Trek Grade: Strenuous
A 17 day trek and tour in the Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan. The kingdom is located in the eastern end of the Himalayan mountain chain bordered on the north by Tibet and on the south by India. While it is only one third the size of Nepal, it's population is less than a million. The Bhutanese are proud of their pristine countryside, heavily forested with pine and their valleys dotted with small Swiss-like farmhouses. Villages are dominated by enormous Dzongs (monasteries) which are used as education centres as well as regional administrative offices.
This trek explores the remote region of Laya, the most northerly village in the Kingdom. Laya is reached from the Punakha valley and follows the Mo Chu river to to the ancient Dzong of Gasa where we camp by the nearby hot springs. The river gorge becomes narrow as we climb high along the edge to find our way the Laya in four days. The village sees few visitors and we are treated with the exotic dress worn by women including circular coned bamboo head dress. Our trek will take us north near the Tibetan border and the base camp of Masagang before turning south and our return to civilization.
Foreign travel is restricted to minimize impact on both the local culture and environment. There are less than 7,000 visitors to Bhutan each year prompting travellers to greet one another in passing! Bhutanese men are required to wear the gho (the national dress which resembles our bathrobe), women the kira. Night life is non-existent and the national sport is archery. The king is highly respected. One road, 1 1/2 cars wide, links the country east to west.
Bhutan is reached from Bangkok via Druk Air, the Bhutanese national airline.
Depart Vancouver– Fri Apr 4, 2008 Return Thu Apr 24
Land Price $6,500CAD
Land Price includes: Druk Air service Bangkok to Paro (Bhutan), trek leader and local guide throughout visit, bus transport, hotels/lodges in Bhutan, tent, food on trek, porters, trek duffle bag and airport transfers. Pricing is based on double occupancy for group of 6 or more. Single supplement charge - $25US/night.
Air Price includes: Cathay Pacific economy class return Vancouver/Bangkok, en route hotel and airport transfers.
Not included: Bhutan visa ($20US), departure taxes, sleeping bag or air mattress.