Mieke Arendsen
It's hard to explain the deep love that I have for Asia and the Himalayas specifically. It already started long before my eyes caught sight of these magnificent mountains, when I read about these distant places and diverse cultures in college. It inspired me to study anthropology, thus gathering more knowledge about these isolated cultures. And after my first actual visit, some two decades ago, it was unstoppable. There's just something tranquilizing about the crisp mountain air, the magnificence of the vistas and the peacefulness and friendliness of the local people that blow me away every single time I visit.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"Bhutan has a very special place in my heart, being a country where you can experience an almost-isolated culture in a very pure form. "
How did you get involved in travel?
"I have been in the travel business exploring remote corners of Asia for about two decades and still I am surprised every time."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"If I must highlight one small anecdote of what I find so typical about travelling in the Himalayas I'd like to tell about one thing that happened while trekking in Ladakh in july. As you might know, this is supposed to be the dry season. Packing lightly, I didn't bring rain gear along. You guessed it.. we were surprised by some very heavy rainfall. After an hour of trekking through the rain we reached a few farmhouses. Our guide Tashi told us it so happened that his aunt lived there. Unfortunately, she didn't seem to be at home. That did not stop Tashi to invite us into her home (of course unlocked) and to put the kettle on. He went through her storage room and just when we felt uncomfortable about him offering us her cookies, she entered the kitchen. A stunning old lady with a face so hardened by this climate. I half-expected her to scold us for invading her house, drinking her tea and eating her cookies. But her face just cracked into the biggest slime I have ever seen, delighted with the sight of her guests and her nephew. After having enjoyed her hot butter tea and completely warmed up, we moved on, but not without her insisting (and believe me, she was quite persistent!) that I took her rain coat. I staggered of course, because how would she get it back? No problem at all, she said, because another nephew would be going to the village where our cook lived, to visit the weekly market in a few days. And so it happened. Meetings like these do more than just warm your cold body - they warm your soul!"
Featured trips & expertise
How Many Days to Spend in Bhutan
Whether you have five days or an entire month, you'll have an epic experience in Bhutan with a bit of planning. Five days is just long enough for a quick Himalayan trek or for exploring the major monasteries and other sites around Thimpu and adjacent valleys. With a week or longer, you can branch out to far-flung locales or enjoy an in-depth experience such as spending 10 days checking off species of birds on a birding itinerary. With two weeks or more, you can explore the full breadth of the country.
Bhutan Cycling Adventure - 14 Days
Get an inside look at the fascinating culture of Bhutan on this two-week cycling adventure. Closed to foreign visitors until the 1970s, this Buddhist kingdom offers a glimpse into the past with exquisitely preserved traditions, fascinating cultural monuments, and a wide range of natural wonders. You'll traverse this Himalayan landscape on two wheels, visiting the country's top highlights along the way.
7 Days in Bhutan - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
With a week to spend in Bhutan, many travelers choose a highlights tour that includes visits to monasteries and the opportunity to do some hiking in the mountains. If you're interested in a more active trip, consider an itinerary that combines outdoor activities—including a rafting trip and a cycling tour—with cultural sightseeing. For even more of an adventure, try a trekking trip through the Himalayas, or go off the beaten path with an itinerary that focuses on the ancient temples and quiet valleys of Western Bhutan. Read on to learn more about your itinerary options.
10 Days in Bhutan - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
With 10 days to spend in Bhutan, your options are plentiful. Explore the country's top attractions, from fortresses to mountain trails, on a highlights tour, or focus more exclusively on outdoor adventure with a trekking itinerary around Bhutan's dramatic landscapes. Bird lovers might opt for a guided adventure around Bhutan's top bird habitats, while travelers with children will love a family-oriented tour that includes whitewater rafting, archery, and hiking. Read on to learn more about the best 10-day itineraries through Bhutan.
Bhutan Highlights & Druk Path Trek - 9 Days
The best way to experience the unspoiled natural beauty of Bhutan is on foot, and this active 9-day itinerary combines cultural outings with a trek through the popular Druk Path. You will start your trip in Paro, where you will visit the National Museum and hike to the famous Tiger's Nest Monastery. Then, transfer to the Druk Path trailhead and begin your 4-day hike to the capital of Thimphu. In Thimphu, enjoy a short tour of the city's top sites before ending your trip with excursions to ancient temples in Punakha and Paro.
Recent trip reviews for Mieke
My trip to the last Shangri lah
Bhutan
|
Dec 18 - Dec 24, 2022
My guide was Tashi & my driver was Sonam from Windhorse travels. I couldn’t have ask for a more polite & understanding crew. Simply said: THEY WERE FANTASTIC!!
Overall, the trip was amazing & Mieke had done a marvellous job with the details and itinerary.
Highlights :
1) The Dzong (Fortress) at Punakha
2) The Kitchu temple in Paro
3) The trek to the Tiger nest monastery
4) Outstanding service at the hotels- especially Uma Punakah
6) Just the people in Bhutan.
Something that caught... read more
Thank you Srikant, for your kind words and for taking the time to review the trip and all services! On behalf of Wind Horse family, we loved hosting you here and hope that maybe one day you can bring the rest of your family as well :)
Best regards,
Mieke
Cameron, UK
Bhutan
|
Nov 9 - Nov 28, 2022
Outstanding throughout. The booking had to be changed several times for reasons beyond our control and Mieke was proactively helpful the whole time. Guide Jonten was excellent throughout an itinerary that was ideally tailored to me. Bhutan is a truly exceptional place that I will never forget, and I intend to return.
Thank you so much Cameron! It was lovely hosting you and we look forward to seeing you back in the Land of the Thunder Dragon!
The best guide ever!
Bhutan
|
Oct 30 - Nov 9, 2022
Our trip was amazing. Starting with a very smooth planning and organizing by Mieke.
Our tour guide , Namgyal was treating us like family. He was very patient, attentive and professional. He was very knowledgeable and we learned a lot about Bhutan’s history, culture and religion. Our team during the trek was excellent. They even baked a birthday cake for my husband.
The only comment I would make is about our accommodation in Paro. It was far away from the town so we could not wander... read more
Dear Alicja and Lech,
Thank you so much for your kind words! I will also pass it on to Namgyal. I am so happy that you had nice clear skies and an overall good experience.
Sorry to hear that the (location of) accommodation in Paro was not a good match. Some guests enjoy the rural and remote setting, but I guess it was my misjudgement of proposing it to you. Next time we'll pick something closer to town! Best regards, Mieke