Mieke Arendsen
It's hard to explain the deep love that I have for the Himalayas and Bhutan specifically. It already started long before my eyes caught sight of these magnificent mountains, when I read about these distant places and diverse cultures in college. It inspired me to study anthropology, thus gathering more knowledge about these isolated cultures. And after my first actual visit, some two decades ago, it was unstoppable. There's just something tranquilizing about the crisp mountain air, the magnificence of the vistas and the peacefulness and friendliness of the local people that blow me away every single time I visit.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"Bhutan has a very special place in my heart, being a country where you can experience an almost-isolated culture in a very pure form. "
How did you get involved in travel?
"I have been in the travel business exploring remote corners of Asia for two decades and still I am surprised every time."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"If I must highlight one small anecdote of what I find so typical about travelling in the Himalayas I'd like to tell about one thing that happened while trekking in Ladakh in July years ago.
As you might know, this is supposed to be the dry season. Packing lightly, I didn't bring rain gear along. You guessed it.. we were surprised by some very heavy rainfall. After an hour of trekking through the rain we reached a few farmhouses. Our guide Tashi told us it so happened that his aunt lived there. Unfortunately, she didn't seem to be at home. That did not stop Tashi to invite us into her home (of course unlocked) and to put the kettle on. He went through her storage room and just when we felt uncomfortable about him offering us her cookies, she entered the kitchen. A stunning old lady with a face so hardened by this climate. I half-expected her to scold us for invading her house, drinking her tea and eating her cookies. But her face just cracked into the biggest smile I have ever seen, delighted with the sight of her guests and her nephew.
After having enjoyed her hot butter tea and completely warmed up, we moved on, but not without her insisting (and believe me, she was quite persistent!) that I took her rain coat. I staggered of course, because how would she get it back? No problem at all, she said, because another nephew would be going to the village where our cook lived, to visit the weekly market in a few days. And so it happened.
Meetings like these do more than just warm your cold body - they warm your soul!"
Mieke's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
The kingdom of Bhutan remains one of the last unspoiled gems of the Himalayas. Closed to foreign visitors until the 1970s, Bhutan's past and present are firmly grounded in...
Explore the most iconic highlights of Western Bhutan on this six-day itinerary. In the capital of Thimphu, you'll see how ancient traditions coexist with modernity and learn...
This Bhutan bike tour is an excellent combination of biking through Bhutan's stunning landscape. Experience the real Bhutanese countryside life and visit some cultural...
Family itineraries
Recent trip reviews for Mieke
If you're going to Bhutan, go with KimKim
Bhutan
|
Nov 4 - Nov 14, 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words, Elliot! It has been a pleasure hosting your trip, and seeing the amazing pictures you took.
On behalf of Wind Horse family and Kimkim, I wish you all the best, and tashi delek for the future!
Best regards,
Mieke
What a great trip to Bhutan!
Bhutan
|
Apr 5 - Apr 7, 2025
My guide Tandin Dorji was super knowledgeable and courteous and I had the best driver, safe and present Tashi Dorji.
It was my first trip to Bhutan and I am already planning to being back! Read more
Hi Louis
Glad to hear you have thoroughly enjoyed your quick visit and we hope to see you back here one day to experience more 🇧🇹 It was a pleasure organizing the trip for you.
Tashi delek!
Mieke
Our guide Kencho Tshering was excellent. Very...
Bhutan
|
Mar 3 - Mar 7, 2025
Our driver was very good too.
Our first hotel in Thimphu was very cold and uncomfortable. The other 2 hotels were nice. Read more
Thank you Parduman, for leaving a review and glad to hear you have enjoyed your stay in Bhutan and your time spent with Kencho.
Also, good to know your thoughts on the hotels - we usually use a different set of hotels but it's good to know your experience with your selected hotels. Feedback is always welcome, that's how we learn.
wishing you all the best and a lovely time in India, Tashi Delek!
Mieke
Our trip to Bhutan was fabulous!
Bhutan
|
Nov 12 - Nov 22, 2024
Hi Lisa, Thank you so much for your feedback and comments on the places you have visited, this is very valuable to us!
It was a great pleasure hosting you here 🇧🇹
Wishing you all the best on behalf of the Wind Horse family,
Mieke
Booking the trip with Mieke was so easy and e...
Bhutan
|
Oct 20 - Oct 26, 2024
Dear Laura, thank you so much for sharing your review, and your kind words about our staff that was on the road with you. I am glad to hear that you have enjoyed your time together and experienced a smooth trip. Indeed, now you can cherish the happy memories of this Himalayan Kingdom :)
Thank you for being our guest!
Wishing you all the best,
Mieke
Thrilled with our journey to Bhutan 🇧🇹
Bhutan
|
Jul 2 - Jul 7, 2024
Dear Michael and Stacy, I am glad that you have had such a wonderful time with Sonam and Dawa and you have returned with lots of happy memories!!
I also like traveling in summer season since everything is so lush and green - and hardly any visitors around. On behalf of Wind Horse family, it was a pleasure organizing the trip for you ☺️
wishing you all the best,
Mieke
Fabulous Bhutan
Bhutan
|
Mar 22 - Apr 5, 2024
We had a fabulous trip to Bhutan - their traditional life practices are being carefully preserved as they work to modernize the country. Our guide, Tashi, was so knowledgeable about the culture, as well as the geography - taking us on some great off-road adventures (on bike and by foot)! Our drivers were adept at maneuvering the mountain switchbacks, and providing support as we pedaled our way across the passes. When the clouds lifted and we took in the spectacular mountain vistas, it was clear why the Bhutanese are so happy.
Hi Jill,
Thank you for your kind words! It was a pleasure organizing this active and adventurous trip for you. Glad the bikes were large enough:)
On behalf of Wind Horse family, thank you for choosing Bhutan as your destination.
Wishing you all the best,
Mieke
Great trip!
Bhutan
|
Mar 23 - Mar 27, 2024
Had a fabulous time at the Paro Festival, Tiger's Nest, Punakha, and Thimpu.
Dear Shalini, Thank you for your lovely review. I'm glad you have had such a wonderful trip. On behalf of Wind Horse family I would like to add that it has been a pleasure hosting you here.
Wishing you all the best!
Mieke
A magical week in Bhutan
Bhutan
|
Mar 5 - Mar 12, 2024
Thank you Mieke for planning my trip to Bhutan. There was a good mix of culture, nature. hiking and lots of wonderful photo opportunities. The highlight was the hike to the tiger’s nest and the hike and overnight stay at the Dodeydrak monastery. The guides and driver from WindHorse tours were excellent especially Namgyel & Taschi - punctual, professional & helpful. I fell in love with Bhutan and its people. I would definitely go back!
Wow Natalie, thank you for your kind words and sharing those amazing pictures! Glad to know you have had such a good time. If you are ready to return we would love to host you here again :)
Wishing you all the best,
Mieke
Overall, the trip exceeded our high expectations
Bhutan
|
Feb 17 - Feb 26, 2024
Hi Amy
Thank you for your lovely review! It was a pleasure hosting you here. Also on behalf of Yonten and Dawa, thank you for choosing Bhutan as your destination for this trip! We're glad you have enjoyed it so much!
Wishing you all the best,
Mieke
