The 3 day trek begins at Paro and climbs up and over the mountain spine to the capital town of Thimphu. An ancient route through valley orchards, remote monasteries and deep rhododendron forests. This trek is graded as challenging. The tour includes a visit to the lush Punakha valley and the most ornate and sacred Bhutanese Dzong.

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.

Recommended reading
* BHUTAN - Odyssey series * BHUTAN - Insight Guide
* BHUTAN - Lonely Planet * SO CLOSE TO HEAVEN - Barbara Crossette
* BEYOND the SKY and the EARTH - Jamie Zeppa
www.kuenselonline.com

Depart Vancouver Mon 17 April 2006 / return Friday April 28

Land Price:

8 persons 3,500US
7 persons $3,600US
6 persons $3,700US
5 persons $3,900US

Not included: Bhutan visa ($20US), departure tax, sleeping bag or air mattress.

BHUTAN - Druk Path
Ken Kissock - leader

Day Schedule

Day 1 depart Canada Mon Apr 17, 2006

Day 2 arrive Bangkok Tue Apr 18

Day 3 fly to Paro 6,900’ KB121 0550 / 0900 Wed Apr 19

Day 4 day hike to Taktsang 10,500’ Thu Apr 20

Day 5 trek begins Fri Apr 21
Paro – Jiliddzong 9,500’ 6 miles

Day 6 Jilidzong – Jimi Langtso 13,000’ 11 miles Sat Apr 22

Day 7 Jimi Langstso – Phjoding 10,500’ 10 miles Sun Apr 23

Day 8 Phjoding – Thimphu 7,900’ 7 miles Mon Apr 24
trek ends

Day 9 in Thimphu Tue Apr 25

Day 10 drive to Punakha Wed Apr 26

Day 11 Punakha area Thu Apr 27

Day 12 drive to Paro Fri Apr 28

Day 13 fly to Bangkok KB120 1100 / 1610 Sat Apr 29
fly to Hong Kong

Day 14 fly to Canada Fri Apr 28
Kissock KB202 PBH / KTM 0730 / 0820

DRUK PATH TREK

Day 1 PARO/JILIDZONG We drive to the end of the road above the museum. The trail winds though beautiful apple orchard before entering the forests. Bhutan is famous for its rich forests and today you will see the diversity of the Himalayan ecosystem. You will continue to climb higher until you reach Jili Dzong, a small fortress. Camp is usually set up in clearing just below the fortress. Camp

Day 2 JILIDZONG/JIMI LANGTSO (9,500' to approx 13,000'). Today is the toughest day of the trek since you will be walking 11 miles at an average altitude of 10,000'. The trail climbs up and down a series of ridges and is fairly rough at points with deep ruts and rocks. One has to watch where one steps. Gradually climbing above tree line and by late afternoon, you will reach the alpine lake of Jimi Langtso.

Day 3 JIMI LANGTSO/PHJODING (13,000' to 10,500') Today a total of 10 miles will be trekked at an average altitude of 11, 500'. For the first 2-3 hours out of the camp, the trails ascends until you reach a small pass marked with white prayer flags. Winding through dwarf rhododendrons trees and small pines, past lakes of Simkota and Janetsho, this is the highest point of your trek and if the weather permits, one can get great views of the Bhutanese Himalayas. After the pass, the trail descends to the monastic centre of Phajoding, a state run institute and active centre for Buddhist mediation and retreat. It may also be possible to visit a few of the numerous temples. Camp will be near or just above the temple complex.

Day 4 PHAJODING/THIMPHU (10,000' to 7,900') It's all down hill today walking thorough beautiful pine and rhododendron forest. Thimphu can be reached by early afternoon, where a hot shower awaits you. Afternoons are free to explore the shops lining the narrow streets of the Capital.