An Excellent Tour Operator in Bhutan

Question

It is often difficult to sort through the many tour operators in Bhutan. I'm sure there are many good ones, but I am happy to report that I had a wonderful, fulfilling tour with Bhutan Rebirth!  It is run by Keshav, who was amazingly responsive and patient with my many emails and questions. He organized a personalized 9 day, 8 night tour in Western Bhutan. I went with a friend and we saw some amazing, breathtaking places.  Our guide, Phub, was fantastic and his English is very good. He is a very intelligent, knowledgeable, and kind man. Our driver, Tashi, was a very professional, skilled driver and I felt very safe with him. I went from late November to early December and I found this to be a great time to go. Not hot and not as many tourists. Some places were cool, but not cold (1 or 2 cold nights higher in the mountain area, but the hotels have heat). I found it to be very pleasant during the day. Some days had perfect, pleasant weather, such as the climb up to Tiger’s Nest in Paro!

I loved seeing the Black-necked cranes in Phobjikha Valley and would recommend two nights there to see the cranes, the visitor center, and strolling through the scenic valley, assuming you enjoy walking and go during the season that cranes are there, listed as late October to mid February, but I imagine it can vary. And don’t expect to get too close to them, unless you get lucky as I did. But there are telescopes in the visitor center and there was an injured bird they are caring for there, which you can see close up!

I found that a good quality walking shoe worked well for the level of activity I chose for my tour. I did no intensive trekking, though it’s quite a walk up the mountain to Tiger’s Nest Monastery. I had to stop a lot, perhaps because I am over 65 – and out of breath often due to the high altitude. But slow and steady got me up there and I’m glad I went! Some people take a pony half way up, though some Buddhists look unkindly upon that, believing it is unkind to the animals.

This tour exceeded my highest hopes! Bhutan is an enchanting place and I felt that I was in good hands. I found Keshav to be very kind, responsive, and thorough in planning my trip.  His staff is very competent and I enjoyed the hotels where we stayed. Again, this was an amazing tour and I can’t recommend it enough!

mlguitar · Accepted Answer

Thank you for your comments and I am glad that you made it to Tiger Nest Temple without pony ride.

Can you advise how long you took to hike up and down from the temple? You had your lunch at the cafeteria? Can you share with us the time line on this hike?

In this fourm, there are alot of questions from senior people on this hike. This might be helpful to them.

John A · Answer

Yes, we had lunch at the cafeteria. It was a nice buffet and better than expected. Can't quite remember how long it took to go up. I'm thinking maybe 3 hours. But that was with stopping a lot. I think less than 2 hours coming back. You could ask the tour guide director Keshav. Here is their website: http://www.bhutanrebirth.com

I would suggest leaving early (but not necessarily too early!) and taking your time going up. My guide was very supportive of my resting a lot. Don't feel embarrassed to stop a lot and catch your breath. Enjoy the sites and the journey along the way! I work out at the gym, so I am in pretty good shape. But the altitude is another matter. The friend I went with walked up faster than me and he is a bit older than me! But he told me he does ok with altitudes. I think it is 10,400 feet at the top. Maybe consider the pony ride if you think you might be challenged to walk up all the way. But I can understand if that is distasteful.

John A · Answer

Correction: I think it was more like 4 hours walking up to the Tiger's Nest for me. But again, I went slowly. It took less time and was easier walking back. I highly recommend renting a walking stick going up--very cheap and easier on the knees, especially going back down. They will be at the entrance. And be aware that the cafeteria may close early, so know their schedule so you can fit in lunch on the way up (or down, as i did). Your guide will probably know.

mlguitar · Answer

Thanks for sharing. Hope this will encourage people at your age to try to hike to this temple.

Of course, you must be fit enough to hike for 6 hours at least. If not, hire a horse which can bring you half way of the trek.

Fearless802748 · Answer

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An Excellent Tour Operator in Bhutan

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