Geographic Expeditions' itineraries and information look very impressive for Bhutan, and I was wondering if anyone here has had first-hand experience on one of the company's tours.

Many thanks for any feedback.

Just keep in mind that companies like Geographic Expeditions will be dealing with local tour agencies on your behalf. Why not do some research and just deal direct with an agency in Bhutan - you can work out a customized private tour, most likely for less $$, since you cut out the middle-man.

I'm dealing with Blue Poppy right now for a 21 day trip. Excellent feedback so far.

Craig is right - all they do is sell you on to a local company [they have to] - and then charge you a % for the service. Cut out the middle man.

Thorntree website will give you many clues.

I went to Bhutan with Geo Ex back in 2001. Trip report at www.wilhelmswords.com/asia2001. I would recommend dealing with a local company. I figured that since I was traveling alone, a car, driver and guide for just one person was overkill, but if I went back I'd use a local company. Nothing against the guide, who was good (and supplemented by local guides) or the accommodation (and food always seems to be hotel buffets, which I hate).

The big problem was scheduling. We started late, spent way too long eating lunch, and then stopped early. I was particularly upset when we were pulled away from the dances at the Thimpu festival for lunch, and when we went back found that it was almost over.

I had another problem in India. Geo Ex wanted to arrange all my transport from Bhutan to Darjeeling, but when I insisted on riding the "toy" train up the mountain, and staying at the Windamere in Darjeeling, they settled for just getting me to Siliguri. I made my own reservations for Kurseong and Darjeeling, but when I arrived at the Windamere I found Geo Ex had canceled my reservation there! I never could get an explanation (never mind an apology) from them.

This is excellent advice and feedback. Thank you all for responding.

And, Wow!, on the experience with GeoEx. I so appreciate that information.

The trip is a while away, but I'm doing initial research and am budgeting for the next few years of travel, so it helps to know how best to plan upfront.

Gracie, thank you for the guide recommendation. I might just take you up on the offer to pester you down with more questions, but that would be down the road a bit. Have a wonderful trip to India, and I'll look for your trip report here upon your return?