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Sebastiaan Naus

Being born in the lowlands of Holland, my passion for mountains may not seem logical. However, my parents took me to the European Alps before I could barely walk and I can't remember any family holiday we didn't spend in the mountains. By the time I was 15 years old I would hitchhike to the south of France and spend the entire summer rock climbing in the Provence with friends.

As a teenager, this gave me an ultimate feeling of freedom, joy, and adventure. And every time I get a chance to go to the mountains - whether it is the Alps or the Himalayas - I still get this same feeling. During my early twenties I started studying Tibetan Buddhism and after completing a degree in Ecology it was time to make a life-long dream come true: see the highest mountains on earth. So I booked a ticket to Delhi and traveled for a year in the Himalayas. My life was never the same after that...

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"Wind Horse Tours tries to facilitate travel experiences in Bhutan in the broadest way possible. Of course most of the trips we organise for our guest would involve cultural sightseeing, dayhikes and/or trekking. But there is really a lot more to Bhutan you would think. If you are interested in things like birding, nature, meditation & buddhism, traditional medicine, textiles, Gross National Happiness; or in activities like biking, rafting, motor cycling... we always try to find a way to give our guest what they want to see or do. With nearly 20 years of experience in Bhutan we feel confident that we can organise exactly the holiday you want."

How did you get involved in travel?

"After coming home from my trip to the Himalayas, the only thing on my mind was how to go back there as soon as possible. So instead of applying for an office job as an ecologist I applied for a job as a tour leader, and the next years I spend leading trekking groups in Nepal, Tibet, India and Bhutan. I was lucky to see many beautiful places and remote corners of the Himalaya, but what I also learned during this time is that it were the people around me - both locals as well as the tourist I was guiding - who really touched my heart. My 'clients' were telling me: "this is the most beautiful place I have ever seen", and the local people would tell me: "thank you so much for visiting our home". Then only I realized how rewarding a 'career' in tourism can be. Enriching peoples lives by offering amazing travel experiences, and enriching local peoples lives by giving them a means of livelihood. After a couple of years of guiding I started working in the office with a large Dutch trekking company and soon after that I joined Wind Horse Tours in Bhutan. And by now I know for sure that I would never wanna do anything else!"

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"I love the overwhelming silence of these majestic Himalayan mountains, just sitting somewhere and quietly gazing at a distant peak. For me, similar feelings pop up when I visit buddhist temples. I remember visiting Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples, and sitting there on the old wooden floor. Everything came together in that moment. For me, the people of the Himalaya are very inspring. They are kind, friendly, hospitable, humble, pure, strong, and easygoing. And their religion encourages them to develop their mind in such a way. When I was sitting in Kyichu Lhakhang I could feel this tiny spark of clarity in my mind of who I am and how I want to be as a person. That felt even more special than any Himalayan mountain view I ever saw."

Sebastiaan is part of the following groups: Bhutan Travel Agents
Hiking in the Bhutanese Himalayas
Bhutan Trekking Tour - 14 Days

Take in the best Bhutan has to offer, from culture to mountain scenery. Visit the impressive fortresses and monasteries of Thimphu and Punakha, see the tranquil Bhutanese countryside, and enjoy day hikes before embarking on the famed trek to Mount Jomolhari. It's an adventure that takes you to the stunning snow-capped mountains and lakeside campsites, with the chance to see Himalayan vultures and the elusive snow leopard along the way.

School kids in Thimphu valley
Bhutan Family Adventure - 8 Days

With customs and traditions still going strong after centuries and an environment rich with diversity, Bhutan is a country that is completely unique. On this journey you will explore the wonders of Western Bhutan from the ancient capital of Thimphu to the spectacular Dochu La Pass and semi-tropical valley of Punakha. Take in the great Himalayan views and experience Bhutanese family life before hiking to the famous Taktsang, a hike light of any Bhutanese adventure.

Rinpung Dzong in the Paro Valley
Discover Western Bhutan - 7 Days

Western Bhutan is home to many of the kingdom's top sights and most beautiful landscapes. You'll explore the region on this well-rounded 7-day trip that starts in the capital city of Thimphu. Discover the glacial valley of Phobjikha, attend an evening prayer ceremony in Punakha, enjoy a picnic in the mountains, and hike to the famous Tiger's Nest Monastery. Since the itinerary focuses on just one part of the country, you'll spend less time traveling between destinations and more time simply enjoying them.

A blue-fronted redstart perches on a tree branch, Bhutan
Bhutan Birding Trip - 9 Days

Bhutan is home to more than 700 avian species. You'll spot many varieties on this colorful excursion through the western part of the country, which takes you to both well-known and off-the-beaten-path birding zones. Fall in love with Bhutan's forested landscapes and majestic wildlife on this itinerary that's tailor-made for nature lovers.

