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GET TO KNOW OUR TOUR GUIDES
All our tours are escorted by well trained & knowledgeable local guides fluent in English. All our guides are certified & licensed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan.
Arun Rai
Originally from the small village of Sinchula in Chukha (Southern Bhutan), Arun moved to Thimphu in 2006. Fascinated by different cultures, he realized that becoming a guide would allow him to meet people from all over the world. Arun has conquered several treks, including the Jomolhari Trek, Druk Path Trek, Gangtey Cultural Trek, and Bumthang Cultural Trek. His favorites are the Jomolhari and Druk Path treks due to the stunning mountain scenery. Described by his peers as humble, respectful, and patient, Arun is known for being a good listener and observer. He uses the first day of a tour to understand his clients and then goes the extra mile to ensure they experience the best of Bhutan. Arun has led various special interest groups, such as cycling groups, trekking tours, a tour focused on showcasing the textiles of Bhutan and filming tours. While he finds filming tours challenging, he also finds them fascinating as they allow him to use his creativity to help the crew capture the essence of Bhutan. A doting father of three girls, Arun enjoys spending quality time with his family and hiking in the mountains during the lean travel season.
Languages Spoken: English, Dzongkha, Nepali and Hindi
Languages Spoken: English, Dzongkha, Nepali and Hindi
Chencho
Originally from Chunjey, Paro, Chencho is renowned by his clients for his politeness, humility, and wisdom. His deep knowledge of Buddhism, which he integrates into his daily life, never fails to impress. Chencho's favorite place in Bhutan is the Bumthang Valley, which he poetically describes as a beautiful “Bumpa” (a vase used in Buddhist rituals) because of its spiritual significance and its charming, homely landscape.
In his free time, Chencho enjoys reading about Buddhism and discovering new, lesser known hiking trails. He is known for his patience and easygoing nature and is dedicated to continuous learning. During the lean travel season, you'll find him attending classes to enhance his guiding skills.
Chencho is adept at guiding both individual clients and large groups, always ensuring that his guests respect Bhutanese culture and way of life. An avid believer in preserving Bhutanese traditions, Chencho is a valuable guide who enriches the travel experience for all who journey with him.
Languages Spoken: English, Dzongkha, Hindi and Nepali
Languages Spoken: English, Dzongkha, Hindi and Nepali
Tashi Dorji
Many clients have described Tashi as a humble, down to earth and approachable, someone they quickly feel close to. Born and raised in Chapcha, Chukkha, he finds solace in Punakha and Thimphu, drawn to their favorable climates and rich historical backgrounds as the former and current capitals of Bhutan, respectively.
When he's not guiding, Tashi indulges in his passion for photography, investing significantly in both equipment and skill development. It's no surprise that he gravitates towards photography and birdwatching tours, enjoying the camaraderie of like-minded individuals. He also enjoys archery and international travel, cherishing memories of backpacking through Europe, exploring Japan's culture, hiking in Switzerland, and snorkeling in Bali, Indonesia.
Languages Spoken: English, Dzongkha Nepali and Intermediate French
Languages Spoken: English, Dzongkha Nepali and Intermediate French
Sonam Phuntsho
Sonam has proved to be a very professional guide who gets the job done with little room for error. He completed his education from the Sikkim Munipal University and is a family man who puts them, over all else. Of all the sites in Bhutan, he never tires of visiting the Tiger's Nest (Taktshang). He cherishes every guest's reaction upon arrival, considering it the pride of his hometown, Paro. Sonam is spontaneous, always up for a good time, very detail-oriented, and an excellent travel organizer, making him well-equipped to manage both FIT groups and larger groups. He led our 70-person group last year and received glowing reviews. Though he misses his wife and son while on tour, he ensures that his clients receive the same love and care, treating them as his own family.
Languages Spoken: English, Hindi and Dzongkha
Languages Spoken: English, Hindi and Dzongkha
Leki Phuntsho
Date of Birth: 08-08-1983
License no:TCB/TG(C/T)-06/1044
Leki, one of our most senior guides has been working in the tourism industry for 18 years. He is passionate about his country and became a tour guide to share his love for Bhutan with others. He embodies the adventurous spirit of a true Bhutanese guide and specializes in cultural and trekking tours but has also led birding and cycling tours. Leki enjoys attending traditional wedding ceremonies and spending time with monks to learn about their monastic and simple Buddhist lifestyle. One of Leki's most memorable moments as a guide was spending a day with the Queen Mother of Bhutan, an experience he cherishes. He also recalls getting lost on a hike and spending the night at a nomad's house, which was both scary and exciting as he got to experience their way of life. Leki's favorite monument in Bhutan is the Punakha Fortress, a beautiful and historic fortress located between two rivers. In his free time, he enjoys hiking and fly fishing.
