23 Feb 2024
I made a last minute decision to visit Bhutan and contacted OMSHA Travel right after I got my visa approved. There were barely three days till my planned arrival in Paro, yet Nawang was able to finalise my itinerary, accommodations, guide, and driver within a day! His assistance and efficiency is greatly appreciated, as it allowed me to relax and thoroughly enjoy every aspect of my visit with nary a detail to plan.
The accommodations he selected came with amazing views too, which also happens to be one of the features I look for when choosing a place to stay. Although Nawang was not my guide for my trip, he still made sure to check in on me every day to ensure I was enjoying myself; and even arranged a meet up to pass me a gift from Bhutan personally.
The driver, Chorten, and guide, Sonam, whom Nawang arranged to accompany me on my trip were the perfect combination for me. Chorten was a man of few words but his presence was calming and his driving impeccable. I always felt safe in his car and he was always there waiting when I returned from exploring an attraction with Sonam.
On the other hand, Sonam shared extensively about himself, his culture and country, and was ready to field any queries I had. I was even invited to join his family for dinner on the first day of Losar and I feel extremely privileged and thankful to have been given the opportunity to experience the peacefulness and warm hospitality at his home.
Furthermore, both Sonam and Chorten were completely flexible with the itinerary, had I wish to make any changes. They also quickly learned my travel style and inclinations and even offered to make a second stop at Dochula Pass whilst we were returning to Thimphu from Punakha, since they noticed I really liked the views there the day before.
It was an absolute joy having both their company from the long drives to the short hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten, and also not forgetting the final hike up to Paro Taktsang!
By the end of my trip, I felt like I was saying goodbye to two friends and not a tour guide and driver. For future visits to Bhutan, I would love to have them again as my travel partners! I am so glad I engaged the services of OMSHA Travel and highly recommend them to anyone planning to visit Bhutan!