Can you share a little about your background?

My name is Tashi Tobgay. I grew up in a small village in Mongar, where the forest was our playground and monastery festivals marked the rhythm of our lives. From a young age, I was drawn to birds, stories of the mountains, and the quiet wisdom of elders. That love eventually led me to become a tour guide with Druk Asia — so I could share Bhutan’s landscapes, culture, and spirit with visitors, not just as a job, but as a calling.

Which bird species in Bhutan gives you the biggest thrill every time you spot it?

Without a doubt, the White-bellied Heron. Seeing one along Bhutan’s pristine Punatsangchhu river valleys feels like witnessing a miracle. With fewer than a few dozen left in the world, every sighting feels sacred. It is a powerful reminder of how fragile and precious our natural heritage is.

What is one memorable or unexpected wildlife encounter you’ve experienced in Bhutan?

Once, while driving guests from Paro to Thimphu after their arrival, we noticed fresh tracks of a Himalayan black bear with two cubs near the Pa Chhu at dawn. They had been fishing for their last meal of the day. We never saw the bears themselves, but the silence that followed—the realisation that such a rare predator was nearby—was electrifying. The mountains suddenly felt alive in an entirely different way.

What makes a traveller truly connect with Bhutan, in your experience?

It happens when they slow down. Bhutan is not a checklist destination. The travellers who connect deeply are those who sit quietly in a monastery courtyard, spin prayer wheels mindfully, listen to village stories, and allow the rhythm of the mountains to soften them. Connection happens in stillness.

If you could design a slow, mindful nature experience for guests, what would it include?

I would design a five-day valley immersion:

• Gentle forest walks at dawn
• Birdwatching along rivers
• A farmhouse stay with traditional meals
• Meditation with a local monk
• Archery with villagers
• Evenings without phones — just butter tea and stories

I would also include a sunrise hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, starting before other hikers arrive, so guests can experience the cliffside monastery in silence.

What is the funniest moment throughout your guiding experience?

Once, I met a guest who was deeply passionate about nature, even though he had joined a cultural tour. We connected easily because of our shared interest. During the Wangditse hike, we spotted a female scarlet minivet, and he was determined to photograph it. He crouched perfectly still for several minutes, only to realise later that he had been photographing a very colourful leaf. We still laugh about it whenever he messages me.

What is one guest interaction that has stayed in your heart over the years?

An elderly guest once told me, with tears in her eyes, “I came here to see Bhutan, but I found myself instead.” Moments like that remind me that guiding is not just about landscapes—it is about transformation.

What advice would you give to young Bhutanese who want to become outstanding guides?

• Read widely—history, ecology, philosophy.
• Walk your own trails often.
• Learn to listen more than you speak.
• Respect every guest, but never perform your culture—live it authentically.
• And remember that humility is your greatest strength.

As someone who loves learning foreign languages, which language would you love to master?

Spanish. It carries warmth and rhythm, and I would love to connect more deeply with travellers from Latin cultures in their own language.

What languages can you speak?

I speak Dzongkha and English fluently, and I am currently improving my skills in languages such as French and Spanish to better serve international guests.

What Bhutanese word or phrase carries a meaning you especially love?

“Tha Damtse” refers to a sacred bond of loyalty, commitment, and trust between people. It reflects faithfulness in relationships, moral responsibility, keeping promises, and standing by someone through all circumstances. It is more than friendship—it is a deeply rooted, spiritual connection within Bhutanese culture.

What do you hope Bhutan will never lose as it develops?

I hope Bhutan never loses its spiritual depth, its commitment to environmental conservation, and its strong sense of community. These are the heart of our identity.

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.