License no:TCB/TG(C/T)-06/1044
Leki, one of our most senior guides has been working in the tourism industry for 18 years. He is passionate about his country and became a tour guide to share his love for Bhutan with others. He embodies the adventurous spirit of a true Bhutanese guide and specializes in cultural and trekking tours but has also led birding and cycling tours. Leki enjoys attending traditional wedding ceremonies and spending time with monks to learn about their monastic and simple Buddhist lifestyle. One of Leki's most memorable moments as a guide was spending a day with the Queen Mother of Bhutan, an experience he cherishes. He also recalls getting lost on a hike and spending the night at a nomad's house, which was both scary and exciting as he got to experience their way of life. Leki's favorite monument in Bhutan is the Punakha Fortress, a beautiful and historic fortress located between two rivers. In his free time, he enjoys hiking and fly fishing.
Jigme Yeshi
Date of Birth: 10/07/1989
License no: TCB/T/G(C/T)-12/1720
Jigme has been working as a tour guide since 2012. He was drawn to this profession because it allows him to meet new people, explore new places, share incredible experiences, and learn about different cultures. Jigme specializes in both cultural and trekking tours. Jigme has had many memorable travel experiences, but one that stands out for him was trekking to Merak and Sakteng in the northeastern part of Bhutan, under the Trashigang District. This 6-night trek takes you through a breathtaking landscape where semi-nomadic people live. Jigme was struck by the warm hospitality of the locals, who were rich in culture and tradition. They shared local wine with Jigme and his guests and entertained them with traditional singing and dancing. Jigme's favorite monument/site in Bhutan is the Tiger's Nest Monastery and Punakha Dzong. In his free time, Jigme enjoys reading books, watching movies, and spending time with his friends.
License no: TCB/T/G(C/T)-12/1720
Jigme has been working as a tour guide since 2012. He was drawn to this profession because it allows him to meet new people, explore new places, share incredible experiences, and learn about different cultures. Jigme specializes in both cultural and trekking tours. Jigme has had many memorable travel experiences, but one that stands out for him was trekking to Merak and Sakteng in the northeastern part of Bhutan, under the Trashigang District. This 6-night trek takes you through a breathtaking landscape where semi-nomadic people live. Jigme was struck by the warm hospitality of the locals, who were rich in culture and tradition. They shared local wine with Jigme and his guests and entertained them with traditional singing and dancing. Jigme's favorite monument/site in Bhutan is the Tiger's Nest Monastery and Punakha Dzong. In his free time, Jigme enjoys reading books, watching movies, and spending time with his friends.
Lhakpa Dukpa
Date of Birth: 02/08/1993
License No: TCB/TG(C/T)-16/0358
Lhakpa has been a tour guide since 2016. He chose this profession because he loves meeting people from all over the world and loves to show case the beauty of his country. He is a modest and an organized person who looks forward to learning new things daily. Lhakpa always strives to satisfy his clients and make their trips as memorable as possible. While he has enjoyed all his tours, trekking has been very special to him as it allows him to connect with nature and explore remote areas and high mountains. Of all the magnificent sites in Bhutan, Lhakpa’s favorite is the Tiger’s Nest Monastery which he strongly recommends visiting. During his free time, he likes to read as it helps him think outside the box and utilize his imagination. He also enjoys spending quality time with his parents. Lhakpa is known to be a very kindhearted and effective leader.
License No: TCB/TG(C/T)-16/0358
Lhakpa has been a tour guide since 2016. He chose this profession because he loves meeting people from all over the world and loves to show case the beauty of his country. He is a modest and an organized person who looks forward to learning new things daily. Lhakpa always strives to satisfy his clients and make their trips as memorable as possible. While he has enjoyed all his tours, trekking has been very special to him as it allows him to connect with nature and explore remote areas and high mountains. Of all the magnificent sites in Bhutan, Lhakpa’s favorite is the Tiger’s Nest Monastery which he strongly recommends visiting. During his free time, he likes to read as it helps him think outside the box and utilize his imagination. He also enjoys spending quality time with his parents. Lhakpa is known to be a very kindhearted and effective leader.