Travel guide to Bhutan, Laos, Argentina, Guyana, Portugal and Namibia. Bhutan tour guide, guided group tours: Champaca Journeys

John’s trip was far beyond expectations. Not only were his planning skills evident every day of the trip, but also his knowledge and willingness to share with us made each day a new discovery. John’s Bhutanese guide Dorji was a delight to know and travel with. Dorji’s ever efficient business and guiding skills added to the “over the top” rating of our experience.

John and Dorji were attuned to our every need. I had some pretty off the “guiding track” things I wanted to do, and each request was met with efficiency and a smile. John’s introduction to a country I had been hearing about for over 20 years proved to be far beyond any expectation I had. Would I travel with him again, you bet...where’s the next destination, I’m there.

Karen Libby, Berkeley CA

March 2011

Can’t say enough about the two wonderful guides we had for our March trip to Bhutan. Dorji, our very personable (and not hard on the eyes, either) Bhutanese guide, was our source of information for all things Bhutanese and John, our lovable Champaca Journeys guide who designed this trip for us and has Bhutan under his skin, served as our good-will ambassador, never failing to introduce us to his Bhutanese friends at each stop along our journey. After the fabulous Paro Tsechu where we saw the famous “Black Hat Dance”, we traveled to Thimphu, Punakha , Trongsa and Wangdue, hiking each day to local monasteries and dzongs, exploring temples, museums, visiting workshops and sighting the occasional wildlife in the mountainous terrain. We culminated our trip with the once-in-a-lifetime hike up to 9,000 ft where the famous monastery Tiger’s Nest sits clinging to the side of a cliff. This was truly a trip I will never forget.

Susan Montauk, Oakland, CA

March 2011

Larry and I had a spectacularly memorable trip to Bhutan with John and Dorji !! They are a perfect compliment to one another as guides, for Dorji knows the history and culture and capably explains these aspects of Bhutan to Americans and John interprets and expands upon answers, and adds his impressions. We enjoyed the mix of hiking and sightseeing on our journey to Bhutan. The Paro Tshechu was an exciting beginning to our trip and the hike to Eagle's Nest was a perfect finale.

Larry and Lelia Lanctot, San Rafael, CA

March 2011

I feel so fortunate that I had traveled to many, many wonderful places worldwide before traveling to Bhutan with John and Champaca Journeys. Otherwise, I would not be able with confidence to share how singular and special a journey this was with John and his Bhutanese team. We were treated to both an American expert on Bhutan, John, and his extraordinary Bhutanese tour guide, Dorji. Between the two men, plus a great, friendly driver, we received first class service, a deeper understanding of Bhutan than any other country we've been to, uncommon adventures, new Bhutanese friends and insights on how this one and only tiny, Buddhist nation is coming into the 21st century determined to arrive with their ancient wisdom, beautiful people and the fresh promise of a very young democratic monarchy. We ate great food, slept beautifully, saw exquisite sights and generally had an amazing time. I can't imagine a place or vacation that could top Bhutan with Champaca Journeys. With John, you enter Bhutan and leave with Bhutan in your heart.

Charlene Stern, Michael Irwin, Berkeley CA

March 2011

I have had the fortunate opportunity to travel and live in all parts of the world and I can say that my trip to Bhutan (from Paro to Trongsa) with John and Dorji was a real highlight as a special place. As an independent traveler, I rarely go with organized groups and so I particularly found this experience to be highly enjoyable. The group of women I met on the trip were wonderful travel companions and John was fantastic at fostering a laid back and fun group dynamic. John and Dorji were both extremely knowledgeable and John's love for Bhutan really comes through during the tour. It was extremely interesting to experience and observe the unique way in which Buddhism is woven into every part of daily life in Bhutan from the art and handicraft to how people interact with each other and their communities, as well as the environment. In addition to being stunningly beautiful, Bhutan is extremely friendly to travelers but has not lost the isolation that many other special places have sacrificed as they become more popular destinations for recreational travel. I always recommend my friends who are interested in Bhutan to consider John and Dorji, and I look forward to going back with them in the future for travel all the way to the East!