View of the Himalayas from Dochu La Pass
Highlights of Bhutan - 5 Days

The kingdom of Bhutan remains one of the last unspoiled gems of the Himalayas. Closed to foreign visitors until the 1970s, Bhutan's past and present are firmly grounded in traditional Buddhist culture. On this quick 5-day journey around the country, you'll visit quiet monasteries, explore ancient fortresses, and enjoy stunning views of the mountains as you hike through peaceful valleys.

A pair of cyclists traveling to Paro
Bhutan Cycling Adventure - 15 Days

This Bhutan bike tour is an excellent combination of biking through Bhutan's stunning landscape. Experience the real Bhutanese countryside life and visit some cultural highlights as well. Biking is done mostly on good roads with very little traffic, but you'll take quiet roads as much as possible, and during the last days, you'll leave the main road and cycle on farm roads exclusively. You'll stay in decent hotels, sleep in traditional farmhouses, and camp in nature.

Recent trip reviews for Sebastiaan

The trip of a lifetime! In trying to coordina...
Bhutan | Sep 25 - Oct 1, 2022

Scott
Scott B.
Singapore | Reviewed on Oct 02, 2022

The trip of a lifetime! In trying to coordinating this trip with reopening of the Kingdom of Bhutan provided an extra challenge for Bas and his team, but they went above and beyond to ensure that I had the itinerary that I wanted. I will definitely travel with Kimkim again. read more

The trip of a lifetime! In trying to coordinating this trip with reopening of the Kingdom of Bhutan provided an extra challenge for Bas and his team, but they went above and beyond to ensure that I had the itinerary that I wanted. I will definitely travel with Kimkim again.

Hotel Reviews
Le Meridian Thimphu
Thimphu

The staff and service here are fantastic. The food was good and the location was central. However, being in the city center, there is quite a bit of noise like construction all day and dogs barking most of the night. If you are a light sleeper, I might look somewhere else.

Authenticity & Character
Very clean and modern.
Location
Walking distance to city square and restaurants. It felt very safe.
Staff
The front desk is welcoming and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
A very comfortable place to stay.
Dewachen Hotel
Phobjikha

This is only rated as a three star hotel, but it definitely deserves to be four or five. The location is remote but very comfortable. There are gorgeous views of the valley and exactly the kind of tranquility you travel to Bhutan to find. My room had candles and a fireplace which were perfect for the stormy evening I spent there. The bathroom was a little dated, but clean and practical. There's no WiFi in the rooms only the lobby and dinning area, which for me was an added benefit. The food was good and serving sizes were plentiful. If I ever make it back to Bhutan, this is the first place I'm booking. This place is leans heavy on charm and authenticity, but that's exactly what I was looking for. A great stay!

Authenticity & Character
This felt more like a mountain cabin getaway then a hotel experience. The staff was there when you needed them, and out of your attention otherwise.
Location
The views of the storm coming up across the valley were amazing. Likewise, the sunrise the next morning was equally as impressive. The grounds are simply stunning.
Staff
Caring and warm. They provided exactly what I needed without being too invasive or distant.
Cleanliness & Comfort
They were ready for the return of tourists and had obviously kept up the place during covid. It felt like they never missed a beat.
Zhinkham Resort
Punakha

Out of all the hotels I stayed in, this was the most disappointing. While the views are stellar, the service and rooms felt cold and impersonal. The food was likewise as it lacked any identity besides trying not to upset anyone. The walls were paper thin and conversations from down the hall or out on other balconies could easily be heard in my room with the doors closed. I wasn't sad to leave.

Authenticity & Character
This was a typical tourist hotel, the exact same that's found near every great sight. Impersonal and cool interactions and rooms define this place far more than the views.
Location
The view couldn't be better. The drive to up the hotel couldn't be worse. Once you are there, you aren't going anywhere.
Staff
The staff stayed in their assigned positions without ever trying to provide more than the basic service they were tasked with.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The rooms (specifically the bathrooms) had just been reopened after a two and half year covid closure. They could have used that time to update, or at least thoroughly clean.
Risum Resort
Ha

The Risum staff carry the reputation at this under construction hotel. From the very first interation to the very last, the staff was helpful and warm and welcoming. They obviously wanted to make a great impression. The rooms and dinning were nothing exciting (no WiFi in the rooms).

Authenticity & Character
I could tell the hotel was trying hard to improve the lodging for the guests. Lots of construction and projects happening. My room was adequate, although not impressive.
Location
Set outside of the main town of Ha, this hotel feels removed and remote.
Staff
If the rooms and location were one star, then the staff made this a three star hotel. Their service was five star. I would return here simply because they cared about me as a guest.
Cleanliness & Comfort
A work in progress, but progress is being made.
Le Meridien Riverfront Paro
Paro

Although not a nice as the Le Meridian in Thimpu, this hotel is near the airport and has a nice view of the river. It is more geared towards business than tourist travelers. My stay was adequate for a three/four hotel star but by no means exceptional.

