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Wind Horse Tours

With a small group of fervent guides and travel experts, Wind Horse Tours was officially launched in Bhutan in 1998.

We enjoy bringing you trips and are dedicated to using our joint expertise and experience to offer you some of the best journeys in the Himalayas. The Himalayas; with its beautiful and friendly people is the one destination which is an amalgamation of beauty, cultural diversity and adventure in the crucible of warmth and generosity.

We live in that same place, among the same people and we take you directly to them for their culture is in a profound sense, fascinating and beautiful. You can learn about customs; participate in religious ceremonies, festivals and holidays and share with them their joy of dancing, singing, smiles and laughter. Eat! Celebrate! And Explore!

All guests are escorted by highly qualified, seasoned local guides, whose years of experience and expertise contribute to your unbeatable adventure. They are well educated, have an in-depth knowledge of the area, its culture, traditions and are fluent in English among other languages. They are selected for their qualities of leadership, enthusiasm, initiative and the ability to relate to their guests as well as tod the local people. They are flexible and always seek to accommodate your needs and any special interests you may have.

Wind Horse Tours is part of the following groups: Bhutan Travel Agents, India Travel Agents

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Recent Trip Reviews for Wind Horse Tours

Our 6-day trip with Wind Horse Tours was grea...
Bhutan | Oct 23 - Oct 29, 2024

Judi
Judi D.
North Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Nov 17, 2024
Our 6-day trip with Wind Horse Tours was great! From the moment we were met at the airport by Pema and our driver (don't know how to spell his name), our trip was carefully organized to introduce us to western Bhutan’s highlights. The days were active but not exhausting, mixing enjoyable hikes with visits to important cultural sites. Pema explained a lot about Bhutan’s religion and culture as we visited temples, dzongs, etc., and he was interesting to chat with as we drove through the... Read more

Our 6-day trip with Wind Horse Tours was great! From the moment we were met at the airport by Pema and our driver (don't know how to spell his name), our trip was carefully organized to introduce us to western Bhutan’s highlights. The days were active but not exhausting, mixing enjoyable hikes with visits to important cultural sites. Pema explained a lot about Bhutan’s religion and culture as we visited temples, dzongs, etc., and he was interesting to chat with as we drove through the beautiful country. He was always willing to take the time to answer our questions. No request was too much trouble, such as spending more time here or there. The restaurants where we had lunches were well chosen by Pema. The hotels were very comfortable and provided good dinners and breakfasts. Our driver was also excellent – this was something we especially realized when we saw a serious car accident caused by a driver falling asleep. The only thing we would have preferred would be to have our hotels in Thimphu and Paro closer to town so we could walk around the area a bit.

Hotel Reviews
Bhutan Suites
Thimphu

Very comfortable. Good meals. Friendly and helpful staff. Prefer hotel closer to town so we could walk around in our free time

Authenticity & Character
Location
Prefer hotel walkable to town.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Village Lodge
Paro
Authenticity & Character
Location
Prefer hotel closer to town
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
ABC Lodge
Phobjikha Valley
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Zhingkham Resort
Punakha
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Sebastiaan Naus
Sebastiaan
Sebastiaan Naus
Local specialist in Bhutan/Netherlands | Replied on Nov 20, 2024

Dear Judi,
Thank you so much for leaving such a nice review about your trip! And even more importantly, how great to hear you had a wonderful trip! We are very pleased to hear your visit to Bhutan was pleasant and memorable! Not surprised you were happy with the guide and driver either!
All the best and with warm regards,
Sebastiaan.

Booking the trip with Mieke was so easy and e...
Bhutan | Oct 20 - Oct 26, 2024

L
Laura K.
Chile | Reviewed on Oct 27, 2024
Booking the trip with Mieke was so easy and effective through the group chat function. Loved the flexibility to build itinerary as per our preferences. Everything worked smoothly on the trip, no time was wasted. Our guide Tashi and driver Funso were so helpful, thoughtful and experienced.. They generously shared their knowledge.. Incredible experience, thank you. Read more

Booking the trip with Mieke was so easy and effective through the group chat function. Loved the flexibility to build itinerary as per our preferences.

