The Trip

A true taste of adventure, exploration and endurance in this trekking, It leads through high mountain passes into wilderness above the tree line, a world of snow peaks, glacial lakes, herds of blue sheep, alpine blossoms and home of the hospitable people of Laya and Lunana. Sometimes referred to as the Lunana trek, the snowman trek is the toughest of all our Bhutan treks, hence being of sound health and being physically fit is important.
This is also our most challenging trek and one of the finest in our Himalayan program. It is undertaken by only a handful of trekkers each season and accesses Lunana – the most remote region of Bhutan . The trek crosses eleven high passes that define the borders of Bhutan and Tibet and beneath some of Bhutan's most spectacular peaks including Jumolhari (7314m), Jichu Drake (6794m), Tsenda Kang (7100m) and Songophu Gang (7100m). Savoring views of Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake we follow trails through yak herders encampments and isolated farming settlements as we prepare for our trek to Lunana. Amid a constant backdrop of 7000m peaks we discover a region of tiny Buddhist monasteries and secluded villages that are isolated from the rest of Bhutan for many months of the year. The attributes those make it a tough trek are; distances, altitudes, weather and remoteness.
The trek is combined with time in Paro and Thimphu to appreciate Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage.

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 18,000 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.
• Chomolhari base camp.
• Laya Village.
• Magnificent views of Jumolhari & Jichu Drake.
• Cross 11 high passes on trek including.
• Nye La, Gobu La, Jare La & Shinge La.
• Thimpu Weekend Market.
• Trek in the remote Lunana region.

Lunana Adventure Trek: Itinerary at a Glance

DAY 01 :Arrive Paro, Bhutan.
DAY 02 :Acclimatization hike to Taksang Monastery.
DAY 03 :Transfer to Drukyel Dzong, commence trek to Shana.
DAY 04 :To Soi Thangthangka.
DAY 05 :To Jangothang.
DAY 06 :In Jangothang.
DAY 07 :Cross Nye La to Lingshi.
DAY 08 :Trek to Chebisa.
DAY 09 :Cross Gobu La to Shomuthang.
DAY 10 :Cross Jare la to Robluthang.
DAY 11 :Cross Sinche La to Limingthang.
DAY 12 :To Laya.
DAY 13 :In Laya.
DAY 14 :To Rodophu.
DAY 15 :Cross Tsemo La To Narethang.
DAY 16 :Cross Gangla Karchung La To Tarina.
DAY 17 :To Woche.
DAY 18 :Cross Keche La to Lhedi.
DAY 19 :To Thanza.
DAY 20 :In Thanza.
DAY 21 :To Danji.
DAY 22 :Cross Jaze La to Tshochena.
DAY 23 :Cross Lojula to Jichu Dramo.
DAY 24 :Cross Rinchen Zoe La to Chukarpo.
DAY 25 :Cross Tempe La to Tempe Tsho.
DAY 26 :To Murothang.
DAY 27 :To Nika Chhu –Punakha.
DAY 28 :To Thimphu.
DAY 29 :In Thimphu.
DAY 30 :Thimphu to Paro Departure.

Lunana Adventure Trek Trip Cost: US $ 350 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.

Lunana Adventure/Detailed Itinerary

After clearing customs and immigration you will meet your Bhutanese leader and drive a short distance via the main street of Paro to our accommodation at the Namseychholing Resort. After lunch visit the massive Rinpung Dzong, a hub for spiritual life and community events, that has a long and fascinating history. The Rinpung Dzong is the administrative seat of the district of Paro and also houses the monastic community.

Acclimatization walk to Taksang Monastery. 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.

Afternoon:
Visit 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.
Visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum of the Kingdom. 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. Accommodation: Hotel Namseychholing, Paro.

It is a short drive of approx 15 minutes up the Paro valley to the road head at Drukgyel Dzong where our trek commences. Drukgyel Dzong was originally built as a fortress in 1647 to guard against Tibetans invading the Paro Valley, although it was destroyed by fire in 1951. We also gain our first views of the summit of Jumolhari (7314m) at the head of the valley, while horsemen organize their loads. We get under way straight away and take a break for lunch where it suits us, as we are carrying a packed lunch. Initially the trail is wide and flat, passing through farm country made up of fields of rice, wheat, barley, mustard, potato, and radish as well as herds of cows. The traditional Bhutanese two storey, timber and stone houses form photogenic scenery for the beginning of our trek. It is a reasonable day’s walk today, our first day’s trek, taking us past a couple of settlements. Our camp at Shana is in a grassy clearing among a forest of tall pines beside the river.