Authenticity & Character
There are small touches which go a long way. The serving of hot apple cider upon arrival was nice, but didn't take away from the fact that the atmosphere was business.
Location
You're near the airport, but not near anything else.
Staff
Helpful but not warm or wanting to go above and beyond.
Cleanliness & Comfort
By far the best/newest rooms I stayed in. Very modern and professionally serviced.
Activity Reviews
Thimphu City Walk (Thimphu)
Thimphu

Arrived too late to for this experience.

Trying out bicycles
Thimphu

Arrived too late for this experience. I took the bicycle I was offered.

From Thimphu to Phobjikha by car and bicycle
Thimphu

Good climb out of Thimphu, the weather held off but the clouds obscured any views. The road was wide and traffic was light. 99% of cars and trucks gave us lots of room on the road. The descent from the pass was smooth and fast. We got off the bikes in Wangdue and took the truck up to Lawa La Pass. The road was very narrow and under construction. From Lawa La Pass the ride down into the valley was easy and beautiful. A good day on the bike.

Quality of Experience
Great way to get acclimated to the elevation.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guide struggled with the climbing at points. Blamed the bike, previous injuries, weather, gear, but really, I don't think he was expecting me to be fit enough to ride at these elevations.
Transport
Felt safe even on the narrow roads.
Gangtey Goenba (Phobjikha)
Phobjikha

Gorgeous temple. Worth the stop!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very knowledgeable guide. Enjoyed learning from him.
Transport
From Phobjikha to Punakha by bicycle
Phobjikha

Great climb on quiet road going back the way we came into the valley. The descent from the pass was a bit hair-raising at points as the speed of the traffic and the narrow road made this no place for beginner road cyclists in some places.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Punakha Dzong (Punakha)
Punakha

This is why you travel all this way. A stunning fort and temple rich with history and culture. I enjoyed every minuted here.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very knowledgeable.
Transport
Prayer ceremony at local nunnery (Punakha)
Punakha

We missed this because of a change in our schedule. While the views from the nunnery were spectacular, I don't think this was worth the time to get up to the site.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
From Punakha to Thimphu by bicycle
Punakha

Huge climb! Loved every pedal stroke. The roads were in good condition and we made great time up to the Dochula Pass.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Again the climb was too much for my guide who abandoned after 19km. I climbed the rest of the way solo. He supported from the vehicle every 3-5km, but I would have felt more comfortable riding with someone on the busy highway.
Transport
Trashichu Dzong (Thimphu)
Thimphu

We did not make this stop because of schedule.

Memorial Chorten (Thimphu)
Thimphu

We did not make this stop because of the schedule.

From Thimphu to Ha Valley by bicycle
Thimphu

By far the longest day on the bike. The guide said it was downhill, an uphill, and then flat. But it was really hilly the whole way with over 1200m of elevation gain in the first 75kms of the 105kms. From 50km the road was under heavy construction and turned from a decent highway into barely passable farm/back road comprised of a single lane of mud and rough riding.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
My guide rode the downhill section and got off the bike at 19km when we started the climb. At 50km the truck stopped for the restroom and that was the last I saw of them for 25km as there was a series of bottlenecks and moving road closures. If I had known I wouldn't see them again for 2 hours, I would have taken on more sunscreen, water, and food at 50km when we stopped together. Both the guide and driver seemed surprised by both the extent and magnitude of the road construction work too.
Transport
Driver did the best he could under the circumstances to stay with me as I rode, but the conditions did not allow him to keep up with me.
From Ha to Paro by bicycle
Ha

Big climb up to majestic heights! I loved every second of this ride. Stunning views and a real sense of accomplishment to crest over 3990m. I'd come back to Bhutan just to do this ride again. We covered 60km and climbed 1100m in just over 3 hours. A great day on the bike.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hike to Tigernest Monastery aka Taktshang Goemba (Paro)
Paro

Stunning views and the temple visit is well worth the big hiking effort after the ride.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Sebastiaan Naus
Sebastiaan
Sebastiaan Naus
Local specialist in Bhutan/Netherlands | Reviewed on Oct 03, 2022

Dear Scott,
So nice to hear you had a trip of a lifetime in Bhutan! Thanks for your your kind words and detailed feedback, much appreciated. Hope to see you again some time in Bhutan!
All the best and many greetings,
Bas.

