I'd counted them as it didn't feel like that many. Also the Paro Festival was such a colourful affair and fascinating to observe how important it was to the locals.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Unless you are going in the black crane season, don't bother going to Phobjikha Valley3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Throughout I stayed in what looked like locally owned and run hotels, the guide and driver were locals and all the restaurants we visited seemed to be locally run.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Wonderful country to visit. The people are so friendly, the air fresh and the scenery stunning.Holiday Reviews
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