Kimkim Trip Reviews for Bhutan

Our trip to Bhutan was absolutely perfect. There is a danger of writing too much, so I'll mention a few highlights.

Firstly, I feel lucky to have found KimKim, and luckier still to have had Mieke help to piece together our itinerary and hotel choice. You go out on a limb having someone arrange a once-in-a-lifetime trip, but the service Mieke gave was exceptional. Excellent recommendations, really quick to respond to questions and made tweaks to our itinerary. The communication was excellent, and the document produced for the itinerary was frankly exceptional and really useful! What I particularly like is when Yonten mentioned Mieke had been over, and cycled around with them - so she knows the country, this is not some random guesswork at where to go and what to see.

Meanwhile, when we reached the airport in Paro after a traumatic day in Kolkata (lost luggage, noise, pollution etc), we felt that we were met as absolute VIPs by Yonten the guide, and Dorji the driver. This was from day one until we finally left them (as we decided to extend an additional day to just relax in Paro instead of heading back to India for our flights home).

Well, what is there to say about these two - Yonten and Dorji. Just a sheer delight. Dorji drove very carefully and safely, and Yonten was just such a good guide. Clearly knowledgable, willing to adjust to our needs on the days we felt tired, or the days we felt more energetic. He was patient, thoughtful, and what I hadn't realised is that he was also taking photos of us while we walked around, and some of those candid photos are the best. He sent them to me on Whatsapp and they're now part of my 'permanent collection'!.

I won't talk about individual sights and experiences, as so many other travellers will tell their tales. Except to say that being at the Punakha Dzong - the ACTUAL place you see on the internet - looks even better when you're there, perfect. Then the Tiger's Nest of course, but what made me laugh was Yonten, the guide, trying to beat me down to the bottom by taking a shortcut - that was hilarious.

We chose, with help from Mieke, the higher end of the hotels. Just because you're only there once and it's a trip of a lifetime. The Druk Hotel was lovely, in a central location, and the staff were amazing especially the bartender! But the absolute ABSOLUTE hotel highlight was the Como Uma in Punakha. The views from the room just enticed you to stay there all day looking out from the balcony at the river, valley and distant hills. Khun Tipsuda, the Manager, was so friendly and helpful. And the hotel and its surroundings were literally idyllic.

If we knew we were going to extend an extra day, it would probably have been at the Uma Punakha. However, we then went on to the Uma Paro, and while there, decided it's the right place to stay longer. the GM of the Uma hotels in Bhutan, James, turns out was a friend of a friend - it's a small world! He went out of his way to meet and talk to every guest at the hotel, and it really made the experience even more special.

Yonten (and Windhorse, the local travel company), took care of everything when they realised what we wanted to do. Which primarily included getting our passports to Thimphu for a visa extension. We were lucky that the Uma Paro had space available to accommodate our extra night.

I would totally recommend getting a local SIM card on arrival at Paro (there was not an option for an e-Sim, so be prepared to take a cheap extra phone or if you have dual-sim then, no issue). It meant I could contact Windhorse, taxi drivers, as well as getting A LOT of data for my phone while I was in the country. I paid roughly £50 for way more data than I ended up using, but having a local number really helped.

The only thing I think may be worth knowing, as I don't know whether I understood or whether it wasn't clear, is about food during the day. I don't know why, but we thought we had to fend for ourselves during the day. But no, we were taken for lunch at various places, and the food was local, tasty - when they realised we like it SPICY, Yonten instructed the restaurants to bring us more chillis!

So in summary (too late, I know):
- trust Mieke - if you have doubts or specific requirements, let her know - she will make sure it's done
- get a local SIM card at the airport, it could be useful (and it's cheap) for taxis, data, etc
- the guides are ultimately flexible - tell them what you want, how you're feeling (especially if you have jetlag etc) and they will adapt accordingly
- THINK ABOUT BUILDING IN A DAY WHERE YOU "DO NOTHING"! - our final day in Paro was prefect to relax, reflect, and prepare for the long journey home.

I don't know if I'll get the chance to update this review when I've had even more time to reflect on the trip.... but, my initial thoughts are - TRUST Mieke, and Kimkim. Go for the best you can afford hotel-wise (and the Uma hotels in Paro and Punakha are definitely recommended). Then let everyone involved just take care of you on this amazing trip.

