Staff and trekkers - about one to one
Doug is returning to Bhutan October 2013 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 675,000 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 19 days. 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.
The EXPERIENCE
The SUPPORT staff
FITNESS requirement
our TRAVEL PARTNER
Recommended READING
Bhutan is a Buddhist country known for 'Gross National Happiness' |
Archery - the national sport of Bhutan |
Depart Vancouver Oct 9, 2013 Return Oct 31, 2013
Land Price $5,800 CAD
single supplement $700US
Air Price $2,950 CAD
Prices and dates subject to change
Land Price includes: Bhutan Visa and taxes, hotel and guesthouse accommodations in Bhutan as listed in the itinerary, ground
transportation, all meals, water, tea and coffee in the van, services of a senior English-speaking Bhutanese
guide and driver, an experienced Canadian leader, museum and institute entry fees, porters and ponies on
the trek, staff gratuity.
Not included: sleeping bag, items of a personal nature.
Air Price Includes:Vancouver/Bangkok via Cathay Pacific, Druk Air flight from Bangkok/Paro via Druk Air, 3 nights at the Bangkok Novotel airport hotel, airport transfer. Not included; excess baggage charges.
| Day 1 - 2 | fly Vancouver / Bangkok | Oct 9/10, 2013 |
| Day 3 | in Bangkok | Oct 11 |
| Day 4 | fly Bangkok / Paro coach to Wangduphodrang - Hotel Dragon Nest |
Oct 12 |
| Day 5 | coach to Jakar – lunch at Trongsa Hotel Wangdue Choling |
Oct 13 |
| Day 6 | acclimatization hike | Oct 14 |
| Day 7 | Trek: Bumthang – Khagthang 2880m | Oct 15 |
| Day 8 | Trek: Khagthang – Gophu 3250m | Oct 16 |
| Day 9 | Trek: Gophu – Tsawuu 3650m | Oct 17 |
| Day 10 | Trek: Tsawuu – Bamurpa 4400m | Oct 18 |
| Day 11 | Rest Day | Oct 19 |
| Day 12 | Trek: Bamurpa – Tsampa 3650m | Oct 20 |
| Day 13 | Trek: Tsampa – Solang Chhu 4390m | Oct 21 |
| Day 14 | Trek: Solang Chhu – Lambrong 4045m | Oct 22 |
| Day 15 | Trek: Lambrong – Lungsum 3150m full moon | Oct 23 |
| Day 16 | Trek: Lungsum – Dur 2680m Coach to Jakar |
Oct 24 |
| Day 17 | Jakar | Oct 25 |
| Day 18 | coach to Gangtey Hotel Dewachen |
Oct 26 |
| Day 19 | hiking in the Phobjikha valley Hotel Dewachen |
Oct 27 |
| Day 20 | coach to Thimphu Hotel Namgay Heritage |
Oct 28 |
| Day 21 | Paro - day hike to Taktshang Gompa Hotel Olathang – Paro |
Oct 29 |
| Day 22 | fly Paro / Bangkok | Oct 30 |
| Day 23 | fly Bangkok / Vancouver | Oct 31 |
