Customize your own Bhutan Journey
Bhutan, also known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is an amazing Himalayan kingdom that relatively few travelers get to experience. Despite being the smallest country in the Himalaya, Bhutan has much to offer. The Buddhist culture in Bhutan is well preserved. The architecture is fantastic. The valleys are serene and offer excellent day hiking opportunities. In addition, the Jomolhari Base Camp Trek and epic Snowman Trek offer amazing views of the glacier covered Himalaya!
15 Day Journey thru Nepal and Bhutan
4 Day Thimphu and Tiger's Nest Journey
Don't see the journey you are looking for? No problem! We can work with you to customize a private journey for you going to all areas of Bhutan. At Himalaya Journey, our staff know Bhutan extremely well. We can help you to create the perfect travel itinerary allowing you to see and experience the best that Bhutan has to offer! From 4 days to 4 weeks....we can arrange the prefect Bhutan adventure for you! Contact us today to begin planning your journey through the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan: info@himalayajourney.com
We can arrange a private, customized journey in Bhutan anytime of year. Our expert sales staff, all of whom have vast travel experience in Bhutan, can work with you to create the perfect travel itinerary. Here are some of our recommended journeys in Bhutan:
15 Day Journey thru Nepal and Bhutan
4 Day Thimphu and Tiger's Nest Journey
Don't see the journey you are looking for? No problem! We can work with you to customize a private journey for you going to all areas of Bhutan. Contact our sales managers for details at: info@himalayajourney.com
We arrange journeys in Bhutan all year round. The high season months are March thru May and again from September thru November. For a price quotation on a journey to Bhutan, contact our sales staff at: info@himalayajourney.com
Our journeys in Bhutan are guided by our professional local Bhutanese guides who are all certified by the Tourism Council of Bhutan. They are experts in their culture, religion and history. They take great pride in showing their homeland to foreign travelers and explaining the uniqueness of their culture.
We had a superb trip with Himalaya Journey! We are a family of 5, and booked the trip through Himalaya Journey because we love the values of the company. Jamin was full of information in preparation of the trip - nothing seemed to be too much to asked and everything was responded to promptly with all the information you could possibly want. The trip in Tibet was amazing, organisation was perfect, and when we asked for it flexibility was easily arranged (we actually made some changes on the fly and that worked fine!). Nyima Drolma was great as our guide, entirely knowledgeable when needed and in the background when we are simply enjoying stunning scenery or walking the Shigatze Kora. Subsequently Ashok in Kathmandu was equally accommodating and assisting - even when we asked him to book flights with less than 24 hours notice he managed to turn that around! We had one of our best trips ever and will use Himalaya Journey again.
Skip—Netherlands—December 2017
Had an awesome trip with Himalalya Journey to Nepal and Bhutan in Oct-Nov, 2017 for about 2.5 weeks. Email correspondence was very prompt and efficient and full of information. Originally we planned to go to Tibet first, and everything was booked - air tickets, hotels, guides, etc, but China decided to close Tibet to foreigners exactly when we were supposed to be there due to "government meetings", and with just a month before the trip Ashok offered to rearrange our itinerary and many emails later, we decided to just do Tibet another time. Ashok was with us the entire time in Nepal - Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan. Took very good care of us, offered very good advice and we had a really good time together.
Have to say, with the many many guides we had over the years with all our many trips all over the world, he is one of the best, if not the best guide. He's very easy to be with, very friendly, quite funny, and we really enjoyed his company. He put up with our many changes in our itinerary (up to the day we were to land in Kathmandu due to flight problem) and offered suggestions and always let us make the final decisions and he made all the changes we asked for. We had a local Bhutan guide in Bhutan who was also very nice and took good care of us. Ashok made sure we made it to Bhutan and was well taken care of. Tibet is still on my list, and of course I will travel with Himalaya Journey again. Totally recommend them without hesitation. Five stars all the way.
