Many leisure trips end up as a whirlwind of schedules and sightseeing checklists. But Bhutan invites you to travel differently. With Druk Asia’s Bhutan Insider Experience, visitors are encouraged to put curiosity ahead of rigid itineraries, embracing unscripted journeys where true encounters unfold.
James Low
The Bhutan Insider Experience with James Low offers small-group journeys crafted for travelers seeking authenticity. Each trip aligns with Bhutan’s “High Value, Low Volume” tourism philosophy, balancing culture, sustainability, and conservation.
James Low, a hospitality veteran who spent nearly a decade in Bhutan, personally accompanies each group alongside a licensed local guide. While all logistics—transport, lodging, and special access—are carefully arranged, the days remain flexible. Meals with locals, chats with artisans, or quiet moments in monasteries all shape the journey organically.
James originally arrived as the General Manager of a five-star hotel, expecting a short posting. Instead, Bhutan’s spiritual traditions, landscapes, and people held him for ten years. During this time, he hosted royalty and global travelers while absorbing values like compassion, impermanence, and interconnectedness. Today, he shares this wisdom by guiding others into the Bhutan that changed his own life.
“You’ll leave with a deeper sense of why Bhutan is often called the happiest country on earth,” James says. From Himalayan vistas and heritage farmhouses to prayer rituals and tea houses, each encounter deepens the traveler’s connection with Bhutanese life.
Independent travel is not permitted in Bhutan; all visitors must be accompanied by licensed guides. This ensures safety in rugged terrain and access to sacred spaces often closed to outsiders. Through Druk Asia, travelers gain privileged entry while keeping their experience deeply personal.
Joni Herison, Druk Asia’s Managing Director, explains: “This Insider Experience is ideal for those seeking a deeper connection. Depending on the group’s interests, James may introduce favorite restaurants, arrange Thangka painting workshops, or lead visits to monasteries during daily prayers.”
Bhutan Insider Experience with James Low
These departures promise a mix of hidden gems, cultural immersion, and conversations that linger long after the trip ends.
Royal Highlander Festival in Laya, Gasa
Held at 4,000 meters, this extraordinary highland festival requires a trek into a remote valley framed by Bhutan’s highest peaks. Visitors encounter glacial lakes, alpine meadows, yak parades, and vibrant cultural performances.
Prices are twin-share and include return Drukair flights from Singapore to Paro. Travelers from Bangkok can request alternative routes via [email protected].
Punakha Rainbow Palace of Happiness
With more than 20,000 travelers hosted, Druk Asia is the leading Bhutan travel specialist and the official representative of Drukair for over 15 years. The company also operates MICE Bhutan and AVIS Bhutan, extending expertise from leisure travel to corporate events.
For those drawn to authenticity, the Bhutan Insider Experience shows that the real magic of the Kingdom lies not in checklists but in the moments you never planned.