EXCELLENTVerified Amazing Bhutan My name is Lalita C Afonso and I have just returned from a 7 day tour of Bhutan with Omsha Travels. We were happy to have travelled to Thimpu, Phobjikha valley and Gamtey , Punakha and Paro, enjoying the history , culture and scenic beauty of Bhutan . Right from the start Nawang Dorji who is the Travel Expert and Lead at Omsha travels was extremely prompt in response to my queries – very informative and was very flexible on the itenary .He is professional , and It was a pleasure interacting with him and the communications and finalization of the trip including arranging for the travel permits was smooth and excellent . We were very touched that he came personally to meet us during the trip checking if everything was Ok and even brought us Bhutanese Souvenirs. Our travel guide was young Namgay Wangmo. Namgay was intelligent , passionate about Bhutanese History and had pride in her country and it was a joy interacting with her. We were particularly interested in the History and culture of Bhutan – and she scaled up to a very professional level especially at the Dzongs. I was particularly impressed how she quickly understood and adjusted the tour pace so that we were comfortable and not rushed and enjoyed our trip. I am prone to motion sickness and she very kindly ensured I was stable and comfortable before we moved on. Our driver for the trip Sonam was also excellent - he drove through the narrow and often winding roads at high altitude very efficiently and steadily, stopping whenever I felt queasy . The hotels and hospitality were good. Bhutan is amazing and worth a visit , and I would particularly recommend planning a trip with Omsha Travels .Posted onVerified Experience of a Lifetime! Truly the trip of a lifetime! Highly recommend Omsha Travel, from the moment I first reached out to them inquiring about Bhutan to the moment I had to say goodbye to my guide and driver (who I’m proud to call my new friends), this small and genuine outfit has been so professional yet so personable in creating an adventure that I’ll never forget and memories I’ll cherish forever. While the knowledge possessed by my guides of their country, their theology, and their history was most impressive; what struck me the most was their genuine desire to share such information, making me feel not like a tourist, but a true guest in the land of the thunder dragon. With Omsha travel the whole experience was seamless and without stress as from the moment my guide and driver met me at the airport after arrival to the moment they dropped me off to depart everything was thoughtfully covered (even roadside coffee breaks with the most stunning views)! To anyone thinking of visiting this magical land, I could not more highly recommend the experience I had with Omsha travel! Thank you again Omsha!Posted onVerified Magnificent Bhutan with Omsha tours. Because if illness I could not write this review sooner but now I must tell you about this incredible company, Omsha tours in Bhutan. I did a thorough search on Trip Advisor before I chose this company. They have incredible reviews so I began my booking process with them. Nawang, the owner, answered all my concerns and questions during several months of emails. I book my tour and was anxious to get there. I had read about how the Butanese people are encouraged by the government to live in "Joy" but never fully comprehended it until I arrived in this magnificent country and experienced the peaceful and engaging persona of these people. Nawang from Omsha greeted me with a big smile at the airport and he was enthusiastic about sharing his kingdom with me. I had a private diver for this tour and it was a wonderful experience. Nawang was so knowledgeable about all aspects of Bhutan and every day it was so pleasurable to hear his interesting stories about the history, customs and funny anecdotes about Bhutan. He answered all my questions and always knew how to satisfy my need to know all things Bhutan. The hotels were 5 star and so large and beautiful with magnificent views, I was so happily surprised. Each day my driver and Nawang waited for me promptly and were so very patient with me when I slept in and made them wait. They never got upset and took it all in stride. Omsha went over and beyond to make my trip one I will never forget. When I attempted to make the difficult climb to Tiger's Nest Nawang was incredible patient with my walking issues. He allowed me to stop so many times and helped support me on this harrowing climb. He never made me feel bad when I could not continue to the top. He made sure I could get to a spot where I could get the photo I so desperately wanted of the famous monastery and he told me it did not matter that I did not reach the top, I should be very proud of attempting it and cherish what I was able to do. The Bhutanese people are the most welcoming and friendly calm people I have ever met and Omsha tours and Newang were outstanding! I have traveled to over 90 countries over the past 45 years and I have never encountered a tour company as caring and attentive to my needs as Omsha tours. I cannot recommend Newang and his company Omsha tours enough! They were perfection in every way. Bhutan is truly a shangrila not to be missed and you MUST use Omsha tours to get the royal treatment. Can't wait to go back to live and enjoy this kingdom, I now understand living in "Joy".Posted onVerified Highly recommend We had an amazing time in Bhutan thanks to our lovely guide and driver. The hotels where very nice and our guide told us nice storys about the country and it’s culture. They