The Heart of Bhutan
Shangrila Expeditions was born from a deep-seated desire to share the profound beauty of the Kingdom of Bhutan with the world. We believe that travel is not just about the destination, but about the soul-stirring connection you forge with a place that has remained untouched by time. Our mission is to provide you with curated, high-value experiences that respect the local environment while offering an authentic glimpse into Bhutanese culture and heritage.
The Heart of Bhutan
We are led by the true custodians of the land, ensuring your journey is as authentic as it is breathtaking.
Mr. Sonam Gyembo, Senior Guide, Cultural & Adventure Tours
(Licensed)
Sonam has been leading guests through Bhutan for more than 25 years, and it shows in the easy way he moves through a day. He has guided cultural journeys and adventure tours across the country, and knows the valleys, temples and mountain trails the way most people know their own neighbourhood. What guests remember most, though, is Sonam himself: simple, warm and genuinely good company. It is no surprise that every group he has led has rated him five stars.
Beyond our lead guides, we work with a trusted network of specialist guides matched to your tour theme and group, including guides fluent in Japanese, Italian, French, Chinese and Korean. Behind them is a support team of seasoned drivers, trekking cooks and camp crew, among the most experienced in Bhutan. Choose Shangrila Expeditions, and know you are in good hands from arrival to farewell.
Mr. Kuenzang Tenzin, Cultural, Trekking, Nature & Birding Guide (Licensed)
Kuenzang has been guiding since 2017 and brings a naturalist's eye to every trip. He holds a degree in Ecological and Environmental Science from Royal Thimphu College and is trained as a cultural guide, a trekking guide, and a nature and birding guide through the Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Forestry Research and Training in Bumthang. He knows Bhutan's plants, wildlife and birdlife as well as its culture, and is a keen cyclist who leads biking groups every year. He speaks Dzongkha, English, Nepali and Hindi.
Mr. Gyem Tshering,
Cultural Guide
(Licensed)
Gyem is a Paro native with more than four years of guiding experience. He is equally at home with couples and families who want a personal, flexible pace and with larger groups that need smooth timing and clear coordination. For active travellers, he brings hands-on experience in horse riding, motorbike touring, cycling and hiking. His goal is to help guests go beyond sightseeing and connect with Bhutan's culture, spirituality and everyday life. His motto sums it up: Walk Bhutan. Feel Bhutan. Remember Bhutan. He speaks English, Hindi and Nepali.
Mr. Tshering Wangchuk, Cultural and trekking Guide
(Licensed)
Tshering has led cultural, festival and trekking tours across western and central Bhutan since 2023. He trained as a cultural guide and later as a trekking guide at the Institute of Professional Studies in Thimphu. He is a natural storyteller who makes Bhutan's history, Buddhism and Gross National Happiness philosophy easy to understand. He enjoys leading hikes to monasteries and landmarks, and handles the unexpected calmly so guests can simply enjoy the journey. He speaks Dzongkha, English and Hindi.