Trek Grade: Strenuous
Gangkar Base Camp, 4430m
Doug is returning to Bhutan in October 2010 to explore the central province of Bumthang. The feature of the trip will be a 10 day trek from Jakar to the Himalayan peak of Gangkar Punsum near the Tibetan border. The trek grade is strenuous and our highest elevation will reach 4430m with an optional climb to 5000m on our rest day.The cultural element will include one day at the Jakar Tshechu, an annual Buddhist festival celebrating the end of harvest and the life of the Buddha. Our timing at the Dzong will coincide with the dancing and entertainment that can only be described as ‘exotic’.
Jakar, the central village of Bumthang, is the spiritual centre of the country. It’s annual Tshechu’s are highly regarded in this land of Buddha. It is not expected that we will see many tourists. We travel 2 days by bus on a narrow mountainous road from the airport at Paro in western Bhutan. Our pace is relaxed giving us time to enjoy the countryside and acclimatize to the Himalayan environment.
Bhutan has a population of about 700,000 and is unique in many ways. The national sport is archery. The dress code; gho - men and kira – women, is required for locals, and education ranks high in the country’s budget. Betel-nut is chewed as smoking is prohibited. Logging is restricted. Mountain tops are considered sacred, hence no climbing expeditions. ‘Gross National Happiness’ is a political goal. It is one of the few countries remaining that can be classified as ‘unspoiled’,
We will be in the country for 17 days (18 days for UK travelers). While on the trek, we will tent. Otherwise, our accommodation will be comfortable hotels and lodges. The food, both on the trek and tour, will be healthy and tasty. Mutton and chili peppers are most common.
One airline serves the country – Druk Air with service from Delhi and Bangkok.
Gangkar Adventures and Expeditions
Dorjee Wangchuk - Gangkar Expeditions
Bhutan VISA and taxes, Druk Air flight from Delhi or Bangkok to Paro, hotel and guesthouse accommodations in Bhutan as listed in the itinerary, ground transportation, all meals and sightseeing (as outlined in the itinerary), water, tea and coffee in the van, services of a senior English-speaking Bhutanese guide and driver, museum and institute entry fees, porters and ponies on the trek, staff gratuity.
Air Price Includes:
Vancouver/Bangkok via Cathay Pacific, 3 hotel nights in Bangkok, airport transfer, departure tax.
Day 1-2 fly Vancouver / Bangkok Oct 9/10, 2010
Day 3 in Bangkok Mon Oct 11
Day 4 fly Bangkok / Paro Tue Oct 12Day 6 acclimatization hike Oct 14
Day 8 Trek: Khagthang – Gophu 3250m Oct 16
Day 10 Trek: Tsawuu – Bamurpa 4400m Oct 18
Day 12 Trek: Bamurpa – Tsampa 3650m Oct 20
Day 14 Trek: Solang Chhu – Lambrong 4045m Oct 22
Day 16 Trek: Lungsum – Dur 2680m Oct 24
Coach to Jakar
Day 17 coach to Gangtey Oct 25
Day 18 Gangtey - day hike Oct 26
Day 19 coach to Thimphu Oct 27
Day 20 Paro - day hike to Taktshang Gompa Oct 28
Day 21 fly Paro – Bangkok Oct 29
Day 22 fly Bangkok / Vancouver Oct 30