BLTBhutan Luxury Travel
A Bhutanese guide on a prayer-flag mountain path

About us

Planned by the people who live here.

01 · Our story

Since 2007 we have arranged private journeys through Bhutan and the wider Eastern Himalaya — for families and small groups, by a team who call these valleys home.

Every journey reflects the dedication of our people: the Thimphu team who answer your first message, the coordinators who secure the right lodge in Sikkim or Darjeeling, the guides who lead meadow walks through Phobjikha, the chauffeurs who navigate the mountain roads over Pele La, and the trek crews who serve warm soup at Jangothang beneath Mount Jomolhari.

We research routes, lodges and experiences ourselves, often in Bhutan’s quieter seasons, so every recommendation comes from first-hand knowledge. Over nearly two decades we have welcomed thousands of guests and worked with more than 25 international travel partners.

Small by choice. We welcome a limited number of private guests each season, so we can know every traveller personally and give each journey our full attention. No two journeys are ever the same.

March 2009

The first British trek officially allowed into Merak and Sakteng

With special government approval, we led the first British trekking group officially allowed into the remote highland villages of Merak and Sakteng in eastern Bhutan. Roads had not yet reached them: the journey began on foot from Rangjung in Trashigang.

2007Founded in Thimphu
25+International partners
2009First British trek to Merak & Sakteng

Gross National Happiness

A kingdom that measures wealth in happiness.

Bhutan famously pursues not Gross National Product but Gross National Happiness — a development philosophy that puts wellbeing, culture and nature before growth for its own sake. It shapes the country you'll travel through, and the way we design every journey.

01

Sustainable development

Progress measured by wellbeing and balance, not growth alone.

02

Environmental conservation

Carbon negative, with at least 60% forest cover written into the constitution.

03

Cultural preservation

Living traditions, dress, craft and faith, quietly protected.

04

Good governance

Decisions weighed against the happiness of the people.

02

Why travel with us

Licensed & local

A licensed Thimphu company, with your own guide and driver on every day of your journey.

Small by choice

A limited number of private guests each season. Every journey is yours alone and tailor-made.

Everything handled

Visa, Sustainable Development Fee, permits, transfers and fees, plus 24-hour support while you travel.

Handpicked lodges

From village farmhouse to Amankora and Six Senses, chosen for setting and silence.

03

The people you’ll travel with

A small team in Thimphu plans every journey personally, and experienced Bhutanese guides take you through it.

Ninda Wangchuk

Head Manager

Your pre-travel advisor: the person you’ll plan with before you arrive, from the shape of your journey to flights and practical details.

Mahendra Chimoria Sharma

Operations Manager

Looks after the day-to-day operation of every journey.

Karma Wangchuk

Manager · treks, hikes & picnics

Plans the trails, trek crews and private picnics that take you beyond the roads.

Your guides

Namgay ThinleyGuide since 2005
Kemey DorjiGuide since 2005
Kharga PradhanGuide since 2006
Ngawang ThinleyGuide since 2007
Karma PhuntshoGuide

Language guides, on advance request

Jamyang TsheringFrench · since 2005
SonamFrench · since 2010
L B GurungGerman · since 1998
Jamyang PhuntshoItalian · since 2001

Naturalists

Rinchen SingyeNaturalist
Ngawang GyeltsenBotany specialist

Alongside them are our chauffeurs and trekking chefs, and the planning team in Thimphu who look after every detail before you arrive.

04

Recognition

  • Licensed by Bhutan’s Department of Tourism
  • Arranging private journeys since 2007
  • 70+ five-star traveller reviews
  • International Arch of Europe Award for Quality, Gold category
  • Guides and trek crews trained in first aid and trekking medicine
05

Giving back

We work with local guides, producers, artisans and family-run enterprises, and keep every group small. Beyond our journeys:

  • Community-based eco-tourism with the Bhutan Ecological Society in the villages of Phobjikha
  • Village stays in Adha and Rukha, where profits from guest visits helped build hygienic toilets and kitchens, alongside donated library books
  • A contribution to the reconstruction of Wangdue Phodrang’s fortress (dzong)
  • Support for De-suung volunteers in Thimphu and Phuentsholing during COVID-19
06

Memberships & partners

Association of Bhutanese Tour OperatorsAdventure Travel Trade AssociationThai Ecotourism and Adventure Travel AssociationBhutan Ecological Society

Lodges we work with

AmankoraSix Senses BhutanCOMO UmaPemako

Begin designing

Let us show you our kingdom.

Tell us how you'd like to experience Bhutan — we'll shape a private journey around you.

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