wwot bhutan - chomolhari basecamp trek
Transcription
wwot bhutan - chomolhari basecamp trek
Himalaya wwot bhutan - chomolhari basecamp trek trip highlights Travelling with a unique group of Wild Women Celebratory Banquet Dinner at Chomolhari Basecamp Visits to Takstang Monastery, Drukyel Dzong and Paro Dzong Experience the rich culture of Bhutan Fully supported camping based trekking with 3 hearty meals per day Stunning scenery at Chomolhari base camp Magnificent views of Chomolhari & Jichu Drake Crossing 2 high passes on trek, Nye La and Yale La Trip escorted by one of WWOT Coach Trip Duration15 days Trip Code: SOG1313 GradeModerate level ActivitiesTrekking Accommodation15 day trip, 9 day trek, 4 nights hotel and 8 nights camping welcome to World Expeditions Thank you for your interest in our Wild Women On Top Chomolhari Base Camp Trek. At World Expeditions we are passionate about our off the beaten track experiences as they provide our travellers with the thrill of coming face to face with untouched cultures as well as wilderness regions of great natural beauty. We are committed to ensuring that our unique itineraries are well researched, affordable and tailored for the enjoyment of small groups or individuals philosophies that have been at our core since 1975 when we began operating adventure holidays. Our itineraries will give you the very best travel experience, designed by people with incredible local knowledge who share our vision of authentic exchange and real exploration with a responsible tourism approach. Whether you like your adventures to include trekking, touring, cycling, mountaineering, kayaking or cruising World Expeditions can make it happen for you. We hope you will join us for a life changing experience!! 1 – © 2012 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 1/11/2012 4:03:41 PM why travel with World Expeditions? When planning travel to a remote and challenging destination, many factors need to be considered. World Expeditions have been pioneering treks in the Himalaya since 1975. Our extra attention to detail and seamless operations on the ground ensure that you will have a memorable trekking experience. All our treks in Bhutan are accompanied by an experienced local leader, as well as knowledgeable crew that share a passion for the region in which they work, and a desire to share it with you. We take every precaution to ensure smooth logistics. We use comfortable 3 star accommodation in hand picked hotels, and well maintained, good quality camping equipment on trek. The highest standards of hygiene are strictly maintained, and our cooks will surprise you with a varied menu that’s sure to please at the conclusion of each trekking day. World Expeditions are also the only company to provide food for our porters on trek. Most importantly, our adventures have always sought to benefit the local peoples we interact with, safeguard the ecosystems we explore and contribute to the sustainability of travel in the regions we experience. wwot bhutan - chomolhari basecamp trek Chomalhari Drukyel Dzong Join Wild Women on Top for the finest short trek in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan Paro Thimphu B H U T A N I N D I A trip dates 2013 12Apr - 26Apr trip cost Joining Sydney costs based on a minimum of 8-10 people in twin share:$6690 options & supplements 11-12 people in twin share: Single Supplement: $6490 $650 Flights from Sydney to Bangkok are based on TG Low Season ‘Q’ class airfare, subject to availability at the time of booking. If we are not able to book your seat in the above class, a higher class may be booked and a surcharge may be applied. Flight schedules are also subject to change at any time. VERY IMPORTANT NOTE Flights with DRUK AIR from Bangkok to Paro (return) are booked by our operator in Bhutan. Flight availability is limited so it is essential to book early to avoid disappointment. We cannot book and hold seats for these flights. Therefore, once the group reaches minimum numbers (8 people), these flights will be booked and will need to be ticketed immediately. At this time you will be invoiced for these with an immediate request for payment. The cost of these flights will be approximately $1200. If you would like to join this great adventure with WWOT, please do not hesitate in booking. This way, we can confirm our group early and ensure we secure flights as needed. With thanks! the trip This trip has been selected exclusively for Wild Women who crave remote wilderness coupled with a unique cultural experience. This trip, the finest short trek in Bhutan to Chomolhari Base Camp, is unsurpassed. Commencing at Drugkyel Dzong in the picturesque Paro Valley