Your personal guide to the real Bhutan
Meet Sha Phurba Dorji
With 34 years as a Bhutanese adventure guide — since 1991 — Phurba Dorji (Sha) is one of Bhutan's most respected and experienced tour leaders, trusted by National Geographic, the Smithsonian Institute, and private explorers alike.
34+
Years guiding in Bhutan
12
Years with National Geographic
7
Years with Smithsonian & Harvard
3–4
Private tours per season
A Life Devoted to Bhutan
Sha has been guiding in Bhutan since 1991 — before the internet, before mass tourism, before the rest of the world discovered this hidden Himalayan kingdom. In more than three decades he has walked every major trail, attended every major festival, and built deep relationships with communities across the country.
He spent 12 years leading National Geographic Photographic Tours, opening doors to places and moments that no ordinary tour could reach. For 7 years he worked with the Smithsonian Institute and Harvard Museum, guiding researchers who came to document Bhutan's living cultural heritage. For 5 years he served as the personal guide of world-renowned photographer and explorer Chris Rainier.
His high-profile clients include actress Uma Thurman and her father Robert Thurman — the first Western Buddhist monk — and the family of Michael Dell, founder of Dell Technologies. Yet Sha treats every guest, regardless of profile, with the same meticulous care.
Today, Sha Adventure organises and personally guides only 3–4 family and private tours per season — far more intimate and flexible than ordinary package tours. Whether you want challenging mountain treks, deep cultural immersion, or relaxed nature walks, Sha collaboratively designs a journey tailored exactly to you and your group.
Career Highlights
National Geographic
12 yearsLead Photographic Tour Guide
Led exclusive expeditions for National Geographic photographers across Bhutan's most remote landscapes.
Smithsonian Institute & Harvard Museum
7 yearsCultural Expert & Guide
Guided researchers and scholars on cultural heritage expeditions throughout Bhutan.
Chris Rainier — Explorer & Photographer
5 yearsPrivate Guide
Served as exclusive personal guide for one of the world's most renowned documentary photographers.
Our Promise
What you can expect when you travel with Sha Adventure.
Uncompromising quality & personalized service
Every detail of your journey is hand-crafted by Sha himself — no call centres, no sub-contractors.
Sustainable, responsible travel
Bhutan is the world's first carbon-negative country. We travel in a way that honours and protects that legacy.
Deep cultural expertise
Gross National Happiness, Buddhist traditions, Dzongkha language, history, wildlife — Sha brings it all to life.
Father-daughter team
Sha and his daughter handle your Bhutan visa, Druk Air flight bookings, and all logistics end-to-end.
Let Us Create Your Perfect Bhutan Journey
We take only 3–4 private tours per season. Reach out early to secure your dates and begin designing a journey unlike anything else.