Bhutan - A Wish Come True!
Bhutan | Oct 7 - Oct 13, 2023

Susan
Susan S.
Gilbert, AZ | Reviewed on Oct 19, 2023

Bhutan has been at the top of my Bucket List for a while now, and I can easily say the trip FAR exceeded my expectations! The planning was superb - Mieke, you were so communicative and allayed all my 'fears' regarding visas, flights, paperwork, etc. It couldn't have gone any smoother. From the moment we set foot in Bhutan, things were perfect. The hotels Uma Punakha, Uma Paro, and Druk Hotel were outstanding - comfortable, welcoming, everything I could ask for. The country is stunningly beautiful, the people are so nice and friendly, and the food was fantastic. Our guide and driver Yonten and Dorji were SUPER! - so accommodating and flexible. Even though I wasn't always able to do some of the visits (due to my age and some health issues with walking up hills), I saw more than enough - and enjoyed every moment! And the fact that we ended up staying an extra day says how much we enjoyed the country - and we appreciated all the extra legwork you had to do to make that happen at the last minute! I can't thank you enough!

Hotel Reviews
Uma Punakha
Punakha

Absolutely stunning! Loved every moment there - from the courtyard doors opening the moment we arrived, to the stunning reception terrace with the beautiful view of the valley and the Buddha on the hill, to the terrace on my valley view room looking down over the river and valley - and being able to go to sleep listening to the sounds of the river, to all of the warm and friendly hotel personnel who always greeted us with smiles, to the beautifully appointed and very clean and comfortable room with everything you could need or want, and the wonderful food and wine served expertly. Absolutely First Class and more!

Authenticity & Character
The exceptional Bhutanese furnishings
Location
the beautiful views of the valley
Staff
So many smiles, and their sincere wish to make our stay as lovely as they could!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Modern, clean, beautiful. Couldn't ask for anything more!
Uma Paro
Paro

Absolutely Stunning! From the beautifully maintained grounds with the colorful prayer flags in the front, to the organic garden on site used for hotel meals, to the staff who cheerfully accommodated every need or wish (including arranging for us to stay an extra day - visa extension. flights, room, transportation, etc.), to the beautiful Como villa we stayed in with the beautiful garden views, to the wonderful views out the dining room windows as we enjoyed the superb food and wine. To the friendly manager who happened to be the friend of a friend of my traveling partner, but who chatted with and welcomed every guest. I couldn't have asked for anything more! It was so good we stayed in Bhutan an extra day just to relax at the hotel!

Authenticity & Character
The beautiful grounds with colorful prayer flags and benches we could sit at and just enjoy the surroundings
Location
High atop a hill overlooking the beautiful valley and town below!
Staff
So accommodating and always smiling and genuinely wanting us to enjoy our stay
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Como Villa was stunning - clean, comfortable, modern, and inviting!
Druk Hotel KK
Thimphu

Great location - right in the center of everything in Thimphu! Easy to walk to city sights - Textile museum, clock tower, artisan markets, etc. Clean and comfortable - great food, wine, and service.

Authenticity & Character
Great Bhutanese style
Location
Best location in Thimphu
Staff
Everyone was so nice!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Comfortable and quiet rooms
Activity Review
Changangkha Lhakhang (Thimphu)
Changangkha Lhakhang (Thimphu)
Thimphu

Beautiful place once you get across the cable bridge and up the hill. We happened to be visit this along with a group of Bhutanese students and it enhanced the experience.

Quality of Experience
Beautiful place right by (and over) the river.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in Bhutan/Netherlands | Replied on Oct 23, 2023

Dear Susan, thank you for taking the time to write a review about your experiences. So cool that you have decided to add another day to the trip - that says enough about how you liked the trip and the country. It's an honor begin a small pat of making this happen. You have been wonderful guests and I am glad you have enjoyed so much!
Wishing you all the best!
Mieke