My trip of 7 days in Bhutan brought me to Thimphu, Punakha, Wangdue Phodrang and Paro, taking in all the sights, culture, heritage, nature and kindness of everyone!

Special mentions to my guide Kiran and driver Phuentsho, who were the best companions for my solo trip.

Kiran was absolutely lovely, super considerate, knowledgeable (like he did a PhD in cultural studies and Buddhism), attentive, encouraging, funny and slotted in some bonus itinerary items (e.g. watching a live national football match at the stadium). Through his experience, we were able to tweak the days to maximise my travel and minimise inconveniences (like bumping into crowds), try out snacks like smoked corn, and tasting grapes off the vine at a local farmhouse.

Phuentsho was super skilled and stable in navigating the slopes and terrains of Bhutan, and very reliable and dependable. Aside from hauling my heavy luggage at every hotel, he also helped me a great deal on several incidents (e.g. bringing my phone back to my hotel after I had absentmindedly left it in the car at the end of the day). And brought some nuts for the end of my hike at Tigers Nest, which was really appreciated!Also special thanks to their manager Jigme, who met up with us for dinner and gifted me some lovely Bhutanese products (coffee yay! + lemongrass spray etc).

A stay at the Gaselo ecolodge is also a must — meeting Sangay, listening to his entertaining stories, and staying at the lodge which he built plank by plank, was such an honour.

I definitely enjoyed my time with Breathe Bhutan, and the hospitality truly is unparalleled.

Particularly with this fantastic duo of Kiran and Phuentsho. Hope to catch them again when I book my next trip with Breathe Bhutan!