Christine—USA—November 2017
We love our Himalayan trip from Bhutan to Kathmandu to Tibet! Initially, we were supposed to start the trip October 2017, but Tibet became close for tourists the same week we previously planned ours. We are really thankful to Ashok Shahi as he planned our trip really well and come November 2017, we were glad to have started with Bhutan and Nepal and ended with Tibet. Ashok was really helpful in planning our trip with all the details including the routes to take. Though we weren't accustomed to high altitude, we were able to cope up by the time we were in Tibet as we were already used to the altitude in Bhutan. We had so many wonderful memories with our trip from trekking Tiger's Nest in Bhutan, to seeing the squares and stupas in Kathmandu and reaching EBC in Tibet! We are glad to have done our most memorable trip with Himalayan Journey!
Tiffany—Philippines—October 2017
A trip like no other, is what first comes to mind when I describe my experience in Tibet with Himalaya Journey and Jamin, along with Nyima Drolma and Phuntsuk.
I had initially planned to visit Tibet back in 2012 and due to restrictions at the time, was unable to do so. It was definitely a blessing in disguise and am so glad I stumbled upon Jamin’s blog, the Land of Snows and his tour company, Himalaya Journey. Not only do you get to witness Tibet’s beautiful mountains, culture and people – you actually experience Tibet with the Tibetans. That’s the only way I can describe how I felt during the journey. Jamin’s ability to captivate you through his stories and lectures is astounding…. wow, so much knowledge! But not more so than his passion and determination to help the Tibetan people, which really comes through in everything he says and does. I highly Highly HIGHLY recommend going with Himalaya Journey. You will be so well looked after; and fed so well that all your hopes of losing any sort of weight is shattered on day 1… haha
Thank you Jamin – This was such a special journey for me and am so glad to have done it with you, Nyima Drolma, Phuntsuk the crew! I’ve learnt so much from you and my time in Tibet truly rejuvenated my spirits. I reckon I’ll be back in a few years 
so until then… bless up and big love!
Ruby—Australia—October 2017
I booked a private tour in Bhutan through Himalaya Journey in October and it was such a perfect, amazing trip— I highly recommend Himalaya Journey and will definitely book with them again! All the details of the Bhutan trip ran so smoothly from the second I was met at the airport, and I was sad to leave at the end as I had become friends with my amazing guide and driver. Such personal attention to detail to ensure I got to see and do all the types of things I cared about, and was just such a wonderful experience in that beautiful, peaceful country. Cannot wait to go back!
Christina—USA—October 2017
It's hard to describe just how amazing the 10 day journey from Lhasa to EBC was. One thing is certain: Jamin's passion for Tibet comes across in how he puts together his tours. The mix of monasteries, temples, and delicious restaurants in Lhasa with the breathtaking scenery of the journey to the foot of Everest was riveting. Jamin told us so many stories about the Tibetan people and their history, which sometimes left our whole group in tears, and other times laughing hysterically. I don't think a single member of the group could have guessed just how much we would all be impacted by the experience, and several of us have already discussed our next trip with Himalaya Journey.
Nika—USA—October 2017
I woke up on Jan 5th 2017 with a compelling urge to take my 10 year old son on a trip to a far away land fueled by compassion, uniqueness, and adventure! I took to google and typed in Tibet thinking it was the furthest place I could imagine. I am residing now in California. Up popped Himalaya Journey Jamin's blog. I was captivated by his journeys, tips and trips and I emailed him right away. He responded quickly and said he had the perfect trip he could plan for us. I felt safe speaking with him and intrigued reading about his different treks and guided tours. I felt like I wanted to consider both the Tibet and Nepal trip as I would already be on the other side of the world. We corresponded for a month before I had the guts to tell my Husband I was taking our son to Mount Everest Base camp, thru Tibet and then on to Nepal. Jamin worked tirelessly with me planning something that seemed suitable to our needs. I am 47 years old.
