Bhutan and Singapore, 11 September 2025 – Leisure holidays often swing between scheduled tours or extensive logistics planning for independent travellers, leaving little room for spontaneous discovery. Either way, itineraries would be filled with a checklist of must-see sights. Druk Asia invites travellers to swap out checkbox sightseeing for unscripted travel and experience Bhutan differently. By allowing curiosity to chart the course of their journey, meaningful encounters take precedence over conventional sightseeing.

“Bhutan Insider Experience with James Low” is a new series of small-group journeys with curated flexibility. Designed for discerning travelers seeking to experience Bhutan’s essence, these limited-edition trips prioritize intentional travel. Aligned with Bhutan’s “High Value, Low Volume” tourism policy, each journey balances cultural preservation, environmental protection, and sustainable development.

James Low, a hospitality veteran who lived in Bhutan for nearly ten years, accompanies each “Bhutan Insider Experience” journey alongside a licensed local guide and driver. While essential logistics such as accommodation, transport, and privileged access are seamlessly managed, each day remains open to unplanned discovery. Shared meals, interactions with local artisans, and conversations with spiritual leaders create an environment where mindfulness deepens.

James was the General Manager of an international five-star hotel brand in Bhutan before retiring in December 2024. During his tenure, James welcomed royalty, high-profile guests, and well-travelled visitors from around the world. Initially expecting a two-year posting, he was so captivated by Bhutan’s profound spirituality, serene landscapes, and the warmth of its people that his stay extended into a decade of personal growth. Today, James remains a passionate advocate for the Bhutanese way of life, deeply reverent of the Kingdom’s landscapes, culture, and spiritual heritage.

“You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of why the Bhutanese are often considered the happiest people on earth! Visually, visitors can expect magnificent Himalayan landscapes, magical monasteries and temples, rich cultural tapestries, pristine farmland, and charming heritage farmhouses,” said James Low. “My time in Bhutan grounded me in values that now anchor my life: compassion, kindness, selflessness, acceptance (‘it is what it is’), impermanence, and the interconnection of all things. Most of all, Bhutan helped me discover a sense of purpose. I hope to open the doors for others to experience the Bhutan that has meant so much to me,” added Low.

“We were thrilled when James approached us to co-create this journey,” said Joni Herison, Managing Director of Druk Asia. “This Insider Experience is ideal for anyone seeking a deeper connection with Bhutan. James will introduce guests to his favourite restaurants and depending on the group’s interests, visit a monastery to witness the monks’ daily prayer rituals, invite artisans to share their knowledge of Thangka painting, or explore other aspects of traditional Bhutanese culture.”

Often described as one of the world’s most enchanting destinations, Bhutan reveals its true magic in the unexpected moments that unfold along the journey. Independent travel is not permitted in Bhutan, so it is required by law that visitors are accompanied by licensed local guides. This ensures safety in high-altitude and rugged terrain, while allowing travellers privileged access to sacred sites, local communities, and meaningful cultural encounters.

Druk Asia has hosted over 20,000 travellers to the Land of the Thunder Dragon, establishing itself as Bhutan’s leading travel specialist. The company is also the official representative of Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines) since the office opened 15 years ago. Druk Asia also operates MICE Bhutan and AVIS Bhutan, extending its expertise to corporate events, meetings, and high-quality mobility services.

Bhutan Insider Experience with James Low

Dates
4–10 December 2025 — USD 6,588 per person
23–29 April 2026 — USD 7,680 per person

Accompanied by James Low, a seasoned hotelier and trusted figure in Bhutanese circles, this journey opens doors to people, places, and perspectives rarely accessible to the average traveller. Guests are invited to dine where locals gather, listen to the untold stories behind sacred temples, and discover the Kingdom through encounters that feel both intimate and extraordinary. Every detail is carefully considered, leaving space for moments of surprise and wonder.

Royal Highlander Festival in Laya, Gasa

Dates
19–29 October 2025 — From USD 4,740 per person

Held at 4,000 metres above sea level in Laya, Gasa, the Royal Highland Festival is a high-altitude festival celebrated by Bhutan’s remote highland communities. Reaching the festival grounds is an adventure in itself: a six-hour drive from Thimphu to Tongshida base camp followed by a four-hour hike. Once there, the reward is profound: a hidden valley framed by some of Bhutan’s highest peaks, over a hundred untouched glacial lakes shimmering in the distance, and alpine meadows alive with yaks, blue sheep, and wildflowers. Witness traditional performances of song and dance, parades of livestock adorned in colourful fabrics and bells, and competitions showcasing horses, yaks, and mastiff dogs.