Sonam Jatso is a young responsible Bhutanese entrepreneur based in Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. Having been in the service of the Royal Government of Bhutan for several years before joined the private sector, Sonam has travelled and studied in many parts of the world, including the USA, Europe, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and India. He has visited every corner of Bhutan and has extensive knowledge of Bhutan's history, culture and religion.

He served as board and committee member of various associations and committees like Bhutan Tour Operators Association, Bhutan Tourism Dev. Fund Committee, Responsible Tourism Committee. He also plays an active role in Bhutan’s business community as a technical advisory committee member of the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In the year 2000, he was one of the few selected members of the Bhutanese business community to visit USA under USAID sponsored business visitors’ exchange program. In the same year, he also received "The Young Entrepreneur of Bhutan" Award at the Millenium Summit of Young Entreprenuers of the World, organized by the UN and other international organizations at World Trade Center in New York.

After having organized and led many trips for other travel companies, after having traveled and studied in many parts of the world, after having visited every corner of Bhutan, after having completed extensive research and study on Bhutan's unique culture, religion, history and ecology, Sonam Jatso, started Insiders' Bhutan Travel to organize extrordinary trips that go beyond basic sightseeing tours being offered by other tour operators.

In keeping with the name, Insiders' Bhutan - Uncommon Journeys into the Soul of Bhutan, we offer trips that provide much closer look and feel of our country and our people. After taking a trip with Insiders' Bhutan, you feel like you've seen Bhutan through the eyes of an insider and leave you with a deep respect for our unique culture, friendly people and rich environment.



What People Say about Sonam...

We have traveled extensively in Bhutan, during our eleven lengthy visits. During 17 of our 18 trips, Sonam Jatso, owner of Insiders' Bhutan, has served as our guide and adviser. In a word, he is an extraordinary person - hard working, honest, progressive, and kind. We have been to truly remote places with Sonam and have literally trusted him with our lives.
- Russ Carpenter and Blyth Carpenter, Authors of "The Blessings of Bhutan."

Dear Sonam: In many ways my life and outlook has been forever changed by the experiences you made possible for us. I am still unable to articulate to friends, in a way that they would understand, just what this trip really meant to me. Actually, I haven't been able to sort it all out for myself yet. So many special moments which had a permanent impact on me at so many levels - spiritual and common; political and profound.

You were completely successful in presenting your country and culture in both broad and deep ways. I feel you enabled us to share in the spirit, not merely the splendors, of Bhutan. My thanks to you for assisting my personal journey toward enlightenment. I know the rewards are mutual. Tashi Delek. - Susan

"I can't tell you how much this trip meant to me. It has been a magical, life-changing event and I will treasure it always. Trip preparations and logistics - all superb. Personal attention was beyond anything I've ever experienced or imagined!" - Jean Walker, OR

We are five past Presidents of The Obsidians, an outdoor club in Eugene, Oregon. We have just completed an extraordinary trip with Sonam Jatso and Insiders’ Bhutan Travel.

Sonam designed a trip responding specifically to our interest in vigorous day hiking. What marvelous adventures have unfolded! From an elegant camp in Ha, to hiking through the hanging gardens of Sha, to accending the ridge to Lungchu Tse Gompa, we have been treated to experiences touched by very few visitors to Bhutan. Sonam’s staff has been cheerful and competent at all times. We highly recommend Sonam Jatso and Insiders’ Bhutan Travel.
- Richard Eric Ahrens, John Wayne Jacobsen, Janet Baker Jacobsen, Russ Carpenter and Edward Lichtenstein

One of the great trips of our life. The best led trip we have been on after extensive travel - Europe, Africa and Asia. Very caring and knowledgeable guides, very safe driver. Can not recommend Insiders' Bhutan highly enough.
- Paul and Maureen Draper, (RIDGE VINEYARDS), Monte Bello Rd., Cupertino, CA 95014, USA

You have given us an unforgettable trip, impressed us with your country, and inspired us with its possibilities. Thank you for everything, we will stay in touch.
- Hans and Kathie Jones, (Founder of Mountain Hardwear), San Francisco, CA

"The Flexibility - making the best of every opportunity, adjusting schedules to fit needs and avoid problems - created days filled with so many peak experiences. I have never been so inspired or felt so cared for personally on a guided tour. Thank you for the best cultural tour I've ever had."
- Joan Taylor, Portland, OR

Dear Sonam: I had the great revelation when I was in Bhutan during the special prayer ceremonies that we are all one in spirit and each of us has chosen our paths taking that spirit with us. Your spirit is Buddhism and mine Christianity because these are a part of our history and heritage; just different paths of the same universal spirit. 

Wednesday I gave a program on T.V. about my experinces in Bhutan.  I packed up my trusty red suitcase with some of the beautiful things I bought in Bhutan and wheeled them over to the studio and draped them so they would be picked up by the camera as I talked.  I was too well prepared and got half way through when I realized I was going to run out of time.  So I put down my notes I had made to keep me on track and just spoke from my heart, hopping around to the topics I  most wanted  to  tell them about.  So many people have stopped me or phoned me to tell me how much they appreciated the program.  The lady who asked me to talk on the T.V.  has asked me to come back and finish the rest of the program I had planned and show the things I didn't have time to show. 

You can see that I am still in love with Bhutan and all the wonderful people I met there. Sonam, it wasn't just a trip or tour, it was one of the greatest experiences of my life.  (And you know how long that is!) So again I want to thank you, dear friend, for putting your heart and soul into making that the trip of a lifetime.
 
                - With love from one of your fans,  Carol (June, 2001)



Magic, special, beautifully organized, a learning experience, wonderful guides who are learned and willing teachers. Not only was this trip beautifully organized, there were so many seemingly spontaneous occassions that each day seemed more wonderful than the last.
This was the most wonderful group trip I have ever been on - and I have been on many.
- Marian Adams, Stanford Univ., CA