Mieke Arendsen
It's hard to explain the deep love that I have for Asia and the Himalayas specifically. It already started long before my eyes caught sight of these magnificent mountains, when I read about these distant places and diverse cultures in college. It inspired me to study anthropology, thus gathering more knowledge about these isolated cultures. And after my first actual visit, some two decades ago, it was unstoppable. There's just something tranquilizing about the crisp mountain air, the magnificence of the vistas and the peacefulness and friendliness of the local people that blow me away every single time I visit.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"Bhutan has a very special place in my heart, being a country where you can experience an almost-isolated culture in a very pure form. "
How did you get involved in travel?
"I have been in the travel business exploring remote corners of Asia for two decades and still I am surprised every time."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"If I must highlight one small anecdote of what I find so typical about travelling in the Himalayas I'd like to tell about one thing that happened while trekking in Ladakh in July years ago.
As you might know, this is supposed to be the dry season. Packing lightly, I didn't bring rain gear along. You guessed it.. we were surprised by some very heavy rainfall. After an hour of trekking through the rain we reached a few farmhouses. Our guide Tashi told us it so happened that his aunt lived there. Unfortunately, she didn't seem to be at home. That did not stop Tashi to invite us into her home (of course unlocked) and to put the kettle on. He went through her storage room and just when we felt uncomfortable about him offering us her cookies, she entered the kitchen. A stunning old lady with a face so hardened by this climate. I half-expected her to scold us for invading her house, drinking her tea and eating her cookies. But her face just cracked into the biggest slime I have ever seen, delighted with the sight of her guests and her nephew.
After having enjoyed her hot butter tea and completely warmed up, we moved on, but not without her insisting (and believe me, she was quite persistent!) that I took her rain coat. I staggered of course, because how would she get it back? No problem at all, she said, because another nephew would be going to the village where our cook lived, to visit the weekly market in a few days. And so it happened.
Meetings like these do more than just warm your cold body - they warm your soul!"
Mieke's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
The kingdom of Bhutan remains one of the last unspoiled gems of the Himalayas. Closed to foreign visitors until the 1970s, Bhutan's past and present are firmly grounded in...
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Family itineraries
Recent trip reviews for Mieke
Fabulous Bhutan
Bhutan
|
Mar 22 - Apr 5, 2024
We had a fabulous trip to Bhutan - their traditional life practices are being carefully preserved as they work to modernize the country. Our guide, Tashi, was so knowledgeable about the culture, as well as the geography - taking us on some great off-road adventures (on bike and by foot)! Our drivers were adept at maneuvering the mountain switchbacks, and providing support as we pedaled our way across the passes. When the clouds lifted and we took in the spectacular mountain vistas, it was clear why the Bhutanese are so happy.
Hi Jill,
Thank you for your kind words! It was a pleasure organizing this active and adventurous trip for you. Glad the bikes were large enough:)
On behalf of Wind Horse family, thank you for choosing Bhutan as your destination.
Wishing you all the best,
Mieke
Great trip!
Bhutan
|
Mar 23 - Mar 27, 2024
Had a fabulous time at the Paro Festival, Tiger's Nest, Punakha, and Thimpu.
Dear Shalini, Thank you for your lovely review. I'm glad you have had such a wonderful trip. On behalf of Wind Horse family I would like to add that it has been a pleasure hosting you here.
Wishing you all the best!
Mieke
A magical week in Bhutan
Bhutan
|
Mar 5 - Mar 12, 2024
Thank you Mieke for planning my trip to Bhutan. There was a good mix of culture, nature. hiking and lots of wonderful photo opportunities. The highlight was the hike to the tiger’s nest and the hike and overnight stay at the Dodeydrak monastery. The guides and driver from WindHorse tours were excellent especially Namgyel & Taschi - punctual, professional & helpful. I fell in love with Bhutan and its people. I would definitely go back!