Wonderful whirlwind tour of Bhutan!
Bhutan | Oct 11 - Oct 18, 2019

Vish
Vish K.
Canada | Reviewed on Oct 26, 2019

Memorable trip! We had a fabulous experience with Sonam as our guide, and Prem as our enthusiastic, very skilled driver (how we navigated those narrow roads without a scratch, I'll never know!). Bas and the team were fantastic in tailoring the trip to our specific dates and needs, including arranging for my flight tickets to and from Kabul (which proved to be much more problematic than I'd anticipated). I'd indicated a preference for photography and hiking, and the team managed to provide us... read more

Memorable trip! We had a fabulous experience with Sonam as our guide, and Prem as our enthusiastic, very skilled driver (how we navigated those narrow roads without a scratch, I'll never know!). Bas and the team were fantastic in tailoring the trip to our specific dates and needs, including arranging for my flight tickets to and from Kabul (which proved to be much more problematic than I'd anticipated). I'd indicated a preference for photography and hiking, and the team managed to provide us with lots of memorable experiences! Highlights include meeting the Queen on a hiking trail, doing an ad hoc photo shoot with a flurry of nuns at a convent, and of course the march up to Tiger's Nest. Thank you muchly to Sonam, Prem and Bas!

Local specialist: Sebastiaan Naus
Sebastiaan
Sebastiaan Naus
Local specialist in Bhutan/Netherlands | Reviewed on Oct 28, 2019

Dear Vish and Neal, Thank you so much for your kind words! We were happy to host your trip and this really is what keeps us going: guests who had a memorable and fabulous experience. Hope you will cherish these memories for a long time and feel free to come back to Bhutan any time ;-)
All the best for you and many greetings,
Bas.

India, Bhutan & Nepal Trip 7 days
Bhutan | Oct 2 - Oct 8, 2019

Q
Quoc T.
Australia | Reviewed on Oct 14, 2019

Bas organised a fantastic trip for us through Bhutan, India and Nepal.
The accommodation was world class and the tour ran really smoothly!

Local specialist: Sebastiaan Naus
Sebastiaan
Sebastiaan Naus
Local specialist in Bhutan/Netherlands | Reviewed on Oct 28, 2019

Dear Hung,
Great to hear you enjoyed your trip! Within a week you have seen so many places in 3 different countries, happy to hear the trip ran smoothly!
All the best,
Bas.

Bhutan Laya Gasa Trek
Bhutan | Apr 1 - Apr 21, 2019

Jonathan
Jonathan L.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Apr 25, 2019

Background: I was originally supposed to do the 12 day Laya Gasa Trek, but we had to abort after 3 days (at Mt Chomolhari Base Camp), due to heavy snow on the passes. Consequently, we completed on alternative trek. Either side of my visit to Bhutan, I stayed in Kathmandu for 24 hours while waiting for my flight to Paro. Dates for trip 1/4/19 until 22/4/19.

Comments on KimKim: In short, the service from KimKim and Bas in particular was superb. I cannot fault it. Since this trip encompassed 3... read more

Background: I was originally supposed to do the 12 day Laya Gasa Trek, but we had to abort after 3 days (at Mt Chomolhari Base Camp), due to heavy snow on the passes. Consequently, we completed on alternative trek. Either side of my visit to Bhutan, I stayed in Kathmandu for 24 hours while waiting for my flight to Paro. Dates for trip 1/4/19 until 22/4/19.

Comments on KimKim: In short, the service from KimKim and Bas in particular was superb. I cannot fault it. Since this trip encompassed 3 weeks, several towns and two countries and I was very specific about what I wanted to see and do, this holiday could have been a nightmare to organise. However, it was so easy: I merely inputted my wishes and needs, then was allocated Bas, who organised everything, including the visa for Bhutan and flights between Nepal and Bhutan. Any queries were answered expertly and punctually. I also really appreciated their flexibility: when I needed to change the dates for my guided tour in Kathmandu, it was dealt with rapidly and seemlessly. I cannot thank Bas enough. Due to the fantastic organisation of the holiday by Bas, everything apart from the weather went smoothly in that the guides were waiting at the airport for me and hotel rooms were ready when I arrived. The accommodation was satisfactory, with the exception of the Druk Hotel in Thimpu, which was fantastic; a real bit of luxury after the rigours of hiking and camping.

Comments on Windhorse:
Kimkim allocated Windhorse Tours to look after me on this trip. They provided me with a guide (Pema), cook (Long De Bu), assistant cook and horsemen. I was very happy with the team. They went out their way to put me first and make my holiday special. The equipment provided was satisfactory and did the job. The only thing I would say is that the eating tent has quite a lot of mould on the covers: it either needs to be replaced or scrubbed between trips.