Flash forward to October 2017 now my son is 11 and we are actually making this happen! We ended up taking 2 months for the trip but will spend almost 3 weeks with Jamin and his crew. We arrived in Lhasa after a couple weeks in China greeted by the most wonderful and beautiful female guide named Palmo and driver named Mr. Norpu. Palmo was so welcoming and shared the Tibetan greetings traditions and brought us to our car. Mr Norpu was a bright smiling face who greeting us nicely as well. I felt very comfortable to be with this pair for the next 10 days. The car was clean and fit our needs perfectly. It was a white Toyota 4 runner SUV. Palmo spoke beautiful English, Tibetan and Chinese, all a must for this adventure. She gave us so much information, customs and insight at every stop. We stayed in Lhasa a couple of nights to adjust to the altitude and saw sites, monasteries, traditional customs and enjoyed a welcome dinner by Jamin. The hotel was lovely and had a great breakfast buffet.
Day 3, we set off for our drive to Mount Everest Base camp. It took about 3 days and 7-10 hours of driving a day to get there. We stopped at decent (always the best) places to eat and nice guesthouses along the way. Neither one of us got sick the entire 3 weeks from the food in Tibet or Nepal. We had a little altitude sickness and some car sickness from the 108 switchbacks on the final leg to base camp. All worth it! Base camp 17,100 feet (5200 m) it was expected.
Mr Norpu knew where to stop for the most fantastic view spots and bathrooms. We ended up doing "open air" mostly because we were the "Pee Team" having to consume 2-3 liters of water a day each. 
We played music, laughed and even cried at the connections we were making together and on the Tibetan plateau. I can't say enough about this experience and how Palmo was critical to our adventure. Mr Norpu was a true professional driving around hair pin turns, bumpy roads and he felt a kinship with my son in a fatherly way. We had the best time of our lives. I could go on and on about the details but I don't want to spoil the trip for any future clients of Himalaya journey. We walked into base camp at 8:30 at night just barely making the sunset behind Everest. Spectacular! The crowd in the base camp warm kettle like cafe where food and tea is served glanced up at our site and actually rose to their feet and applauded at the small boy standing in front of them. It was a memory we both will never forget and moment that we knew what we were doing was unique and adventurous. We couldn't do base camp on the Nepal side because you have to be 16 but I know my son will go when he turns 16. We will call Himalaya Journey again for that. We stayed the night at base camp next to the Monastery. I hear they will be closing it down soon and you will stay a bit down the mountain at a different facility. I am grateful we had the chance. Confirm this with Jamin. We made it back to Lhasa having enriched our spirit and my relationship with my son in so many ways. Back to Lhasa!
Next it was time for our Adventure in Nepal. We flew over the Himalaya's from Tibet to Nepal and it was absolutely breath taking. You never lose site of the mountain ranges as they rise over 25,000 feet into the air. We did visa on arrival in Katmandu and it was a pretty easy process. The airport is helpful as well guiding you on what to do. We were greeted by Ashok another one of Jamin's guides and business partners. He was friendly and accommodating and had our trip planned nicely. We had a few days in Katmandu, stayed in Bhaktapur a night then flew to Pokhara. Again I don't want to spoil the adventure for future clients of HJ. It was wonderful, informative and worth every penny.
We were in Katmandu during Diwali which was so much fun for us and very festive. We stayed in Thamel which I highly recommend. This time of the year was perfect for both trips especially if you want to pack lite. We didn't need more than long pants lite jackets and tennis shoes for base camp. Shorts and long sleeve or less for the rest. We went to World UNESCO Heritage sites, Monasteries, and temples with shopping and great foodie spots. Ashok was a gentleman and always picked us up on time and was patient with all my sons questions and comments. All the hotels were wonderful and comfortable. Let them do the planning. They got this down. Relax and have an experience of a lifetime. Next stop India!
Charlee and Conner—USA—October 2017
Why I believe Himalaya Journey was the perfect tour operator for us.
1) Flexibility - many tour operators have a schedule and stick to it religiously, but appropriate travel doesn't work that way. When we wanted to leave Everest early because we had spent such an amazing morning at EBC and preferred to break up the long drive back to Shigatse, our guide and driver were happy to oblige. The ability to create our own group of 4 and build our own schedule was ideal.
