Highlight:

We travel from the Western Bhutanese foothills of the Himalayas to Eastern Bhutan for something quite different, to the Land of the Sharchops who speak their own language, nurture their own culture and weave beautiful textiles. Visiting this un-touched part of the kingdom in the heart of the eastern Himalayas is like stepping back in time to experience a pristine environment, stunning views, a fascinating, deeply traditional culture and friendly hospitable people. We will visit ornate dzongs ([or] high-walled fortresses, which serve as the religious and administrative centre of the district) perched high above terraced paddy fields, and walk through fields and magnificent forests of hardwoods,pine, rhododendrons and magnolia, experiencing panoramic mountain views, visiting local villages and temples and experiencing the rituals of daily life in Bhutan.

Season: April 2009

     

The Trip

This is a journey with a rich mix of widely varying experiences providing a much fuller understanding of what life is like in Eastern Bhutan than is achieved by either cultural tours or the remote treks in the west and centre of the country.

Why travel with Namgay Adventure Travels?

When planning travel to a remote and challenging destination, many factors need to be considered. Our extra attention to detail and careful operations on the ground ensure that you will have a memorable trekking experience. All parties are accompanied by a trained guide, a cook and trek crew. Horses and yaks carry all provisions and most belongings; trekkers rarely have to carry more than a daypack with camera and extra film.
The support crew walks ahead of the trekking party each day and pitch camp before the trekkers arrive. A warm cup of tea waiting in the dining tent is the most welcome treat after hours of walking up and down mountains as high as 9,500 feet. All meals are carefully planned. Breakfast is always cooked and dinner includes a choice of at least four dishes. In many of the remote parts of the country, villages are scarce and few people cross paths and as a result Namgay Adventure Travels takes every precaution to ensure the safety and comfort of the trekkers.

Trip Highlights

• Visits to;Takstang Monastery, Drukyel Dzong, Paro Dzong & National Museum.
• 12 Monasteries/ major Chortens.
• Rhododendrons, tree orchids and innumerable flowers.
• Widely differing forests
• A wide range of differing cultivation from slash and burn to rice terraces.
• Many silk weavers.
• Merak dancers.
• Phongmey Tshechu dancers.
• Daily encounters with farmers, horsemen, shopkeepers, bar owners, weavers, monks, teachers, children and others, who without exception are friendly, responsive to our interest in them and interested to know more about us.

Bumdeling Adventure Trek Trip Cost: US $ 250 pp/day

Your trip cost includes:
1. All Meals.
2. All airport transfers.
3. Mountain Guides-Namgay & Ugyen.
4. Sleeping mat.
5. Camping equipment.
6. Permits and National Park entry fees and Monument Fees.
7. Private vehicle transport.
8. Porters/horses/yaks.

Your trip cost does not include:
1. International flights, Druk Air and departure transfer.
2. Bottled water.
3. Alcoholic drinks.
4. Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc...
5. Tips.
6. Airport and departure taxes.
7. Visa.
8. Travel Insurance.
9. Accommodation: Hotel Taj.

Single Supplement: US $ 900 for the entire trip. Trips are based on double occupancy rooms/ tents.

Day 1- Fly to Paro

Arrive Paro: Altitude: 2250m.
Paro is in Western Bhutan.
Arrival, complete visa formalities, transfer and check-in at Namseychholing hotel.

Transfer for the flight by Druk Air, Bhutan's national airline, to Paro, the country's only airstrip. The flight often gives fantastic views of the Himalaya, including Everest. Get a seat on the left hand side of the plane when checking in. Particularly exciting is the section through the Bhutanese foothills and the thrilling landing. NAT staff will welcome you at the airport for the transfer to the Hotel.

