BHUTAN
Guides
Meet our Bhutan Team
Our Bhutan trekking and cultural guides are from different regions of Bhutan, each with their own expertise and skills. They are competent both at leading groups through the remote mountains as well as facilitating unique and memorable cultural experiences for each of our Mountain Kora groups.
SONAM CHOPHEL
Sonam Chophel is one of our senior guides. Upon receiving his Bachelor of Science degree from Sherubtse College in Kanglung (East Bhutan), he went on to work as a research assistant. Sonam is well-versed at explaining and interpreting local traditions, as well as helping guests identify flora and fauna. He is a multi-talented young man with a genuine and honest character. His upbeat and outgoing personality is perfect for all groups, including families. Sonam is very capable when it comes to on-the-fly itinerary changes and networking with all sorts of people. In his free time, he enjoys spending time in his village, Buddhism, and being outdoors hiking, trekking, and mountain biking.
JAMYANG THINLEY
Jamyang Thinley was born in Yadhi (Mongar), a remote region in eastern Bhutan. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in geography and economics from Sherubtse College in Kanglung (East Bhutan). During his studies, Jamyang worked as a research fellow and explored many places throughout the East, learning first-hand about the local culture, history, agricultural practices, and contemporary challenges faced by farmers. Upon the completion of his studies, Jamyang became a guide to share his love of travel and learning more about the unique culture and history of his home country. Jamyang enjoys meeting new people, basketball, movies, reading, and hiking. He is a charming young man who will go out of his way to make sure your days in Bhutan are memorable!
JAMYANG LEKSHEY
Hailing from East Bhutan, Jamyang Lekshey is a certified cultural and trekking guide and the self-proclaimed, “unofficial ambassador” of Bhutan. He has a bachelor’s degree in tourism and history with a minor in journalism from Bangalore University. Lekshey has led trekking expeditions to Jumolhari, Laya, Gasa, and the Thousand Lakes Trek, to name a few. He also volunteered as a guide during the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) conference, held in Bhutan in 2019.
When he’s not trekking with guests around the country, Jamyang occupies his time reading historical literature, traveling, birdwatching, and engaging in outdoor activities such as biking and hiking. He hopes to further his country and its people by actively contributing to the preservation and promotion of Bhutan’s culture—a key pillar of the nation’s happiness.
Lekshey seeks to merge his passion and experience as a trekking guide with his academic background in culture, history, and traditional folklore, providing a mutually enjoyable, meaningful, and authentic experience for each visitor to Bhutan.
KARMA CHODEN
Karma Choden was born in a remote village located on the way to the secluded Haa valley in Western Bhutan. With a degree in commercial accounting, Karma worked for a private company before training as a cultural tour guide. She loves to interact with different people and to share her insights into the local traditions and culture of Bhutan. Karma grew up on a family farm and is very knowledgeable about village livelihoods, local rituals, and hospitality practices. She is well aware of the many hardships and responsibilities rural Bhutanese face in daily life, especially women. In her free time, Karma enjoys traveling, hiking, photography, music, and reading. Karma is a lovely and pleasant travel companion.
NGAWANG TENZIN
Ngawang Tenzin is a thoughtful, considerate, and a natural leader. He was born and raised in Thimphu, though his family originally hails from Bumthang, the spiritual heartland of Bhutan. His great passion is being active and outdoors while exploring new places in the wilderness of his homeland. He is a knowledgeable trekking guide, with competency in navigating groups through the remote, mountainous regions of his country. Ngawang's amicable nature and ability to connect with people make him a great bridge between Mountain Kora participants and our village hosts. Ngawang loves reading books about Bhutanese history, culture, and religion, and enjoys visiting temples and monasteries. Ngawang speaks many languages, including Dzongkha, English, Bumthangkha, Sharchopkha and Nepali.
