The recent initiatives to open Bhutan more widely to visitors, whilst retaining the focus on authenticity and sustainable tourism, means wider access to what Bhutan has to offer for solo and independent travelers who want to experience something exclusive, bespoke and utterly special.
We love Bhutan and we want you to love it too. It can be a life changing experience to slow down, breathe clean, crisp air, meet wonderful, warm people, bathe in nature, and experience such a deep rooted spirituality, even if you are burnt out and jaded. Especially if you are burnt out and frazzled.
We want everyone who comes to Bhutan to share our love for the country, its nature, culture and history, and to have a life changing experience that they will remember forever.
what we do
Now you know a little more about what you can do and see in Bhutan, we are really excited to help you to plan your visit…
We can manage any aspect. Need help with your visa application? Want some help with the best itinerary for your interests and time available? Looking for a guide and / or driver? Want some recommendations for places to visit for your time and interests?
We understand the thrill of planning and booking everything yourself, and can support with providing an experienced guide and driver to follow your own itinerary.
We also understand how daunting it can be to come somewhere like Bhutan for the first time, without really knowing what to expect or where to visit, so we can help you plan, discover and experience.
We also appreciate that you might want the comfort of knowing every last aspect of your vacation is planned in and locked down. We can do that as well. We can manage everything between your pick up at Paro and your drop off back for your return home.
We can do as much or as little as you need.
Because we want to offer you the flexibility you need to suit how you love to travel, and the transparency on what each aspect costs, there is no “trip cost, book now” option, so we’ve put together an overview of the kinds of costs and charges to expect.
who we are – tashi
I am tashi, and I am Bhutanese, living in Thimphu, but originally from the east of Bhutan. I have been guiding for over ten years and I am passionate about sharing my love for my home with all visitors.
I love our history and culture, and sharing our stories and history as we travel across Bhutan makes me very happy.
I specialise in culture and the architecture and history of Bhutan, and can tell you everything you ever wanted to know, and more, about the dzongs, lhakhangs, and chortens we visit and the regions we travel through.
I am also experienced in birding. I have become obsessed with the unique and beautiful birds of Bhutan, from the Himalaya Cutia, to the Satyr Tragopan, and the Himalayan Monal and know all the secret spots to look for them.
I also enjoy photography, and understand the importance of light and light direction, and know all the best spots for the best shots and the best time of day to be there.
contact me: tashi@utterlybhutan.com
our ethos
We look after our drivers and guides so that they can look after you.
Even the best tour operators pay only around 80% of what they charge you to the guide and driver.
Drivers and guides are often expected to find their own accommodation and food, and in peak times where accommodation is scarce, they often have to sleep on floors or in the car, or stay a long distance away from you.
We are different.
100% of what we quote goes direct to the guides and drivers. We also try to ensure that guides and drivers stay in the same accommodation (or close by), when we make the arrangements, and really encourage you to do the same if you are planning your trip yourself.
We also believe in valuing experience. Our guides have deep knowledge and skills, and we compensate them for that to ensure that you have the best skills available to you, based on what you want to experience.