Everything worked smoothly on the trip, no time was wasted. Our guide Tashi and driver Funso were so helpful, thoughtful and experienced.. They generously shared their knowledge..

Incredible experience, thank you.

Hotel Reviews
Druk Hotel
Thimphu

Love love love. Authentic and beautiful rooms, great dining room food and service. Small gym.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Zhingkham Resort
Punakha

Great views and rooms. Climb to the rooms get tiring. Dining experience poor.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Paro - Hike to Tigernest Monastery aka Taktshang Goemba
Paro - Hike to Tigernest Monastery aka Taktshang Goemba
Paro

We left early and beat the crowds. Incredible day that I will remember for ever.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Tashi and Funso were amazing
Transport
Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in Bhutan/Netherlands | Replied on Oct 27, 2024

Dear Laura, thank you so much for sharing your review, and your kind words about our staff that was on the road with you. I am glad to hear that you have enjoyed your time together and experienced a smooth trip. Indeed, now you can cherish the happy memories of this Himalayan Kingdom :)
Thank you for being our guest!
Wishing you all the best,

Mieke

Thrilled with our journey to Bhutan 🇧🇹
Bhutan | Jul 2 - Jul 7, 2024

M
Michael G.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Jul 08, 2024
Thrilled with our journey to Bhutan 🇧🇹 which was expertly organized by Mieke. We had a very helpful dialogue before finalizing the booking regarding lodging and trade offs at various price points which I appreciated. The guide Sonam and driver Dawa were outstanding. And traveling to Bhutan in the low season (July) turned out great as the hotels and attractions were pretty empty. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Mieke to others. Read more

Thrilled with our journey to Bhutan 🇧🇹 which was expertly organized by Mieke. We had a very helpful dialogue before finalizing the booking regarding lodging and trade offs at various price points which I appreciated. The guide Sonam and driver Dawa were outstanding. And traveling to Bhutan in the low season (July) turned out great as the hotels and attractions were pretty empty. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Mieke to others.

Hotel Reviews
Uma Punakha
Punakha
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Druk Hotel
Thimphu
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Zhiwa Ling Heritage Hotel
Paro
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in Bhutan/Netherlands | Replied on Aug 01, 2024

Dear Michael and Stacy, I am glad that you have had such a wonderful time with Sonam and Dawa and you have returned with lots of happy memories!!
I also like traveling in summer season since everything is so lush and green - and hardly any visitors around. On behalf of Wind Horse family, it was a pleasure organizing the trip for you ☺️
wishing you all the best,
Mieke

Fabulous Bhutan
Bhutan | Mar 22 - Apr 5, 2024

J
Jill M.
Canada | Reviewed on Apr 17, 2024

We had a fabulous trip to Bhutan - their traditional life practices are being carefully preserved as they work to modernize the country. Our guide, Tashi, was so knowledgeable about the culture, as well as the geography - taking us on some great off-road adventures (on bike and by foot)! Our drivers were adept at maneuvering the mountain switchbacks, and providing support as we pedaled our way across the passes. When the clouds lifted and we took in the spectacular mountain vistas, it was clear why the Bhutanese are so happy.

Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in Bhutan/Netherlands | Replied on Apr 17, 2024

Hi Jill,

Thank you for your kind words! It was a pleasure organizing this active and adventurous trip for you. Glad the bikes were large enough:)
On behalf of Wind Horse family, thank you for choosing Bhutan as your destination.
Wishing you all the best,
Mieke

Great trip!
Bhutan | Mar 23 - Mar 27, 2024

Shalini
Shalini S.
San Rafael, CA | Reviewed on Apr 03, 2024

Had a fabulous time at the Paro Festival, Tiger's Nest, Punakha, and Thimpu.

Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in Bhutan/Netherlands | Replied on Apr 03, 2024

Dear Shalini, Thank you for your lovely review. I'm glad you have had such a wonderful trip. On behalf of Wind Horse family I would like to add that it has been a pleasure hosting you here.
Wishing you all the best!
Mieke

A magical week in Bhutan
Bhutan | Mar 5 - Mar 12, 2024

Natalie
Natalie Z.
Canada | Reviewed on Mar 21, 2024

Thank you Mieke for planning my trip to Bhutan. There was a good mix of culture, nature. hiking and lots of wonderful photo opportunities. The highlight was the hike to the tiger’s nest and the hike and overnight stay at the Dodeydrak monastery. The guides and driver from WindHorse tours were excellent especially Namgyel & Taschi - punctual, professional & helpful. I fell in love with Bhutan and its people. I would definitely go back!

Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in Bhutan/Netherlands | Replied on Mar 21, 2024

Wow Natalie, thank you for your kind words and sharing those amazing pictures! Glad to know you have had such a good time. If you are ready to return we would love to host you here again :)
Wishing you all the best,
Mieke

Overall, the trip exceeded our high expectations
Bhutan | Feb 17 - Feb 26, 2024

A
Amy S.
Baltimore, MD | Reviewed on Feb 27, 2024
Overall, the trip exceeded our high expectations. Mieke was great and responsive and flexible. Our guide Yonten and our driver Dawa were superb, five stars! They could not have been better in any way. We could have used more explanation beforehand from Kim Kim about the home stay, to have a better appreciation of the simplicity of the lodgings and the economic benefit it brings to rural Bhutan. Read more

Overall, the trip exceeded our high expectations. Mieke was great and responsive and flexible.

Our guide Yonten and our driver Dawa were superb, five stars! They could not have been better in any way.

We could have used more explanation beforehand from Kim Kim about the home stay, to have a better appreciation of the simplicity of the lodgings and the economic benefit it brings to rural Bhutan.

Hotel Review
Dhumra Farm Resort
Punakha

Beautiful peaceful lodgings with the best and freshest food we had the entire trip.

Authenticity & Character
Food from the garden
Location
Great views, peaceful setting
Staff
Very helpful and kind
Cleanliness & Comfort
Gorgeous and spacious
Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in Bhutan/Netherlands | Replied on Feb 27, 2024

Hi Amy
Thank you for your lovely review! It was a pleasure hosting you here. Also on behalf of Yonten and Dawa, thank you for choosing Bhutan as your destination for this trip! We're glad you have enjoyed it so much!
Wishing you all the best,
Mieke

JUST SPECTACULAR!
Bhutan | Dec 18 - Dec 26, 2023

J
Jaya S.
San Mateo, CA | Reviewed on Jan 11, 2024
Our guide Tashi was just spectacular! He quickly figured out what our interests are when we travel and made modifications to the itinerary accordingly. We experienced Bhutan by talking to locals (who wanted to practice their Hindi) at the festival in Tsonga, being quizzed by a 7 year old on Buddhist dieties, chatting with a 15-year old who loves TikTok and basketball. None of these authentic interactions would have possible without Tashi's curation of urban and rural hikes. Our driver Ponshu... Read more

Our guide Tashi was just spectacular! He quickly figured out what our interests are when we travel and made modifications to the itinerary accordingly. We experienced Bhutan by talking to locals (who wanted to practice their Hindi) at the festival in Tsonga, being quizzed by a 7 year old on Buddhist dieties, chatting with a 15-year old who loves TikTok and basketball. None of these authentic interactions would have possible without Tashi's curation of urban and rural hikes. Our driver Ponshu (quite sure I misspelled his name) was phenomenal. Since my husband was recovering from a leg injury and had to slow down on the hikes, he decided to accompany us.
The Dochula Pass, and the Paro Takstang hike were fabulous experiences. The food and accommodation at Dhumra in Punakha was definitely our #1.

Hotel Reviews
Dewachen Hotel
Phobjikha

Fabulous location and friendly staff. The rooms & amenities are a work in progress.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bed & bathroom amenities
Dhumra Farm Resort
Punakha

The meals were just delicious! Incredible property in every way!!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Uma Paro
Paro

The food at the restaurant was mediocre, especially the non-Indian vegetarian options that were served at the Xmas eve dinner and the Bhutanese cuisine. The property, the rooms, and staff were exceptional!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Sebastiaan Naus
Sebastiaan
Sebastiaan Naus
Local specialist in Bhutan/Netherlands | Replied on Jan 17, 2024

Dear Jaya, Thanks for your kind words about your guide and driver. Tashi is indeed one of our best guides so glad to read you were happy with his work. Also great to hear Bhutan made a big impression on you. Hope you will cherish these trip memories for a long time! Warm regards, Bas.

