2 independent reviews for Bhutan culture & home stay tour
Reviews for Bhutan culture & home stay tour
Ian McIntosh review 24 Mar 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing the soaring himalayas from our snowy Bumdra camp early in the morning was an unforgettable experience.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Firstly - go and go now! Bhutan is a beautiful country - it’s people are warm and welcoming and it is culturally fascinating. Read about Buddhism when you’re there and you will get more out of the experience but just go!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We used a charming local guide and a driver for the whole trip and we also did a home stay.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It exceeded our expectations - in addition to the stunning scenery, ancient temples and welcoming people, we found it fascinating to see a country at the cusp of huge change.Deb English review 5 Mar 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Please don't make me choose the best highlight - but if I have too, then it was the drive from Thimphu up through the Haa Valley, which has to be one of the most beautiful places on earth - you have to see it to believe it.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Whilst loyal to it's traditions, Bhutan is not a living museum so be prepared for more modernity than you may have expected. Tourism is a major and growing industry, but very carefully controlled and so, for that reason, your vacation is organised and you are in the company of a guide and driver for much of it. They are excellent at their jobs, very knowledgeable and will tweak the timetable if they can do it so don't be afraid to ask. Think about doing a home stay or at least having a home cooked meal - the hotels and restaurants are of a good standard but eating local farmhouse food, cooked and served in the traditional Bhutanese way, is an experience not to be missed - they might even teach you how to make your favorite dish if there's time. Oh, and don't forget to haggle when you're shopping - the marked price often isn't what you have to pay.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely, though I do have some concerns about the environmental impact of the amount of plastics being used, water bottles for example.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It wasn't what I expected, but I'm not sure what that was. I didn't realize I would be accompanied quite so much, and, at first, that niggled a bit, but once my guide explained, very honestly, the reasons why independent traveling was not found to be appropriate for Bhutan I understood the situation and became more comfortable with it, also, you can get used to the 4 star treatment very quickly, and 4 star it is - the country, the people, the food, the culture - all of it. Was I glad I went, oh yes, will I go back, most definitely.Holiday Reviews
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