Hotel Reviews

Druk Hotel KK

Thimphu

Best location, incredible staff, excellent wine list. Large, comfortable rooms. Do bear in mind there doesn't seem to be a lift/elavator, although if you have mobility issues they also have ground floor rooms - so let them know you preference.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Uma Punakha

Punakha

The best hotel experience of the trip - largely due to the stunning views from the rooms. You just feel so special here, not just because of the location, but because of ALL staff, and in particular Khun Tipsuda (the manager).

Authenticity & Character

Location

Stunning views of the river and hills - actually the best in Bhutan.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Uma Paro

Paro

The ambience of the hotel - perfect. It's classy, the grounds are stunning (visit the vegetable garden! They grow things there which are then part of the menu). The staff - it's like they're your friends from day one. So attentive, so polite, so willing to help you in every way they can. And a special mention to the GM James Low, who seems to be there from early in the morning to late at night, taking time to individually chat with guests and ensure everyone is happy - also has good tips on where to eat in town! Rooms - large, clean, tidy, views. What more do you want.

Authenticity & Character

Architecture and grounds, absolutely stunning

Location

The Uma Paro is slightly away from the town centre (but handily close to the airport). If you want to go into town for a wander (which you should) the hotel will arrange a good taxi for you with an engligh-speaking driver.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Thimphu - Buddha Dordenma

Thimphu

Somehow ended up here on a festival day. So, while it is absolutely stunning in itself, being there with hundreds of local people on a special day was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Punakha - Punakha Dzong

Bhutan

This is one of the things you see on the internet, then you come here and it is so much more. Especially the view from outside. Get your guide to stop on the road on the way to Punakha in the late afternoon when the sun shines bright against the white walls of the Dzong.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Paro - Hike to Tigernest Monastery aka Taktshang Goemba

Paro

Tiger's Nest is stunning from a distance. So don't feel bad if you can't make it past the cafeteria (by horse). You are there, you can see it clinging on to the cliff side. If you can make it there, that's great. But the best experience is from the various viewpoints on the way up.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

My son and I had a fantastic tour and trek in Bhutan from September 23 to October 5, 2023. We booked through vishal of Himalayan kingdom adventurers and would highly recommend him. He took care to check in to make sure everything was going well with our accommodation, food and to confirm our tour was going well. Our guide was Tashi for the tour and 4 day trek. Tashi was a wealth of historical knowledge and provided answers for all our questions. He facilitated a memorable trek despite a lot of rain. He went above and beyond to ensure our experience in Bhutan was exceptional.
We arrived in Bhutan to enjoy a cultural festival in Thimphu, which exposed my son and I to a true Bhutanese experience. Our visit to punakha was a highlight with the warmer climate, ancient fortress and fertility temple as a few of the high lights.

the basis is to have a suitable itinerary and then you have at your disposal a wonderful guide and driver who take care of you and introduce youthe life and customs and it's up to you to enjoy it and not worry about anything, and besides, you'll get royal treatment,
so thank you vishal, tashi and nawong

Activity Reviews

Jiligang Pine Trail

Punakha

Quality of Experience

Lungchutse Hike

Bhutan

rich nature

Druk Path Trek* - Day 1 - Damchena to Jangchulakha

Camping

to be 4 days in nature with all care in recharging

This trip was planned long ago, and then Covid hit the world. So finally, after almost three years since the initial planning we made it and definitely enjoyed it much. What a phenomenal trip, and how Pelden and his group made it even more special. I would just say "Bhutan and its people ill always be in my heart".

I cannot begin to explain how amazing my trip to Bhutan was - arranged by Sebastiaan at Windhorse. Firstly, Baas organized and reorganized my trip around flights and worked with me to understand how international travel and time zones affected my trip. When I made a mistake on arrival dates he saved me and rescheduled a flight, despite being on vacation with his family. My guide Yonten and driver Tashi have become dear friends - they got to know me and arranged food, destinations and stops all based on my personal interests! I learned so much about Bhutanese culture and life from them and had an absolutely wonderful time. They were both very patient at my attempts to overcome fears of height - offering help when needed but calmly letting me cross bridges and climb mountains at my own snail's pace without a hint of impatience! I miss my guides and Bhutan and cannot wait to return!

The guides, horsemen and camp assistants were all very professional. They always had our safety and comfort in mind. I would not hesitate to recommend the Kimkim team to any travelers in Bhutan.

