Our Batch (1974) of doctors from GMC Nagpur keep on getting together, in smaller groups on several occasions, but in larger groups at least once in two years. This time (2018) we all decided to Travel Together to Bhutan in April, with the aim of getting together, conducting a CME, (Continued Medical Education conference) combining pleasure of Scenic beauty in a good natural environment, a getting to know a little more (personally) about the only country that measures Happiness Index rather than GDP. Since we were in large number, and BTC doesn’t allow outsiders to conduct tours there: we approached Triangle Travel to invite quotes from Bhutanese Agencies willing to take up managing this large a group(finally we were 85 travelers, including 4 kids less than 5 yrs of age). Out of the various offers, we picked up AD TOURS AND TRAVELS. Their offer was cost-effective for the 5 night 6 day tour, inclusive of Airfare n booking for 10 people from Delhi (to Paro), and the rest from Kolkata to Paro. Reception at Paro Airport, Properly planned groups from amongst us to be accommodated in clearly demarcated 6 Toyota Coaster 18 seater buses, with Hindi-English speaking wellmannered polite cooperative guides n bus drivers, Hassle free management of subgroup luggages, Abundant Supply of Packed Drinking water (throughout the trip), Nice (at least 4 star) properties to stay in with good arrangement for Breakfast/ dinner, AND entire group brought together for lunch at different locations, excellent itinerary of sight seeing (of course 2-3 sites on at least 3 Ds involving as per our previous agreement, payment of entry fee). We were lucky to see flower exhibition too, being held during that phase. Evenings we had earmarked for 3 hours Medical Conference, with different people amongst us enlightening on chosen topics, with dinner in between. We would retire by 10-30 pm or so: to get ready according to the itinerary the subsequent Morning. Twice we consumed the local famous red-rice with their traditional spicy dish ema datse. Cultural evening was nicely interjected on 27th: which all of us enjoyed to the hilt with active participation. Weather was excellent, almost never too cold (24-4-18 to 29-4-18); a luckily neither was it rainy. All the arrangements were impeccable, with excellent stay-facilities, with streamlined punctual execution. Once the quote was accepted: there were no <erations. Periodic payment schedule was stuck to by us as per initial agreement. The interaction with Mr Damber and Mr Gurung of AD TOURS helped sort out lot of queries of the travellers. I am grateful, they did not mind repeating a few points again and again over 2-4 months of interaction. It was professionally conducted excellent tour:all of us returned with fond memories to be cherished throughout life.Chela la pass was the highlight; Botanical garden with its Arch like long trek through dense forest was awesome, with everything else giving us a peep into their culture: past n present. Shopping centres had their own charm. Mr DB Gurung, the owner, was available to us 24×7 all through our stay n travel; Very polite, ever willing to help. We were provided local SIM cards (that would fit in any Smartphone): one per couple to integrate n communicate. Hotels and Resorts had wonderful atmosphere with excellent arrangements and spacious thoughtfully done up interiors in allotted rooms/ suites. We as a batch would highly recommend Triangle Travel to plan your trip. Ms Pearl Pallavi initially, and Mr AMIT Bhati till the end kept on coordinating with us, and with AD TOURS. They helped us get the best out of our “investment” into experiencing PLEASURE.
My son enjoyed snow for the first time. And liked tigers nest monestary. Excellent trip, liked to share travel agents with my friends and family in future. Well planned trip on short notice.
Bhutan what to say….Such a beautiful and peaceful country. It was one of the best place I visited till now. We are mesmerized by the gigantic mountains, scenic beauty, beautiful hills, deep forests, amazing culture, valleys and honesty. We thoroughly enjoyed our trekking to Taktsang Monastery, River Rafting, Hot Stone Bath, Candle Light Dinner, Team Dinner, visit to Chele La Pass, Dochula Pass and Fortress. In our journey of 8 days we visited Thimphu, Paro, Punakha and Phobjikha Valley. All cities are so beautiful that engraves in our heart. Due to time restrain we couldn’t visit Bumthang. But we will definitely visit there. Again thank you so much to Mr. Gurung and Mr. Tashi for your assistance. Hope to visit Bhutan soon :). Happy Memories 🙂
The AD Tours and Travel organized our holiday in beautiful Bhutan. Mr. Gurung and Mr. Tashi was extensively helpful and supportive throughout our tour. They have taken care of each and every thing very precisely.
Tshechu festival where we got to see the King in person, a lovely hike in Gangtey Valley, a really good, accommodating and knowledgable guide/ driver! Given that it was a last minute trip during peak season, AD tours and travel was able to arrange and customise the tour as per my demands. Despite a bit of coordination hitches at the beginning we had a great and well-planned 8 days trip
I was talking with Mr. Damber and Mr. Gurung, both were very helpful and outstanding. I found the experience very memorable without any problem throughout the trip. All arrangements were made as per the discussion and requirement. Hotels and given transportations were the best.