2) Pacing - we met several groups along the way that seemed to be racing through Tibet. While the distances in Tibet are not immense in km they are long in time. The pacing your recommended allowed us to EXPERIENCE Tibet, not look at it. Strolling virtually alone in the back alleys of Gyangtse, having my son 'chat' with a monk in Sakya, and watching the monks debate in Lhasa were experiences we will never forget.
3) Off the beaten path - the recommendation you and your staff had got us to places where we were literally the only tourists. The hike above the monastery in Shegar (yes, we did glimpse the peak of Everest), the kora in Shigatse, and path above Sakya felt remote and special.
4) Tibetian businesses - the impact of China on Tibet cannot be overstated. Knowing that in our small way we were supporting the Tibetians by staying at their hotels and visiting their restaurants was VERY important to us.
5) You and your staff - Throughout the process you have been so available that I thought there must be two of you! Our driver managed to make the long, bumpy drives comfortable and safe. And our guide was so knowledgeable, kind, spiritual and loving that we all openly wept of joy at our departure.
6) Value - All foreign travelers to Tibet encounter the high cost of visiting Tibet and can't help but be lured by idea of "saving a few $$" here and there. Somehow you managed to provide an extraordinary trip at a comparable price. You were not the least expensive, nor were you the most expensive. But I can say without hesitation that you provided by far the best value.
And you did a nice job of "under-promising" on our accommodations as they were all high quality, clean, comfortable, and welcoming.
Please feel free to direct any travelers "on the fence" about your services to me and I'll happily answer any questions they might have.
Tom—USA—June 2017
Being a female solo traveler has its challenges but, I have to say they were mostly negated by Ashok and Himalaya Journey.
I did quite a bit of research before settling on this group and making my final decisions. Ashok listened to my wants and concerns and tailored a 2 week trip of exactly what I was looking for: Kathmandu, Chitwan Breeding Center, Pokhara and Tibet all comfortably in 2 weeks!! 
😁 Planned so very well.
Having never been to this part of the world, I was a bit wary, to be honest. With Ashok I had a guide and assistance when I needed but, a solo travel experience when I wanted, as well. The perfect balance.
Can't recommend them enough!!
ML—USA—June 2017
I can only sing praises for Himalaya Journeys, I thought long and hard and asked myself was there anything that could of been done different to make this trip of a lifetime to Lhasa, Everest, Mt Kailash and Guge Kingdom any better. I could not come up with a single thing, this was the perfect trip! all the planning and backup plans executed flawlessly, the people I met on the journey, Jamin's amazing talks on the bus, knowledge of Tibetan History, the guides. Jamin's concern for the well being of all of us and constant checks for High Altitude sickness was extremely reassuring. And all of this in the third most remote region on earth. I will certainly be doing more trips with you Jamin! And can only highly recommend anyone thinking of travelling with Himalaya Journey that you won’t be disappointed.
Michael—Australia—May 2017
I went on a 23 day tour to western Tibet with Jamin, as a solo female traveler.
This was seriously once in a lifetime experience and it taught so much, I'm grateful for this exposure, it wouldn't have been possible without Jamin's knowledge, empathy and devotion to the Himalayas and Tibet.
Well organised logistics, great local guide Ngodup, very talented driver Pensuk and a rocking intern ... what else we could have asked for!
Very safe, comfortable and to top it all we had great food throughout the journey.
Overall an authentic journey through Tibet ... Keep up the amazing work Jamin!
From the very first email almost 12 months prior to us travelling in Tibet, Jamin's replies were prompt, full of details about Tibet and easy to understand instructions. He always followed up on emails and nothing was ever too much of a problem. When it came closer to the time of us travelling, Jamin was very thorough in his details about what the next step was. He made the process very easy and simple for us, whether it was booking a train, what to bring or how to make a payment. He is truly passionate about providing opportunities for the people of Tibet.
Our guide Palmo was a wonderful local woman who looked after the 6 of us. From meeting us at the train station in Lhasa to Everest base camp and everything in between, she was always happy, informative and enjoyed embracing and learning about our lifestyle as much as we learnt about hers. We highly recommend Jamin and his staff at Himalaya Journey.