Wind through pine forests high above Uma Paro to the pretty grounds of the tall fort-temple of Zuri Dzong built in 1352. Zuri is six storeys high, its massive walls tapering outwards and dotted with narrow slits, through which soldiers could shoot arrows and fire cannon. Strategically located to defend Rinpung Dzong and with a sheer drop on either side. Stone steps lead to the fort-temple’s giant doors, made of massive curved logs of wood. From the beautiful temple on the fourth floor there is a panoramic view of the Paro Valley. The serene chapel on the third floor is dedicated to Guru Rimpoche, while the topmost floor, right under the roof, was used for storage and for throwing stone cannonballs down on attackers. A row of cypress, believed to be around 400 years old, stand like sentinels in front of Zuri, adding to the evocative atmosphere of the place. Traverse across to Ta Dzong, housing Bhutan’s National Museum with magnificent views over the Paro valley. Originally built as Watch Tower since 1967 it is the National Museum of the country and holding fascinating collection of art, artifacts, thangkha paintings and Bhutan's exquisite postage stamps.

Afterwards, descend upon Rinpung (Paro) Dzong also known as “Fortress on a Heap of Jewels”. The footpath then leads across Paro Chhu (river) via a traditional covered bridge (Nyamai Zam) and then past the main archery ground at Ugyen Pelri Palace and into Paro town. A few kilometers north of Paro, we pay our respects at Kyichu Lhakhang one of the oldest temples in Bhutan with its mystical orange tree which bears fruit all year round. Kyichu Lhakhang composed of twin temples 1) the ancient temple and 2) the recent temple. The ancient temple is deeply respected for its antiquity and holds one of Bhutan’s holiest statues of the Jowo, Buddha as a prince at the age of eight, which is alike to the one in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa. The recent temple was built in 1968 and is dedicated to Guru Rimpoche.

Day 2- Paro Highlight: Trek to view Taktsang.

Walking distance: Approximately 4-5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous

Visiting Taksang in 1905, Sir John Claude White, The British Political Officer in Sikkim, wrote: “it was unquestionably the most picturesque group of buildings I had seen. Every natural feature in the landscape had been taken advantage of, and beautiful old trees…combined with the sheer precipices, made a magnificent picture.”
Taksang is one of the most respected places of pilgrimage in the Himalayan world. For people unaccustomed to the altitude it takes about three hours at an average walking speed to reach the temple. Follow an ancient path marked by river powered prayer wheels; the climb begins, up through a forest of oak and rhododendron to the Taksang tea house, a log cabin. The view over the Lhakhangs from this tea house is extraordinary, and the effort of climbing up to it is amply rewarded. The Taksang Monastery, tragically wrecked in a fire early in 1998, rebuilt, it is perched some 2950m up on a cliff overlooking the valley. The buildings cling to the black rock, overhanging the valley below by some 800m. It was said to be where the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tiger to defeat five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan. Lunch will be served at the view point cafeteria.
We retrace our steps for the descent. Back at the base of this rewarding pilgrimage, we board the car and drive further up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1644 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to control the northern route to Tibet. The drive is picturesque, and the site of ancient, now ruined dzong is magnificent. From here, it is only a two-day hike to the border with Tibet, dominated by the sacred Mt Jhomolhari.

Day 3 – Paro to Punakha.

Driving Distance: 135 kms
Driving Time: 4 hours
Altitude: 1350 m
Punakha is in Western Bhutan

4 hours drive to Punakha via Dochula pass (3050m) through magnificent forest of rhododendron and magnolia. From the pass, weather allowing, you have panoramic view of the Eastern Himalayan peaks, among them Mt. Masagang (7158m) and our highest peak, Mt. Gangkar Puensum. Passing the magnificent group of 109 Chortens (stupas) at Dochula, the Druk Wangyel (or Great Victory) Chortens, the road curls its way down into the relative lowlands of the Punakha Valley. Before Thimphu was made the permanent capital of Bhutan, Punakha was the Winter Capital for 300 years because of its more temperate climate. The Je Khenpo (leader of Bhutan's religious order) and his council of monks still come to pass the winter months here.
Punakha Dzong, or Punthang Dechen Phodrang, was strategically built at the confluence, the river island between the mighty Phochu and Mochu Rivers in Punakha. While the rivers provided natural defense against invaders, it did not obstruct the view of the Dzong. The imposing structure, the biggest and the most magnificent of its kind at that particular point in time, was visible from all four sides. The construction of Punakha Dzong on the strategic location was completed in 1637 AD and it represented the supreme flowering Bhutanese art and architecture.

