Overview: Join us on this wonderful adventure to Bhutan. The mountain views are magnificent, however, it is the Bhutanese people that make this truly a once in a lifetime experience. They are determined to preserve not only their land but also its inspiring and dynamic culture. Our schedule will hopefully allow us to attend several festivals in the Bumthang area. These include dancing and take place outside some old and interesting temples in the Bumthang Valley.
This is a comfortable tour that includes a short three day trek. Except when camping, we will be staying in hotels and guest houses. Optional hikes include altitudes up to 12,000 ft. Also note that vehicle travel can become long and fatiguing and that travel to this part of the world requires patience and flexibility. Call us if you have questions regarding the difficulties that we might encounter.
Leadership: The Leader is Marin Johannsson. Marin holds a B.S. in Recreation with a special emphasis in Outdoor Leadership. She has taught rock climbing, snow camping, rafting and canoeing. She is trained in first aid and has led many treks for us since 1990. This will be her third time in Bhutan. Ask us to send you a list of her references if you would like to talk to people who have traveled with her before.
When not leading treks she works as a rafting guide and collects Tibetan Thangka paintings. It is Marin's sense of humor, knowledge of local languages and rapport with our overseas staff that make her a successful trip leader. Note that with four or less participants there will not be a western leader accompanying the group but participants will be led by our Bhutan guide, Dorji Tshering.
Tour Itinerary
Pre Trip Days: Fly from your home country to meet together in Bangkok, Thailand. Remember, people in the Americas 'lose' one day when crossing the international date line. Please check your air itinerary carefully to ensure you arrive on time for this trek. Please note that you must arrive in Bangkok, Thailand by Saturday, October 20, 2007. Strict government guidelines limit our entry and travel in Bhutan.
Day 1: Participants arrive from around the world to join in Bangkok, Thailand. We will meet you upon arrival at the Bangkok airport. Your guide will await you outside the Customs Hall. Once you have completed customs and immigration formalities, we will transfer you to your hotel near the airport for a restful afternoon and a good night's sleep. Tomorrow, we make our early departure to magical Bhutan. Meals not included today.
Day 2: Check in at the Bangkok airport for the 8:00 a.m. (current schedule, subject to change) Druk Air flight to Bhutan. Your Himalayan High Treks group leader and your Bhutanese guide will meet you at the airport on arrival at 11:40 a.m. After lunch, walk in the small town of Paro.
It may be possible to visit your guide 's home on this day. Overnight is at our local hotel, located in the former 19th century residence of the governor of Paro and close to town, it has comfortable rooms and a traditional stone bath. (Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3: Paro Sightseeing. Sightseeing in Paro includes a visit to the northern part of the valley to the ruins of Drukgyel dzong (monastery fortress). This once was a strategic post built to repel invading Tibetan forces from the north and the famous Kyichu lhakhang (temple), one of 108 sacred lhakhangs built by the Buddhist King Srongtsen Gampo of Tibet.
After lunch visit the Natural History Museum at Ta Dzong and the district dzong called Rinpung dzong-fortress of a mountain of jewels, which is now the seat of administration and an institute for monks. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4: Paro to Thimphu. Drive 35 miles in about two hours to Thimphu (elevation 7,900 feet). The drive is very scenic taking us through two river valleys and across a final bridge covered with prayer flags. The bridge is called Lunten Zampa, which means "the bridge of prophecy." In Thimphu, Bhutan 's small capital an attempt has been made to build as many structures as possible according to traditional architectural practices which use no nails.
We 'll check in at our hotel and enjoy their Chinese restaurant for lunch. In the afternoon we sight-see in town and visit the Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the beloved King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. We will also visit the National library and the local handicraft center to see local products such as masks, traditional woodwork and paintings. Dinner will be in a local restaurant serving traditional Bhutanese cuisine. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5: Thimpu to Punakha. Drive up to the 10,000 feet pass of Dochu la to view the stunning scenery of the Himalayan range. Then descend to the old winter capital of Punakha where we visit Punakha dzong and Wangdiphodrang Valley. Optional hike to Chimi Lhakhang, a famous 15th century temple founded by the Divine Madman Drukpa Kunley. It is believed that barren women can have children after getting a blessing at this temple. Approximate drive time three hours. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6: Punakha to Gantey. Drive approximately two hours much of it on a dirt road to the Phobjikha Valley. This is the seat of the Gantey tulku (incarnation of a spiritual master) and one of two Nyingmapa schools of Buddhism. Gantey is also home to the black-necked cranes and a government protected sanctuary to this beautiful and endangered bird. We overnight at a simple farmhouse lodge. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7: Gantey to Bumthang. All day drive (seven or eight hours) to Bumthang via Tongsa where the biggest dzong in Bhutan is located. Tongsa was the seat of power in 19th century Bhutan. We can walk to the watch tower, Ta Dzong, that once guarded the dzong below before we continue our drive to Bumthang valley. Overnight at our local lodge. