One of our most experienced Tour Managers, Gordon Higman reveals his encounters with Himalayan wonders, across Bhutan and beyond. Gordon travelled on our 18-day Rooftop of the World in February and will be leading this journey again in November.

"After travelling on this journey in February, I’ve been telling people this is one trip they really shouldn’t miss. I know it’s a big call, but of all the tours I’ve been on with Captain’s Choice, this would have to be my favourite. Having visited the region several times before, I can say that this itinerary really has it all covered. There are many high points, including a spectacular scenic flight around Mount Everest, and we enjoy an authentic experience of places few people travel to. The three Six Senses Lodges really enhance our stay as well."

I’m looking forward to doing this tour again in November this year and invite you to join me.

The Himalayas are, of course, a focal point of this journey, and following our time in Kathmandu, we enjoyed spectacular views during the flight to Bharatpur. Our pilot provided some fabulous, expert commentary as we all gazed out the left side of the plane toward the towering Mount Everest.

Arriving at our accommodation within Chitwan National Park, we were greeted by about 15 of the staff, who clapped and cheered enthusiastically for us. After exploring the river and spotting the park’s wildlife from our dugout canoes, we then returned to our retreat’s gorgeous rooms, which all came with our own pools.

There’s always been some mystique about Bhutan. And with it being so remote, and not a long-established tourist destination, it’s presented a few challenges in the past. But during this most recent journey, I was really blown away.

The addition of the three extraordinary Six Senses Lodges have made a big difference to the overall experience. Sitting halfway along their respective mountain settings, the properties are boutique, yet classy. They each have a heated pool, great service, and incredible views. An added benefit is that we also have our own chef who follows us around to each lodge, which was brilliant – we are so well-looked-after there.

During each of our stays at Six Senses, you can take a walk around the grounds, enjoying the lovely scenery, or if you prefer, hop aboard one of the property’s golf carts for a more convenient and relaxed trip, absorbing the idyllic setting.

At Six Senses Punakha, we enjoyed mesmerising mountain views out to Bhutan’s ‘no-man’s-land’ and beyond, all the way to Tibet. You could walk to the local monastery for breakfast with the monks or join a cooking class. Take a canoe and explore the river. Enjoy a spot of archery. There’s plenty of opportunities to engage with the locals or just take advantage of the remarkable scenery during walks and drives. There’s a lot going on during our time there, but there’s also ample time to relax and recharge your batteries, should you want to.

Another advantage of staying at the Six Senses Lodges, is that we are ferried around in four of their comfortable seven-seater mini-vans, which are ready to transport us back and forth as needed. The drivers are so accommodating. Should anyone feel they’ve had enough for the day, the drivers are happy to take you back to the accommodation, where you’re free to enjoy a gin and tonic, or a massage, or just relax as you please.

Another highlight in Bhutan is the ascent to Tiger’s Nest (Paro Taktsang Monastery). Some guests are initially concerned when they look up at the monastery from the bottom of the valley. But they needn’t be, as there are a few different ways to approach this part of the journey. The hard-core walkers can choose to leave the hotel early, allowing themselves enough time to reach the monastery itself. Of course, that’s not for everyone, and the bulk of our group left a couple of hours later, at around 8.30 AM. There’s a cafe at the halfway point along the trail and this provides great views of Tiger’s Nest, so there’s no pressure to reach the top. I always tell people, “We’re not here to prove anything to anyone”, so no-one is under any obligation or expectation that they even undertake the walk at all, as even from the bottom, the views of the monastery are breathtaking – we have a wonderful picnic lunch here afterwards, which makes for a pretty good Option B.

The people of Bhutan are so gentle and helpful, and when you’re out wandering the streets, you really feel that spirit of happiness that permeates the place – they can’t do enough for you.

Each trip is always different, but I also like to throw in a couple of surprises for our guests. And there are some special moments along the way that people are really blown away by. I can’t wait to go back.’