Last week I returned from a 4nights/5days trip to Bhutan with Bhutan Rebirth Tours and Treks agency from Thimphu. There are dozens and dozens of licensed agencies in Bhutan. How did I manage to make the best choice? Basically, in three steps:
step1: consult the most trusted, in my opinion, guidebook publishers - Lonely Planet
step 2: review websites of the agencies most often recommended there
step 3: follow my intuition attracted by name (simple and to-the-pont kind of name) and website (friendly, outgoing, bits-and-pieces kind of website :), telling it all at first glance).

I had never gone on a package tour before, apart from a 2-day visit to the Sundarbans National Park, as I prefer to organise and arrange everything myself. So far have travelled like this around most of Europe and a large part of India and never had any reasons to complain.

To visit Bhutan I had to go for a tour operator, so felt compelled and a bit uncomfortable. But, what to do?

I must say that after exchanging a couple of mails with Keshav Gurung, the managing director, all my doubts just evaporated. I was communicating with an outgoing person, open to my suggestions about the itinerary and extremely patient in answering my questions of all sorts, almost daily, for around two months. I must have been a pest. Chapeaux bas, Keshav. :)

I wanted to squeeze as many points into the short-time itenaray as possible. What was rational, was taken into account. What was irrational, I was persuaded out of, always with rational arguments.

As I was travelling solo, I still had some doubts about having to spend time with strangers (the guide and the driver) who I wasn't sure I would get on with. Again, my doubts evaporated before reaching Thimphu on the way from Paro airport.

The driver, a man of few words, handling the car almost effortlessly, with great professional skill, made me feel completely safe, even on sometimes not-so-safe-looking roads. It was amazing how he tuned in - he would slow down, without a word from me, when I tried to take photos of some places we were passing by, or even if I didn't but the place was worth it.
The guide, an outgoing, good-humoured, caring and helpful young man, around my son's age :), was actually not just a tour guide but a great companion. I also appreciated his knowledge. Before the trip I had read and learnt a lot about the country's culture, history and customs. Still, I could learn more from him.

The food was delicious. I even ventured for the famed bhutanese chillies, though I usually avoid very spicy food. Both hotels I stayed in were very comfortable and warm (important at this time of the year). And none of the four nights I spent in Bhutan was disturbed by barking dogs that tourists so often complain about. It must be a myth. ;) All the stray dogs, indeed there are many of them, I met on my way, even on Taktsang trail, were quite friendly or at least neutral, for sure not aggressive.

So, a perfect trip? Nothing to complain about?
Well, there was one imperfection in it - the duration. :) I wish I had stayed in Bhutan much, much longer. Not only because of natural beauty but also because of kindness of the people. Which makes me think about trying to come again. If I ever manage to, I will certainly do it with Bhutan Rebirth again. Will feel like coming home I guess.

Thank you, Bhutan Rebirth.