Special mention must go to my guide, Pema, and the cook. Pema was punctual, knowledgeable and passionate about trekking and Bhutan. His English was brilliant. Even though he was super fit and I was super slow, I never felt rushed while walking. The cook, Long de Bu, was amazing. I never thought that, at 4100 metres, I would be eating popcorn, pizza, noodles etc. The food was so good and I was so well fed that I actually gained weight despite a total of 10 days of hiking! Despite being away from the their families and coping with tough weather conditions, the team were always singing, laughing and smiling.

Comments on Bhutan: in contrast to Kathmandu, which was dirty and overcrowded, Bhutan was clean and fresh. It was so quiet and the scenery wherever you look is breathtaking. The Bhutanese are the friendliest people in the world. They are full of song and laughter, yet are also softly spoken and gentle. Whenever I looked a bit lost, the locals were quick to stop and give me directions.

Local specialist: Sebastiaan Naus
Sebastiaan
Sebastiaan Naus
Local specialist in Bhutan/Netherlands | Reviewed on May 07, 2019

Dear Jonathan,
Thanks for taking the time to share some feedback on your trip. We are very happy to hear that you were impressed by the friendliness of the Bhutanese and the breathtaking scenery. Also great to hear you were happy with the services provided by Pema and Long. We wish you all the best on your future endeavours and hope to see you again sometime in Bhutan!
With kind regards,
Bas.

highlights of bhutan
Bhutan | Mar 2 - Mar 7, 2019

P
patty m.
San Francisco, CA | Reviewed on Mar 12, 2019

Bas did a wonderful job of planning a fabulous week for us in Bhutan. What a beautiful country it is and we were lucky to enjoy everything in perfect weather. Our trip included some beautiful hikes away from the Tourist coaches ...they started out short and easy, through planted farm lands and worked up to the ultimate..Tigers Nest which was our reason for the visit. The challenge we had was the altitude (coming from our home in San Francisco at sea level) but our expert guide; Nomgay and... read more

Bas did a wonderful job of planning a fabulous week for us in Bhutan. What a beautiful country it is and we were lucky to enjoy everything in perfect weather. Our trip included some beautiful hikes away from the Tourist coaches ...they started out short and easy, through planted farm lands and worked up to the ultimate..Tigers Nest which was our reason for the visit. The challenge we had was the altitude (coming from our home in San Francisco at sea level) but our expert guide; Nomgay and land pilot; Sonnam took it nice and easy. Bas chose a perfect team for us! We even fit in a nice bike ride! Our luck held as we had clear skies to admire the mighty Everest on our flight out. We highly recommend KimKim aka Wind Horse.

Local specialist: Sebastiaan Naus
Sebastiaan
Sebastiaan Naus
Local specialist in Bhutan/Netherlands | Reviewed on Mar 20, 2019

Dear Patty,
We are delighted to hear you had a nice experience with us in Bhutan! It was a pleasure to host your visit. So nice to see your pictures and - even better - your smiles! We hope to see you again some time in the Himalaya!
All the best and many greetings from Thimphu,
Bas.

highlights of bhutan
Bhutan | Mar 2 - Mar 7, 2019

A
azah B.
PA | Reviewed on Mar 11, 2019

Wonderful itinerary and accommodations! Lovely caring and professional guide (Namgay) and driver (Sonam). Will cherish my memories and would go with Bas and Windhorse again and highly recommend to utilize those interested in visiting Bhutan either via biking and trekking.

Local specialist: Sebastiaan Naus
Sebastiaan
Sebastiaan Naus
Local specialist in Bhutan/Netherlands | Reviewed on Mar 12, 2019

Dear Azah, Thank you so much for your kind words! It was a pleasure to host your trip! Very glad to hear you were happy with Namgay and Sonam. We hope you will cherish your memories for a long time and of course, we hope to see you again some time in Bhutan! All the best, Bas & Wind Horse Team.

TajKatBhutan
Bhutan | Jan 19 - Jan 25, 2019

Cie Ann
Cie Ann S.
Fountain Hills, AZ | Reviewed on Feb 03, 2019

If you decide to go to Bhutan, Windhorse is a good choice for anyone. They customize, advise and will comply to your needs, budget and visits you want to make along your way. The pick ups were very important; we don't know who to trust, so we don't have this worry. Bas was dependable and pleasant at all times and that gave us the opportunity to have the trip we desired. The Bhutan staff was super-professional, prompt, informed and tried to accomodate our desires. Yentin was crystal clear... read more

If you decide to go to Bhutan, Windhorse is a good choice for anyone. They customize, advise and will comply to your needs, budget and visits you want to make along your way. The pick ups were very important; we don't know who to trust, so we don't have this worry. Bas was dependable and pleasant at all times and that gave us the opportunity to have the trip we desired. The Bhutan staff was super-professional, prompt, informed and tried to accomodate our desires. Yentin was crystal clear and all of these things and we were grateful!

