26 independent reviews for Bhutan vacations, cultural tours
Reviews for Bhutan vacations, cultural tours
Mariko Ozaki review 8 Mar 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Clear blue sky and unspoiled nature of Bhutan.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be ready to give generous tips to the guides and drivers.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Unfortunately, we contributed to increase in pollution but local people need tourism.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent vacation.Marie Standley review 8 Mar 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Going up to the Tiger's Nest in Bhutan.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Check your itinerary to see whether you are spending time where you want.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
To some extent: Staff employed at the hotel, tour operator, guide, driver benefited. Am unsure about the environmental impacts/supported conservation. I did not like the shackled elephants at the safari, their diet of rice, molasses rolled a leaf and reading how baby elephants are tamed.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I absolutely loved Bhutan. The guide very knowledgeable and ensured that I was comfortable and my dietary needs were met. The tour operator efforts to make my vacation enjoyable in Nepal. I had a fabulous vacation.Sharon Blyth review 18 Oct 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Trip to Bhutan2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
This was an amazingly well organised trip3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
ExcellentRose McDonagh review 29 Oct 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Traveling through the Himalayas, climbing to Tiger's Nest monastery, being inside the temples and fortresses of Bhutan.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
It's a fairly relaxed vacation, you don't need to worry about too much. The hotels were of a really good standard but it's worth bringing hand sanitiser or hand wipes for traveling about as quite a few public toilets don't have soap or running water. I brought lots of clothes in case I didn't get a chance to do laundry but there were laundry services in the hotels so you really don't need to bring as much. This was my first time in Asia, traveling solo and I'd recommend it to other people thinking about this sort of vacation.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Benefited local people by using local operators and putting funding back into the countries. Opportunities to buy local crafts.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A trip full of wonders. A well organised, well put together tour.Nancy Bodson review 18 Aug 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Visiting Tibet was an amazing experience. Our guide was also terrific.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be fully equipped for the monsoon if you travel during that time3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I believe that our financial contribution to visit the site will help for the reconstruction of the buildings that were severely damaged by the 2015 earthquake in Nepal4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fantastic. Amazing experience. I highly recommend to book a Vacation with this operator. Achut and his guide in Tibet were amazing.Caroline Hopkins review 21 Mar 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Simply Bhutan, everything about the Bhutan vacation was excellent beyond expectations. From the time we landed till the time to leave the guide and driver were so kind, thoughtful, and could not do enough for us. One of the best vacation I ever had and will stay with me for a very long time.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
I took the 10 day vacation. I would ask to see the Kathmandu itinerary, I chose this company, the organiser will try to fool you unless you insist he will pull wool over your eyes about sightseeing trips he will dismiss the days in Kathmandu as days of rest. He will lie about sharing rooms and make you pay the single supplement. His sightseeing starts at 11 am to 2pm and will not have a guide or transport. Do not use this trekking company. Do not stay at the Vaishali Hotel as it is 1 star. Beware the sheets are not changed for the next customer I changed rooms 3 of the 4 days i stayed there.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Benefited the people and helped.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Trip to Bhutan excellant as the trip itenerary you could not fault them as the tour was organised by the Bhutanese tourist board. 5 stars for Bhutan and no stars for Kathmandu.Christine Beswick review 20 Mar 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Every second will be memorable2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Just book and go .. a destination not to be missed.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Helped benefit local people4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Can’t wait to go backPhilip Diamond review 1 Mar 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Walking up to Tigers Nest Monastery in Bhutan2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Travel light. No need for Arctic clothing even in winter3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Certainly benefitted local people by contributing to their economy4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Exceeded my expectations in all respects. The tour operator was great and guides and drivers went out of their way to ensure a truly memorable experience. All arrangements went like clockwork.Cath Muldowney review 4 May 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The trip to the Tiger's Nest Monastery was tough but well worth the effort. Bhutan is a fabulous country, and the people are lovely. Coupled with the more hectic pace of Kathmandu, this was a perfect two center trip.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not sure about the second two points, but I guess that our tourist dollars helped the local economy.