Day 4 – Punakha to Bumthang.

Driving Distance: 210 kms
Driving Time: 7 hours
Altitude: 1350 m
Bumthang is in Western Bhutan

The drive after Wangdi takes us through beautiful forests of rhododendron and fields of dwarf bamboo breathtaking scenery of the landscape, green meadows, gushing waterfalls and constantly changing vegetation to Trongsa.
After Lunch, drive for approximately four hours to Jakar, the center of the Bumthang valley. From Tongsa the road climbs quickly to Yuto-la pass (3400m), the scenery changes to fir-covered slopes, reminiscent of the Swiss Alps. We then enter the wide chummy valley of Bumthang, which is famous for woollen cloth weaving known as Yathra. The women weavers make Yathra on pedal-driven looms, following an ancient tradition. Everything is done by hand, from dyeing the skeins through the actual weaving. The Yathra is used to make blankets, cushion covers, jackets and others garments. We will visit few centers of Yathra weaving. Arrive at Jakar by late evening.

Day 5 – In Bumthang Valley.

Spacious and surrounded by tree covered mountains, the valley in which Jakar is located (Choekor Valley) is one of the most beautiful in all Bhutan, and it is commonly referred to as 'Little Switzerland.' The Jakar area is known for practicing Vajrayana Buddhism, especially the Nyingmapa tradition, and there are many monasteries and sacred sites located here.

Landmarks

• Jakar Dzong. The fortress, originally constructed in 1667, but rebuilt after being severely damaged in an earthquake in 1897, is one of the largest and most impressive in Bhutan and houses the administrative and monastic offices for the Bumthang district.
• Wangdichholing Palace, built in 1857, was the principal residence of the first king of a united Bhutan and was also used by his two successors. It is an unassuming structure, lacking the ramparts and protective walls which became features of later palaces. Currently, the palace is unoccupied and can be visited.

Sacred sites

• Kurje Lhakhang (also Kurjey). One of Bhutan's most sacred monasteries. A body print of Guru Rinpoche is preserved in a cave around which the oldest of the three buildings is built. The original building was constructed in 1652 by Trongsa Penlop, while the latest addition was added by the late Queen Mother Ashi Kesang Wangchuk in 1990. A huge cypress tree (or perhaps a decedent tree) that over hangs the building is said to have grown from Guru Rinpoche's walking stick.
• Jambey Lhakhang (monastery) is one of the 108 monasteries that were miraculously constructed by King Songten Gampo in one night. The monastery is located between Kurjey Lhakang and Jakar Dzong.
• Lhodrak Kharchhu Monastery is a more recent addition to the pantheon of monasteries and is located above the town. The abbot, Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche, is a very highly respected teacher in Bhutan and speaks English.
• Tamshing Goemba. A monastery established in 1501 by the local Buddhist saint Pema Lingpa. The two story building contains some lovely frescoes, and has a very low ceiling (apparently Pema Lingpa was very short!) In addition, there is 500-year-old suit of metal chain made by Pema Lingpa located on the ground floor.

It is considered auspicious to circumambulate the temple three times with the chain draped over the back and shoulders.

Day 6 – Bumthang to Mongar.

Driving Distance: 141 kms
Driving Time: 4-5 hours
Altitude: 1700 m
Mongar is in Eastern Bhutan.

Our journey to the East is one of the most beautiful. Out of Ura, the highway climbs steeply to Thrumshing La (the second highest pass, 3,800m-12,465ft.) along the West to East highway. The descent from Thrumshing La to Lingmithang is amazing for a number of reasons. The road drops from 3,800 meters to 650 meters in only a few miles passing from pine forest through semi-tropical forest to orange groves. Arriving at Mongar marks the beginning of your eastern Bhutan experience. Many towns in eastern Bhutan are built on the sides of the hills which contrast to the west where they were developed on the valley floor. Mongar Dzong was built in 1953 (the original Shongar Dzong was destroyed by fire) on the orders of the Third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

Day 7- Mongar to Chorten Kora, Trashi Yangtse.