Additionally we visited Agra, New Delhi, Kathmandu and Chitwan. All of the ground staff was prompt and courteous. in Agra was accommodating. Laxman in Kathmandu was very helpful and pleasant. He stored some bags while we took a flight so we could travel lighter and he generally understood our needs.

The Resort in Chitwan was very lovely and memorable! Our naturalists/guides Saki and Krishnan were amazing. They made certain we had a memorable time!

Incidentally, I cannot fault Kimkim for anything but I don't think Kimkim was helpful. In fact, they didn't answer the phone when I needed something. I don't know if Kimkim cares at all! It's hard to understand what they do(?)

Local specialist: Sebastiaan Naus
Sebastiaan
Sebastiaan Naus
Local specialist in Bhutan/Netherlands | Reviewed on Feb 28, 2019

Dear Cie, Thank you very much for your kind words about Wind Horse. We were happy to accommodate your visit to India, Bhutan and Nepal. We thank you also for being flexible as you were, as visiting 3 countries in 7 days meant a very tight travel schedule! We hope you will cherish your memories for a long time and hope to see you again sometime in the Himalaya! All the best, Bas.

3 girlfriends to Bhutan
Bhutan | Jan 1 - Jan 5, 2019

K
Karen H.
Mexico | Reviewed on Jan 14, 2019

It was a really great experience, our guide Pema was super attentive as for our driver, both super nice and took really good care of us. Beyond that, the knowledge and experience was very important for us and we enjoyed every sightseeing and spot we visited.
Would totally recommend it to our friends and family.
Thank you!

Local specialist: Sebastiaan Naus
Sebastiaan
Sebastiaan Naus
Local specialist in Bhutan/Netherlands | Reviewed on Jan 19, 2019

So nice to hear that Karen! Wonderful to hear you enjoyed your visit and that you were happy with our service! See you again some time and all the best, Bas.

Bhutan nature trip
Bhutan | Nov 12 - Nov 27, 2018

D
David R.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Dec 17, 2018

The trip was fantastic everything worked perfectly - we saw many amazing birds (over 135 species and we are not twitchers), himalayan bears, golden langurs, squirrels , butterflies and plants and incredible landscapes and temples. We stayed in some good and reasonable hotels and the camping was fine. We enjoyed great food (especially by the camp cook). We became great friends with Subash Rai our truly excellent guide and also our safe and careful driver. The car was fine for the roads and the luggage. We shared a lot of laughs and remain in touch. Thousands of photos now to process!

Local specialist: Sebastiaan Naus
Sebastiaan
Sebastiaan Naus
Local specialist in Bhutan/Netherlands | Reviewed on Dec 18, 2018

Dear David and Liz,
So glad to hear you enjoyed your trip! Delighted also to hear you became friends with Subash, and that you appreciated his services as well as the skills of the driver and the cook! Seems like you did see a lot of bird species indeed. And spotting a Himalayan black bear also requires some luck - or karma? ;-) Great to hear this. On behalf of the entire team, we thank you again for choosing Wind Horse for your trip. We really enjoyed hosting your trip. We wish you all the best and hope to see you again sometime!
Best regards,
Bas.

Druk Path trek and cultural highlights
Bhutan | Oct 29 - Nov 11, 2018

Jane
Jane G.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Nov 18, 2018

THe booking was easy and straight forward and Bas was efficient in responding promptly, however the order of activities could have been much better as we suffered from altitude sickness all through the hike - whihc we did only 2 days after arriving from sea-level. As we were there for two weeks with only 5 days on teh hike it would have been possible to do more of the lower altitude activities first so as to acclimatise better before the hike. The hotels turned out to have very different... read more

THe booking was easy and straight forward and Bas was efficient in responding promptly, however the order of activities could have been much better as we suffered from altitude sickness all through the hike - whihc we did only 2 days after arriving from sea-level. As we were there for two weeks with only 5 days on teh hike it would have been possible to do more of the lower altitude activities first so as to acclimatise better before the hike. The hotels turned out to have very different quality rooms and even though we paid 6 months in advance we seemed to get almost the worst room in each hotel. This may have been cost saving but was not even discussed with us if we would like to have a decent room and pay a bit more.

Local specialist: Sebastiaan Naus
Sebastiaan
Sebastiaan Naus
Local specialist in Bhutan/Netherlands | Reviewed on Nov 22, 2018

Hello Jane,
Thanks for letting me know. I am very sorry to hear you were disappointed with some arrangements and that you suffered from altitude sickness during your trek. We will surely use your feedback to evaluate our services and try to improve them for future guests.
All the best to you and Nigel, greetings from Bhutan and from the Netherlands!
Bas.