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Days 8-9: Bumthang Valley Sightseeing. From Jakar excursions may include the Kurjey, Jampel, Thamshing and Kentshosum Lhakhangs. Depending on the festival schedule we will choose what to see and when. Also visit the dzong known as the White Bird Dzong. Bumthang is considered the most sacred and religious of all the valleys in Bhutan. Overnight at our local lodge. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 10: Bumthang to Nganglhakhang. Begin our three day trek on a route around the Chamkhar Chu, a river known for its richness in trout. Our lunch stop is at Tangbi Lhakhang, then we enter the "swan land" Ngang Yul with its swan temple Nganglhakhang. The Lama Namkha Samdrup dreamt a vision of how to build a gompa (temple). He shot an arrow and at the spot where the arrow landed Nganglhakhang was erected. Overnight in camp. Altitude: 9500 feet. Hiking Distance: 7 miles. Hiking Time: 3-4 hrs. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 11: Nganglhakhang to Ugyenchholing. Climb gradually to Phephela pass at 12,000 feet - the highest point on the trek route. The trail climbs steeply up taking you through one of the most beautiful forested areas of this region. The leisurely hiking time allows for many stops to enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings and to catch our breath as this is a long hard climb. Hiking Distance: 10 miles. Hiking Time: 7 hrs. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 12: Ugyenchholing to Jakar. The trail we follow takes you along the Tang Chu, another river filled with trout. Along the river banks is Ta Rimochen Lhakhang whose foundation is ascribed to Guru Rinpoche and its second foundation to the "Treasure Finder" Terton Pemalingpa who was reincarnation of Guru Rinpoche, the eminent Buddhist saint, Padmasambhava. At Pangshing (at approximately 9000 feet) meet our vehicle for transportation back to Jakar.
On the way visit Mebar Tso "the Flaming Lake" where sacred religious treasures were found in the 15th century by Terton Pemalingpa. Overnight at our local lodge. Hiking Distance: 6 miles. Hiking Time: 2-3 hrs. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 13: Bumthang-Punakha. All day drive (approx. seven to eight hrs.) to Punakha and Wangdi valleys. Overnight at our local hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 14: Punakha-Paro. Return drive over Dochu La pass. Stop for lunch in Thimpu and continue to drive back to Paro in five or six hours total drive time. Overnight at our local hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 15: Paro Valley Sightseeing. Hike up to the Tiger 's Nest known as Taktsang, one of the most spectacular and sacred pilgrimage sites. Guru Padmasambhava, one of the great founders of Tantric Buddhism is said to have flown on a tigress to meditate on the cliffs-the tigress being his consort the divine Yeshe Tsogyel. Overnight at our local hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 16: Transfer to the international airport at Paro for a 7:30 a.m. flight to Bangkok. Spend night in Bangkok at your own expense.
Post Trip: Same day return date for Americans crossing the international date line — to arrive home about midday after a stop over in Bangkok. A dreamy day filled with wonderful memories — vignettes of new faces, places and friends you'll never forget!
Important Note: This itinerary is meant only as a guide to what our days will be like. Changes will almost surely be made as we go along. These will be based on local conditions, our acclimatization, health and fitness levels, etc. Mountain weather can be warm during the day however, it can also get very cold at night. There may be occasional showers or snow at altitude.
Travel Details: We will automatically send you an air itinerary after we receive your application form and passport photo copy. Inexpensive and reliable service to Bangkok, Thailand is available on Thai Airlines and a number of other carriers. If you are making your own arrangements, note that you must arrive in Bangkok, Thailand no later than October 20 and that you should not depart earlier than November 2, 2007.
Ask our ticketing agent to book a room should you have an overnight stopover on the way. You are welcome to travel early or stay for extra days at the end. We can arrange additional nights at any of our hotels or guest houses for you.
The cost is approximately $35 per night (single) or $25 per night (sharing a double room) with comfortable deluxe rooms with attached bathrooms, telephones, room service, laundry service, a free safety deposit box and ample luggage storage. There are convenient, inexpensive internet cafes within a leisurely two minute walk from our hotel.
Airport pickup for early arrivals is $10 per person. For late departures you can take a cab to the airport or have us arrange an airport transfer for $10 one way ($20 for round trip).
Expenses: Additional travel-related expenses include: Your flight to the trip starting point of Bangkok, Thailand; Visa ($20) plus $820 for your in-trip flights from Bangkok to Paro, Bhutan and return. We must book your round trip, in-trip, Druk Air flight between Bangkok and Paro and we must travel to Bhutan as a group (booking can only be done through our local ground operator in Bhutan).
Druk Air is a small airline — weather problems or overbooking cause delays. We also recommend that you purchase travel insurance (at an approximate cost of $340) which includes coverage for trip cancellation and emergency evacuation. We offer many other levels of trip insurance starting at $50.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Trip Deposit: $250USD
Trip Price (Land Cost As Described): $3800USD
In-Trip (Round-Trip) Airfare Estimate: $820USD
Trip Difficulty Rating: Mild to Moderate
Maximum Group Size: 8
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Bhutan
Hiking & Trekking
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