A memorable Bhutan journey made special by its people
Almost a decade ago, I emailed Druk Asia to enquire about a trip to Bhutan, but work commitments meant the trip never materialised. In March 2026, I revisited the idea, this time with no work schedule holding me back. Six months later, my friend and I finally made the trip and returned with some of our best travel memories to date. From the very beginning, Sonam was incredibly responsive and patient in addressing my many questions, from travelling at high altitudes (a first for me) to food preferences and itinerary adjustments. The level of care and attention gave me the confidence to proceed with the booking, and I am glad I did! Two out of the three accommodations exceeded our expectations, offering a homely experience and a glimpse into genuine Bhutanese hospitality. The meals were delicious, with a thoughtful mix of local and international cuisines catered to our dietary preferences. The warmth of the housekeepers at our stays in Paro and Punakha was especially memorable. I actually missed them dearly after returning home! Our guide, Choki, was incredibly knowledgeable and patient, while our driver, Thuji, took care of us as though we were old friends. I believe it was their encouragement and support that made our five-hour trek to and from Tiger’s Nest Monastery possible! The winding mountain roads between cities were particularly challenging for me due to motion sickness. Thuji went out of his way to make multiple stops, drive at a gentler pace and even source local motion sickness medication when the medication I brought along was not working well. His thoughtfulness made the subsequent road journeys so much more bearable. This level of care truly went beyond what I had expected. Choki also demonstrated the highest standard of guiding throughout the trip. He patiently answered our many questions about the iconic landmarks and important aspects of Bhutanese culture and history. His responsiveness on WhatsApp, both before and during the trip, was another reassurance that we were well taken care of. Ultimately, it was Sonam, Choki and Thuji who made this journey so enjoyable and memorable. Their professionalism, genuine warmth and personal touch made us feel less like tourists and more like friends visiting Bhutan. Thank you, Druk Asia, for making a long-awaited dream trip such a meaningful experience. I left Bhutan with wonderful memories, a deeper appreciation of its people and culture, and the hope of returning one day. Until then, Kadrinche la! ❤️