Mieke was a great agent. She listened to what we liked and delivered exactly the trip we wanted. It was a great mix of hiking and culture, and spa. She was extremely easy and efficient to work with and she really knew the details about traveling to and in Bhutan. Would highly recommend her.

From beginning to end we were in great hands. Our guides: Tashi and Namwang ever attentive. All questions fielded with grace and perspective. This personal touch exemplifying kindness and care contributed to the overall experience as much as the jaw dropping scenery and enchanted Bhutan forests. A very special time together. Happy to recommend to others.

Activity Reviews

Chele la Pass Hike & Kila Nunnery

Bhutan

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hike to Tigers-nest Monastery

Paro

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Dagala Trek - Day 1 - Geynekha to Gur

Camping

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Dagala Trek - Day 2 - Gur to Labatama

Camping

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Dagala Trek - Day 3 - Labatama Halt

Camping

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Dagala Trek - Day 4 - Labatama to Panka

Camping

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Dagala Trek - Day 5 - Panka to Tsheregang

Camping

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Dagala Trek - Day 6 - Tsheregang to Chamgang to Thimphu

Thimphu

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Thimphu - Paro

Bhutan

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Tashi and Nunwong were the A team. Our every need and want were tended to ,if not anticipated.

Vishal worked tirelessly to make changes to my itinerary as my circumstances changed. Nim (guide) and Cool (driver) were both incredibly professional, personable, and knowledgeable. My trip to Bhutan was a great experience.

Our trip with Himalayan Kingdom Expeditions was amazing from beginning (a six-day cultural tour with acclimatizing day hikes) to end (a seven-day trek). Vishal and guides, Tek and Ngawang, were consummate hosts. Planning was thorough and efficient. Guides were knowledgable and clear when sharing information about Bhutanese history, Buddhist history and customs, natural history, and adept at organizing, executing, and adjusting to conditions while trekking (mainly due to weather and altitude, but also because our group occasionally chose to linger at a location or site longer than planned).
Before departing for Bhutan, I was looking forward most to the Jomolhari Trek that we'd arranged with Vishal, and this did turn out to meet and exceed expectations for adventure and experiencing a remote cultural landscape, but I also got so much more out of the time we spent around Paro, Punakha, and Thimphu than I'd imagined that I would. The temples, monasteries and related Buddhist sites and traditional workshops were profound, magical, and made even fuller by the background and context provided by Tek and Ngawang.
Not being a guided expedition person by nature, I was concerned about being "fussed over" to the point of having the service interfere with my experience of the place that I was visiting, but my experience with Himalayan Kingdom contradicted all of my preconceptions of what this might be like. Interactions with Tek and Ngawang were easy from day one. Their calm, kind, and informative approach to hosting created camaraderie and by the end of the trip I was sad to have to say goodbye to good friends. I have only positive things to say about Vishal and Himalayan Kingdom Expeditions and about the wonderful travel experience that I had because of them!

I recently had the incredible opportunity to embark on a trekking adventure with Himalayan Kingdom Expeditions, and I must say that it was an experience of a lifetime. From the moment we arrived until our final farewell, Vashal and his team provided us with exceptional care, professionalism, and a genuine passion for what they do.

The trekking itinerary crafted by Himalayan Kingdom Expeditions was perfectly balanced, offering breathtaking views, challenging treks, and insightful cultural experiences. Our guides, led by Tik, our primary guide, and Ngawang, our driver, possessed an extensive knowledge of the region and were adept at tailoring the journey to our group's capabilities and interests.

Throughout the trek, safety was always a top priority. The guides were well-equipped with first aid supplies, emergency communication devices, and a wealth of experience in handling various situations. Their expertise and attention to detail put our minds at ease, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the natural beauty surrounding us.

What truly sets Himalayan Kingdom Expeditions apart, however, is the warmth and hospitality of Vashal and his team. They went above and beyond to ensure our comfort and satisfaction at every step of the journey. From arranging top-notch accommodations in picturesque locations to providing deliciously freshly prepared meals in incredible settings, their dedication to creating an unparalleled experience was remarkable.

Vashal's team was not only professional but also incredibly friendly and approachable. Their enthusiasm for the region and its culture was infectious, as they shared amazing stories and insights along the way. It felt like we were trekking with friends rather than guides, creating a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere throughout the entire trip.