Wow Natalie, thank you for your kind words and sharing those amazing pictures! Glad to know you have had such a good time. If you are ready to return we would love to host you here again :)
Wishing you all the best,
Mieke
Overall, the trip exceeded our high expectations
Bhutan
|
Feb 17 - Feb 26, 2024
Hi Amy
Thank you for your lovely review! It was a pleasure hosting you here. Also on behalf of Yonten and Dawa, thank you for choosing Bhutan as your destination for this trip! We're glad you have enjoyed it so much!
Wishing you all the best,
Mieke
3 weeks cycle&hike in Bhutan
Bhutan
|
Nov 18 - Dec 8, 2023
The routes were all scenic and reasonably challenging.
All of our drivers were really good. Read more
Dear Rob and Karla
Great to hear you have had such a good time. And you have managed to do quite so much of cycling! Thank you for your kind words about Pema, we are indeed lucky to have him on board.
Wangdue Ecolodge comment about no wifi in the room being eco-friendly made me frown - what a silly thing to say :)
It was a pleasure hosting you here. Our best wishes, on behalf of all Wind Horse family,
Mieke
A wonderful holiday! Thank you for everything!
Bhutan
|
Nov 11 - Nov 17, 2023
Our guide, although novice, was very friendly and willing.
The thing that left us most speechless was the Taktshang Goemba. Absolutely fantastic. Thank you for a fantastic holiday! Read more
Dear Daiana, Thank you for your review and kind words and feedback. It was a pleasure organizing your trip for you, and you have been wonderful guests :)
On behalf of Wind Horse family, thank you for visiting Bhutan
Tashi Delek!
Mieke
18-Day Cultural Tour in Bhutan
Bhutan
|
Oct 25 - Nov 11, 2023
Hi Dharyll
Thank you for your kind words!! It surely was a last-minute thing, but we nevertheless but our hearts and souls in it to design you the best possible trip for your needs and wishes. I am very glad to hear that it turned out so well.
On behalf of Jigme and Tshering, and all Wind Horse family: it has been a pleasure hosting you here, and 'tashi delek' for the future!
Mieke
A wonderful trip to Bhutan
Bhutan
|
Nov 5 - Nov 21, 2023
My review of Bhutan
1. All hotels chosen were very good. I loved that almost all had a view- made the accommodation exceptional
2. The food was generally simple and healthy. The Olathang hotel in Paro the food was the plainest.
3. We did 13 days-in retrospect 9 to 10 days would have been sufficient. We could have eliminated the Haa Valley as it didn’t add anything more than what we’ve already seen. Many people do a day trip to the Chelela pass and hike and that would have been... Read more
Dear Jan
Thank you so much for taking the time to write about your experiences. Great to know that you got along real well with Sangay and Lhab - we are happy to have them on board indeed!
It's also very useful to know how you experienced the duration of the trip and the stay in Haa valley.
Sending some information in preparation about Buddhism is indeed a very good idea! Thanks for sharing that with us, we will surely arrange accordingly for future guests.
Wishing you all the best,
Best regards,
Mieke
"Nothing is impossible for you!"
Bhutan
|
Nov 13 - Nov 21, 2023
Dear Nat, Thank you for taking the time to review your trip and all the services. Wonderful to hear that you have enjoyed your visit to Bhutan so much. It has been a pleasure being a small part of making it happen.
Wishing you all the best on behalf of Wind Horse family,
Mieke
Mieke was fantastic! She was amazingly respo...
Bhutan
|
Oct 21 - Nov 7, 2023
Mieke was fantastic! She was amazingly responsive and worked with me over a long period of time (trip was delayed due to Covid) to design the trip to Bhutan I'd always hoped for.
Thank you for your lovely review. It has been an absolute pleasure organizing this trip for you. It has taken you and me a few years to finally get it done, due to the covid delay in between, and even through this hiccup and the policy changes you have still kept your mind set on the trip. Finally seeing you on the road after all this time has been such a joy to all of us at the Wind Horse family - after all this time, it feels you’ve become part of the family as well:).
I am... Read more