The trail continues to gradually climb along the side of the Paro River. The valley narrows and closes, and the path then winds along the stream. This day's trek is not difficult, but it is long, and there are many short ups and downs. Nearby the lunch stop we can see the route to Tremo La, which is paved in stone and served as the main trade route to the Phari Dzong in Tibet. It was also the main invasion route of the Tibetans ages ago. The trek to Thangthangkha continues for 3-4 hours through beautiful forest consisting mainly of birch, fir, larch, maple blue pine and rhododendron. The camp is in a meadow with a stone shelter. Weather allowing, the Jumolhari Mountain looks magnificent.
Camp Altitude 3575m.

The climb today gains elevation and you will be comfortably worn out at day’s end. You are now entering “yak” country. Yaks are utilized for pack animals as well as supply cheese, milk, tea, meat and Yak hair for weaving of huts, blankets, clothes, backpacks and hats. Burley and huge, the yak plays an important role in Bhutan history, yesterday and today. Remote villages are dotted throughout this area. A stone and log bridge provides access to Jangothang. Unparalleled views of snow peaked mountains form the eastern side of the valley. You are in the most spectacular camp spot in the entire Himalayan range. You are truly in the High Himalayas!
Camp Altitude: 4044m.

An Easy day hike up the valley towards the foot of Jumolhari. Follow the trail that climbs the moraine and go as far as possible on this towards Jumolhari. The moraine-ridge walk gives a good view down to the glacier and allows acclimatization in preparation for crossing the Nyile La.

From camp we begin our ascent over rolling slopes of grassland and small brush to the Nye La (4890 m). This stage is not unduly demanding and if this is your first Himalayan pass just take your time, particularly on the final steeper stages just below the pass, where grasses give way to screed and sand. Feelings of great accomplishments will arise as you sip your tea under the prayer flags aflutter at Nyile La. The views en route to Jichu Drake will inspire you From the Nye La we leave Jumolhari and Jichu Drake behind and make a steep descent through stands of pure rhododendron to Lingshi village. Of particular note is the Lingshi Dzong, built to protect this and the other outlying villages of Bhutan from the periodic raids from Tibet.
Camp Altitude 4010m.

Today is the shortest walking day, take it easy. Much of the trail is level and leads along the ridge of the river valley, which is known for its aromatic medicinal herbs, and down into a side valley were Goyak settlement is located. This is a typical cluster of stone houses, surrounded by fields of highland barley. Pass through the village of Goyak the camp is in the valley of Chebisa, a pretty highland village.
Camp Altitude 3990m.

Leaving all settlements and villages behind, the trail again climbs through high-altitude pastures, frequented by the blue sheep and grazing yaks. Crossing Gombula pass at Alt, 4440m, the trail descends to ford a stream and then climbs a further ridge (4230m) to reach the forested valley of the Jolethang-chu, where Shakshepasa helipad is located. From here the trail winds uphill to the yak pastures of Jachim (4260m) before dropping down to the meadow camp at Shomuthang alongside a tributary of the Mo-Chhu.
Camp Altitude 4000m.

An early start today criss-crossing the river, with the peak of Mount Gang Bum (6840m) in the distance to the south east, the trail gradually ascends Jari La Pass at 4785m. There are fine views of the snow peak of Mount Gangchentak (6840)m to the north, and more distant views of Mount Tserim Gang and Mount Jomolhari . The switchback trail now zigzags downhill to meet a stream. Rhododendrons grow thickly in these parts, as the trail meanders down to cross a small bridge over the Jolethang-Chu, and reach the meadow clearing at Tseri Jathang, a summertime sanctuary for the takin, the national animal of Bhutan . Climbing again, it than bypasses a small lake to reach the rock-strewn meadow camp at Robluthang.
Camp Altitude: 4160m.

This is one of the most difficult days on the route, as the trail zigzags up the hillside through burnt-out forest and marshy terrain, to reach a glacial valley. Fording a stream and climbing through pastures potholed with marmot burrows, Sinche La pass (5000m) comes into view. As Sinche La is crossed, the snow massif of Mount Gangchentak can be seen to the north. A long winding descent through boulder- and moraine-strewn valleys follows, as the trail crosses the Gang Chhu twice, and climbs through rhododendron and cedar forests to a meadow campsite at Lemithang alongside the Zamdo Nangi-Chut with the Great Tiger Mountain looming over camp.
Camp Altitude: 4160m.

