Himalayan Kingdom Expeditions; Western Bhutan and Jomolhari Trek
Bhutan | Apr 24 - May 8, 2023

Thomas
Thomas J.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on May 15, 2023

Our trip with Himalayan Kingdom Expeditions was amazing from beginning (a six-day cultural tour with acclimatizing day hikes) to end (a seven-day trek). Vishal and guides, Tek and Ngawang, were consummate hosts. Planning was thorough and efficient. Guides were knowledgable and clear when sharing information about Bhutanese history, Buddhist history and customs, natural history, and adept at organizing, executing, and adjusting to conditions while trekking (mainly due to weather and altitude, but also because our group occasionally chose to linger at a location or site longer than planned).
Before departing for Bhutan, I was looking forward most to the Jomolhari Trek that we'd arranged with Vishal, and this did turn out to meet and exceed expectations for adventure and experiencing a remote cultural landscape, but I also got so much more out of the time we spent around Paro, Punakha, and Thimphu than I'd imagined that I would. The temples, monasteries and related Buddhist sites and traditional workshops were profound, magical, and made even fuller by the background and context provided by Tek and Ngawang.
Not being a guided expedition person by nature, I was concerned about being "fussed over" to the point of having the service interfere with my experience of the place that I was visiting, but my experience with Himalayan Kingdom contradicted all of my preconceptions of what this might be like. Interactions with Tek and Ngawang were easy from day one. Their calm, kind, and informative approach to hosting created camaraderie and by the end of the trip I was sad to have to say goodbye to good friends. I have only positive things to say about Vishal and Himalayan Kingdom Expeditions and about the wonderful travel experience that I had because of them!

Local specialist: Vishal Pradhan
Vishal
Vishal Pradhan
Local specialist in Paro, Bhutan | Replied on May 16, 2023

Dear Thomas,

Thank you for taking the lead to work with us in planning this adventure for yourself and your friends.

While it has been a long await, glad to hear that Bhutan has lived up to your expectation and has inspired you. We truly appreciate your patience with us and once again thank you for your trust and patronage. We hope to cross paths again in future and till then take care and stay blessed.

Team Himalayan Kingdom Expedition.