Passion and Purpose: A Bridge Between Cultures

A Bhutanese tour guide reflects on 13 years of guiding visitors, sharing memorable experiences, cultural traditions, favourite places, and the values that make Bhutan unique.

Please tell us a little about your background.

I'm Kinley Tshering and I grow up in the Punakha district. After finishing high school, I worked as an assistant tour guide for nearly a year. I then took a basic Japanese language course and completed a few months of iconography training before becoming a full-time tour guide.

How long have you been guiding visitors around Bhutan?

I have been guiding visitors around Bhutan for the past 13 years.

What’s one cultural practice that fascinates most visitors?

Many visitors are fascinated by Bhutan's phallus symbols and the pilgrimage to Chimi Lhakhang. Couples visit the temple to receive blessings from monks using a sacred wooden phallus. Brightly painted phallus symbols can also be seen on the doors and walls of many homes across Bhutan.

Which monastery or temple moves you the most spiritually?

For me, it is Kyichu Lhakhang. It is one of Bhutan's oldest temples, built in the 7th century. The moment I step into its courtyard, I immediately feel a sense of peace.

What’s your favourite Bhutanese saying, and what does it mean?

"Log jay gay la." It means, "We will meet again." I love this saying because it reflects connection and the hope that our paths will cross again in the future.

Which local food do foreigners usually love, or can’t handle?

Many foreigners find ema datshi difficult to handle because of its spicy flavour.

What’s the most memorable guest or group you’ve ever guided?

The most memorable group I have guided is a Neykor, or spiritual pilgrimage group. It remains one of my most meaningful guiding experiences. Guiding them is not only about sharing my knowledge of Bhutan, but also about learning from them. Some members are experienced meditation practitioners, while others have a deep understanding of Buddhist philosophy. Our exchanges have taught me a great deal and made every journey with them especially rewarding.

What’s the funniest guiding experience you’ve had?

One of my funniest guiding experiences happened when two identical cars were parked next to each other. My guests and I accidentally got into the wrong car and even called our driver, wondering where he was. When he finally arrived, he found us sitting comfortably in someone else's car and laughed so hard at us. We all had a good laugh, and it is still one of the funniest moments I have experienced as a guide.

What’s the most common question tourists ask you?

One of the questions I hear most often is, "Is Bhutan really the happiest country on earth?" It often leads to meaningful conversations about how happiness is not about material wealth, but about being content with what we have and living in harmony.

You speak basic Japanese. What motivated you to learn the language?

I noticed that Japanese people have a deep respect for nature and spirituality, which is very similar to our Bhutanese values. I wanted to learn their language so I could connect with them on a deeper level and help them feel truly at home while travelling in Bhutan.

What’s one destination in Bhutan that deserves more attention?

I would say Haa Valley. It has fewer crowds and offers visitors a chance to experience the slower pace of rural Bhutanese life. Surrounded by pine forests and views of the sacred twin-peaked Jomolhari mountain, it is a peaceful and beautiful destination.

What are some meaningful activities that travellers should do in Bhutan?

I would recommend:

• Lighting butter lamps.

• Picking vegetables at a farmhouse and joining a cooking class.

• Making a prayer flag offering.

• Sharing a traditional meal with a local family in a farmhouse to experience genuine Bhutanese hospitality.

After guiding for so many years, what have you learned from your guests?

Meeting guests from all over the world has taught me about many different cultures and beliefs. For example, I learned that people in Singapore often speak Singlish, and that it is a multicultural society where majority of the local communities live together in public housing.

What does "happiness" mean to you personally?

For me, happiness means inner peace.

How would you describe Bhutan to the world for those who have not been there?

Bhutan is a country with a slower pace of life, surrounded by serenity. It is the only country where progress is measured by Gross National Happiness (GNH) rather than Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It is also a place where leaving often feels harder than arriving.

Why did you choose to be a guide with Druk Asia / SoulTrips?

I have been with Druk Asia for the past 13 years. I chose to work with Druk Asia because of its supportive management and strong leadership. Throughout my time with the company, I have always felt valued as an employee.

This interview is part of the Passion and Purpose series where we shine a spotlight on the extraordinary individuals shaping Bhutan’s industries and communities across the different industries. Each feature explores the unique journeys, challenges, and achievements of Bhutanese professionals across diverse fields—tourism, arts, entrepreneurship, and more. Through heartfelt stories, we uncover what fuels their dedication and how they contribute to preserving Bhutan’s heritage, sustainability, and Gross National Happiness ethos.

• Passion and Purpose: Two Decades of Guiding in Bhutan
• Passion and Purpose: Guiding Visitors Through the Soul of Bhutan