Bhutan Traverse from West to East – Tour(TID 8532) Nov 19- Dec 03, 2014
Overall we had a great experience and would definitely recommend Windhorse to future guests. Penjor was amazing.
He was very competent and very professional in all situations. He always managed to accomodate our special interests and added several small side trips on the way. We felt in very good hands from the beginning to the end. Baliman was always driving very carefully, bringing us safely to all places. On top of that, he was always very friendly and helpful. The hotels and the food were way above our usual standard. All hotels were nice and clean, and there was always more than enough tasty, but international food. Unfortunately, the resorts were mostly far away from town. Therefore it was very difficult if not impossible to go individually into town. We really enjoyed our short look at this beautiful country. The Bhutanese people are incredebly friendly and always smiling. We did not meet a single unfriendly person. Everything is so peaceful, respectful, and civilised.Of course, also the landscapes are breathtaking. Unfortunately, we very unlucky with the weather and only rarely had a good view. It goes without saying that the festivals were a highlight of the tour. And we were very happy that we did not only see them as plannend in Mongar and Trashigang (which already would have been great) but by chance also in Trongsa and Womrong. Thanks again to Penjor for finding that out! One thing, which Windhorse can probably not change on its own: One feels a bit like in a golden cage. We stay at special tourist hotels, eat at special tourist restaurants and goes to visit tourist sights. There is very little chance for interaction with the local people.Also it seems that these places (especially the hotels and restaurants) do not give an idea of how the people live. One sees alot during the day, but it seems a part of the cultural experience, the every day life of the local people, is missing. We assume that given the current system of tourism in Bhutan, it is difficult (if not impossible) to change that. Yet, maybe if Windhorse has some influence, it could be nice to open the system a little bit for tourists who prefer local hotels and restaurants instead of the very fancy ones we stayed at.