Driving Distance: 114 kms
Driving Time: 5-6 hours
Altitude: 1700 m

The differences between Eastern and Western Bhutan are far greater than the high pass that separates them. The eastern region includes Mongar, Lhuentse, Trashigang and Trashi Yangste. Sengor Valley separates Central from Eastern Bhutan. Eastern Bhutan is the least traveled area of the country and is where many of the kingdom's most ancient spiritual sights are found.

Trashi yangtse is a small town rich in Bhutanese arts and legend. On the drive to Trashi yangtse you pass the small town of Duksum located on the Drangme Chhu and its tributary. It is a few kilometers past Gom Kora a large boulder sits in the garden of Gom Kora (Gom Kora) Temple and its is said that if anyone can climb below the rock and emerge from its summit, he will be forgiven of his sins. Duksum is nothing fancy but it is a small weaver's town where you can find a fair amount of weavers producing some very nice work. The landmark of the town is an original iron chain suspension bridge built by Tong Gyalpo or Lama Hazampa (Lama Iron-bridge) in the 1600's. Duksum is the main supply town for all the high mountain villages that surround it.
Each Spring Chorten Kora is the sight of one of the most famous festivals in Bhutan. Although quite remote the Chorten Kora Tshechu attracts people from all parts of the country.

OVERVIEW- BUMDELING TREK.

The first trek route starts by going North East from Trashi Yangtse on the East side of the Kulong Chhu to W’nang Chhu to Solomang and then crosses the latter North to Denchenphodrang Gompa before turning North West to Jingbu Gompa and the North to Rigsum Gompa before dropping West down to and crossing the Kulong Chhu to Bumdeling and Trashi Yangtse.
The second part of the trek starts at the bridge below old Trashi Yangtse Dazong and goes South along the West side of the Kulong Chhu via Shongring, Raptse, Tokaphu and ends at Torma Jansa.
The walking on all days is moderate overall. The descents from Rigsum and Tokaphu are steep in parts and there a re few short steep sections on most days not exceeding 15 to 20 minutes.

Day 8: Camp Chorten Kora 1700m to Camp Kilinbaling 2196m

Total Walking time: 4 hours

We depart Chorten Kora [elevation 1700m] drive through the town past Bayling School to end of tarmac road [1941m]. Our 3 hours hike to Womanang School, Gempo Tshetek, established as a community school in 2000 begins here. Meet horses. Go down 10 m past a water prayer wheel opposite, and below, the entrance to the school. Follow a path North East for 20 minutes, cross a small ridge with farm house to left of track below and camp just beyond on grass slope above track [2196 m].

Day 9: Camp Kilinbaling 2196m to Camp Jingbu Goenpa 2567m

Total Walking time: 5 hours

Follow track through fields and scrub to open area above river and cross the suspension bridge and after 100m turn right to reach Dendrenphodrang monastery, currently undergoing complete rebuilding. Retrace route to turn above bridge and continue west along path. Cross stream [2103 m] and continue to Chorten for lunch stop. [2 hrs / 2251m] Continue more steeply to Chorten with good view over Tashi Yangtse and proceed to Jingbu Gompa and campsite within the monastery compound [2467 m].

Day 10: Camp Jingbu Goenpa[2567m] to Camp opposite the Black Necked Crane nesting grounds[2467m]

Total Walking time: 7 hours

Steep 2 ½ hr ascent on good track through mature forest to the pass. Walk on level ground for 1 ½ hr to Rigsum Gompa [2890m.] Rigsum has 36 monks. Rigsum is the highest point on the trek and the best place to put up prayer flags. Descend steeply on good track for 900m to suspension bridge. Cross the bridge and walk north for 20 minutes to camp site beyond Bumdeling on the flats opposite the Black Crane nesting grounds. There is a useful bar at the N end of Bumdeling [1925 m].

Day 11: Camp opposite the Black Necked Crane nesting grounds [2467m] to Camp Chorten Kora [1700m]

A short day’s walk down the main dirt road to Tashi Yangtse Camp Chorten Kora. An opportunity to purchase fabrics from local weavers, mainly silk and the covered wooden bowls and dishes which are a Tashi Yangtse speciality Prices for covered bowls from Ng 400 to 2,000 and small drinking cups from Ng 150 to Ng 6,000 for a superb burl example. There is a bank in town.