adjusted the schedule to our wishes and where very flexible. If you are planning on going to Bhutan I can definitly recommend Omsha Travel.Posted onVerified The Best! We had incredible 16 days in Bhutan organized by Omsha Travel. Everything was perfect, and we could not have asked for a better holiday. From beginning to end, Nawang was extremely helpful, created a perfect itinerary for my mother and me, and organized everything flawlessly. We had great hotels, food, and staff throughout our stay. Nima, our guide, was incredibly caring, professional, knowledgeable, and simply amazing. We loved our time with him and already miss his company! It’s hard to point out the highlights of the trip, as every day was special. We attended the Paro Tshechu, visited western and central Bhutan, and also did the Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek, which was just wow! I can recommend them 10000%. If you are looking for a perfect travel agency and the best guide in Bhutan, there’s no need to look further. Kadrenchoe La, Nawang and Nima!Posted onVerified One of a lifetime expérience Just concluded a 10days /9 nights Solo private tour with OMSHA. Visiting from France. I could attend yhe Paro festival for 2 days and then travel to Thimphu, Gangtey, Bumthang, Punaka and back to Paro. I decided to book months ahead to be able to attend the annual festival and it was truly worth it ! I contacted about 10 agencies via email and OMSHA immediately stood out for its prompt replies and flexibility in arranging the trip ! Nawang, the agency lead and contact answered all my questions, crafted a tour for me and followed up in the months / weeks ahead to ensure all was OK. Thanks to my great guide Sonam and smooth and experienced driver Nawang, my tour was a total success, now flying back home full of memories ! Fortresses, museums, monasteries, gorgeous treks, cultural experiences ... all was truly outstanding! I fully recommend with no hesitation ! Enjoy your trip to Bhutan. Thank you 🙏Posted onVerified An amazing experience! I just finished a 6D/5N tour of Bhutan with OMSHA including Thimphu, Punakha and Paro. From the very first inquiry by email, all the way through to saying goodbye at the airport at the end of the tour, it truly was a fantastic experience! OMSHA go out of their way to ensure you have a wonderful time and cater to every need and question you might have. Given that I wanted to customise my tour in various ways, this really helped. Many thanks to my guide Lhazin and driver Azha for a stellar and memorable experience in Bhutan!, and to Nawang for helping me plan the tour through multiple emails and WhatsApp messages. I seriously can't find a single minor fault even. Would recommend OMSHA in a heartbeat.Posted onVerified A Truly Hassle-Free Bhutan Experience Thanks to Omsha Travels I had an amazing experience with Omsha Travels during our recent 10-day trip to Bhutan, and I genuinely want to appreciate the exceptional service provided by Nawang and his team. From the very beginning, everything was thoughtfully planned and seamlessly executed. We didn’t face a single issue throughout the trip - all arrangements, from transportation to itinerary planning, were handled perfectly. A special shoutout to our guide Ugyen and our driver Sonam, who were incredibly supportive, friendly yet professional and made our journey smooth and enjoyable throughout. What really stood out was how smoothly they handled unexpected situations and external challenges. During our journey from Bagdogra Airport to Phuentsholing, there was a high-profile movement due to the Chief Minister’s visit in West Bengal, which could have easily caused delays and confusion. However, everything was managed so efficiently that we didn’t face any inconvenience at all. Even during immigration, our guide ensured the process was quick and hassle-free. Also, since it was a festive season in Bhutan, accommodations were in high demand - but despite that, Nawang and his team managed to secure us good, comfortable hotels. Thanks to their planning, we even got the opportunity to experience and visit a local festival, which became one of the highlights of our trip. What truly impressed me the most, however, was the way Nawang handled an unexpected situation on our last day. We had initially been booked at a hotel(where we had stayed on the first day here as well), but this time the experience was extremely disappointing - the rooms were in poor condition, had a bad odor, and the service was not up to the mark. Despite requesting a room change, the hotel staff did not cooperate. The moment we informed Nawang, he immediately stepped in and took ownership of the situation. Without any delay, he arranged an alternative hotel for us, which turned out to be far, far better - hygienic, comfortable, and exactly what we needed after a long trip. His responsiveness and problem-solving in that moment really showed how much he values his customers’ comfort and experience. What impressed me even more was his honesty and professionalism - he informed us that he has decided to discontinue working with that hotel moving forward because of this incident. That level of accountability and integrity is rare. I would also like to highlight that Omsha Travels is listed on Bhutan’s official government tourism platforms, and after experiencing their service firsthand, I can confidently say they truly live up to that recognition. We also had the chance to meet Nawang in person, and he is truly humble, grounded, and very genuine - qualities that clearly reflect in his work. If you’re planning a