BHUTAN
CULTURAL TOUR & 6 DAY TREK

Located high in the majestic Himalayas and nestled between Tibet and India is the small Kingdom of Bhutan. The local inhabitants call this Druk Yul, the “land of the peaceful dragon.” This is a magical region where prayer flags decorate breathtaking mountain landscapes and impressive monasteries cling to sheer cliff walls. Bhutan's peaceful folk and tradition-steeped way of life combined with its pristine forests and picturesque valleys makes this one of the Earth's most unspoiled destinations for trekking.

For years Bhutan deliberately isolated itself from the outside world and has only recently opened its borders to visitors. In Bhutan the Buddhist culture is integrated into every aspect of daily life, and those fortunate enough to visit describe it as a unique, deeply spiritual and mystical experience. Here, success is measured by “Gross National Happiness”, an extraordinary concept that seeks to improve the quality of life by promoting economic self-reliance, preservation of the environment and maintaining Bhutan's unique culture.

The first part of our Bhutan Cultural Tour and Druk Path Trek will be an immersion into Bhutan’s history, culture and lifestyle. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, we will do several day hikes and visit a number of Bhutan’s most important sights. Overnight lodging will be in comfortable hotels and guest houses. Then we begin a 6-day camping trek on the spectacular Druk Path. This moderately strenuous trek is supported by pack animals and takes us through thick alpine forests and groves of dwarf rhododendrons. There is a good chance we will see yaks and yak herders along the way. At the highest point of the trek, 13,800 ft. Phume La Pass, we will be greeted by an array of colorful prayer flags along with amazing views of Gangkhar Puensum, Bhutan’s highest mountain and several other Himalayan peaks. On the trek our camps are in picturesque areas and there is trout fishing available in the lakes.

Bhutan is a trekker’s paradise and this time of year gives us the best chance to see the high Himalayan peaks. Our Bhutan Tour is the perfect blend of cultural visits and mountain trekking, and Chuck and Judy will accompany the tour. We hope you will join us on this exciting NEW TOUR!

Day 1: (October 28 , 2008) Evening meeting and overnight in hotel near the airport in Bangkok.

Day 2: Morning flight - Bangkok to Paro Airport in Bhutan (Altitude 7,500 ft.). The flight crosses the Himalaya Mountains, affording spectacular views of Bhutan’s awesome peaks. Upon arrival in Paro, we will be greeted by our guide and transferred to our hotel. In the afternoon we cross a traditional wooden bridge on the way to visit the Paro Dzong (“dzongs” are forts). Built in 1646, it now houses government offices and a National Museum with a collection of fine art paintings, statues, and antiques. Afterward we can visit Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country. In the evening we can stroll through the Paro market and town. Overnight in Paro

Day 3: Paro - Thimphu (Altitude 7,600 ft.)
After breakfast we hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, Bhutan's most famous monastery. Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. It is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. The hike to reach the viewpoint to the monastery makes for a nice half-day excursion. After lunch, we’ll drive to Thimphu, thecapital of Bhutan. Many of the sights in the town can be reached on foot, which is a good way to absorb the culture, visit some interesting handicraft shops and absorb the lifestyle of the Bhutanese people. Overnight in Thimphu, (7,600 ft.)

Day 4: Thimphu sightseeing
Grab your camera and hiking shoes and get ready for a smorgasbord of Bhutan’s sights and culture. The day’s possibilities are many and our wishes will dictate the itinerary from a grand list of cultural, religious and governmental sights as well as a zoo!
Overnight in Thimphu, (7,600 ft.)

Day 5: Thimphu - Wangduephodrang
After breakfast we drive to Wangduephodrang, with a stop en route for tea at Dochu La where we can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. After lunch we drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan and visit Punakha Dzong, one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan. Wangduephodrang is known for its slate and stone carvings and bamboo work. Overnight in Wangduephodrang, (5,900 ft.)