Highlights of Bhutan - 5 Days
Bhutan | Oct 8 - Oct 12, 2018

Vasanti
Vasanti P.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Nov 12, 2018

Amazing trip in Bhutan. Starting off with Bas who put together an itinerary to meet my requirements. My guide Namgay Dorji was fun and informative and I could not have felt more safer on those mountain roads with a driver like Dhanbir. An experience where the memories will stay with me forever. I’ll definitely be coming back.

Local specialist: Sebastiaan Naus
Sebastiaan
Sebastiaan Naus
Local specialist in Bhutan/Netherlands | Reviewed on Nov 13, 2018

Hello Vasanti, very glad to hear you had an amazing trip! Looking forward to welcoming you again in the future. Till then, all the best for you! Regards, Bas.

Friend trip
Bhutan | Aug 23 - Aug 25, 2018

M
Meredith V.
Raritan, NJ | Reviewed on Sep 02, 2018

Awesome! Guides were great and trip was wonderful. Thank you so much!

Local specialist: Sebastiaan Naus
Sebastiaan
Sebastiaan Naus
Local specialist in Bhutan/Netherlands | Reviewed on Sep 28, 2018

Hi Meredith, Wonderful to hear that! We are happy we got the opportunity to show you Bhutan for a few days. Be well and see you again! Best regards, Bas.

Bhutan
Bhutan | May 13 - May 31, 2018

carole
carole c.
New York, NY | Reviewed on Jun 05, 2018

Overall, the trip was fantastic and I am truly grateful that you suggested India before Bhutan. However, the hotel in Delhi was superb. They upgraded us to a fabulous room the the 2nd and 3rd times that we were there which was lovely. Our guides in India were fine. I do have a couple of suggestions....I think we could have done with 1 night in Rathombore. We saw 1 tiger on all our safaris, although others saw many more...just lucky. We really liked Jaipur and maybe should have had 2 nights... read more

Overall, the trip was fantastic and I am truly grateful that you suggested India before Bhutan. However, the hotel in Delhi was superb. They upgraded us to a fabulous room the the 2nd and 3rd times that we were there which was lovely. Our guides in India were fine. I do have a couple of suggestions....I think we could have done with 1 night in Rathombore. We saw 1 tiger on all our safaris, although others saw many more...just lucky. We really liked Jaipur and maybe should have had 2 nights there instead. Darjeeling. Bhutan was really spectacular...we loved it. But there are some suggestions...It was a long drive to the Probjika Valley and we were not excited about it. The hotel was pretty bad and after we hiked a bit and saw Karma the crane, we were ready to leave. We thus stayed only 1 night and went back to Thimphu and stopped for a long hike en route. This was fine. We enjoyed trekking around Paro. However, our trip to Tigernest on May 29 was the same day as a major Buddhist holiday. Could not stand the idea of hiking in the crowds so we convinced out guide to substitute another trek We went to Tigernest about 3PM and started walking up as hordes of Indians were descending. Our guide tried to convince us to stop...turned out he and driver did not have a hotel to stay in and I think they were mostly worried about where they would be. The previous night they had to stay in Thimphu and I think they were anxious about getting back....Not clear to me why they had not booked their own rooms when they new the schedule. They did try to be accommodating to us and were very concerned that we were "happy," although there is no question that they would have preferred we just look at the Tigernest from the highway rather than climbing up. I had a difficult time separating what was convenient for them from what was in our interest. As an example, they left us at Paro airport at 7AM for the 9:30 flight. I realize that it is important to be early but that was really very early...we were the first to check in.

Local specialist: Sebastiaan Naus
Sebastiaan
Sebastiaan Naus
Local specialist in Bhutan/Netherlands | Reviewed on Jun 20, 2018

Hi Carole,
Thanks for taking the time to post a review for your trip! Glad to hear that overall your trip was fantastic. Great that you enjoyed your visit to India , Sikkim and Bhutan. I addressed some of the things you mention here already in my email. Also, I will also talk to our guide to see what happened on the Tiger's Nest hike and after that I will come back to you. Thanks for travelling with us and see you again some time at kimkim! Best regards, Bas.

Richard Masla Bhutan
Bhutan | Apr 18 - Apr 24, 2018

Richard
Richard M.
Gainesville, FL | Reviewed on Apr 27, 2018

Our group of 4 just returned from a 7 day tour of Bhutan. From the beginning of my contact with Bas, to touring the amazing countryside of Bhutan with Sonam and Tawa (guides from Bhutan). My experience was phenomenal, two thumbs up for the curtosy, kindness and professionalism of all the staff.

