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October 2001

Phuentsholing, Paro, Thimphu, Bumthang District

Brett Voegele
2005-11-14 18:40:19

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company I was traveling with, while in Paro and we hit it off immediately. He had already cut me a good deal for my week's stay in Bhutan. Bhutan is attempting to limit the number of tourists that visit - thereby maintaining some of their culture and not becoming as westernized as countries such as Nepal. To that end, everyone is required to spend US$200/day, for the duration of their stay. That includes a guide, accommodations, food, driver, etc. If you are traveling on your own, there is a US$40/day extra charge, or a total of US$240/day.....not exactly budget travel, especially compared to the US$7/day I was spending in India. Since Yeshup's agent from the States had canceled his familiarization tour of Bhutan after the events of September 11th, Yeshup made me his agent, which meant I could do the trip for $180/day. Once in the country he told me he could extend my stay by a week and I would pay a minimal charge, which was too good to pass up. Yeshup has traveled to Australia, the States, Nepal, India, Singapore, Thailand, etc., and so knows what a single traveler would want, so we fit perfectly. He seemed to know everybody throughout Bhutan, so I was shown the true Bhutan - friend's homes, farmhouses, restaurants of friends, etc., and was able to talk to many Bhutanese from all walks of life. A great opportunity. The Bhutanese are a fantastic people - always smiling, laughing, and teasing each other. It was a lot of fun.

We also did things more budget, rather than the way he would run a trip with most of his clients, which suited me to a tee. On a large group tour you're insulated from the true culture, as the food that is prepared has to be toned down, and you won't get the rot-gut alcohol, strange food, etc., but I was able to partake in everything. Every meal we had ema datse - the national dish. It is simply chilis in a light cheese sauce, and it will set you on fire! Most countries use ...