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We really enjoyed it and would thoroughly recommend it to anyone seeking something a little different to the normal package vacation.Rosemary Anderson review 30 Apr 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Climbing to Tigers nest2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Make sure you know if there are any elections and vacations as things close. Most things also closed on Saturday afternoon. plan your itinerary to avoid this. Our guide was brilliant as he managed to fit everything in we wanted to see despite losing 1.5 days due to closure. It helped we had built ina free day for the rhodedendron festival which gave us a little extra time.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I felt it benefited local people as we bought goods from local stalls and bought goods from a disabled foot painter. The tourist industry provides work for local people and in Bhutan it appears that the whole economy is now geared for tourism.. In the time available we were not able to reduce envirnomental impact.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We had a fantastic time. Achut, the tour operator was very good and attentive. the guides and drivers he used were also excellent. Susan in Kathmandu and very flexible to our wishes. Sonam and Tenzin in Bhutan. They all helped to make the trip a never forget experience. below I am not rating 5 stars for the trip because I find the poverty in this region very disturbing. It was heartbreaking to see the dirt and dust and the devastation from the earthquake that has not been rectified.Alan Levy review 16 Sep 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Bhutan was amazing. We loved the culture, the slow pace and Tigers Nest was the highlight, we loved the hotels, the food and the tour was superb. Our agent in Kathmandu, and our tour operator was excellent. He put together the right itinerary for us and we were very happy with his service. I would highly recommend him to fellow travelers.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The Tigers Nest walk down on a muddy path was treacherous, so be very very careful if you travel at this time of year (rainy season). We were so grateful to our guide and driver who both supported us on this walk over the lower part of the part (where the horses had made the path like an ice rink).3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes in Bhutan as the government take a large part of the travelers money and they are distributing it well it seems.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
10 out of 10.Julia Sahin review 4 Sep 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Tiger's Nest Monastery .. it was the place I was most looking forward to visiting, and was every bit as good as I hoped. However, all of Bhutan was magical .. it's a such a remarkable, pristine country, comparatively untouched by mass tourism. From the moment of landing in Paro valley (it felt like the wings of the plane almost clipped the mountains!) it was an amazing experience.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The climb up to Tiger's Nest is hard, but you can take it at your own pace. Plenty of senior tourists were doing it. I went in August - low season, and end of the monsoon - don't be afraid of going at this time, there was rain, but not all the time and it had no bad effect on the vacation. I tailored my vacation slightly and did the Nepal bit independently (I had been there before, and don't usually travel with a tour group) and Achut was helpful in letting me do this.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I don't know, but was impressed with the sustainability and environmental ethos in Bhutan in general.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Just marvelous; well organised beforehand and well paced once I was there.Basia Filzek review 26 May 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Flying into Bhutan over the Himalayas and then the sharp right to get down into the narrow valley to line up with the runway. Exciting, definitely! I loved the greenery, the steep valleys and sometimes roaring rivers. I loved the houses and the little bit of wildlife we saw, so few birds. I loved the last dinner with music and dancing from Nepal. Achut took us out for dinner on our last night was such a treat.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Know your costs beforehand. Ask what exactly is paid for. You may not get a straight answer but at least you've asked. I was asked for entrance fees to historic sites in Kathmandhu whereas the group I was with was not. Also ask for an itinerary., but having said that, there's nothing much you can do once you've set out on your vacation so if your itinerary is changed make the best of it and go with the flow.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I don't think my vacation did anything to support conservation or reduce environmental impact. The vacation was prepaid so apart from tips to the porters (usually young girls), drivers and guides and a bit of spending locally in Thamel in Kathmandu the rest of the money went to the travel company, both local in Bhutan and Nepal.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
An 8 out of 10. Bhutan is lovely, BUT won't be for much longer. The countries on its borders have free entry so dzongs and other sites are overcrowded with lots of noisy, pushy people, as are the roads and hotels. Historic sites in Kathmandu were impacted by the 2015 earthquake, some very badly. I think the travel companies should be up front about the destruction.Read the operator's response here:
Thank you very much for your kind feedback. We believe that all our trips are helping in the grow up economy for local communities, preserving the local culture and heritage site and trying to keep clean environment and reduce the environmental impacts; for example we use local guide, porters and transport, they will receive the benefits from the tour products and paying for entrance tickets and park conservation and permit charges etc that will be helping to protect environment and heritage sites. After paying all taxes, duties fees and trip operatation charges, obviously we the local tour operator will receive a small percentage of vacation amount as a recognition of service to making the trip smoothly and happy to clients.
