I am one of four women who shared a vision of going to Bhutan. My friends and I would be considered “active seniors”. We wrote to a few companies and Bhutan Acorn was the first to respond. Bhutan Acorn continued to be responsive to every question and request we made. We were impressed by Karma P’s (the owner’s) efficiency, attention to detail as well as his patience.
We traveled in April 2023 to many sites and hiked many trails, ending in the Taktsang hike (Tiger’s Nest). Our guide, Thinley S, and our driver, Sonam D, deserve special recognition. As cultural ambassadors, they represented the best of Bhutan - knowledgeable, thoughtful, kind and good-humored.
Throughout the hikes and treks, our guide made sure that we were safe, that we got food that was compatible with our taste and that we were comfortable in our hotels. Our driver safely got us to our various destinations despite some tricky road conditions and made thoughtful gestures like getting cough drops when one of us developed a cough.
I should mention that, by my own fault, I sustained a wrist injury that required some medical visits. Thinley, Sonam and Karma did a lot of problem-solving so that my friends could continue enjoying their day while I saw the doctors. In this spontaneous situation (that is, out of the planned itinerary), I was touched by their personal and professional attention and care.
In terms of advice, I would say be sure to bring trekking poles, stay hydrated on the trails, be respectful to the land, the temples and those who guide and serve you. And don’t miss taking a stone bath!
All in all, I believe you will be very pleased if you travel with Bhutan Acorn. I highly recommend them.