we enter the stunning rhododendron forests and weave our way up the valley crossing and recrossing glistening glacial streams. Eventually the landscape opens up to grassy meadows and leads us to Jangothang where we camp below the sacred peak of Chomolhari (7314m). Continuing toward the Nye La (4700m) we are treated to views of the startling Jichu Drake (6794m) and Tshrim Khang, before making the gradual crossing of the Pass with views of the Lingshi Dzong perched high on a hill top. The most difficult day of the trek sees us crossing the 4950m Yale Pass before descending to the Thimphu River and the Bhutanese capital of Thimphu. On this exclusive all women’s journey you will be treated to numerous “Wild Women” magic moments including a specially prepared celebratory banquet dinner! We hope you can join us on this truly special adventure! wild women on top team benefits When you join a WWOT trip, you become part of an incredible team, and the success of your adventure will depend on the fitness, mental tuffness and emotional tuffness of EVERY team member. The whole is much greater than the sum of the parts! Wild Women On Top Adventures are unique mind, body, spirit experiences, which support women in the wilderness and empower them to take on extraordinary challenges with groups of likeminded women. You will be required to prepare for your adventure and we will show you how, every step of the way. Before you book for a Wild Women On Top Trip, please note the following: 1. You must be a current financial member of Wild Women On Top which connects you to our community. 2. We will provide you with a complimentary copy of “How to Prepare for World Class Treks,” by Di Westaway, when you book with us. Please read this as a part of your preparation to ensure success. 3. We recommend you train at least 3 times a week, including one Trek Training session, plus two other interval-training sessions, preferably with a WWOT group. Interstate or overseas members should follow training recommendations from “How to Prepare for World Class Treks”. 4. To help our current financial Trek Training members prepare for multi day Treks, we provide additional complimentary trek training sessions during your trip term. This is subject to availability and you must sms the coach in advance to confirm. 5. To ensure both individual and team success, we require you to participate in a customised team assessment walk. This will enable you to meet your accompanying Coach and team members, receive your embroidered WWOT team shirt and ensure that you are appropriately prepared for your adventure. Your coach will give you tips and feedback during and after the assessment as required. Cost: $147 to WWOT in addition to trip costs. The assessment will be scheduled for no less than 70 days from the trip departure for an international trip, and no less than 40 days from the trip departure for a domestic trip. If you fail the assessment and a personalised supplementary assessment, you will not be eligible for the trip and will be subject to the costs incurred according to World Expeditions cancellation policy. 6. You must agree to uphold the Wild Women On Top Golden Rules (see www. wildwomenontop.com) and take responsibility for providing feedback before and during your adventure to ensure that you have the experience you seek. The more you prepare, the greater your chances of success. 2 – © 2012 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 1/11/2012 4:03:41 PM wwot bhutan - chomolhari basecamp trek Join Wild Women on Top for the finest short trek in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan 7. All WWOT trips are accompanied by a WWOT Coach. The Coach is not a guide or secondary guide, or a first aider. The Coach brings with her the WWOT culture and provides a liaison between World Expeditions and you. She will make every effort to ensure that you have a fabulous adventure. 8. Your accompanying coach strives to be an emotional and motivational support for you. However, at altitude, your coach may not be able to provide the assistance you require at all times. It is your responsibility to seek assistance from the World Expeditions guides in this instance. 9. You must commit to the World Expeditions payment schedule. 10. Wild Women On Top reserves the right to amend these requirements at any time - WWW. WILDWOMENONTOP at a glance Day 1Depart Sydney Day 2Arrive Paro Day 3Paro Valley, Takstang Monastery (3100m) & National Museum Day 4Drive to Drukyel Dzong (2580m) & commence trek to Shana (2860m) (16kms, approx 5/6 hrs) Day 5Trek to Tsema Marpu (3300m) (approx 7-8hrs) Day 6Trek to Soi Thangthangkha (3600m) (approx 45mins), and rest day Day 7Trek to Jangothang & Celebratory Banquet Dinner(4100m) (12kms, approx 4/5 hours) Day 8At Jangothang (reserve day) Day 9Cross Nye La (4870m) to Lingshi village (4025m) (18kms, approx 6/7 hrs) Day 10Cross Yale La and trek to Shodu (3750m) (Walk approx 7/8 hrs) Day 11To Barshong (3500m) (Walk approx. 