In sum, my trekking adventure with Himalayan Kingdom Expeditions surpassed all expectations. Vashal and his team's impeccable service, genuine care, and expertise made this journey unforgettable. If you're seeking a remarkable trekking experience that combines breathtaking landscapes, cultural immersion, and outstanding hospitality, I wholeheartedly recommend Himalayan Kingdom Expeditions. They are the epitome of excellence in the realm of adventure travel.

Thank you, Vashal, and the entire team for creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Vishal planned an unforgettable 9-day trip to Bhutan for us with the perfect balance between cultural activities, stunning hikes in the Himalayas, and incredible food. Our guide Pema and our driver Sonam were both fantastic and they went above and beyond to make sure that we had a great time traveling in Bhutan by personalizing our itinerary each day. We really enjoyed authentically connecting with locals throughout the trip at local spots and sharing tea with monks at some of the amazing monasteries. Bhutanese people are incredibly friendly and we could not have asked for better hosts. We would highly recommend working with Vishal and his team to plan an unforgettable trip to Bhutan!

Our guide was great to be around, he instilled confidence and comfort. He was very knowledgeable and articulate. His range of knowledge was broad from cultural insights to birds, animals and trekking! Just fantastic. Our driver was wonderful as well, great to talk with and not to mention a very good driver. I highly recommend.

Thank you for organizing such a great trip to Bhutan for us! We spent five amazing days in this beautiful country, so rich in nature, culture and tradition. It was truly fascinating to learn how strong the belief and conviction of the power of compassion and kindness is embedded in the Bhutanese people. We could not be happier with our local guide (Tashi) and driver (forgot his name unfortunately)! They were so patient, kind and service minded. Our guide was full of knowledge, which he convened to us in a great way. He also did everything in his power to make sure that we had a good time. Overall, a great experience! There were many highlights during this trip, but the very best was the hike to the Tigernest Monastary (Thaktshang Goenba), which offered amazing views of the Bhutanese landscape as well as the fascinating monastary itself! A truly memorable journey <3

Vishal impressed me from the moment I started our work together planning our Itinerary; helped by his excellent English.
He quickly had a good understanding of what we wanted to do and see in Bhutan and planned a really good varied trip given it was a our first visit to the Kingdom.
We had the most brilliant trip and everything worked so well; undoubtedly due to a lot of hard work behind the scenes by Vishal.
He was incredibly flexible and made last minute changes to our itinerary as needed/requested.
I was particularly taken by the care he took to ensure we acclimatised properly for the altitude we would experience on the Dagala trek which we chose because we wanted a real wilderness mountain experience with exceptional views where we would be unlikely to meet other tourists.
Vishal put together an excellent team to look after us. They provided a great service in really very challenging conditions on the trek given we had very cold unseasonal weather coupled with very strong winds/rain at nights and even woke to good snow cover one morning. Chelap , the cook, along with Daza and Doji his assistants produced excellent food every day including hot lunches on the trail. I was amazed at how versatile they were and managed to produce a roast chicken one evening! The horsemen Thinley and Sangay did a great job keeping their 10 ponies to task. Tashi , the guide, and driver Sonam were also great hosts and we really appreciated their company throughout our 2 weeks in the Kingdom.
We cannot thank Vishal and his team enough for all their hard work in making our trip so special. I can highly recommend him if you are thinking of a trip to Bhutan.

Hotel Review

Dhensa Boutique Resort

Punakha

An excellent choice of Hotel. Great views and very comfortable rooms with extremely friendly staff. The food was also very good.

Authenticity & Character

Location

views coupled with peace and quiet.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Paro - Transfer to Punakha

Bhutan

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We had such a wonderful time in Bhutan. It would not have been possible without the help of Vishal (planner), Nim (guide) ang Ugyen (driver). A big THANK YOU to them. They taught us their culture, custom and the history of Bhutan. What a caring country.
Highly recommend Kimkim if you are planning a trip to Bhutan.
Thank you for a lifetime of memories.

Our party of 7 had a wonderful trip to Bhutan organized by Vishal. Our fantastic guide, Tek , and excellent driver, Ngawang, ensured that everything ran smoothly. Tek was very knowledgable about many aspects of Bhutan . They were flexible and adjusted our itinerary each day to accommodate what we wanted to do.
We particularly liked Bumthuang in central Bhutan which was rural and peaceful with lovely houses and farms built in the traditional Bhutanese style.