Day 12: Camp Chorten Kora [1700m] to Camp Shongrig School [1835m]

Total Walking Time: 7.5 hours

Drive from Tashi Yangtse to old Tashi Yangste Dzong and walk down to bridge below. [1767m] 200m above bridge, as road bends right take track left ahead. This is distinct, very attractive, but now little used path through forest, including Sokshing woods [leaves collected for mixing with animal dung to make manure]. After 1 hr reach Chorten at 1935m. After further 1.5 hrs reach sugarloaf rock on left of path with rock face with tree orchids at 1946m. After further 1 hr reach good lunch spot at Mani wall [1993 m ].
Continue on track, up and down for 2.5 hrs. At 2000m take left fork ahead, down hill, as main track bends right Reach camp site at Shongring (Gongkhar gewog) School[1835m].

Day 13: Camp Shongrig School [1835m] to Camp Raptse[2094m]

Total Walking Time: 4.5 hours

Descend steeply through fields and forest for .75 hours to bridge [1626 m], then climb through forest for half an hour to clearing [1729m]. Continue for .75 hrs to ledge [1865m], then for a further 1.25 hrs emerging into fields and scattered farm houses. Climb to lowest farmhouse and turn left to newly built house. Track continues 50 m higher, above a large tree and below an old farmhouse with stone wall surrounding garden. After 1.25 hr reach grassy campsite in old school at Raptse [2094m].

Day 14: Camp Raptse [2094m] to Rajung Guest house

Total Walking Time: 4.5 hours

Climb from camp for .75 hr to visit Tokaphu Primary School. Descend steeply through fields and woodland for 3.25 hrs to waterfall [1619m] and continue for .5 hr to road head at Torma Jansa school. Drive to Trashigang and then continue to Ranjung to stay in Monastery guest house.

Day 15 & 16 : Camp Phongmey

From Ranjung, drive 15 minutes to shop for textiles on the left hand side of road. This is a major source of silk and raw silk fabrics. Continue to Radi [9km] and then to Phongmey [9km] either by vehicle or on foot along dirt road with rice fields on both sides.

Campsite in Phongmey is below Monks quarters.
Experiences include:
1. Traditional welcome by village folks of Radhi Phongmey.
2. Farm house visit and participation in local village activities.
3. Cultural performers from Merak & Sakten.

Day 17: Camp Phongmey – Return to Ranjung

Walk down through rice friends from the road to the village of Tzangkhar, a centre of raw silk weaving- a side visit before boarding the bus to Ranjung.

Accommodation:Ranjung Guest house.

Day 18: Ranjung to Wamrong

En-route to Wamrong visit the school for the blind at Khaling and the weaving school 2 km south of Khaling. The shop at the weaving school has a large selection of fine silk fabrics, principally scarves or kira or gho lengths. Leaving Khaling, the road leads through the cornfields and few settlements with forest of rhododendrons and down to a small town of Wamrong. Crossing Narphung La , Alt:5484 ft.

The excellent and dramatic camp site is above a private goempa and below a forest of prayer flags, on the left hand side of the road at the edge of the escarpment overlooking Womanang.

Day 19: Wamrong to Samdrup Jongkhar

Wamrong - SAMDRUPJONGKHAR (about 180 km) Samdrup Jongkhar is a border town in the southern east Bhutan. This town acts as a commercial hub and entry and exit point in the south east. USEFUL FOR LAST MINUTE SHOPPING.

Accommodation:Hotel TLT.

Day 20: Samdrup Jongkhar to Gauhati(India)

The drive through the Assamese plain on appalling roads, heavily trafficked, is extremely interesting. A complete contrast in almost every way to the mountains of Bhutan. Intense rice farming with the road bordered by an almost continuous string of villages.

We do our best to respect the itinerary schedule as presented on this detailed itinerary but there is always the possibility that we may need to modify it for different reasons either beyond our control or to take advantage of unexpected oppurtunities. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable and itineraries may be altered. To get the most out of your adventure it is important that you are flexible, positive and eager to take on all the challenges that arise.

