Bhutan Reviews

Review 1

What was the most memorable part of your tour?

The trip was full of contrasts. From the chaos of Kolata,with its street-life, fascinating noisy markets and extraordinary decaying architecture, we arrived after an overnight train journey in the relative peace and order of Sikkim, with its breathtaking scenery, lofty mountains, splendid monasteries, waterfalls and "exciting" driving. The Bhutan extension was amazing - similar in many ways and with even more scary roads, but with a very special "untouched" feeling, as of a byegone era waking up to progress, but having an evident determination to retain its identity and character. Along with Iran and Tibet, Bhutan rated for me as a top destination and will be remembered as a rare experience, rich in culture, landscape and architecture.

How would you rate the tour leaders?

Excellent tour leaders/guides on both parts of the holiday - knowledgeable, courteous, and willing. Minor problems were dealt with promptly, and all showed a genuine desire to share their countries with us, going out of their way to help with any special needs or requests..

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes - we used local/family hotels and restaurants, stopped at small villages to shop or make use of facilities - were able to talk to local children and tried to purchase items which would be of immediate benefit (eg at the Art College in Thimphu, where profits from goods made by the pupils are ploughed back into improving the school's facilities and the education of the students)

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes - we had good contact with the people of both areas - were privileged to spend an evening at the home of our guide in Bhutan, and returned feeling that we had really learned something about Sikkim and Bhutan, both of which are relaively little visited by tourists. The huge contrast of vibrant but in some ways tragic Kolkata was also an education and gave a window into the deep problems of urban living

What advice would you give to other travellers?

All travel is great if you go with an open mind and a willingness to enjoy differences. I'm 66 now , have had 15 fascinating trips with Imtrav and intend to go on till I fall off my camel

Reviewed by Elaine Wycherley who travelled in September 2008 on the Bhutan Short Break trip