Bhutan Sangay Tours and Treks did a fabulous job of organising an 11-day tour for the three of us in mid-2016. We travelled as a couple with an adult child. Since there were three of us, with a guide and driver we would need a minivan. Since two of us get severely car sick, Sangay drove us himself in a lovely 4WD. With only four people and Sangay driving very carefully and slowly we did not experience any car sickness at all despite the winding roads. We went from Paro in the west to Bumthang in central Bhutan and all flew back to Paro from there. Sangay arranged for someone else to drive the car back and we were all collected at the airport by another guide.
We spent a few days in Thimphu, overnighted in Punakha where we also went white water rafting (which was excellent fun), a night in Wangdi Phodrang, Jakar, Trongsa and Bumthang. We took it slowly (the roads were in poor condition and in many cases were being constructed). Sangay had constructed an easy going itinerary (which was what we wanted) and was flexible enough that we stopped when we wanted to. One of us loves taking photos and was forever spotting ‘photo opportunities’. Sangay had the patience of a saint and was forever stopping for us.
He knew the history of the country and was proud to share it with us. He patiently explained Buddhist principles and how the Buddhist system operates. We would thoroughly recommend using Sangay’s services. The organisation was smooth. The accommodation he chose was good quality (and we did not stay in western hotels). The food was great (and we travelled during a holy month where in many places they were not eating meat for the month). Sangay was a very careful driver. The itinerary was well planned, and we were able to conquer Taktsang on our last day after we had fully acclimatised. Sangay thoughtfully brought along a walking stick for me and walked with me while I huffed and puffed up all those stairs with a knee injury.
Bhutan is a beautiful country and very different in its lack of commercialization than any other country I have visited. Sangay made it extra special.
Best wishes,
Dr Robin Price
Brisbane , Australia