1. Due to the length of this trip, the altitudes and the large number of isolated places that we visit, weather could, at times, cause a change to the planned order of our "day to day" itinerary: bad weather conditions, problems transporting our material on certain stages in the mountains.....these hazards remain an exception, however, the guide may have to modify the itinerary in the event of one occurring.

2. The walking time schedules are given only as an estimate.

3. For different reasons involving trip organization, daily schedules and planned altitude gains (ascent or descent) may be modified without any prior notice.

You will be woken with a cup of tea brought to your tent (around 6:30am), followed by a small bowl of warm water for washing. After a wholesome breakfast we are usually on the trail by around 7.30 - 7.45 am and walk for around 3-4 hours. Lunch is usually a 1-2 hour break to allow for the group meal followed by the staff meal. This also enables you to do your washing in the warmest part of the day and catch up on your diary or reading. The afternoon walk is generally a little shorter and camp is usually reached by around 3.30 - 4.30 pm. Once we have reached camp and the kitchen is set up, afternoon tea will be prepared (tea, coffee, hot chocolate and biscuits) and from then until dinner there is time to rest, explore the surrounding area and villages or sit and chat with staff and local people. Dinner is usually served between 6-7 pm. This period of your trekking day is a nice time to relax and enjoy your surroundings, the wilderness, mountains and people among it, group members, crew and people you have met along the way. Much of the enjoyment of an expedition is in the journey itself.

In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), a rain jacket, water bottle, film and camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip-screen etc. Porters carry all group gear and your trek pack.

In preparation for your upcoming vacation, we recommend that you review the suggested packing list.
• Boots [leather] in good condition.
• Teva or similar sandals.
• 2 pairs Coolmax inner socks.
• 4 pairs thick Socks [make these all the same and ensure they are right for boots].
• Lightweight long walking skirt [for girls].
• Lightweight walking trousers.
• Fleece trousers.
• Rain pants.
• 2 lightweight long sleeved shirts [quick dry].
• 2 wick away short sleeved t shirts[quick dry].
• 3 sets of underwear[quick drying].
• 1 set thermal underwear.
• 6 handkerchiefs.
• Large headscarf.
• Fleece jacket.
• Fleece vest.
• Very light weight windproof jacket.
• Rain jacket.
• Fleece gloves and waterproof over gloves.
• Broad brimmed sun hat.
• Bathing suit[for hotel and hot springs].
• Sleeping bag[at least 3 season].
• Liner.
• Thermarest sleeping mat.
• Pillow case of a size to take your fleece.
• Washing kit.
• Towel.
• Personal hygiene / medical kit.
• Spa 25 uva &uvb suncream.
• Platypus/camel back water bottle/s at least 2 litres (4 pints) capacity.
• Head torch and spare batteries.
• Sunglasses.
• Spare pair prescription glasses.
• Pocket knife.
• Binoculars.
• Camera.
• Notebook & penwallet that can be put on a belt or hung round your neck.
• 35 minimum and preferably 45 litre capacity day sack.
• Books.
• Passport.
• Tickets.
• Insurance certificate.
• Money in new us dollars [specify US$Mint to bank].
• List of emergency contact numbers.
• Trek details.
• Guide books.
• Repair kit.
• Kit bag : pack everything in ziplock plastic bags.
• Trekking poles.
• A set of comfortable clothes which you can leave in a spare bag at the hotel you return to after the trek.

• As land farming is localized (livestock on the plateaus, crops in the valleys), the impact of human presence on the landscape remains low. We are counting on you all to leave these natural areas as clean as possible.
• Remember to pick up your trash throughout your walk and take the time to leave your own camps clean. Sort and bring the most polluting waste back to your home country (batteries, etc...) Regroup your waste and burn it.
• Prefer to boil and cool water for drinking rather than buying lots of plastic water bottles that will only increase the amount of waste.
• Wash your laundry away from water sources that serve as drinking water for people or for animals (horses, yaks, etc...).

Trip Facts

Hours of walking, which may vary from person to person, means hours of actual walking and does not include stops for lunch, Sightseeing and rests.
On certain days our walk takes us into more rugged terrain. Please make sure that your footwear provides sufficient ankle support. If it is not possible to do a walk due to bad weather, an alternative will be rganized. Any such decision is at the discretion of the Tour Leader.

