9 Days Pilgrimage To Baeyul Khenpajong

We knew Sorwa Bhutan Travels from a friend who had travelled and trekked about 9 years ago with the owner-and-guide, Sonam.

Communication for the trip planning, itinerary and air tickets booking was responsive via emails and instant messaging (for faster response). We booked the entire package, including our air tickets with him without any issues. We had told him that we wanted to travel from Thimphu to Lhuntse in East Bhutan, something which could be a challenge due to the current road conditions and long distance. Nonetheless, he reassured us and drafted an itinerary which suited us.

Sonam has deep knowledge about Buddhism, Bhutanese history and geography landmarks, and even flora & fauna. So I would say that Sonam is best for both trekking as well as cultural/pilgrimage tours. He would be your best friend and guardian along the trip, sharing and discussing with us views on any subject under the sun, while helping us the make sure we are comfortable.

Due to the travelling conditions such as road conditions, our preferred interests on certain landmarks, the planned itinerary could be adjusted and hence the flexibility of the tour to suit our needs. He would make an effort to discuss and reconfirm each day, the activities of the following day and to see if any adjustment is needed.

He explained the histories of the Dzongs, the Bhutanese monarchy, the Buddhist masters, and the Buddhist deities in the Goenpas and the Dzongs we visited. On some days when we are lucky, he would point out to us the animals and birds such as deers, owls, eagle, monkeys and langurs. We are enriched.

We have also come to discover that the entire trip is very personalised for example finding the best local Bhutanese food as we requested, stopping enroute to wander to some paddy fields and local farmhouse for more unique photography opportunities.

On our trip back home, our flight on Drukair was delayed for 7 hours, and he even went the extra mile to return to the airport (Paro) to bring us back to spend some time in Paro town instead of us getting stranded in the airport.

Overall, I would strongly recommend any one who would like to visit Bhutan to book with Sorwa Bhutan Travels. Just tell him your preferences and I am sure he will sort them out for you.

Have fun, be enriched.

Andrew Tan & Mandy

Singapore