5/6hrs) Day 12Complete trek at Dodina (Walk approx. 7/8hrs). Transfer to Thimphu (approx.1-2hrs) Day 13In Thimphu, transfer to Paro (approx. 2hrs.) Day 14Trip concludes in Paro. Day 15Arrive Sydney what’s included Return economy flights from Sydney to Paro with Thai Airways and Druk Air, including taxes 12 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 12 dinners Overnight accommodation at the Novotel Airport Hotel, Bangkok (room only) Celebratory banquet dinner at Chomolhari Basecamp arrival and departure transfers for group flights in Bhutan expert bilingual guide group medical kit good quality accommodation in Paro gear pack including kit bag, sleeping bag, down or fibre filled jacket and insulated sleeping mat all group camping equipment private transportation all park entrance fees and trekking permits Porters/animals to carry 20kgs personal equipment sightseeing and site entry fees as listed Complimentary copy of ‘How To Prepare For World Class Treks’, by Di Westaway 3 – © 2012 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 1/11/2012 4:03:41 PM wwot bhutan - chomolhari basecamp trek Join Wild Women on Top for the finest short trek in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan fast facts Countries Visited: Bhutan Visas: Please check visa requirements with your reservations consultant* Vaccinations: Please consult a travel vaccination specialist for up to date information Private Groups: Private group options are available for this trip* Singles: A single supplement is available for this trip* Leader: Expert local leader Brochure Reference: Active Adventures responsible travel The environments we travel through are fragile. It is our responsibility as visitors to minimise the impact of our presence. World Expeditions were the proud recipients of the inaugural Australian National Travel Industry’s Environmental Achievement award for our Responsible Travel Guidebook. This detailed guide to responsible & sustainable travel is provided to all World Expeditions clients before they travel. Please ask your consultant if you have not received your copy of our award winning book. Alternatively, you may like to download a copy from our website www.worldexpeditions.com Trip escorted by WWOT Coach No local payments policy: Local cash payments are becoming increasingly popular with many operators. The policy seems to benefit the tour operators, more than the local economies or travellers, as it avoids local taxes and transfers the cost and risk of cash handling to travellers. In accordance with our Responsible Travel practices. detailed itinerary Day 1Depart Sydney Today you will depart Sydney on Thai Airways TG476 at around 1000am and arrive into Bangkok at 1630. You will clear customs and transfer to the Novotel Airport Hotel for the evening (room only). meals: NIL Day 2Arrive Paro We fly in to Paro with Druk Air, Bhutan’s national airline, and after clearing customs and immigration, we’re met by our group leader and drive a short distance via the main street of Paro to our accommodation at the Kichu Resort. At some stage of our visit, we have planned visits to the main part of town, and a visit to the National Museum. It will depend on our time of arrival into Paro, and when trek preparations are completed. The touring program will take in the grand Paro Dzong which dominates the valley and is the most important Dzong (fortress) in Bhutan. It is the model by which all other dzongs are constructed and is not open to visitors. The watchtower above it, Ta Dzong, is also an impressive building that houses the National Museum that is very informative. Old costumes and battle dress, together with priceless jewellery and specimens of the kingdom’s unique flora and fauna are included within the museum. Downtown, there is a mixed collection of shops selling basic goods, and also handicrafts of wood, cloth and metalware. Archery is the national sport and practised throughout the kingdom. Shooting ranges lined by willow trees can be seen during our travels, as well as some traditional style bridges. meals: L,D Day 3Paro Valley, Takstang Monastery (3100m) & National Museum A really exciting and informative day as an introduction to this wonderful country (described in part above). The Paro valley is truly beautiful, being a location for various farming activities, including commercial quantities of