Druk Asia
Druk Asia’s dedicated team of professional travel specialists, all passionate about creating personalized, unforgettable experiences in Bhutan. Each team member brings unique expertise and a deep love for the kingdom, ensuring that your journey is thoughtfully curated and culturally enriching. Discover more about the team members who make your Bhutan adventure exceptional.
Sonam Younten
A native Bhutanese, Sonam completed his tertiary education in Singapore and chose to stay on to gain work experience. After an internship with the Tourism Council of Bhutan in Thimphu, he joined Druk Asia. As a well-traveled Bhutanese native, Sonam possesses deep knowledge of his homeland.In November 2014, he experienced the Soi Yaksa trek firsthand, further deepening his love for Bhutan's breathtaking natural beauty.
Sonam holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality from James Cook University, Australia, and has lived in Singapore for six years.
Sangay Dorji
Sangay Dorji joined Druk Asia’s office full-time in April 2013, following an internship during his college years.Originally from eastern Bhutan, with roots in Trongsa and family ties in Gelaphu, Punakha, and Paro, Sangay has an intimate understanding of the country’s landscape.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from James Cook University, Australia, in June 2012.
Mindu Gyem
Mindu joined Druk Asia in late 2011 as an operations executive. A native of Phangyul, Wangdue, Mindu is known for her constant smile and ever-optimistic outlook on life, embodying the essence of Bhutan's Gross National Happiness philosophy.
Tshering Dhendup
Tshering Dhendup has over 19 years of experience in the travel and hospitality industry. He began guiding in 1994 and was trained by the Austrian Tourism Board. He has been featured in several TV travel shows, including NCRV (Netherlands), Denmark TV, and Korean TV. Tshering has been invited to various countries, including the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Japan, and Sweden, by his guests. He is also an exceptional archer, able to hit the bullseye 7 out of 8 times from 130 meters.
Needup Wangdee
Needup is our most senior trekking guide and also serves as our operations manager. He began guiding in 1991 and has completed the Snowman Trek thirteen times. He underwent 10 months of hospitality training in Hong Kong and spent 3 months trekking in the alpine mountains of Germany. He is a graduate of Sarbang High School.
Cipto Handoyo
Trained as a financial analyst, Cipto joined Druk Asia after graduation, having previously worked with companies like Tata Group, JP Morgan Chase, and Aberdeen Asset Management. His passion for Bhutan inspired him to promote the kingdom in a holistic way.
Born in Indonesia and educated in Singapore, Cipto speaks Bahasa Indonesia, Malay, Chinese, and English. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a Bachelor of Business Management in Finance from Singapore Management University. An Indonesian national with Singapore residency, he has lived in Singapore for 12 years and visited Bhutan more than 10 times.
Joni Herison
Joni has been involved in Bhutan’s tourism industry for more than a decade. It all started with his first trip to the Kingdom when he was introduced to the concept of “travelling right” in Bhutan – the importance of traveling on a private tour with a local guide so visitors can benefit from a deeper appreciation of the cultural, historical, and natural aspects of Bhutan.
This philosophy not only shaped his personal approach to travel but also influenced Joni to start Druk Asia, one of the pioneering Bhutan tour operators outside of Bhutan. As Managing Director of Druk Asia, Joni has played a pivotal role in connecting Bhutan with travellers from all over the world and is a cherished friend of the kingdom. He has a deep love for the kingdom and has built an excellent rapport with the Bhutanese community. Joni has visited Bhutan 40 times since 2008. Each of his visits to the kingdom rejuvenated his spirits and spurred him to continue promoting Bhutan as a travel destination.
Joni Herison is also the co-author of Bhutan Travelog, the most pictorial travel guide for Bhutan.