Bhutan’s climate varies from tropical in the south, to temperate in the centre and can be cold in the north. The weather can also vary dramatically from day to day and place to place. The winter months of December to February can be cold, but are generally clear and dry, with snow at the higher elevations. The most popular times to visit Bhutan is during spring and autumn as the weather is mild, there are spectacular flowers in spring and skies are clear and blue during autumn.

Spicy chilies mixed with a cheese sauce called ema datse is the national dish of Bhutan. The main staples of the Bhutanese diet are rice (red or white) and chilies, served with a variety of fresh vegetables. Meat, fish and poultry are also served (often as stews). Bhutanese food tends to be spicy, since many dishes are made with chilies, but the spiciness can be reduced to your liking. Tibetan dishes such as momos and noodle dishes are also popular, and you will also find Indian, Continental, and Chinese foods.

Brightly colored and patterned hand made textiles are a specialty of the region, often made into long flowing garments of silk or cotton called kira which is the national dress of women in Bhutan. Traditional jewels, baskets, paintings and woodcarvings are also popular. Thimphu is a good place to shop and has a large weekend market.

Banks: VISA, ATM, MasterCard etc does not exist in Bhutan. Only a few selected shops accept MasterCard/visa. Traveler’s cheques can be enchased at the banks in Thimphu, Paro and Punakha.

Bring all possible protections against the sun, including a hat and sunglasses, warm and waterproof clothes as the climate is changeable, walking shoes or boots, camera film, insect repellant, a torch and a capacious water bottle (possibly the collapsible sort).

The weight limit on Druk Air is 20kg for economy class and 30kg for business class. It’s possible to pay for excess baggage, but there is a chance that the luggage will have to be sent on the next flight. Also, there is not a great deal of cabin space; so carry-on luggage should be kept to a minimum.

For the most accurate up-to-date information we recommend that you visit your National Health Service. You can of course also consult your doctor. The altitude in Bhutan is higher than many people are used to. Though most visitors will have no problem adjusting, altitude sickness may be a problem for certain people.

All visitors traveling to Bhutan are required to obtain a visa, except for Indian nationals holding a valid Indian passport. You cannot obtain a visa prior to arrival in Bhutan. Our ground handlers in Bhutan will complete the necessary documentation to ensure that you have visa clearance in order to board Druk Air. Please ensure you give us the following details:

01. Name as on passport
02. Date of birth
03. Place of birth
04. Date of passport issue
05. Date of passport expiry
06. Passport number
07. Place of issue of the passport
08. Permanent address
09. Occupation
10. Nationality

Be sure to give us your name and other information exactly as it appears on your passport, or Druk Air will not allow you to board the plane.
The cost of the visa is US$20 per person. You will pay this fee together with your trip payment. Your visa will then be issued and stamped in your passport.If you intend to travel via India, you will also need an Indian visa.

The recommended destination airport for this trip is Paro. It is a good idea to check the destination on the luggage tag that is stuck onto the ticket at the check-in desk; this helps lessen the possibility of luggage going astray. The recommended check-in time is 2 hours.
For those who have requested a vegetarian meal on the plane, it is a good idea to reconfirm this at the check-in. Please collect your luggage before proceeding through Customs. In the unlikely event of finding on arrival that your luggage has gone astray en route, please inform us as soon as possible.

The meeting point is at the arrivals area of Paro airport.Our guide will receive you.

TRAVEL INFORMATION
BOOK LIST

Footprint Bhutan: Gyurme Dorji www.footprintbooks.com
“Great traveling companions, constantly entertaining and they know what they’re talking about.” –Michael Plain

Bhutan Handbook: (Footprint 2004)
Practical information about the main tourist sights along with background information about history and culture.

Bhutan: (Lonely Planet 2002)
Good practical information and detailed section on trekking in Bhutan.

So Close to Heaven: Barbara Crosette (Random House 1995)
Profile of Bhutan and other kingdoms of the Himalayas.

