Travel today often splits in two directions: the rigid choreography of guided tours, or the endless logistics of going it alone. Both approaches can leave little room for the accidental discoveries that make a journey unforgettable. Druk Asia is proposing something different: an invitation to experience Bhutan without the checklist.

The “Bhutan Insider Experience with James Low” is a limited-edition series of small-group journeys designed with curated flexibility. More than a holiday, it is an immersion into the values that shape Bhutan’s “High Value, Low Volume” tourism policy—an ethos that protects its landscapes, preserves its culture, and sustains its communities. Essential comforts and access are carefully arranged, but the days remain open, guided by curiosity rather than timetables. Meals with locals, a spontaneous monastery visit, or a chance encounter with an artisan become part of the fabric of travel itself.

At the heart of the experience is James Low, a hospitality veteran whose two-year posting in Bhutan stretched into a decade. As general manager of a five-star international hotel, Low welcomed royalty and world travelers alike. But it was Bhutan that left the deeper imprint.

“My time in Bhutan grounded me in values that now anchor my life: compassion, kindness, selflessness, acceptance (‘it is what it is’), impermanence, and the interconnection of all things,” he reflects. “Most of all, Bhutan helped me discover a sense of purpose. I hope to open the doors for others to experience the Bhutan that has meant so much to me.”

Guests travel alongside Low, a licensed guide, gaining privileged access not only to iconic Himalayan monasteries and landscapes but also to intimate experiences: witnessing monks at prayer, hearing the brushstrokes of Thangka painting explained by master artists, or sharing simple meals that carry the quiet beauty of everyday Bhutanese life.

As Joni Herison, managing director of Druk Asia, explains, “This Insider Experience is ideal for anyone seeking a deeper connection with Bhutan. James will introduce guests to his favourite restaurants and depending on the group’s interests, visit a monastery to witness the monks’ daily prayer rituals, invite artisans to share their knowledge of Thangka painting, or explore other aspects of traditional Bhutanese culture.”

Often described as one of the world’s most enchanting destinations, Bhutan reveals its magic not in grand itineraries but in unplanned moments. Independent travel is not permitted—visitors must journey with licensed guides—but this creates a rare balance: the safety of expert companionship, and access to experiences that remain deeply authentic.

For over 15 years, Druk Asia has introduced more than 20,000 travelers to the “Land of the Thunder Dragon”. As the official representative of Drukair and operator of MICE Bhutan and AVIS Bhutan, its reputation as Bhutan’s leading travel specialist is well-established. With the Insider Experience, it offers something rarer: the possibility of leaving Bhutan with not just photographs, but a sense of what it means to live differently.