At Breathe Bhutan, everything we do is guided by our core values—innovation, authenticity, immersion, sustainability, community and team. These aren’t just words to us; they shape every journey we craft and every experience we offer. Our trips might come at a premium, but that’s because we go the extra mile to ensure that every aspect of your journey reflects our unwavering commitment to quality, standard and care. Here are ten reasons why our quotes might be higher than others, and why we believe it’s worth it:
We love the tradition of Bhutanese travelers carrying a wooden cup on their journeys—back when travel meant walking for days across mountains and valleys. It wasn’t just practical; it carried meaning. In that spirit, we gift each of our guests a traditional wooden cup. You’ll find it genuinely useful during your journey, especially when visiting rural homes where it’s customary to be welcomed with tea and roasted rice. More than a functional item, it’s a keepsake from your time in Bhutan—a small reminder of the path you walked. For us, it’s also a reminder to keep every journey as authentic and immersive as possible, just as it was in the old days. And by continuing this tradition, we help keep the craft alive in our villages.
One of the true joys of travel is discovering local cuisine. Unlike many tour operators who stick to predetermined restaurants to cut costs, we don’t believe in limiting your dining experiences. Instead, we encourage you to explore and choose where you’d like to eat—so you can enjoy the full spectrum of Bhutanese flavors, from humble roadside eateries to hidden gems known only to locals. It’s all part of the adventure. We also organize special meals in local homes, giving you the chance to taste the dishes we Bhutanese love to eat ourselve.
Our guides and drivers aren’t just knowledgeable—they’re genuinely passionate about sharing Bhutan with you. We handpick them not only for their expertise, but also for their warmth, professionalism, and ability to make you feel truly welcomed. We believe in fair compensation—not just because we want our team to earn well, but because we know how crucial they are to your experience. Guides can make or break a trip. And in a place like Bhutan, which for many is a once-in-a-lifetime destination, we don’t take that responsibility lightly. That’s why, twice a year during the low season, we hold orientation and refresher programs—not just to update their knowledge and skills, but to reiterate how important their role is in upholding the quality and spirit of every Breathe Bhutan journey. You may come across lower quotations from other agencies. One reason is the use of fresh or inexperienced guides—some of whom even offer their services for free just to gain experience. While that may reduce costs, it often compromises quality. Even if others are willing to take that chance, we cannot and will not. Your journey matters too much—for you and for us.
We are particular about where you stay. We don’t just pick hotels based on price—we choose places that offer something unique, whether it’s delicious meals, local architecture, personalized service or a cultural experience. Your accommodation should enhance your stay, not just be a place to sleep.
Traveling through Bhutan’s beautiful valleys can take time, and we want to make sure you’re comfortable along the way. That’s why we only use vehicles which are the most comfortable to travel in and also that they are no more than five years old, ensuring a smooth and safe journey.
Sometimes, we like to invite our guests into our own homes for a meal. It’s not just about the food—it’s about giving you a chance to meet our friends and experience Bhutanese hospitality in a truly authentic way. We believe that the people you meet are what make a place special.
At Breathe Bhutan, we believe that tourism is a powerful tool for uplifting communities and transforming lives. That’s why we thoughtfully choose gifts for our guests that reflect our deep commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs and farmers. Each item we offer is not just a token of appreciation, but a symbol of the positive impact your journey is making on the lives of people from all walks of life. By choosing us, you’re not just experiencing Bhutan—you’re helping to create opportunities and sustain livelihoods across the country.
One of the most meaningful things we offer is the chance to plant a tree. It’s not just a symbolic gesture; it’s a real contribution to Bhutan’s environmental sustainability. And we don’t just plant the tree and forget about it—we take care of it, ensuring that it grows strong and healthy, just like the memories you’ll take home.
We don’t want to give everything away upfront. Some of the special touches we include are meant to be surprises, little moments that we hope will make your journey with us even more memorable.
For us, Breathe Bhutan isn’t just a business— its an expression. We believe that by staying true to our values, we can offer something truly special—something that goes beyond the usual tourist experience and leaves a lasting impact on everyone who travels with us.