Adrienne K. Chan, Toronto, Canada

June 2010

It is almost impossible to put into words what a truly talented travel guide John is. Before the trips, he gave me excellent advice on what to bring, what to expect and a variety of books to read. He has a wealth of knowledge about the culture and history of Bhutan and an abundance of information at his fingertips (or rather in that amazing brain of his). But much, and probably the best of his research comes from talking with locals themselves. In every place we visited he has a way of engaging people in conversation and asking questions about the cultural practices in a relaxed easy going way, never being intrusive or judgmental. I was happily impressed with how many locals’ eyes lit up when they saw him coming and would remember him by name. Staff in hotels, waiters in restaurants, money changers, rice sellers, taxi drivers, monks...People who had spoken with him on one or all of his trips would remember him and be genuinely happy to see him and speak with him again. This gift of his also helped me engage with local people, as I am generally shy and not one to initiate or be able to keep a conversation going.

And finally, one of his best gifts I would say is you don't feel like you’re on a tour. Yes there are schedules, bookings, and itineraries all made well in advance, but he seems to have managed to maintain some flexibility within all that. John always seemed calm, never anxious or rigid about the trip and always seemed genuinely happy to be where ever we were, no matter how many times he'd already been there. He is also genuinely interested in the lives of his clients and spends the time getting to know them. He has an innate sense of the culture of his tour groups and allows for more time here or there if the group seems to need it. I never felt shuffled about or rushed and there was sufficient down time everywhere we went. He also takes peoples interests and professions into account as he's planning the trips to help make the trips more meaningful to his clients.

In short, I think John is the best tour guide in the universe and the trips are worth every cent!

Emilie Sederholm, Berkeley, CA

June 2010

Ever since reading Hilton's "Lost Horizon" as a kid, I'd kept the notion of a Shangri-la alive in my imagination. By the time I signed on to John Leupold's trip to Bhutan I was well traveled and a bit skeptical of the exceedingly glowing reports about this long isolated Buddhist kingdom. It did not disappoint. Even with late, unexpected rains dampening part of the trip, Bhutan's magic shone brightly in the amber of ripening rice, the gold of the dzongs and the eyes of the country's incredibly warm and welcoming people. The hospitality was enhanced by John's strong personal ties to guides and hotel staffs and the pace of the trip was just right -- unhurried with ample time to let the transformative magic of Bhutan sink in, and wrap itself around your heart begging for return. And since return trips are possible, it's even better than the fictional Shangri-la. Go soon

Richard Reisman, Napa California

September 2010

John's eloquent description of what we might expect to see in Bhutan, as well as his recommended readings and preparation list, led me to expect glorious natural beauty, a friendly welcome from the Bhutanese, colorful markets, intricately decorated and beautiful monasteries, gender equality and environmental preservation, a culture where art has an elevated position, and lively festivals. We were to indeed discover all this and more. But what made the trip so very special was John's flexibility and openness to meeting all of our interests, our Bhutanese guide Dorji's unflappable manner, courteous attitude, efficiency, and informative explanations of the culture, history, religion and environment, hotels with unique charm and comfort, and a varied daily schedule that allowed for stimulating visits, good food and a bit of rest. I started each day with a fresh sense of excitement about the upcoming discoveries and ended the trip with loads of wonderful memories, new friends, and trust and gratitude for our driver, Dorji and John who took care of our every need.

Pascale Vermont, San Francisco, CA

September 2010

When we disembarked from the plane in Paro and saw all our greeters dressed in traditional garb, I knew that a special adventure awaited. As a frequent world traveler, Bhutan is like nowhere else, so having two expert guides, John and Dorji, is terrific to gain insight into this special place. Bhutan is a feast for all senses. A small group makes it possible for John and Dorji to be flexible and accommodate special interests. They know and share so much about this country and its politics, religion, and society as well as the most picturesque places.

The trip is well planned; includes charming hotels, wonderful walks, time to talk to the friendly people everywhere and opportunity to learn and experience a quieter way of life. On the final day, the hike to Tiger's Nest monastery is its own exciting adventure.