3 weeks cycle&hike in Bhutan
Bhutan | Nov 18 - Dec 8, 2023

Rob
Rob C.
Canada | Reviewed on Dec 11, 2023
Pema, our guide, was as knowledgeable, flexible, helpful and keen to cycle&hike as any guide we've ever had. He also gets five stars.
The routes were all scenic and reasonably challenging.
All of our drivers were really good.
Read more

Pema, our guide, was as knowledgeable, flexible, helpful and keen to cycle&hike as any guide we've ever had. He also gets five stars.
The routes were all scenic and reasonably challenging.
All of our drivers were really good.

Hotel Reviews
Bhutan Suites
Thimphu

really friendly and helpful staff

Dewachen Hotel
Phobjikha

nice place

Yangkhil Resort
Trongsa

really nice place. We would have enjoyed an extra night here

Chumey Nature Resort
Chumey

nice place but worst breakfast of the trip (everything was cold including the instant coffee)

Ura Homestay
Ura

interesting experience, great breakfast. It would have been better if they could have conversed with us

Trogon Villa
Yonkola

Took a few tries to get a room with hot water, but otherwise was a reasonable place

Wangchuck Hotel
Mongar

Beautiful hotel and location, Great, helpful staff.

Red Fox Hotel
New Delhi

Decent place, really good breakfast

Mountain resort
Jakar

Beautiful hotel

Lingkhar Lodge
Trashigang

Beautiful place, large unit. helpful staff, nice to have a bath in the unit

Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge
Ha

Room was not well sealed and was therefore cold, but staff was very accommodating and even put in an electric mattress heater which helped a lot! I believe that we actually stayed in a place nearby with a similar name

Tashi Namgay Resort
Paro

beautiful place

Wangdue Eco Lodge
Wangdue Phodang

nice place but I don't agree that no wifi in our room is eco-friendly as they suggest

Activity Reviews
Thimphu City Walk
Thimphu City Walk
Thimphu

It was good to have a look around. Best done on foot

From Thimphu to Wangdue Phodrang by bicycle
From Thimphu to Wangdue Phodrang by bicycle
Thimphu

Dochu La pass was a good one to start with

From Wangdue Phodrang to Phobjikha by car and bicycle
From Wangdue Phodrang to Phobjikha by car and bicycle
Wangdue Phodrang

Lawa La pass is a tough climb. It gets steeper near the top. Need to be careful going into the blind corners as sometimes oncoming vehicles are trying to pass... The road down into the valley is mostly paved.

Guides, Drivers and Staff
Cycling in Phobjikha Valley
Cycling in Phobjikha Valley
Phobjikha

We walked instead of cycling. Nice to see the cranes

From Jakar to Ura Valley (cycling)
From Jakar to Ura Valley (cycling)
Jakar

Another nice ride

From Ura to Yonkola (cycling)
From Ura to Yonkola (cycling)
Ura

Another nice ride with an amazing descent into warm weather

Visit Trashigang Dzong
Visit Trashigang Dzong
Trashigang

Another well built and scenic dzong

From Mongar to Trashigang (cycling)
From Mongar to Trashigang (cycling)
Mongar

The descent in the middle portion of the ride was surprisingly chilly, but otherwse it was yet another great cycle route. Nice to see monkeys along the route.

Paro - Hike to Tigernest Monastery aka Taktshang Goemba
Paro - Hike to Tigernest Monastery aka Taktshang Goemba
Paro

Amazing place. We were well acclimatized for the hike after our 3 weeks in Bhutan. We hiked up to the next temple as well which was worth it for the views and additional photos

Trying out bicycles
Thimphu

It was good to ride a bit to see that the bikes were working fine

Punakha - Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten  & Punakha Dzong
Punakha - Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten & Punakha Dzong
Bhutan

Punakha Dzong was one of the nicest ones to see

From Phobjikha to Trongsa (partly cycling)
From Phobjikha to Trongsa (partly cycling)
Phobjikha

A nice ride with a lovely descent into a warm valley

Paro valley hike to Dzong
Paro valley hike to Dzong
Paro

Nice short hike to the museum and dzong which are both worth seeing.