Christine—Australia—April 2017
I just returned from a wonderful trip to Nepal that was organized by Himalaya Journey. They did a fantastic job of making sure that every detail was taken care of and did a wonderful job of planning and organizing everything. I would strongly recommend this company to anyone planning a trip to Nepal. Ashok and Dipesh were both attentive to all my needs and were so extremely helpful. Thanks guys for a great job.
Ed—USA—February 2017
All I can say is I feel VERY fortunate to have found Ashok and Himalaya Journey before I traveled to Nepal and Bhutan. I only had 3 weeks from the time I booked my ticket until the day I landed in Kathmandu - this was a last minute trip to a place I had never been to and had very little knowledge of. Turns out it was one of the best trips, if not THE best trip, I have ever taken (I've been to 20+ countries).
Ashok listened to my every request and delivered great results in a very short amount of time, gave sound advice and accommodated last minute changes I requested. EVERYTHING was managed for me - flights, hotels, taxis, permits, passes, tours, treks, safaris, etc. in both Nepal and Bhutan. For my 30 days there he put together the right mix of various types of locations, durations and activities - from various cities to remote villages to the jungle along with days with nothing planned which were needed and appreciated.
All of this was done professionally, with courtesy, at a very fair price. What more can you ask for? Do yourself a favor and save yourself some time and contact Ashok and tell him what you are looking to get out of your trip of a lifetime... and let him help you achieve your travel goals.
Tim—USA—January 2017
Did a tour with them for Bhutan! Excellent service. Information was really clear and my trip was amazing. I always got fast responses when I asked them questions and they did the most to make my stay and trip amazing.
Maura—Netherlands—January 2017
My husband and I recently returned from an absolutely amazing journey through Tibet and briefly to Nepal with Himalaya Journey. We really could not speak highly of the wonderful service provided by Jamin's team, particularly our fabulous guide Nyima who taught us so much about the Tibetan culture. We would highly recommend Himalaya Journey to anyone who is considering a trip to Tibet/Nepal. From the first contact made, we found the communication very prompt, professional and we were confident that our holiday was in good hands! Our journey went just as smooth and we cannot thank Jamin and his team enough for all their hard work to make our trip a memorable one. Thanks again!
Meaghan and Matt—Australia—December 2016
All I can say is I feel VERY fortunate to have found Ashok and Himalaya Journey before I traveled to Nepal and Bhutan. I only had 3 weeks from the time I booked my ticket until the day I landed in Kathmandu - this was a last minute trip to a place I had never been to and had very little knowledge of. Turns out it was one of the best trips, if not THE best trip, I have ever taken (I've been to 20+ countries).
Ashok listened to my every request and delivered great results in a very short amount of time, gave sound advice and accommodated last minute changes I requested. EVERYTHING was managed for me - flights, hotels, taxis, permits, passes, tours, treks, safaris, etc. in both Nepal and Bhutan. For my 30 days there he put together the right mix of various types of locations, durations and activities - from various cities to remote villages to the jungle along with days with nothing planned which were needed and appreciated.
All of this was done professionally, with courtesy, at a very fair price. What more can you ask for? Do yourself a favor and save yourself some time and contact Ashok and tell him what you are looking to get out of your trip of a lifetime... and let him help you achieve your travel goals.
Joseph—USA—December 2016
Almost without exception, travels have both an objective and certain expectations that need be met for the outcome to be judged successful. For me a ‘journey’ implies somewhat more than this….there is a sense of challenging the unknown, including one’s own inner self. And then if you add to ‘journey’ the word ‘Himalaya’, one of the world’s most majestic and inspiring regions with landscapes that are often beyond belief, then you have something very, very special indeed.
Prior to October 2016 I had travelled solo, with a guide and transportation, on all my journeys, including the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR), giving me the flexibility and freedom to stop at will, modify plans and so on. But having vowed to go back to the far west of the TAR (Ngari) to do the kora of Mount Kailash and visit the Guge Kingdom I was faced with exorbitant costs if travelling alone. I knew I had to find an alternative, and that alternative proved to be Himalaya Journey.