I hope to return to Bhutan but only with John and Dorji.

Lynda & Joel Minsky, Northampton, MA

September 2008

Our trip to Bhutan had a serenity that no other foreign trip has given us. Our leaders, John and Dorji, were always on top of things, easy going but careful and competent so everything was double checked as we went along. Our lasting memory is founded on Bhutan people’s attitudes: no panhandling, no urging to buy stuff, friendly receptiveness at every turn, a natural tolerance for our presence, and especially their comfortable positive outlook on their own world. We had fine food, lovely lodgings, comfortable travel. Our April trip was great for seeing alpine scenery and the magnificent red-flowered rhododendrons trees, magnolias covered with big white flowers, and primroses by the thousands. Well into our 70’s, we enjoyed every day, and especially the all-day up and down climb to the Tiger’s Nest monastery. For a photo hound, Bhutan is wonderful, whether or not one is a meditative soul their Buddhist world is an all-pervasive part of the traveler’s experience. We unhesitatingly recommend this uniquely elegant and soul nurturing experience with John and Dorji.

- James and Henrietta Ratcliff, Oakland California

Bhutan is truly a place like no other. John Leupold and Dorji Khandu set the perfect pace and itinerary for our 12 day trip; it was a lovely combination of visiting important sites and time to explore on our own. Practically everything is hand made – remarkable when you see the intricate wood, iron and textile work the Bhutanese produce. When I think of Bhutan I remember bursts of color against the soothing serenity of Buddhist chants; I remember the stories that make their culture so everlasting; I remember the graciousness, kindness and beauty of the Bhutanese; and I remember the quiet joy I felt just being there. I know I’ll be back for another visit.

- Jacalyn Yang, New York, New York

In Bhutan it truly felt like we were in a Shangri-La, so stepped out of the usual time we all run by. I think of it as a wonderful dream, one that I wish I could have by my side daily. The place, the people, the Himalayas sweep you away. Your spirit feels lightened, in awe, by what you’re enveloped in.

John works with the Bhutanese tour guide, Dorji. He and John make the perfect team. I generally don’t prefer packaged tours; this trip is unlike any. It was personal throughout, and luxurious (to have all arrangements and luggage taken care of without a thought from us).The accommodations exceeded most places I've stayed elsewhere. And the van that transported us across Bhutan was perfect. When I returned to San Francisco, I wanted to head right back.

- Ying Mei Tcheou, Berkeley California

Bhutan was the first time I have taken an organized tour. John made the whole experience incredibly easy, available before hand to answer questions. In Bhutan I felt we were in very capable hands. Dorji is a wealth of information and quickly got a sense of our group and went with our pace and desires. If we had any special requests John and Dorji would make them happen. I am a vegetarian and Dorji made sure there was always plenty for me to eat, even ordering special dishes for me. Bhutan is an amazing country and I feel fortunate to have had the privilege of exploring it with John and Dorji who love the country and want to share its treasures with others.

- Jay Schnyder, Oakland California

I'd long been intrigued by Bhutan, the tiny Buddhist kingdom tucked away high in the Himalayas. When the opportunity arose last April to join a small group led by John Leupold on a twelve-day tour of Bhutan, I jumped at the chance. It was a wonderful experience. We were a most congenial group, John was an excellent leader, attentive to everyone's needs and Dorji, our Bhutanese guide, was the best - charming, knowledgeable, with a keen sense of humor. I'd highly recommend a trip to Bhutan, especially one featuring John and Dorji.

- Monica Conrady, San Francisco, California

I have only been on two other group trips before because it is not my preferred way to travel.
However, in Bhutan it is a necessity, and we had the best guide in Dorji. And John's knowledge is incredible, he doesn't ever have to answer: "I don't know", because, in fact, he does know just about anything you can imagine asking. He is calm, organized, incredibly patient, a good listener and anticipates every need and concern. Our trip was was of the most memorable and outstanding I've ever experienced. I can't imagine a better guide nor "once-in-a-lifetime" experience than our trip to Bhutan.

- Pamela Drake, Kensington, California