Local specialist: Sebastiaan Naus
Sebastiaan
Sebastiaan Naus
Local specialist in Bhutan/Netherlands | Reviewed on Apr 28, 2018

Dear Richard,
So glad to hear your experience was phenomenal! We are delighted to hear you enjoyed your visit to Bhutan as well as our service. Thanks for your kind words also, we appreciate it! All the best to you and see you again some time!
Bas.

Trip to Bhutan
Bhutan | Mar 31 - Apr 5, 2018

Tom
Tom L.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Apr 07, 2018

I have traveled a lot--around 130 countries--and I almost never use an organized tour. I thought I didn't like them. But this trip changed my mind. Mr. Pema, my guide, was impeccable, as was my driver, Mr. Ugee. They anticipated my every need, were beautifully friendly and polite and quite interesting people. I felt like I was traveling with friends. Mr. Pema was very skillful and knowledgeable as a guide to both the sites and the culture, and we had philosophical as well as historical... read more

I have traveled a lot--around 130 countries--and I almost never use an organized tour. I thought I didn't like them. But this trip changed my mind. Mr. Pema, my guide, was impeccable, as was my driver, Mr. Ugee. They anticipated my every need, were beautifully friendly and polite and quite interesting people. I felt like I was traveling with friends. Mr. Pema was very skillful and knowledgeable as a guide to both the sites and the culture, and we had philosophical as well as historical conversations of some depth. Windhorse made all the arrangements painless, kept in touch just enough, and everything, top to bottom, was perfectly done. The wifi in hotel rooms, as it is in many countries with a similar economic base, left something to be desired, but that was outside their control, and I'm sure it will continue to improve as the tourist infrastructure continues to grow. My only wish was that I had been able to stay longer and go further into the country.

Local specialist: Sebastiaan Naus
Sebastiaan
Sebastiaan Naus
Local specialist in Bhutan/Netherlands | Reviewed on Apr 09, 2018

Dear Tom,
Thanks for sharing this with us! Great to hear you had a nice trip to Bhutan with us. We are also glad to hear that our guide and driver changed your perspective on organized tours! Very nice that you enjoyed their services as well as their company and having conversations with them. If you ever plan to come back for a longer stay, we would be more than happy to host your trip again. All the best to you and see you again some time!
Bas.

Snow Leopard photography
Bhutan | Jan 30 - Feb 8, 2018

Hamilton
Hamilton L.
Australia | Reviewed on Feb 12, 2018

Our journey in the mountains of Bhutan was richly rewarding. A gift not wrapped in paper but bound instead in the thread of discovery and the characters we were blessed to encounter along the way. A journey of reflection and life in focus - so generously mentored by the welcoming will and inspiring talents of the Bhutanese people, Like our fabulous guides Yonten and Pema, who helped us climb higher..beyond....as each new step took our breath further away. Thank you!

And also thank you to... read more

Our journey in the mountains of Bhutan was richly rewarding. A gift not wrapped in paper but bound instead in the thread of discovery and the characters we were blessed to encounter along the way. A journey of reflection and life in focus - so generously mentored by the welcoming will and inspiring talents of the Bhutanese people, Like our fabulous guides Yonten and Pema, who helped us climb higher..beyond....as each new step took our breath further away. Thank you!

And also thank you to all our amazing crew and the nine ponies ... especially camera pony!
Everyone we encountered helped make our expedition an experience that will long be remembered as an outstanding example of living in the moment..

Thanks to Bas at Kimkim for making the arrangements so easy and to Wind Horse for organising everything on the ground. Thoroughly enjoyed this Bhut-Camp!

Local specialist: Sebastiaan Naus
Sebastiaan
Sebastiaan Naus
Local specialist in Bhutan/Netherlands | Reviewed on Feb 16, 2018

Dear Hamilton,
Thanks for your kind words! So nice to hear you had a rewarding trip and that you were inspired by the people you met and by our guides and crew. Hope you will cherish your memories from Bhutan for a long time. I am sure the pictures you took will help with that, curious to see your work!
Thanks for visiting Bhutan with us, we were delighted to host your trip!
All the best, Bas.

Bhutan Trip for Nat
Bhutan | Jan 6 - Jan 10, 2018

N
Nat Y.
Australia | Reviewed on Jan 12, 2018

Trip was better than we could have ever expected. The entire process from the first messages with Bas till the fairwell hugs with tashi and Jigme at the airport and everything in between was beyond words! Tashi as a guide is phenomenal, can’t fault him. And Jigme was his perfect side kick. Nothing was too hard for the boys. Thank you for a wonderful trip!

Local specialist: Sebastiaan Naus
Sebastiaan
Sebastiaan Naus
Local specialist in Bhutan/Netherlands | Reviewed on Jan 13, 2018

Hi Nat, thanks for your kind words. It was an honor to host your trip to Bhutan! Thanks for visiting! Bas.