I had been in touch with Jamin York, Himalaya Journey’s Owner and Lead Guide, several times previously with general questions about travelling in ‘Greater Tibet’ and so it somehow seemed natural to approach him regarding making my Kailash dream materialize. One thing led to another and by the time 2015 melted into 2016 I was committed to joining Jamin’s small (10 person) group embarking on a 23-day journey in October which would take us across the TAR from Lhasa slowly westwards via Everest and Shishapangma Base Camps to Lake Manasarovar, Mount Kailash and the Guge Kingdom, and then back…a total land journey of around 4,000km.
My initial concerns about being in a group and having to keep to a strict schedule proved groundless. Jamin was only too willing to stop for sudden photo ops—the appearance of a Tibetan fox, a glorious view, a nomad encampment and so on. He also actively encouraged us to explore on our own when the itinerary permitted: in my case that meant spending special moments wandering through the Barkor in Lhasa and watching sunrise on the shore of Manasarovar. Only once were we ‘chivvied’ in any sense, and that was during the Kailash kora on top of the Drolma-la. Jamin, with his vast experience of the mountains, was aware not only of the time constraints that day but more importantly that staying too long at that altitude (5,630m/ around 18,400’) was not to be recommended.
From a practical standpoint, everything throughout the journey was seamlessly arranged: we travelled in a small bus which gave us space to spread out and with a driver whose skills made going over 5,000m+ high passes again and again seem effortless! The hotels and guest houses, especially once we got beyond Lhasa, Gyantse and Shigatse, were always the best available: I had paid a single room supplement, fully expecting to have to share in these remote areas, so I was delighted that there were only two nights on which I could not have some much appreciated privacy. The meals were generally of a high standard, and even in Ngari Jamin managed to rustle something tasty up for us or produce snack bars and packets of instant oatmeal out of his proverbial hat.
What also emerged strongly throughout our journey was Jamin’s love for and commitment to Tibet and its people, not to mention his in-depth knowledge. His assistant on our journey, Nordrup, was himself Tibetan; we frequented Tibetan-owned restaurants, hotels and guesthouses whenever possible; and Jamin, fluent in Tibetan as well as Mandarin, regaled us while we were on the road with both incidents from Tibetan history and his own personal experiences of living there.
It was an unforgettable journey…indeed, although I left Tibet many weeks ago now, my journey is still on-going as I look back at my photos and notebook and try to weave it all into a story on my laptop.
I have the greatest respect and admiration for Jamin both as a person and journey-leader and have no reservations at all in recommending him and his company. Indeed, I hope to join him again in the future on a journey to Ladakh, ‘Little Tibet’: I believe that is the strongest recommendation of all.
Lesley—UK—October 2016
The trip far exceeded my expectations and I will definitely use Himalaya Journey again. I highly recommend Himalaya Journey to others who want to experience this hauntingly beautiful place called Tibet!
Sue—USA—October 2016
I meet Jamin a couple of years ago at Xining, after I had to resign one of their trip at 2013, because I had to back home early from China. After our meeting at 2014, and talking about my trips to Tibet, I told him that I would love to join some group to Kailash Mountain. And in the end of 2015 I wrote him to join a group on a long trip to Kailash and Guge Kingdom in 2016. After a big change at my life, I decide to go, and really was a very special trip for me due the past months. To do the Kailash Kora or Pilgrimage was a long dream and this was the year, and Jamin was our tour leader. Everything was perfect!!!! And really you can feel that how he loves the Tibetan people and all the knowledge that he has about it, and share with you when you are traveling with him.
Thanks a lot for to do of that trip the best of my life in Tibet !!! and I had been five times before at Tibet. Hope to back again in some groups, but..... do not forget Patagonia, is waiting for you!!! All the best!!!
