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 about 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. 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
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Recent trip reviews for Mieke
Mieke was a great agent. She listened to what...
Bhutan
|
Apr 30 - May 9, 2023
Mieke was a great agent. She listened to what we liked and delivered exactly the trip we wanted. It was a great mix of hiking and culture, and spa. She was extremely easy and efficient to work with and she really knew the details about traveling to and in Bhutan. Would highly recommend her. read more
Hi Julie
Thank you for posting a review and your kinds words. I am glad that you have enjoyed your time in Bhutan and it was an honor forming a part of the preparation for it!
Wishing you all the best,
Mieke
A truly memorable journey!
Bhutan
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Apr 28 - May 2, 2023
Thank you for organizing such a great trip to Bhutan for us! We spent five amazing days in this beautiful country, so rich in nature, culture and tradition. It was truly fascinating to learn how strong the belief and conviction of the power of compassion and kindness is embedded in the Bhutanese people. We could not be happier with our local guide (Tashi) and driver (forgot his name unfortunately)! They were so patient, kind and service minded. Our guide was full of knowledge, which he... read more
Dear Linn Marianne,
Thank you for your kind words, wonderful to hear how much you have enjoyed getting to know the country and culture. It was a pleasure hosting you, and I will pass on your compliments to Tashi and Tenzin!
Wishing you all the best, Mieke
My trip to the last Shangri lah
Bhutan
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Dec 18 - Dec 24, 2022
My guide was Tashi & my driver was Sonam from Windhorse travels. I couldn’t have ask for a more polite & understanding crew. Simply said: THEY WERE FANTASTIC!!
Overall, the trip was amazing & Mieke had done a marvellous job with the details and itinerary.
Highlights :
1) The Dzong (Fortress) at Punakha
2) The Kitchu temple in Paro
3) The trek to the Tiger nest monastery
4) Outstanding service at the hotels- especially Uma Punakah
6) Just the people in Bhutan.
Something that caught... read more
Thank you Srikant, for your kind words and for taking the time to review the trip and all services! On behalf of Wind Horse family, we loved hosting you here and hope that maybe one day you can bring the rest of your family as well :)
Best regards,
Mieke
Cameron, UK
Bhutan
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Nov 9 - Nov 28, 2022
Outstanding throughout. The booking had to be changed several times for reasons beyond our control and Mieke was proactively helpful the whole time. Guide Jonten was excellent throughout an itinerary that was ideally tailored to me. Bhutan is a truly exceptional place that I will never forget, and I intend to return.
Thank you so much Cameron! It was lovely hosting you and we look forward to seeing you back in the Land of the Thunder Dragon!
The best guide ever!
Bhutan
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Oct 30 - Nov 9, 2022
Our trip was amazing. Starting with a very smooth planning and organizing by Mieke.
Our tour guide , Namgyal was treating us like family. He was very patient, attentive and professional. He was very knowledgeable and we learned a lot about Bhutan’s history, culture and religion. Our team during the trek was excellent. They even baked a birthday cake for my husband.
The only comment I would make is about our accommodation in Paro. It was far away from the town so we could not wander... read more
Dear Alicja and Lech,
Thank you so much for your kind words! I will also pass it on to Namgyal. I am so happy that you had nice clear skies and an overall good experience.
Sorry to hear that the (location of) accommodation in Paro was not a good match. Some guests enjoy the rural and remote setting, but I guess it was my misjudgement of proposing it to you. Next time we'll pick something closer to town! Best regards, Mieke