trip and looking for someone reliable, responsive, and customer-focused, I would highly recommend Omsha Travels. They don’t just plan trips - they ensure you have a smooth, stress-free, and memorable experience throughout. Thank you once again, Nawang, Ugyen, Sonam & the team for making our Bhutan trip so special!Posted onVerified Seamless Planning and Exceptional Service in Bhutan When searching for a Bhutanese tour operator, I found Omsha Travels via the official Bhutan tourism website, and it was a total godsend. Led by Nawang, Omsha Travels is a truly genuine operator. Nawang is incredibly responsive and communicates promptly. We initially planned a nine-day tour but later decided to extend it to ten days, and the team accommodated the change seamlessly. They offer highly competitive rates alongside stays at the best hotels available. Our journey began in Bagdogra, and Nawang provided our driver details well in advance. Despite some road blocks and commotion due to the Indian elections, the situations were handled expertly. Upon entering Bhutan, we met our guide, Ugyen, who navigated the immigration formalities with ease. Throughout the trip, they shared the rich history and stories behind every temple and dzong we visited, They also accompanied us on various hikes with a lively and tireless spirit that kept us motivated. Our trip coincided with the Paro Tshechu, which is the busiest time of year, yet Omsha Travels still secured excellent accommodation in the heart of the city. Our driver, Sonam, was exceptionally calm and patient throughout the entire journey. When we encountered an issue with one of our stays, Nawang resolved it the moment he was notified. His genuine concern for the experience of his guests is clear. I highly recommend them for anyone looking for a seamless trip to Bhutan!Posted onVerified Amazing We recently completed a 7-night Bhutan trip with Omsha Travel, and it turned out to be one of the most special experiences of my life. I’m from Nashik, India, and while I’ve traveled to several countries, this was the first international trip for my parents. Choosing Bhutan was the best decision—it’s peaceful, welcoming, and perfect for a relaxed family trip. A big thank you to our guide, Ugyen Sonam, who truly made this journey unforgettable. He was incredibly warm, knowledgeable, and always went the extra mile to ensure our comfort. When we faced food issues in Phobjikha, he personally took us to a great local restaurant in his own car. During the Tiger’s Nest hike, he patiently supported my mother throughout, making the experience enjoyable and stress-free. Sonam shared deep insights into Bhutanese culture, history, and food, answering all our questions with enthusiasm. His positive energy and kindness made us feel at home. We also appreciated the thoughtful gesture from the owner, Nawang, who met us in Thimphu and gave us souvenirs—it added a very personal touch to the trip. The entire experience—from comfortable stays to skilled drivers and unique highlights like the hot stone bath in Paro and homemade rice wine at a homestay—was exceptional. We especially loved the simplicity and warmth of the Bhutanese people. One thing that really stood out—when I casually mentioned I wanted a book to learn more about Bhutan, he surprised me with a Lonely Planet book. It honestly made me so happy. I would highly recommend Omsha Travel and Sonam to anyone planning a Bhutan trip. Truly a memorable and heartwarming experience!
Bhutan Tour Packages:
Travel Tips:
Blog Posts:
Contact us:
Choki Traditional Arts and Crafts School (CTAS)
Choki Traditional Arts and Crafts School (CTAS) is a unique, non-profit institution located in the scenic Kabesa Valley, about a 20-minute drive north of Thimphu. It serves as a sanctuary for underprivileged youth, providing them with free education, lodging, and specialized training in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts (Zorig Chusum).
The Experience for Visitors
Visiting the school offers an intimate and authentic look at Bhutan’s living culture. Unlike many tourist sites, here you can walk through active classrooms and see the next generation of master artisans at work.
- Guided Tours: Senior students often lead tours, explaining the precision required for their specific crafts and sharing their personal journeys.
- Artistic Disciplines: You can observe students practicing Lhadri (religious painting), Patra (woodcarving), Tshemdrup (embroidery), and Thagzo (weaving).
- Hands-on Workshops: For a more immersive experience, you can pre-book a 3-hour workshop (approx. USD $12) to try your hand at traditional painting or woodcarving.
- The Heritage Museum: Adjacent to the school is a 340-year-old traditional farmhouse turned museum, showcasing antique relics and Bhutanese textiles.
Supporting the Mission
The school operates primarily on donations and proceeds from its onsite gift shop. Purchasing student-made artwork—such as intricate thangkas or hand-woven scarves—directly supports the tuition and welfare of the 160+ students.
- Authenticity: Items in the gift shop are verified as authentic, handmade Bhutanese crafts.
- Donations: Visitors can also choose to sponsor a specific student’s daily meals or supplies.
Visitor Information
- Hours: Monday to Friday (9:00 AM – 4:30 PM); Saturday (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM). It is closed on Sundays.
- Entrance Fee: There is a standard entrance fee of Nu. 1,000 per person (approx. USD $12).
- Booking: While walk-ins are welcome, providing a few days’ notice for groups or workshops ensures a more personalized visit.