mountain high bhutan 2016

JEWELS OF BHUTAN
Land of Happiness
5-15 th October 2016
Bhutan is a purely Buddhist Himalayan Kingdom unsurpassed in its
scenic majesty and vibrant culture. Along with Nepal, the Kingdom shares
the world’s greatest concentration of Mountains and living heritage of
Buddhism. The fifty minutes flight from Kathmandu to Paro is a
spectacular journey into fantasy. During our flight you will enjoy a close
up view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga and many other famous Peaks.
Bhutan is one of the few countries of the world that has been left
untouched. It’s a paradise for visitors interested in Buddhist culture and
philosophy. This trip will give you the opportunity to experience the best
of Bhutan with a diverse, like-minded group of curious individuals.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
•
2 nights in Nepal with time to explore Kathmandu
•
Breathtaking Scenery and views of Mount Jhomolari
•
Exploring Paro
•
Hike up to Bhutan’s most sacred Monastery: Tigers Nest
•
Fully supported trek from Paro to Thimphu (Maximum altitude 3,650m /
•
Attend the Thimphu Tshechu Festival
•
Teachings about Happiness & Buddhist philosophy with a Buddhist Monk
Day 01 05 th O ct (W ed): Arrival in Kathm andu.
Participants need to m ake their own flight bookings and ensure they
arrive in Kathm andu today. (No m eals included today)
Arrive in Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport. Transfers can be
arranged to the Yak and Yeti Hotel so please advise us of your flight arrival
time. Today is free and easy. Due to varying arrival times we will meet in the
Hotel Lobby Bar at 7.30pm for drinks and a short briefing. Dinner is own choice
and can be taken at the hotel or in town. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 02 Druk Air Flight KB 401 – Kathmandu-Paro
Departs 13.25pm
06th Oct (Thu): Fly to Paro and transfer to hotel (2,230 m / 7,314 ft.)
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
After a leisurely breakfast we check out and transfer to Kathmandu’s
International Airport to board the 13.25 pm Druk Air KB 401 flight to Paro
(Bhutan). Arrival time to Paro is 14.40 pm. Meet assist & transfer to our hotel
for check in and get used to our new home. Later in the afternoon we will head
out on a sightseeing tour of Drukyal Dzong.
Weather permitting we will catch a beautiful view of Mt. Jhomolari.
After
sightseeing we return back to hotel for dinner and overnight at the Hotel
(Tanzaling Resort or Paro Kichu Resort TBC)
Day 03
07th Oct (Fri): Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tigers Nest) & Meditation.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
After breakfast we will take a steady uphill hike for about 2 /3 hours
through villages and pine forests. Taktsang Lhakhang is known as Tiger’s
Nest. This magical monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 2000 feet
above the valley floor. The legend of Taktsang dates back to 747 AD
when Padmasambhava, in the wrathful form of Guru Dorji Droloe, is
believed to have flown here on the back of a tiger to subdue the evil
spirits of the region. Tantric Buddhist mythology tells that the vanquished
spirits were transformed into protectors of the dharma. One of them,
Singye Samdrup, is recognized today as the guardian deity of Taktsang.
After about an hour of rather steep hiking, we reach a small
teahouse/cafeteria that has a wonderful panoramic view of the temple.
Another hour of hiking will bring us to the Monastery which is a
pilgrimage site for every Bhutanese to visit at least once in their lifetime
We will have the opportunity to meditate in one of the Monastery rooms before
heading back down to our Hotel for dinner & overnight.
Day 04 08th Oct (Sat): Trek from Paro to Jele Dzong (3,100m / 10,168 ft.)- 5 hrs.
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
After a leisurely breakfast we will check out of our Hotel and get organized for
the start of our hike. Today’s trek is a short one so we will have time to relax
and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Paro valley before we head out on the trail.
The hike is gradually uphill through pine forests. Our camp will be next to Jele
Dzong which was recently renovated. Lots of interesting stories about the
Dzong to share over dinner. Dinner and overnight at Camp.
