From a young age, I have always loved exploring and adventures. Wandering through forests, discovering new trails, and navigation through the landscape on foot became my passion. With limited transportation options, I used to take shortcuts to efficiently reach my destinations, driven by the need to accomplish much in little time.
Fueled by this fervor, and perhaps guided by good karma, I founded Namgay Adventure Travels in 2003, with invaluable support from Tom and Liz, the owners of Backroads. As well as other generous supporters Linda Castle, Christian Chumbley, Susie Harrington, David Carter, and Skya Livingston who was the Regional Manager of Asia Pacific during that time. It was also David Lyon, from the United Kingdom who played a pivotal role in promoting my tour operator over there. Initially, I managed all aspects of the company, from securing necessary documents to leading trips. With the growth, in 2004, I expanded by hiring an office assistant and a driver for a new coaster bus. Since then, our journey has been marked by smooth operations and consistent commitment to providing top-notch service to our guests. Today NAT thrives with a dedicated team of ten, who are more than colleagues; we are a tight-knit family united by our passion for exploration and shared interest.
We believe that, as a local Bhutanese tour operator, NAT should operate in partnership with local people, ultimately providing employment and economic benefits for the community as well as helping to place a value on the cultural and natural heritage of Bhutan. Our dedicated team includes four guides, three drivers, an office manager, an assistant, freelance local guides, a digital marketer and a cleaner, all trained to deliver professional and safe service. We offer competitive salaries, yearly bonuses, personal accident insurance, and a Group Insurance scheme. Our retirement benefit includes a Provident Fund account. Staff are equipped for harsh weather and receive a yearly clothing allowance. They are vital to our success. We ensure locals benefit from NAT holidays by paying for services such as local guides, farm experiences, heritage home visits, hot stone baths, traditional meals, cleansing ceremonies, astrological readings, healer visits, weaving demonstrations, rural school visits, and photography. At NAT, community and client focus drive everything we do.
Our trekking crew serves as indispensable travel companions in remote and mountainous terrains, scaling peaks swiftly while carrying essential equipment. On a 2014 trek in the far eastern ethnic villages of Merak and Sakteng we were provided with trek and camp services by a locally hired camp crew. We stuck together, ate, learnt each other’s names, and got to speak a few words of the “brokpa” dialect that helped increase our cultural understanding. Together for 6 days, safe and happy we got to know each other a lot better.
We learned that our English speaking lunch boy was actually a high school dropout! He had been interested in civil engineering studies, but his English marks didn’t help him qualify for the only free Government Bhutanese engineering college, while his technical scores in the science subjects and math were above 80%. Through serendipity or destiny, It’s said that we meet of a reason, and a reason it truly was, a guest participant on the Trek shared similar study experiences from that of our lunch boy who kindly sponsored 50% of our “lunch boy’s” college education in India with a matching contribution met by NAT.Our hero in our story is an inspired, diligent civil engineer running his construction business from Gelephu today!
At Namgay Adventure Travels, our commitment is simple yet profound: putting you at the center of every adventure. From the moment you reach out to us, your needs, preferences, and dreams become our top priority. We understand that every traveler is unique, and we tailor each experience to reflect your individual desires and interests.
Our client-focused approach extends beyond just crafting itineraries. It permeates every aspect of your journey, from personalized guidance during trip planning to attentive support throughout your adventure in Bhutan. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to ensure that every moment of your experience exceeds your expectations, leaving you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
With Namgay Adventure Travels, you're not just a guest—you're an integral part of our journey. Let us put you at the center and create a Bhutanese adventure that's truly yours.
