Kinley Gyeltshen

Kinley Gyeltshen, from Gaselo village in Bhutan's Wangdi District, attended St. Joseph's School in Darjeeling, India, and also studied at St. Anthony's College in Shillong in northeast India. He joined the Bhutan Tourism Corporation in 1985 to become a professional guide, completing intensive studies in Buddhist iconography, culture, and history as well as botany. In 1990, Kinley traveled to Insburg, Austria, for six months of training in trekking and mountaineering skills. He has led trekking groups into the hidden corners of Bhutan since 1991.

Upcoming Trips:

Hidden Bhutan, October 10-21, 2010
Hidden Bhutan, March 9-20, 2011
Trekking in Bhutan: Sacred Lakes and Hidden Valleys, October 3-17, 2011
Hidden Bhutan, October 16-27, 2011

Client Testimonials:


Kinley is a superb leader, extremely knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and personable. I can’t think of a better leader in all my years of travel. He is a treasure. A. Levy, Bellevue WA We’ve traveled a lot and Kinley is the best—such a gentleman, so gracious, knowledgeabe. We were very well cared for! Sonja Berggren, Long Beach CA
Hiker’s Bhutan After 10 trips with WT, we agree that Kinley is the best trip leader we’ve had! Eileen Dennert, South Pasasdena, CA
Hiker’s Bhutan
Kinley afforded us a real ‘insider’s’ look at Bhutanese life. His knowledge and sense of humor made this a very memorable trip. Pam Bainbridge, Princeton Junction, NJ
Hiker’s Bhutan What a knowledgeable, intelligent, professional trip leader Kinley is. He’s a fantastic guy who made the trip well worth it. Liza Eilers, Denver CO
Bhutan: the Chomolhari Trek