Day 0509th Oct (Sun): Trek to Jangchulakha (3,650m / 11,972 ft.)- 4 hrs.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Today the trek begins uphill through huge rhododendron trees. Time to take in
the fabulous scenery around us with all our senses – the sights, sounds & smells
of nature. Dinner and overnight at Camp.
Day 06 10th Oct (Sun): Trek to Jana Tso or Simkota Tso (3,600m / 11,808 ft.)- 6
hrs (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Breakfast at camp then off for another day of trekking from Jangchulakha to
Jana tsho or Simkota tsho. Our path today descends down first followed by a
gradual climb until we reach Jana tsho (lake) All lakes in Bhutan are believed to
be inhabited by spirits. Lunch en route and dinner at camp.
Day 07, 11th Oct (Mon): Trek to Thimphu (2,248m / 7,373 ft.)- 7 hrs.
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Our trail today takes us through dwarf rhododendron shrubs. From the top we
can enjoy the majestic view of the highest mountain in Bhutan, Mt Gangkar
Punsum, standing at 7250 meters. From here the trail is flat for about an hour,
then it lowers into a steep decent to Phajoding. At the end of our trek we will be
transported to Thimphu. Thimphu is Bhutan’s “ Big Apple” with a population of
70,000 people. It’s a mix of Himalayan and Western sensibilities and the home to
the Royal family. Time to check into our hotel (Hotel Kisa) freshen up and have
dinner.
Day o8 2th Oct (Wed): Thimphu Festival.
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
After breakfast we will transfer to Tashichhodzong, a fabulous medieval
fortress/monastery which houses most of the Government's office and King's
Throne room. Here we will experience one of the most beautiful festivals of
Bhutan called “Thimphu Tshechu.” Tashichhodzone is also the summer
residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot. Dinner and overnight at our Hotel.
.
Day 09 13th Oct (Thu): Drive to back to Paro and Sightseeing tour – 54 Kms.
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
After breakfast we start the drive back to Paro Town. Upon arrival in Paro we
will visit Ta-Dzong and the National Museum. We will have lunch in town then
transfer to the hotel for check in. The rest of the day is free for leisure. In the
evening there will be a teaching with a Buddhist monk about Happiness and
Buddhist philosophy.
Day 10 Druk Air Flight KB240 Departs Paro 7.30am
14th Oct (Fri): Fly back to Kathmandu.
( Breakfast & Dinner)
Today we will have an early breakfast followed by a short drive to Paro Airport
to board the scenic Druk Air flight back to Kathmandu. Flight departure time is
7.30am
arriving
to Kathmandu at 8.15 am. Meet, assist and transfer to our
hotel .The rest of the day is free for retail therapy, to chill out at the Hotel or
explore more of the sights and sounds of Nepal. Lunch is at your own cost
today …. there are plenty of great choices in Thamel. In the evening we will regroup for a farewell/ celebration dinner at a local restaurant. It’s Friday night
in Kathmandu ! Enjoy the week-end fever and meet trekkers, hippies, monks,
artists, diplomats and NGO workers mixing and mingling on the streets or at
their favourite local. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 11
15th Oct (Sat): Homeward Bound
( Breakfast )
Breakfast at the Hotel then free to chill until your final departure flight home.
Transfers will be arranged to the airport . Fly home with
lifelong happy
memories of this magical trip . So many pictures and stories to share….. and a
new found set of friends. Until next time ….
TRIP FEES :-The costs stated below are net per person, Payable to us in US
3,800 on twin / double room sharing basis, inclusive of all applicable
government taxes.
Proposed Hotels envisaged or similar (Subject to availability)
City / Town
Hotels / Resorts (3 / 4 Star)
No
of
Nights
Kathmandu
Hotel Yak & Yeti or Similar
2
Paro
Tenzaling Resort / Paro Kichu
3
Resort
Thimphu
On Trek
Hotel Kisa
Tented Camp
2
3
Extras
1. Airfare for sector Kathmandu / Paro / Kathmandu on Economy Class is
US$ 440.00 per person.