One member of our party had a medical emergency which required surgery in Thimpu. Vishal arranged flights to Thimpu for this person and his spouse, and arranged for a guide, Gyem, and driver, Kyem, to take them to the hospital and remain with them to help them during the surgery amd subsequent hospital stay. Gyem even slept on the floor beside the hospital bed at night so that our friend's spouse could get some sleep in the hotel. This level of support was enormously appreciated , not just by the couple involved, but also by the other members of the group who were able to continue enjoying their holiday knowing that our friends were in good hands.

Vishal was very knowledgable about Bhutan and helped me craft the ideal itinerary that balanced a lot of hikes, cultural sites, and relaxation. He was very flexible when we wanted to book our own hotels and helped to give advice and guidance on the best places to stay. Tek, our tour guide, was fantastic and really helped us understand Bhutan culturally and was extremely knowledgable about the flora/fauna, animals, and natural landscape of Bhutan. Sonam, our driver, was a great and we felt very safe with him. Overall, we had a great time and would highly recommend doing your trip to Bhutan with this crew!

Activity Reviews

Hike to Tigers-nest Monastery

Paro

it's a bit of a touch hike but so worth it!

Wangditse Lhakhang Hike

Thimphu

beautiful hike starting at the Dochula Pass with huge payoff at the end. a bit slippery/icy during the winter months, but still totally do-able if you be careful

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

My guide was Tashi & my driver was Sonam from Windhorse travels. I couldn’t have ask for a more polite & understanding crew. Simply said: THEY WERE FANTASTIC!!
Overall, the trip was amazing & Mieke had done a marvellous job with the details and itinerary.
Highlights :
1) The Dzong (Fortress) at Punakha
2) The Kitchu temple in Paro
3) The trek to the Tiger nest monastery
4) Outstanding service at the hotels- especially Uma Punakah
6) Just the people in Bhutan.
Something that caught me by surprise:
- While the view from my room at Uma Punakha was beautiful, the size if the room (in relation to tye price of the room) was underwhelming!

Hotel Reviews

Uma Punakha

Punakha

Fantastic hotel. Great service across the board: Room service, service at the restaurant, SPA etc., Genuinely warm & friendly staff. I was a bit underwhelmed by the size of the room (I had a valley facing room). One would have expected a bit more generosity for the price tag :-)

Authenticity & Character

The property just has great character & charm

Location

Within 30-40 mins drive of most things to do in Phunakah. The location offers 100% tranquility

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Naksel Boutique Hotel & Spa

Paro

Nice spacious rooms. GREAT SERVICE all round: room service, restaurant, reception etc., The wifi service in the room was sub-optimal!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Like the tranquility the property has to offer. Easy driving distance to most attractions in Paro.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Resort Thim Dorji

Paro

This hotel is “being built” & I used this as i used this as a transit hotel. Met my need 100%. The resort part owner and GM - Dorji was a fantastic host. The room was functional for the most part. If you looking for the “lap of luxury” this is probably not it. Having said that I will need to caveat my review - since the property is under construction.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Punakha - Punakha Dzong

Bhutan

A must visit location. Amazing.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Punakha - Chorten Nebu hike

Punakha

A short hike up the paddy fields. A intriguing monument.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Punakha - Chimi Lhakhang

Bhutan

Quirky is the way I would explain this. To me this place associates with some kind of an obsession for the male phallus!! As with all monuments in Bhutan there is a story of “good over evil prevailing” A small restaurant on the way to this temple dishes out outstanding local food that is safe to eat.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Punakha - Prayer ceremony at local nunnery

Bhutan

Skipped this experience. Ive have just plugged some ratings as the web page wouldn’t allow me to proceed without a rating. Perhaps something that Kimkim should take note of. Travelers shd be allowed to skip, especially when they have not visited some aspect of their planner itinerary

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Dochu La Pass - Lungchutse Lhakhang hike

Bhutan

Skipped this part of my itinerary

Quality of Experience

Zaw

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Paro - Chele La pass (3988 m) & hike to Kila nunnery

Paro

Kila nunnery was nothing special. Ok to go if the objective is “have nothing else to do”

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Paro - Hike to Tigernest Monastery aka Taktshang Goemba

Paro

Highlight #1 of my trip. OUTSTANDING.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Paro - Kyichu Lhakhang

Paro

Highlight #2 of my trip. The tranquility & serenity that this 1400 year old temple presents is a must experience

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport