Bhutan and India with Valet Travel

I traveled with a group of 10 to Bhutan, Oct. 6-Nov. 3, ’04, on the “Kingdoms of Sikkim and Bhutan” tour with Valet Travel (4114 Adams Ave., San Diego, CA 92116; phone 800/506-1292 or e-mail valettravel_2000@yahoo.com). Valet’s Camille Carroll specializes in Bhutan; she’s traveled there 25 times in the last five years.

We had excellent local guides, drivers and vehicles. In our small group there was not one wasted moment, and everyone’s desires and interests were taken into account. We enjoyed three festivals and had time to visit with the local people. We saw some of the 240 rare black-necked cranes that winter in Bhutan.

While in Darjeeling, India, one member of the group became ill (a possible mini-stroke). His immediate care and expeditious return to the U.S. was handled well and with no inconvenience to the rest of the group.

The cost of the trip, including airfare from Los Angeles, was $5,695 per person, double occupancy, which included everything except visas, departure taxes and tips. Prior to the trip we were provided a detailed program plus maps and a “suggested reading” list.

I can’t overstate my enthusiastic endorsement of Ms. Carroll’s trips to Bhutan.

— ANITA LEES, Vista, CA