The above costs include:a) All transfers in a private deluxe A/C Vehicle accompanied by an English
Speaking Tour Escort / Guide.
b) 2 Nights stay at hotel in Kathmandu (as above) on twin / double room
sharing basis inclusive of breakfast and taxes.
c) Farewell dinner at a great restaurant in Kathmandu.
d) Guided sightseeing tour as per Itinerary.
e) Mineral water throughout the tour.
f) Bhutan Visa fees including all necessary documentation charges.
g) Special lecture by Scholars in Bhutan.
h) Eight Nights all inclusive Bhutan – Trek and Thimphu Tshechu Festival Tour
including accommodation as mentioned above on twin / double room
sharing in inclusive of all meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) , all drives,
sightseeing tours, permits, Monumental entrance fees.
i) 03 Nights / 04 Days Trek arrangements as per Itinerary inclusive of
accommodation in Tents with mattresses, all meals hygienically prepared
by a trek cook & his assistants, separate dinning and Kitchen tents etc.
j) All lunches in local tourist restaurant during sightseeing in Bhutan.
k) Airport taxes + insurance surcharge.
l) Branded fleece and kit bag
m) Julie Lewis as group leader
The above costs exclude:a) International airfares to/from Kathmandu.
b) Nepal visa ( USD 25 $ on arrival )
c) Lunch and dinner at hotels in Kathmandu except farewell dinner.
d) Items of a personal nature such as bar bills, aerated drinks, laundry,
telephone calls, personal gratuities as tips to guides, drivers, hotel bell
hops, etc.
e) Airfare sector Kathmandu/Paro/Kathmandu (Quoted separately)
f) Personal Insurance against loss of valuables, theft, illness, hospitalization,
medications, treatments and emergency helicopter, vehicle or plane
charter evacuation charges.
g) Please ensure that your passport has a minimum of 2 blank pages on
arrival in Bhutan and valid for a minimum of six months.
h) We will require a full clear photocopy of your passport with the booking
form so that we can apply for your visa
i) Before our trip we require that clients have an insurance policy inclusive
of repatriation services (covering emergency medical evacuation) for
trips to Bhutan
Clothing & Equipment
A full kit list for the trip will be sent upon receipt of your booking form and
deposit
Insurance: Please arrange your travel insurance prior to departure.
Maximum group size 16 ( including Jules as group leader) The trip is open to
women and men.
A Visa is required for traveling to Bhutan. The following information is required
at least 6 weeks prior to date of arrival in Bhutan, to process the visa with the
concerned authorities: Full Name, Permanent Address, Nationality, Date & Place of Birth, Profession,
Passport Number, Date of Issue, Place of Issue, Date of Expiry.
Once we get this information we will apply for a group visa. Visa clearance
numbers are issued by the Department of Immigration and must be obtained
before coming to Bhutan. It takes 7 days for processing. A visa clearance copy
will be emailed to you - this confirms your visa for your arrival to Bhutan. At the
point of entry your actual visa will be stamped on your passport.
Special Note!
This trip is rated moderate. Trekking in Bhutan is for active people in good
health & physical condition who enjoy hiking. Bhutan has an "up and down"
topography, there is very little level walking. No technical climbing or other
special abilities are required. However, each person should be equipped with a
"spirit of adventure" and have prior experience with backcountry camping and
sleeping in a tent. The trails themselves are only moderate, but at these
altitudes hiking will feel more strenuous. A good strength and endurance
training program needs to be out in place in advance to get into shape.
Next step
Contact Jules to register and confirm your place on the trip. Complete the
booking form and pay the deposit and Druk Air flight to secure your place.
Payment plans are available after the initial deposit is made. Please note that the
full balance for this trip is payable by the 5th August 2016.
Send the completed booking form along with a scanned copy of your passport
to [email protected].
Due to October being high season and the limited availability on Druk Air flights
the close out day for this trip is the 4th June. Book early to secure your place!
For more information:
Jules: +971 50 6595536
Or email: [email protected]