Hi Tashi and Namgay,
I wanted to write you and tell you once more what an incredible experience my time in Bhutan was. I was a bit tired and very sad to leave when I filled out your form, and I feel a little more coherent now.
My 17 days in Bhutan was really the trip of a lifetime. I want you to know that Pema (Guide) and Rinzin (Driver) absolutely MADE the trip. They are 2 great guys, and I had so much fun with them. They were always willing to do what our group wanted to. Pema was very knowledgeable and gave us so much history. Rinzin was a great driver, and I loved
the CD’s he played in the van while we were driving. I loved what I
call the Bhutanese disco music. They both had great senses of humor, and really looked after us.
Our hotels were just fine, except for the Dragon Roots in Thimphu.
The location was excellent, but I wasn’t terribly impressed with the hotel because of the hard bed. I loved the Tandinling Resort in Paro and the Gongkhar Guest House in Jakar was great. Their food was fabulous. I loved the Bhutanese food, and Pema made sure we had it for all our meals. Even our picnics, which were so much fun, had great Bhutanese food. I really became addicted to Emadatsi (Chilli with Cheese) (I love spicy food) The one change I would make for anyone else going to Trashigang would be to stay in the city. It was very inconvenient to be in Runjung. The Druk Denjung has a new hotel on the hill above town, where I actually stayed one night with a friend whom I met during the trip. It was much nicer than the one in town, and I would recommend you look into it for your future clients.
I would also suggest that you carry small pillows in the cars that people could put behind their backs for the long rides. It makes it a little more comfortable.
I was thrilled I was able to do the hike to the Tiger’s Nest. It was certainly one of the highlights of the trip. The Mongar Teschu’s (Annual Festival) were wonderful, watching the people was almost as interesting as watching the dancing. We were so lucky to coincide with the Je Khenpo (Buddhist Religious Abbot) and the monks moving from Thimphu to Punakha, and were even blessed twice. Witness two Festivals (Mongar Tshechu and Trashigang Tshechu) was plus point for the trip.
Everything went very smoothly with the border crossing at Samdrup Jongkhar, and I got to the airport in plenty of time.
I feel as if my heart is still in Bhutan, and it was very sad to leave. Your country is beautiful, serene and interesting, and the people were gracious and friendly.
Thank you both for all your work in helping me plan this trip. It absolutely exceeded my expectations. Above all, thank you for the 2 wonderful new friends I made, Pema and Rinzin. I shall NEVER forget them and the many wonderful experiences we shared will always be in my heart.
I am attaching a few photos. Please share them with Rinzin as he does not have e mail.
Warmest regards and again, my heartfelt thanks for a truly magical experience.
Joani & Group
USA
PS. I’m sure we had the cleanest van in Bhutan. Also, some time you must try the dance club Jakar