Day 6: Wangduephodrang - Thimphu
In the morning we return to Thimphu. In the afternoon we can visit the Textile Museum, the Folk Heritage Museum and the weaving center in Changzamtok. We will also take time to finalize our preparations for the trek that starts the next morning. Overnight in Thimphu, (7,600 ft.)

Day 7: Trekking, Thimphu - Phajoding (distance 8km, time 4-5 hours)
We begin the trek with a scenic uphill hike through a blue pine forest to our camp at Phajoding Monastery. In the afternoon we can walk around the area and visit the monastery.
Overnight camp at Phajoding Monastery, (12,000 ft.)

Day 8: Phajoding - Simkota Tsho (distance 10km, time 5-6 hours)
The trail continues to climb for about an hour until we reach Phume La (pass) at 13,812 ft. From here we will have a grand view of Gangkhar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan, as well as a number of other Himalayan peaks. We descend to our camp at Simkota Tsho Lake where it is possible to go trout fishing. Overnight camp at Simkota Tsho Lake, (13,254 ft.)

Day 9: Simkota Tsho - Jimilang Tsho (distance 11km, time 5 hours)
The trail will take us on short ups and downs, then through a yak herder camp and then it descends throughdwarf rhododendrons before arriving at our overnight camp at Jimilang Tsho (Sand Ox Lake).There is a good view of Jichu Drake Mountain from here and the lake is said to have giant trout.  Overnight camp at Jimilang Tsho Lake, ( 12,729 ft.)

Day 10: Jimilang Tsho - Jangchu Lakha (distance 11km, time 5 hours)
The trek begins with an hour-long ascent, follows the ridge above the tree line and then eventually descends to our camp near a yak herders' camp. Watch for small flocks of pheasants, and there are lovely views of Jumolhari Mountain.
Overnight camp near Jangchu Lakha, (12,400 ft.)

Day 11: Jangchu Lakha - Jili Dzong (distance 10km, time 4-5 hours)
There are many ups and downs above the tree line during the first half of the trail. The trail then descends through rhododendrons and a thick alpine forest to Jili Dzong before crossing Jili La Pass at 11,450 ft. We can visit the dzong before we make camp in a pasture nearby. Overnight camp near Jili Dzong, (11,318 ft.)

Day 12: Trek Ends, Jili Dzong - Paro (distance 10km, time 4 hours)
The route today is all downhill, yea! After passing through several villages, the trail ends near the Ta Dzong in Paro. We will be met by our driver and driven to our hotel in Paro. In the evening we will visit a traditional farmhouse and enjoy a typical Bhutanese dinner.
Overnight in Paro.

Day 13: Depart Paro to Bangkok, or other destinations if you have made prior arrangements with us  Hotel lodging is not included.

ITINERARY CHANGES MAY BE MADE DUE TO LOCAL CONDITIONS BEYOND OUR CONTROL OR BY DISCRETION OF GROUP LEADERS. All the services described above are arranged weeks or months in advance of your trip. If airline schedule changes, unusual weather conditions or other circumstances beyond our control prevent us from operating the services according to the schedule described above, we will attempt to substitute services of equivalent value. If we are unable to do so, passengers may be responsible for additional costs due to circumstances beyond our control.

DATES: 13 days, October 28 - November 9 , 2008

PRICE: $2,600 US/double occupancy, $300 single supplement

TRIP COST INCLUDES: 7 nights hotel and guesthouse accommodations and 5 nights camping on trek, all meals beginning breakfast on day 2 through breakfast on day 13, sightseeing, all ground transportation in Bhutan, entrance fees, English-speaking local guide, cook, pack animals and animal drivers for the trek, tent for the trek

TRIP COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:  International flight to Asia, round trip flight Bangkok to Bhutan (approx. $750), travel Insurance, excess baggage charges, beverages (alcoholic, soft drinks, bottled water), optional gratuities for guide, driver and trekking crew, Bhutan visa fee - $20,  Paro airport tax - $20

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RESERVATIONS: For reservation information click here.