Alex—Chile—October 2016
I'd have to use a ridiculous number of superlatives to honestly describe the quality of my recent journey with Jamin York and Himalaya Journey. In the interest of being believable, I'll try to rein it in, but it will be a task I'm not sure I can manage! For me, this was a journey that I (and a couple friends) have spent many years and two failed attempts trying to accomplish. The permits were just not to be had, and we were beginning to feel that the idea must be abandoned. Then we discovered Jamin's excellent website and, after a number of emails with him, began to feel confident that it could become a reality. I just completed a 23-day journey, led by Jamin and his wonderful guide Ngodup, that not only fulfilled my hope to complete the kora of Mt. Kailash and a visit to the lost Guge Kingdom, but took us across the length of the Tibetan Himalaya from Everest Base Camp to nearly the Indian border in far west Tibet. He even threw in Shishapangma Base Camp at the request of our group.
Each day, every step of the way, revealed such wondrous gifts, some expected and others a complete surprise. This journey, and the itinerary designed by Jamin and Ngodup, had it all, from monasteries and lost citadels, to landscapes beyond imagination: mountains, badlands, sand dunes, vast plateaus, and sacred lakes. And then there were our “Tibet 101” talks: Jamin and Ngodup each have a deep and personal knowledge which was shared each day as we traveled or walked; they taught us so much about the culture, geology, and history of Tibet and its people; and each shared many personal stories as well. Jamin has a heartfelt love for the Tibetan people that was evident in every way. Jamin cares genuinely and deeply about the quality of the experience his journeys provide, and he makes it his responsibility to see that both the physical and emotional needs of his travelers are met. His attention to detail in all matters was clear to see. I have never before joined a group that was not organized by myself, and I have to say that this was a pleasant surprise. I never felt that we were being herded around and there was, for the most part, enough flexibility in the days and the schedule to allow personal time and space.
I imagine that every traveler in our group felt “heard” and “seen” and that his or her unique expectations for this journey had been fulfilled. I can say that for me, the experience was transcendent. I would recommend Jamin’s Himalaya Journey without reservation to anyone wanting to travel in Tibet – or anywhere he offers to travel!
Karla—USA—October 2016
Jamin York leads a fantastic trip beyond the usual (and including!) sites of Lhasa. He takes great pains to preview routes, lodging and restaurants in person and is careful to limit his group to a comfortable ten. His attention to detail has him preparing contingency plans for any circumstance he can think of. His knowledge of the Chinese and Tibetan languages eased our way through the expected and unexpected. Nothing is sugar-coated as the journey can be rough and uncomfortable at times, but if there was comfort in the area, we had it! Jamin also has the uncanny ability to arrange for perfect weather and the tastiest of Tibetan cuisine.
On advance request he added a side trip to Shishapangma Base Camp which ended up being a popular highlight on a stunning day. The extension to the lost citadel of the Guge Kingdom was the holy grail of photographic opportunities. On second thought, most of the trip was like this!
Even though it can be close to impossible to deviate from “The Plan” due to restrictions, Jamin and Nordrup facilitated spontaneous interactions with Tibetans along the way, from the barley harvesters and millers to the nomads and their yaks.
Nancy—USA—October 2016
I contacted a number of different tour companies about my trip through Tibet last year and Jamin from Himalaya Journey was by far the most professional with his responses and organised a fantastic trip for us. When you first start organising a trip to Tibet the paperwork can seem a little daunting but with Himalaya Journey everything went very smoothly and everything was organised faster and easier than I expected. Once in Tibet we had great guides, drivers, vehicles and a trekking team. I would highly recommend Himalaya Journey for anyone planning a trip to Tibet or other Himalayan regions.
Stuart from Rough Guide/Lonely Planet Guidebooks—UK—September 2016
Himalaya Journey is run by Jamin, a very friendly and knowledgable American who has spent years living and travelling around Tibet, China, Nepal and the Himalayas. He has plenty of stories to tell, has insights into history and culture of the region and is an all-round great guy. You'll be in safe, good hands with Jamin and Himalaya Journey!
Shawn from Lonely Planet Guidebooks—Singapore—June 2016
