Passion & Purpose: Where Work Meets Meaning

Meet Sonam Lhendup as he shares how meeting travellers in his hometown inspired him to become a tour guide in Bhutan, and how he now brings the country’s culture, landscapes, and spirit to life through every journey.

Can you share a little bit about your background?

My name is Sonam Lhendup, and I am from Mongar in the eastern part of Bhutan. I am a dedicated and passionate Druk Asia tour guide with over 12 years of experience in the tourism industry. Growing up in eastern Bhutan has given me a deep knowledge of local traditions, culture, and the natural beauty of my region and the country as a whole.

Throughout my 12 years as a tour guide, I have had the privilege of guiding visitors from around the world, sharing Bhutan’s rich heritage, spiritual landmarks, and breathtaking landscapes. I am committed to providing meaningful, safe, and memorable experiences for every guest, ensuring they leave with a true understanding of Bhutan’s unique identity and values.

I take great pride in representing Bhutan and creating unforgettable journeys for those who visit our beautiful kingdom.

What inspires you to be a tour guide?

When I was a student, I had the opportunity to meet some tourists who were visiting my area. They showed me pictures of their country and shared stories about their culture, lifestyle, and experiences. I was deeply fascinated by both the differences and similarities between their country and mine.

Listening to their stories and seeing the world through their experiences inspired me to learn more about different cultures and traditions. That experience motivated me to become a tour guide, where I could share Bhutan’s rich culture while continuing to learn from people around the world.

I also love being a tour guide because it offers an adventurous life. We do not have to sit inside four walls while working. Instead, I get to explore beautiful landscapes, visit historical places, and spend time in nature while meeting new people and building friendships. For me, guiding is not just a job — it is a meaningful and exciting journey.

Which Bhutan trail never gets old for you, no matter how many times you hike it?

One trail in Bhutan that never gets old for me is the Jomolhari Trek. No matter how many times I guide this trek, it always feels new and exciting. The stunning views of Mount Jomolhari and the majestic Jichu Drake make the journey truly unforgettable.

I also love visiting the beautiful Tsho Phu, the twin lakes along the trail. The peaceful atmosphere, crystal-clear waters, and surrounding mountains create a magical experience for both me and my guests.

Every trek brings a new adventure, fresh mountain air, and meaningful moments with travellers. For me, the Jomolhari Trek is not just a trekking route — it is a journey into the heart of Bhutan’s natural beauty.

Which cycling route in Bhutan offers the most rewarding views?

In my experience, the Dochula Pass to Thimphu cycling route offers some of the best views for the effort. The climb up to Dochula Pass is challenging, but the panoramic view of the snow-capped Himalayas and the 108 chortens makes it absolutely worth it.

Along the way, you also get beautiful views of forests, valleys, and traditional Bhutanese villages. The combination of physical challenge and stunning scenery makes this route unforgettable.

Where is your favourite place in Bhutan, and why?

My favourite place in Bhutan is Paro. I love it for its fertile, green landscapes and peaceful valleys, which make it feel so alive and refreshing. Of course, Tiger’s Nest Monastery is a big reason too — the monastery perched on the cliff is breathtaking and always inspires me, no matter how many times I visit.

Paro perfectly combines natural beauty, culture, and spirituality, which is why it will always be my favourite place in Bhutan.

What are some Bhutanese dishes that you enjoy preparing most?

Some of my favourite dishes to prepare are traditional Bhutanese specialties that I love myself. I really enjoy making chilli cheese, which is a classic Bhutanese dish — we love it spicy and full of cheese. I also like preparing cheese and fried egg, which is a simple but delicious delicacy that combines the richness of cheese with the flavour of eggs.

These dishes are not only tasty but also offer a true taste of Bhutanese flavours. They are dishes that cannot be found in quite the same way in other countries.

What personal quality do you rely on most when guiding?

The personal qualities I rely on most when guiding are passion, honesty, and punctuality. I am passionate about sharing Bhutan’s culture, history, and natural beauty with visitors, and that enthusiasm helps me create memorable experiences for them.

Honesty is very important — I always provide accurate information, share the true stories behind places, and ensure that guests can trust my guidance. Punctuality is also key, as it helps me manage schedules efficiently and respect my guests’ time, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey for everyone.

What was one of the most unforgettable guiding experiences you've ever had?

One of the most unforgettable guiding experiences I’ve had was when a couple from the United States visited Bhutan. Over the course of their trip, we spent a lot of time together exploring the country, and by the end of the journey, they no longer felt like just guests — they felt like family and did not want to go back home.

Even after several years, we still keep in touch. Seeing their joy, sharing stories, and building that personal connection made the experience truly special for me. Moments like these remind me why I love being a tour guide — it’s not just about showing places, but about creating meaningful connections and memories that last a lifetime.

What is the most beautiful feedback a guest has ever given you?

The most beautiful feedback I have received from a guest was that they had never enjoyed a trip as much as they did in Bhutan and described their experience as incredible. They mentioned that the culture, landscapes, and guidance made their visit truly special and unforgettable.

They even said that if they return to Bhutan, they would want me as their guide, which made me feel deeply honoured. Hearing this kind of feedback is very meaningful to me because it shows that the passion, honesty, and dedication I put into every journey create lasting and memorable experiences for my guests.

In your opinion, what kind of traveller tends to connect most with the spirit of Bhutan?

In my opinion, the travellers who tend to connect most with the spirit of Bhutan are those who are genuinely interested in culture, traditions, and nature-based experiences. People who enjoy exploring cultural heritage, visiting monasteries, learning about local customs, and immersing themselves in peaceful landscapes often feel a deep connection to Bhutan.

Those who love nature — from mountains and forests to rivers and valleys — also resonate strongly with the country’s serene beauty. Travellers who approach Bhutan with curiosity, respect, and an open mind usually gain the most meaningful and lasting experiences, and they often leave with a deep appreciation for the unique spirit of our kingdom.

What gives you hope for Bhutan’s future?

In my opinion, what gives me hope for Bhutan’s future is our younger generation and their growing awareness of Gross National Happiness values, culture, traditions, and environmental protection. I see many young Bhutanese learning new skills, exploring opportunities, and taking pride in our heritage and natural beauty.

I believe that this combination of GNH principles, education, innovation, and respect for our culture and nature will help Bhutan continue to grow sustainably, while preserving the unique identity that makes our country so special.

What advice would you give to someone travelling to Bhutan for the first time?

I always advise visitors to read and learn more about Bhutan’s culture, traditions, and customs before their trip. Bhutan is a Buddhist country, and life here is deeply influenced by values such as mindfulness, respect, and compassion. At the same time, Bhutan is not a highly developed country, so we may not have all the modern facilities that some travellers are used to.

I encourage visitors not to have very high expectations regarding conveniences, and instead to focus on experiencing Bhutan’s unique culture, traditions, peaceful landscapes, and authentic way of life — all of which are truly special and cannot be found anywhere else.

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.