Lemithang is in the Laya region of Gasa district, and here women still wear the distinctive Laya dress. The trail criss-crosses the winding course of the Zamdo Nagi-Chhu, passing through an uninhabited forest on the long descent. Soon the trail forks, one branch leading down to a military campsite by the river bank and the other climbing slightly to reach the western side of Laya village. We camp on a high flat bench above the east end of Laya Village for the night.
Camp Altitude: 3800m.

We say good bye to Laya, the last village for the next four days, and find the start of the trail through fields and clusters of houses. Descend through the village and beautiful forest to the military camp. Another 240m down we hit the important turn off fork to Rodophu. The climb is steep through the forest, leaving the mochu valley behind. Passing several herder huts, the route steeply climbs through rhododendron and mixed conifers to campsite.
Camp Altitude: 4215m.

Following the Rodo-chu upstream over undulating terrain covered in dwarf rhododendrons and arid scrubland, the trail reaches an open valley and ascends gradually to cross Tsemo La (4905m), from where mount Jumolhari can be seen in the distance. Now level, the trail crosses a small, exposed plateau frequented by yak caravans, to reach the campsite at Narethang which is situated beneath Mount Gangla Karchung (6301m). Settle in for the first really high camp.
Camp Altitude: 4940m.

The trail ascends slowly about 1-1.5 hr climb to cross Gangla Karchung La (5020m) is not too hard- about 80m, with a steep section at the end. Crossing the pass leads into the Lunana area. An overwhelming view rewards all the hard labor of the last two days. In front and far below three beautiful, dark blue-green lakes are visible, and above the mountain Teri Kang (about 7300m) with some side peaks. A long and sometimes steep descent (1055m, 3 hrs) follows on a good trail through rhododendron buses to reach the valley floor and the campsite at Tarina.
Camp Altitude: 3938m.

Following the Tang-Chhu downstream through conifer forest and bypassing high waterfalls, the trail climbs steadily for about two hours into a side-valley where Woche Village is located.
Camp Altitude: 4163m.

Below the campsite the trail continues uphill through the Woche Valley and across the Woche-Chhu, before climbing through Lakeland terrain to Keche La Pass(4666m). The snow peaks of Jejekangphu Gang, where the Woche-Chhu rises, are now visible. Then, descending into the Pho-Chhu valley, the trail passes through the agricultural village of Thega , where turnips, radishes, potatoes and buckwheat grow. From Thega there are excellent views up the Pho Chhu valley towards, Lhedi, Table Mountain and the surrounding hillsides, with many different alpine flowers. Continue following the trail down into Lhedi, alongside the river.
Camp Altitude: 3900m.

Following the main source of the Pho-Chhu upstream, cross glacial drainages, with excellent views of the Table Mountain. One of the largest side glaciers of Eastern Lunana, the Tsonglu glacier ends before Chozo Village . From here the trail heads north-east for Chozo, another small subsistence farming village. The trail rises through yak grazing pastures and then leaves the riverbank, climbing through a bluff to reach the villages of Thanza.
Camp Altitude: 4100m.

The short trail to Danji climbs from Toncha to a ridge-top boulder, from where there are fine views over Thanza Valley , Chozo and the Lunana mountains. Then heading south-east through a side-valley on an easy track the trail soon reaches the meadow camp at Danji, which is a natural habitat of the blue sheep. Here the trail separates:
• East for Gangkar Puensum Base Camp and further on to Bumthang
• South for Trongsa-Nikar-Chhu.
Here we take option 2 and head south for Nikar-Chhu.

Climbing through a rock-strewn valley, the trail undulates to reach Jaze La pass and then descends through typical alpine terrain of lakes and snow peaks to Tshochena, a lakeshore camp.
Camp Altitude: 4960m.

After following the lakeshore, the train then crosses a ridge, from which snow peaks are visible in all directions. The Pho-Chhu is visible below, winding its way towards Punakha. Undulating over a number of small hills, the trail then bypasses a glacial lake on the ascent of Loju La Pass (5145m). From here a daddle leads into a hanging glacial valley and on to Jichu Dramo campsite located just below tomorrow’s high pass, Rinchen Zoe La (5326m).

Today the trail begins its long ascent of the Rinchen Zoe La (5326m), which forms a watershed between the Pho-Chhu and Mangde-Chhu. Here there are outstanding views of the Eastern Himalayan peaks including a last sight of the Lunana Mountains . A long descent from here leads into the broad and sometimes marshy Thampe Chhu Valley . Passing several lakes the valley narrows steeply down the face of a moraine. The trail flattens leading to camp Chukarpo.
Camp Altitude: 4600m.

Descending for two hours, the trail reaches the takin-grazing pastures at Galapang Chhu, before climbing sharply through juniper and conifer forests for about one hour to Thampe Tsho, a strikingly beautiful turquoise lake. Camp site is located at the lakes southern shore.
Camp Altitude: 4230m.