Trongsa Dzong & Museum
Trongsa Dzong & Museum
Bhutan

The museum is interesting. We didn't have time to see the dzong. Would have enjoyed an extra day here.

From Yonkola to Mongar (cycling)
From Yonkola to Mongar (cycling)
Yonkola

A good ride, with warm weather the whole distance. It felt good to walk into the great hotel and enjoy the views

Ha Valley hike
Ha Valley hike
Ha

We did the hike up the ridge from Chele La, the panorama hike and the hike over the pass towards Paro during our few days in Ha Valley, The latter two were in mostly pine forests. We did see a sambar deer. The views from the ridge above Chele La were great - could see Jomohari quite clearly

From Chumey to Jakar (partly cycling)
From Chumey to Jakar (partly cycling)
Chumey

Another nice ride

From Trongsa to Chumey (partly cycling)
From Trongsa to Chumey (partly cycling)
Trongsa

Another nice ride

Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in Bhutan/Netherlands | Replied on Feb 12, 2024

Dear Rob and Karla
Great to hear you have had such a good time. And you have managed to do quite so much of cycling! Thank you for your kind words about Pema, we are indeed lucky to have him on board.
Wangdue Ecolodge comment about no wifi in the room being eco-friendly made me frown - what a silly thing to say :)
It was a pleasure hosting you here. Our best wishes, on behalf of all Wind Horse family,
Mieke

A wonderful holiday! Thank you for everything!
Bhutan | Nov 11 - Nov 17, 2023

Daiana
Daiana V.
Switzerland | Reviewed on Dec 08, 2023
Mieke was fantastic in organising our trip. She was always punctual in her replies, kind and very helpful.
Our guide, although novice, was very friendly and willing.
The thing that left us most speechless was the Taktshang Goemba. Absolutely fantastic.
Thank you for a fantastic holiday! Read more

Mieke was fantastic in organising our trip. She was always punctual in her replies, kind and very helpful.
Our guide, although novice, was very friendly and willing.
The thing that left us most speechless was the Taktshang Goemba. Absolutely fantastic.

Thank you for a fantastic holiday!

Hotel Reviews
Bhutan Suites
Thimphu

Very friendly staff, very spacious room and excellent food.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Zhingkham Resort
Punakha

Very good hotel but the food was always cold.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Tashi Namgay Resort
Paro

Very nice room, but the food was always cold and the quality of the food was low.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Paro - Hike to Tigernest Monastery aka Taktshang Goemba
Paro - Hike to Tigernest Monastery aka Taktshang Goemba
Paro
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Thimphu - Buddha Dordenma
Thimphu - Buddha Dordenma
Thimphu
Thimphu City Walk
Thimphu City Walk
Thimphu
Thimphu - Memorial Chorten
Thimphu - Memorial Chorten
Thimphu
Simthoka Dzong (Thimphu)
Simthoka Dzong (Thimphu)
Thimphu
Punakha - Punakha Dzong
Punakha - Punakha Dzong
Bhutan
Punakha - Prayer ceremony at local nunnery
Punakha - Prayer ceremony at local nunnery
Bhutan
Dochu La Pass - Lungchutse Lhakhang hike
Dochu La Pass - Lungchutse Lhakhang hike
Bhutan
Paro - Kyichu Lhakhang
Paro - Kyichu Lhakhang
Paro
Punakha - Chimi Lhakhang
Punakha - Chimi Lhakhang
Bhutan
Paro - Rinpung  Dzong & Ta Dzong
Paro - Rinpung Dzong & Ta Dzong
Paro
Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in Bhutan/Netherlands | Replied on Dec 08, 2023

Dear Daiana, Thank you for your review and kind words and feedback. It was a pleasure organizing your trip for you, and you have been wonderful guests :)
On behalf of Wind Horse family, thank you for visiting Bhutan
Tashi Delek!
Mieke