A week has passed since we returned from the Bhutan Trip and still unable to get over the wonderful time we had together. The holiday was ab unforgettable experience for all 10 of us in the Group. I traveled from Melbourne Australia to join my brother and sisters and their families at Bhubaneswar, then took train to NJP from where we were picked up by AD Tours and Travels for 6 nights 7 days tour of the wonderful land of Bhutan. Damber with who I made the initial contact is an amazing guy as he so meticulously arranged everything for us including tour planning, guide and hotels which really worked well for us and were to the liking of everyone in the Team. Phubjika Valley and Tigers nest were the most beautiful places apart from Timphu, Punakha and Paro. Suman Rai was an exceptional guide and so was the driver Jombay. Being an Australian Citizen, the tour fees were very high for me, however is worth of it at the end. Wherever we visited we noticed people are so nice and friendly. Many within the Team are dog lovers and noticed them so good to welcome the visitors at every place. They perhaps very well represent the humbleness of Bhutan. Hotel staff are very friendly. All Team members are aligned with the above score.
Tiger’s Nest is a must go. It’s a hike and takes time and makes you tired but it’s totally worth it . please do it when you visit Bhutan. Also the overall hospitality of Bhutan people is excellent. It made the trip even better than it already was. So glad I choose Bhutan for my birthday plus honeymoon trip.
Mr. Damber and his brother Mr. Gurung are really nice people to talk to. Helped me with creating a good package. The driver assigned to us Mr. Upahar was really nice and cool person. He was right on time everywhere. We gelled along well during the trip. Just that a driver with guide knowledge is better. We felt that a little missing. Otherwise it was an excellent trip overall. Really happy.
While we were choosing agent. there was some doubt in air while looking at some of older reviews. Though we initiated the process, the best part we like about is responsiveness, flexibility, listening ability and quick turnaround as major plus of Mr. Damber Gurung. It was 12 nights 13 days trip(18-30th March, 2019). The whole itinerary was as per us, how we wanted; with each and every thing well defined. we are kind of people who define what we want to do and choose on basis who can fulfill the requirement best. Now starting with trip all tickets, cab and hotel booking were done well in advance in our choice of hotels; also all vouchers shared as per agreed timeline. Now coming to parts of the tour. Hotels, all were amazing (Tashi Nagmey(Paro), Ramada Valley(Thimphu), Drubchu resort(Punakha), Hotel Dewachen (Phubjika), Bumthang(Jakar Village lodge)) we got complimentary upgrade in Paro and Thimphu. Cab, we got SUV, with an amazing driver and gem of person Mr. Gyadhen Jamtsho, a clear hearted man who try to ensure that you are happy. Now some parts where traveler needs to take a lead like please check the timings of all dzongs & Lakhangs. Also check on what attire needs to worn. Kindly note that if you are travelling ahead of Thimphu towards Punakha, Phobjika and Bhumthang, road permit to be taken from Thimphu. Better you can visit with driver so that correct information can be given in one go. There is one caution that in some of lakhang and dzongs they will ask specifically for guide, though Indian’s don’t need to have a guide as a necessity. In this please ask your driver to keep their traditional dress with him and should accompany you to avoid these kind of situations, as in that case they generally don’t ask much. Tip: On standard itinerary please check what all places you want to visit and timings. Also check what places are good to eat, as you can eat in evening outside and come to hotel later. In Tashi Namgey: Take rooms on 1st floor like 117, also hotel got a good massage center. Ramada Valley: Take rooms having river view.
It was a very pleasant experience we had during our trip, we had a few hiccups but the Agent Mr. Gurung, helped us overcome those and we made the most of our trip. I have already recommended him to a few of my friends, who were interested.
Tip 1: instead of flying directly to Paro , i would recommend a road trip from Phuentsholing rather the journey is picturesque. Also the souvenirs are much cheaper in p’ling compared to any other city. Tip 2: Indian currencies are accepted here upto denomination of 500INR. Tip 3: Definitely indulge in local food if you are a foodie (Check out Zombala or simply bhutan in Thimpu) Tip 4: Cut some slack. Locals are very helpful, in case if the staff in your hotel is getting confused with your requirement explain it to them calmly with a wide smile and they are happy to help.
Thanks to AD Bhutan tours for making this trip memorable. Their service is really good and quick. Both Ms. Saraswati and Mr. DB Gurung were constantly in touch and checking if we need anything. We did face few hiccups in our hotel accommodation however the team instantly looked for an alternative. My suggestions have been taken very positively and I bet it’s only going to get better. The driver assigned to us Mr Phuntsho was fabulous and professional. Overall a very good experience and would definitely recommend the future travellers of Bhutan to travel with them.