A reasonably steep climb from camp to Tempe La, here we bid farewell to the high altitude with its fresh, crisp air and descend to the shores of Om Tsho, a lake where the great treasure-finder Pema Lingpa is believed to have discovered a number of termas in the lake. The descent is now steep passing a waterfall and a second small lake into the reaches of Nikka Chhu, the river we will follow until the end of the trek at Sephu. Follow the river bank to a clearing by the riverside to Camp Maurothang , the last night of camping.
Camp Altitude: 3698m.

3 hours drive to Thimphu 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. After lunch at Dochula cafeteria, and passing the magnificent group of 109 Chortens (stupas) at Dochula, the Druk Wangyel (or Great Victory) Chortens, the road curls its way into Thimphu .
Accommodation: Hotel Druk /Hotel Taj Tashi.

Sightseeing in Thimphu includes a visit to the Bhutan Heritage Museum . This wonderful museum, which officially opened in July of 2001, provides an opportunity to step inside a typical Bhutanese household and experience first hand the intimacy of daily life in Bhutan. It features utensils used in farming to those used in cooking, religious ritual and everyday life.
Visit the new Textile Museum . Cultures around the world have developed ways of producing cloth, and Bhutan 's textiles are unique for their diversity and sophistication. The Textile Museum explores this dynamic craft. The ground floor introduces the skills of spinning and coloring fibers, preparing a loom, and the everyday uses of textiles for such things as clothing, ceremony, blankets and other utilitarian functions. The upper floor illustrates the diversity of Bhutan 's textile arts, and contains special exhibits featuring regional garments, as well as masterpieces produced by local weavers.
• The handmade paper factory.
• Memorial Chorten.
• Thimphu Zoo to view Takin.
• The Archery grounds (where you might catch an archery match).
• The Indigenous Hospital (which dispenses traditional Tibetan medicine).
• Weekend Market in Thimphu where people from outlying villages come to sell vegetables and exotic fruits.
Accommodation: Hotel Druk/Hotel Taj Tashi.

Drive to Paro 65kms 1 hour from Thimphu. "Fly away with lovely memories of snow peaks, alpine lakes, meadows filled with herds of yaks, the roar of the rushing river, the fragrance of pine, and songs of the yak herders floating over the mountains- a perfect finale to your memorable days in Bhutan."

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 beyond our control. 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 high altitudes and the large number of isolated places that we cross, external hazards 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.

Vaccines
Certain vaccines are highly recommended, but none are obligatory.

Malaria
A preventative treatment against Malaria is not necessary for this trip.

Dentist and doctor
A check up before your departure is recommended.

We consider our routes by first taking into consideration the best means for "altitude acclimatization". However, it is preferable to consider, with your doctor, a preventive treatment against altitude sickness (Diamox) and to check your capacity to evolve in altitude.
When we ascend above 2500 meters our bodies have to acclimatize to the decreasing amount of the oxygen available. To allow our bodies to adjust, we have structured our treks so that you ascend slowly, allowing acclimatization to occur. However, during the acclimatization process, you may experience some of the following symptoms.
• Headache
• Tiredness
• Disturbed sleep
• Loss of appetite/nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Cough
• Palpitation
• Swelling of the hands and face

Individuals acclimatize at different rates. Your best approach is to take your time and drink plenty of water. These symptoms may not indicate the onset of A.M.S. and if you experience them it does not necessarily mean that you should not continue. Our leaders have extensive first aid training and we urge you to communicate with the group leader at all times should you believe you have any symptoms in order that we can effectively monitor your symptoms. The only cure for Acute Mountain Sickness is to descend. Please note that your group leader has ultimate responsibility and may ask you to descend if symptoms persist.

At least 4 months prior: Hike over 13 miles every weekend or on two consecutive days, carrying a backpack of 18 to 22 pounds AND you should be engaged in another intense sports activity that develops endurance on a year round basis. Multi day walks are ideal preparation for the challenging Lunana Trek.
Stretching for trekking is an important part of preparing for a trek. Please progress with patience. Do not push yourself aggressively. It is important that you are happy to walk for several days, and that you enjoy camping. You have to be super fit and of sound health.

The Beutiful lunana trek is one of the most difficult and stunning treks of the whole Himalayas.
• The physical and mental demands involved.
• Weather & snow conditions may be harsh at times.
• Having to cross several high passes.
• Camping at high altitude.
• Long days with very great distances to cover.
• The remoteness of the area.
• Physical demands of altitude and duration.

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.