3 independent reviews for Jambay Lakhang Festival vacation in Bhutan
Reviews for Jambay Lakhang Festival vacation in Bhutan
Kim Shockley review 8 Nov 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Tigers Nest hike! Flying into Paro airport and views of Himalayas.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Bring your own instant coffee to add to Bhutan brew. And powdered creamer. Or enjoy the tea.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
No reduced environmental impact. We did have tea at a home visit and made a small donation.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great driver and guide. The hotel we were promised via itinerary in Bumthang for four nights was downgraded substantially. The Kichu “Resort” was a huge disappointment. So, I give trip a 3 and a half stars.Read the operator's response here:
While we intend to deliver the itinerary and accommodation as stated however on occasion, particularly at times of increased demand for accommodation it is not possible. We have reviewed our documentation and amended it to more effectively communicate this. In the locations where you have identified your expectations were not met we are investigating the specific properties and reviewing our continued use of them.
Kobi Reiner review 5 Nov 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Nature Culture and the guide. The views where amazing, the Buddhism was introduced in a very appropriate way and the guide was excellent.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be ready for inconvenience while traveling in Bhutan outside Paro and Thimphu area.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I hope so. I really don't know where the big money went to by the Kingdom. The few things I bought helped those I bought from.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
An excellent vacation. The group, the guide, the nature and culture where overwhelming.Mar Thomson review 13 Nov 2013
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Note: we did a package of three tours provided under the banner of this operature -- (a) Bhutan, Land of the Thunder Dragon (Jambay lakhang festival); (b) Nepal - Chitwan National Park; (c) Nepal - Kathmandu Valley .............. - ‘Safari’ on the back of an elephant - Chitwan - Viewing the Tiger’s Nest Monastery - near Paro, Bhutan - Postcard view after view after view throughout Bhutan2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Much of the Kathmandu Valley tour -- particularly the time spent in the city itself -- was wasteful. The day allocated to touring the city boiled down to 2-¼ hours of guided visiting of two religious sites. We had a particularly ineffectual guide for those 2 hours ... and it was (according to the itinerary) left to us to find our own way or hire a private guide to see other sights such as the Monkey temple, Durbar Square, Thamel district, etc. Our impression was that Kathmandu is a dump, with little interest except, perhaps, a few hours of meandering in Durbar Square and the fascinating nearby streets, plus a half-hour at each of the three major religious sites. The (supposed/advertised) five days for this tour could probably be pruned to three. Chitwan was a bit disappointing in terms of wildlife viewing. Seeing two sleeping rhinos was as good as it got. Otherwise, it was just a few deer and monkeys.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. Clearly the local tour company in Bhutan was prospering and growing because of its connection with this operator. With the exception of our stay at the Radisson Kathmandu Hotel, our money was obviously going into local operations. We were certainly given the opportunity to patronize local crafts persons. In general, we were led to understand and believe in Bhutan’s approach to development, including the commitment to preserve the forests and other natural and cultural resources.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The Nepal legs were somewhat disappointing, particularly the Kathmandu Valley one, which was very poor value-for-money. Bhutan was superb: certainly one of the most wonderful countries we’ve ever been in, and the tour provided was top-notch. Star ratings - separate for the three tours: Bhutan: 4-star ... Chitwan: 2-star ... Kathmandu Valley: 1-star.Read the operator's response here:
Thank you for taking the time to share your comments on your recent adventures. We are pleased to read that you had a fabulous time in Bhutan and that your experience exceeded expectations, but are naturally disappointed that your Nepal Adventures did not reflect the same.
We regret that you did not see much wildlife in Chitwan, and understand that this would be deceiving. Your city tour experience raises concerns and we are sending a senior staff member to Kathmandu to make alterations that may be required to improve our travelers' experience. You will be happy to know that the Radisson Hotel in Kathmandu is owned and employs only Nepalese.
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