Your Guide to Bhutan with Atisha Tours and Treks

My name is Ugyen shady, and I’ve been a guide with Atisha Tours and Treks for over a decade. On behalf of our entire team, I want to welcome you personally. To us, you are not just a client, you are a guest in our home, and we are honoured to share it with you.

Many of you ask, “What should I really know before coming?” So, here’s my personal guide not from a website, but from my heart and experience on the trail.

Pack Your Curiosity, Not Just Your Bag

Yes, pack layers, good walking shoes, and a reusable water bottle (we’ll refill it with pure mountain water). But more importantly, bring an open mind. Be ready to sit on a floor cushion for a meal, to receive a khadar (scarf of respect) with both hands, and to ask questions. The best moments often happen off the itinerary.

Our attitude can humble even the fittest traveler. The key is not speed, but rhythm. When we hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest), we go dzi-li slowly and steadily. It’s a metaphor for your whole journey here. Let your body adjust, and let your spirit catch up

You’ll see prayer flags, dzongs, and festivals. Please remember:

Always walk clockwise around stupas and prayer wheels.

Dress modestly covered shoulders and knees specially in temples.

Ask before taking photos of people. A smile goes a long way.

Walk Slowly, Breathe Deeply

Our Culture is Living, Not a Museum

Embrace the Food (and the Chill)

Ema Datshi (chilli and cheese stew) is our national dish. Don’t be afraid to try it! But tell us your preferences we will ensure you are well-fed and happy. Meals are a time for sharing stories.

If you’re trekking with us, know that our cook will surprise you with cakes at 4,000 meters, and our horsemen have stories of these mountains since childhood. Listen to them. The weather can change fast trust our advice. We carry a full first-aid kit and a satellite phone, but our greatest tool is our experience.

Bhutan’s greatest luxury is its peace. Wi-Fi is available in towns, but I invite you to disconnect at times. Listen to the river, the prayer bells, the silence of a monastery courtyard. That feeling is what you will take home.

On the Trek: Trust the Team

The Gift of Presence