Bhutan, designed around you
Bespoke culture and nature journeys, planned and guided by Punap Ugyen Wangchuk – former monk, photographer and one of Bhutan's most respected guides.
Almost every journey we run is designed from scratch. Tell us what draws you to Bhutan, and we build the days around it – your guide, your pace, your dates.
We are a Bhutanese company, founded in Thimphu in 2008. Ugyen spent thirteen years as a monk and has guided since 2002; many of the abbots, farmers, weavers and cooks you'll meet have known him for years.
That is how we take you beyond the usual sights, to the Bhutan our guests write about most.
Designed around you
Every journey is yours alone – your own guide and vehicle, your dates, your interests. Our sample itineraries are only a place to start.
Culture away from the crowds
Village festivals, farmhouse kitchens, quiet monasteries and nunneries – the places most visitors never reach, with people who know us.
Through a photographer's eye
Ugyen's photographs of Bhutan have appeared on its postcards and in its books. He'll put you in the right place at the right moment.
Ugyen on guiding, in his own words (1 min 24)
Travel with Punap Ugyen Wangchuk
Born in Thambji in the Punakha valley, Ugyen spent thirteen years as a monk, has travelled Bhutan since 1997 and has guided since 2002. He founded Gomo in 2008.
A photographer, he was asked by the Royal Government to photograph the Royal Wedding, the Coronation of the Fifth King and the SAARC summit in Bhutan, and gave his time for free. He is the author of the Authentic Bhutanese Cookbook and Bhutan Portrait and Landscape, and designed and built the Wangdue Eco-Lodge. On many journeys, he is your guide.
How a Gomo journey comes together
Talk to us
Tell us who's travelling, when, and what draws you to Bhutan. A call or a few emails is all it takes.
Your proposal
Within a few days, a day-by-day plan with a clear, itemised price – visa and Sustainable Development Fee included. A US$1,000 deposit confirms it.
Refine it together
More time here, a festival there, a different lodge, a slower pace. We adjust it until it's right.
Travel
Ugyen or one of our licensed guides meets you at Paro. From then on, everything is taken care of.
Starting points, never set menus
Itineraries we have loved running. Change the dates, the pace and the places, or use them as ideas for something entirely your own.
Tailor-made The Colours of Spring
A photographic journey through rhododendron season
Tailor-made The Tshechu
Punakha's great festival and the hidden west
Tailor-made In Search of Happiness
A contemplative journey through Bhutan's sacred places
Tailor-made A Taste of Bhutan
A culinary journey with Punap Ugyen Wangchuk
Tailor-made The Living Canvas
An artist's journey: painting, sacred art and craft
Tailor-made Nomads of the Northern Frontier
Treks to the high pastures of Laya and Jomolhari
“Ugyen immediately placed into my top three guides of all time. His range of knowledge, across nature, religion, myth, history and culture, runs very deep. It emerges naturally and gently.”
Ruaridh Nicoll · travel writer
With our guests
Forest walks, festival mornings and long lunches – a few of the people we have travelled with.
“Every detail was attended to”
My wife and I have travelled extensively internationally. Our time with Ugyen and Gomo Adventures was one of the best adventures we have ever had. Every detail was attended to. At the outset we were presented with a detailed itinerary printed on beautiful handmade paper. Ugyen was not…
Ugyen brings a traveller into the heart and soul of Bhutan. His knowledge of the history, culture, and spirituality of Bhutan is outstanding. His infectious laughter adds warmth and joy to this unique opportunity. His attention to detail makes the experience seamless.
Ugyen guided us with a deep knowledge not only of his country's history, but also seemed to be on a first-name basis with most of the citizens. He had spent the first part of his life as a monk, and was still greeted warmly at the monasteries we…
Coming up in Bhutan
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Black-necked Crane Festival
11 November · Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha, Wangdue
Celebrating the cranes' return to the Phobjikha valley.
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Goenpai Drupchen
14–16 November · Trongsa Dzong
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Mongar Tshechu
17–19 November · Mongar Dzong
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Phuentsholing Tshechu
17–19 November · Phuentsholing, Chhukha
Before you go
Begin planning your journey
Tell us a little about your plans and we'll reply personally, usually within a day. There's no obligation.