Dreams of the Peaceful Dragon: Journey into Bhutan: Katie Hickman (Phoenix 2002)
Author’s travels into Bhutan and the remote Eastern areas, usually closed off to foreigners.

Beyond the Sky and the Earth: A Journey into Bhutan: Jamie Zeppa (Riverhead Books 2000)
Story of a Canadian who went to teach in Bhutan and her experiences of the country.

A Photographic Guide to the Bitrds of India and the Indian Subcontinent: Bikram Grewal(Princeton Uni Press 2003)
Comprehensive photographic guide covering the birds found in Bhutan.

Field Guide to the Birds of Bhutan: Carol Inskipp (Christopher Helm 2004)
Specialist guide to Bhutan covering all 555species found there.

Bhutan General Information

We are delighted that you are considering traveling with us to Bhutan and we very much look forward to welcoming you. You may well have questions to ask and we feel that you will enjoy your holiday even more if you are well prepared for the country you are visiting.

Bhutan is six hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, and 11 hours ahead of US Eastern Time.

The official language of Bhutan is Dzongkha, though many regions have retained their own dialects due to their isolation. English is the medium of instruction in Bhutan, and it is widely spoken by those who have received education.

The national currency is the ngultrum (nu), which is equivalent to the Indian rupee (which is also legal tender). The ngultrum is not convertible outside the country so remember to change any remaining currency before departure.

Electricity supply is 230V 50Hz, though anything requiring 240V will work, with 2- round-pin plugs.

You cannot purchase ngultrums prior to arriving in Bhutan, but you can easily buy them at Paro airport, Bhutan National Bank, the Bank of Bhutan, and at major hotels in Thimphu and Paro, all of which accept traveller’s cheque’s, and US dollars.
Opening hours are generally Monday-Friday 10.00-15.00. There are no ATMs in Bhutan. When visiting smaller towns, you should bring ngultrums or rupees for your purchases, as it may not be possible to exchange currency. In general, credit cards are not accepted in Bhutan, apart from a few high-end tourist shops.

International telephone facilities are available in major towns. The international country code for Bhutan is 975.

The Bhutanese tend to be modest, so you might want to avoid revealing clothing (such as short skirts and tank tops). You cannot wear shorts while visiting monasteries, temples, and dzongs, though they’re fine for trekking.

Druk Air is the only airline that serves Bhutan. You can enter Bhutan via Druk Air from India, Bangladesh and Thailand. The only airport in Bhutan is in Paro.

There are no domestic airlines or trains in Bhutan, and all travel is by road, which are generally well maintained but travel can be slow along narrow winding mountain roads.

We do not provide any form of insurance cover. However, it is a condition of booking that you have fully comprehensive insurance cover, including:

01. Cancellation/curtailment up to the cost of the holiday (preferably including flights).
02. Personal accident.
03. Medical and other expenses.
04. Hospital benefit.
05. Travel delay.
06. Missed departure.
07. Personal belongings.
08. Personal money and travellers cheques.
09. Loss of passport.
10. Personal liability.
1l. Legal expenses.

Whatever the insurance policy you have taken out, please read the documentation carefully. Please ensure also that you take it with you on your trip and refer to it in the case of any claim or emergency arising.

First Aid Kit
We carry a First Aid kit with us at all times. It is however a good idea to take a small supply of medicines for minor ailments. We suggest /anti blister ‘Second Skin’ or ‘Competed’ plasters, antiseptic cream, sunscreen, Chap stick, aspirin /paracetamol, throat lozenges, glucose sweets, Insect repellent, indigestion tablets etc.
You should keep plasters or Elastoplasts for blisters in your knapsack for immediate use.

Trekking poles: These are becoming almost a standard piece of equipment for hill walkers, and a valuable safety item. They make walking less tiring. By using a stick/pole (or even two) you increase the number of points of contact with the ground, aiding balance on rough ground. They are also useful when fording streams, or descending steeper slopes.
They take a great deal of stress off the ankles, knees and lower back, making injuries less likely.

Although we take care of all your main meals, you may prefer to carry some supplements to vary the diet. Some people like to carry freeze-dried meals and instant soups. You may also bring your own energizing drink, as well as high-energy muesli bars and chocolates etc.