Melanie Moehl review 18 Jan 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
I have just returned from an amazing vacation organised by our tour company. I visited Bhutan for 6 days and did a 4 day hike in the Nepalese Himalayas. The experience was incredible. The highlight was the trek up to the Tiger's Nest Temple in Bhutan. What a wonderful day - it was really challenging, but so worth it when you get to the top. Also the 4 day hike in the Annapurna region - amazing mountain scenery and I met great people along the way.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take lightweight clothing. Even though I went in December - the days were really hot, but nights were so cold - you will need down jackets and warm clothing. The food was great in Bhutan - lots of fresh vegetables and either chicken / fish for lunches and dinners. From a shopping perspective - great jewellery in Paro and silk shops. I found Paro much better for shopping than Thimphu.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
In Bhutan they only use local guides and drivers. You cannot go anywhere without these guides - so, a definite benefit to the local economy. It all seems very unspoilt and not touristy (at this time). People were so friendly everywhere. They have a major focus on the environment and conservation in Bhutan.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I had a wonderful and unforgettable vacation in Bhutan and Nepal. Well organised by our tour company - they were flexible and incredibly helpful all the time. The tour guides were superb in both Bhutan and my hike in the Annapurna region.Maria Burton review 27 Oct 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Bhutan, climbing Tiger Nest and visited monastery in Tibet.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
I suggest Diamox tablet to be taken a day or two before arriving Tibet. Altitude headaches is impossible to prevent. Kathmandu hotel Vaishali is not the cleanest hotel to stay, bathroom is public toilet, leak either tap or flash handle, towels is like floor cloth beige brown, tap loose come off when adjusted temperature. Cockroaches and bed bugs. I would give 1*!! Our tour operator needs to be advise regarding this hotel. Staff are friendly and helpful with no resources to solve the problem. By the way, my husband can’t find a sink stopper for his shave so he need to use hair shower cap. What!! the water was light brown probably rust from pipes or tap???? Good size room that’s about all.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Bhutan & Tibet maybe, Kathmandu, no.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Bhutan - 8/10 Tibet - 7/10 Kathmandu - 2/10Read the operator's response here:
Thank you very much for your kind feedback. During the tour, we have used local transport, local guides, hotel run by local people and visited at historical sites with buying entrance tickets, so we hope that local people benefited and it supported to conservation historical monument sites from this vacations.
Bob Shearwood review 28 Apr 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The time spent in Bhutan, especially the trek up to the Tiger's Nest. Well worth the effort. Paro the smaller of the two stop over locations was by far the more attractive, Thimpu the capital is starting to become more commercial. There was even traffic jams!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The trek up to the Tiger's Nest was a tiring experience especially with the high altitude. If you believe you could be in difficulty go up to the halfway point, on the horses available, to the restaurant. From there you will get outstanding views of the monastery and I suspect greater motivation to complete the journey on foot.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Certainly Bhutan has benefited from the tourist tax which is a component of the tour cost. The mandatory tourist guide certainly was a mine of information and his Buddhist faith added to the value of the trips into the Temples we visited.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The Bhutan element was life enhancing. Kathmandu was in striking contrast and a challenging experience for all my senses! A very chaotic city which could be too frenetic for some visitors. If you do feel the city is getting too overwhelming then go to the Garden of Dreams, an oasis in the middle of the chaos.Rosalind MacRae review 14 Nov 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Bhutan was the most wonderful friendly country. Peldan our guide was the best and really looked after us and was very knowlegable in the history while keeping us entertained as well. Tiger's nest was the highlight, amazing place. The tour operator organised the whole tour to perfection even organising my friend's 70th birthday evening.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Book through this operator, they do go the extra mile.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It certainly benefitted the local people of Bhutan in tourism.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We would certainly reccommend going to Bhutan. Khatmandu is an exciting place but still reeling from the earthquake last year.Helen Dukes review 13 Nov 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Trekking up to tigers nest. A lifelong wish finally coming to fruition with a super guide and lovely fellow tourists.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Pretty cold in the evenings, so warm clothes and good walking footwear, everyone is so lovely so bring along a big smile!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not sure.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Achut in Nepal, bent over backwards to ensure I managed to do what I wanted. I added a couple of days onto the end and he arranged for me to trek in the annapurnas with a lovely guide - krishna who coped with my exuberance admirably! Peldan and dorji in Bhutan found out everything we asked and added in requests from us all to make our trip more personal. I cannot fault any part of the vacation.Carole Bridge review 1 May 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Without a doubt the unforgettable sight of The Tigers Nest clinging to the mountainside with the mist swirling around the temple. The story and history was brought to life by my friendly and informative guide resplendent in his national costume.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Book with this operator for superb care given by Achut and his brother. They are friendly, kind and courteous and driven by a genuine desire to share their culture and love for their country with you, the traveler. On the practical side, good walking shoes ( I was hopelessly ill equipped !) and don't bother to pack any fancy clothes as there will not be an occasion to wear them! Lots of early starts and lots of walking but amazing and so well organised.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not really sure but Achut took me to a local school where I spent the afternoon teaching the children songs and telling them traditional English stories. So I suppose they may have benefited from my visit ?4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Amazing and made especially amazing because of Achut and his family who kindly invited me to spend the last couple weeks of days in their home. I was immersed in the Nepalese way of life and found it to be enchanting !Linda Marlow review 5 Apr 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
So many ... the trip on the river at Chitwan, spotting a rhino and its baby, riding through the jungle on the back of an elephant, the colour and wonder of Kathmandu, the shops (!), the humility of the people in Nepal, seeing Everest from the plane from Kathmandu to Bhutan, walking over the 100ft suspension bridge twice, the monasteries, the vastness of the natural environment, the organic food, the Bhutanese friendliness, the scenery, the efficiency of the people in hotels, the fresh air, the amazing giant Buddha Dordenma Statue, back at Kathmandu and visiting many wonderful sights including the monkey temple and the remains of the stupa at Boudhanath, a monk clad in orange, the lady in Pattan who literally made me a necklace there and then and of course our wonderful tour organisers and guides.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don't hesitate, an amazing experience especially if you are drawn towards spiritual ways and a completely different way of looking at the world. I would check the hotels though as the one in Kathmandu suffered from power cuts, although the staff were fantastic but if you like your home comforts, then perhaps pay a little more for a less basic hotel.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, the organisers obviously used many local businesses and people very aware of the area. They were constantly aware of environmental issues relating to the areas we visited. Many places we visited obviously aided in the restructuring of the buildings in Nepal too.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I absolutely loved it and even now a few weeks later, the wonderful sights and sounds are still with me. I hope to return again in a couple of years .. and will most definitely use the vacation provider again.Mike Griffin review 23 Nov 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The climb up to the Tigers Nest was hard but worthwhile as the views and the Monastery were amazing. The walk through the Phobjikha valley to see the Black Necked Cranes had staggering scenery.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Warm clothes for the evening and good walking shoes. All the hotels I stated in had good facilities and the food was ok. The roads outside of the towns are pretty bad so if you suffer from car sickness you would need to take something.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Felt that the local people benefited from the tourists. They themselves and the government take a keen interest in conservation which in itself rubs off onto the traveler.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The vacation was well organised by our tour operator out of Kathmandu. I had a great guide who was very knowledgable and a driver who managed the difficult roads. I was meant to be part of a group but in the end there was just me. So I had these guys as my personnel guides. Result!Eszter Bernath review 5 Nov 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The whole journey on the roads in Bhutan was something special, but of course the most momentous was the hike up to the Tiger's Nest. It was really something special. And the guide took time to ensure that we would manage it as well.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
When you have some time on your own, especially, when staying in Thimphu, then walk around and see the neighborhood. We really had a great time walking around, and people are really nice and helpful. - A shop even let my wife try some dried yak cheese for free. - Though no recommendation came with that. :)3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We clearly felt that tourism is an important source of income to many people. Maintaining the local traditions and protecting the environment are key objectives in Bhutan. It was a great opportunity to experience both without feeling as a disruptive element. Our vacation was a great example of balancing the benefits of tourism and the protection of local traditions and the environment.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We had a great time. the trip of a lifetime. It cannot be explained, only experienced.Margaret Phelan review 20 Oct 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
People and countryside2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If you want to go in a group, make sure they have placed you in a group.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I think it helped other people. Probably supported conservation. Not sure driving everywhere reduced environmental impact.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Was disappointed to be traveling alone rather than in a group, but still had a great time.Peter Grove review 15 Sep 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Experiencing the hospitality of the Bhutanese and Nepali people2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The vacation providers are a really helpful compnay3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was an excellent vacationRay Priest review 24 Dec 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
This was an excellent vacation with huge contrasts between the mountain countries of Nepal and Bhutan. Both countries are steeped in their unique cultures and histories - it was a joy to learn so much. The walk to the Tigers Nest in Bhutan has to be a highlight - an unforgettable day!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Although December is the low season in this region, and it was very cold at night, it was wonderful to travel with far fewer tourists at the destinations. The days were full of climatic contrasts - bright clear sun, snow and haunting mists. A great time to travel and very competitive prices as well. I would recommend getting out of Kathmandu when in Nepal - the chance to explore Pokhara was really worth it with wonderful views of the Annapurna range.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We stayed in local hotels, used local guides, transport and restaurants. It was good to see our spending being invested in local companies. I am not sure we reduced the environmental impact of our travels as we used vehicles and air flight during our stay. However, there was also plenty of opportunity for walking to various sites.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A really good vacation thanks to Achut's organization and all the help from the operator. A great team of guides and drivers who made every effort to make sure the vacation was enjoyable. I would certainly recommend them to other visitors wishing to explore Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet.Selina Brandl review 17 Sep 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Everything about Bhutan and Mt.Everest in Tibet.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
You need a good camera. Umbrella to protect from rain and sun.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not sure.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Enjoyed every minute of it. Well organised, everyone involved provided excellent service.Holiday Reviews
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