asparagus, strawberries and shitake mushrooms for export, plus various grain and vegetable crops. It is a patchwork of colours delineated by well kept traditional design farm houses that are ornately decorated. All of the slopes surrounding the valley are forested and the hint of mountains beyond is alluring. Simply driving through the willow lined streets is relaxing and uplifting – there is no clutter of people, or traffic or rubbish, (Plastic bags are banned). Our morning is spent exploring and appreciating the Tigers Nest Monastery or Taktsang, as it is known in Bhutan, a short drive from our resort. It takes us about one and a half hours to walk up the winding trail steeply through chir pine forest to a tea house and excellent vantage point. Another half hour walk takes us almost directly opposite the cliffs where the monastery is set. The monastery is the divine resting place of the Guru Ringpoche, and although it was accidentally burnt down more than a year ago, reconstruction is almost finished, with only the finer decorating and refurbishment work to be done. We return back to our accommodation for lunch and then some touring in the afternoon. meals: B,L,D Day 4Drive to Drukyel Dzong (2580m) & commence trek to Shana (2860m) (16kms, approx 5/6 hrs) It is a short drive of approx 15 minutes up the Paro valley to the roadhead at Drukyel Dzong where our trek commences. Drukyel Dzong was originally built as a fortress in 1647 to guard against 4 – © 2012 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 1/11/2012 4:03:41 PM wwot bhutan - chomolhari basecamp trek Join Wild Women on Top for the finest short trek in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan trip grading On a moderate trek physical activity will generally not exceed eight hours in a day, and altitudes generally not exceeding 5,500 metres.On a moderate adventure the physical activity is sustained and travelers should be comfortable with occasional rough terrain. At any stage of a moderate trek you can expect long steep climbs and descents and a wide range of weather conditions. An example of an average day on moderate trek could include several ascents and descents of 500 metres or more, level ground is rare in the mountains.To prepare for a moderate trek you should begin training at least four to five months before your departure.As a guideline, an hour of aerobic exercise three to four times per week would be considered a minimum requirement.The best preparation is bushwalking involving relatively steep ascents and descents.If you can manage a couple of valley floor to ridgeline ascents per bushwalk, albeit with stops along the way, you will cope with a moderately graded trek.Speed is not important, stamina, confidence and continuity are. adventure travel By its very nature adventure travel involves an element of the unexpected. In remote and developing countries do not expect standards you are used to at home. 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. If you are uncertain about your suitability for this trip we recommend that you speak with your consultant of travel agent. important note “Expect The Unexpected”. Wild Women On Top Itineraries can change at any time, depending on local conditions, group requirements and weather. Tibetans invading the Paro Valley, although it was destroyed by fire in 1951. We also gain our first views of the summit of Chomolhari (7314m) at the head of the valley, while horseman organise 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 including a military post where our permits will be checked. Our camp at Shana is in a grassy clearing among a forest of tall pines beside the river. meals: B,L,D Day 5Trek to Tsema Marpu (3300m) (approx 7-8hrs) We are now trekking within Jigme Dorje National Park, the largest protected area in the country (4350 sq kms.) which extends beyond Laya to Lunana in the east and all the territory to the south. Whilst it is a protected wilderness, the park management which is based at Gasa, has to cope with the needs of lowland farmers and semi-nomadic yak herders. There is an amazing variety of species of plants and animals in the park at both high and low altitudes. The forests are tall and thick, comprising a variety of oaks, maple, birch, larch pine and allders that will be replaced by more and more rhododendron and pines as we trek higher. There are numerous different varieties of the former, and depending on the onset of warmer temperatures after winter, flowers will be in bloom, or past bloom, as the lower altitudes flower earliest. As we climb higher the rhododendron species change from the common rhododendron arboreum (Nepal’s national flower) to griffithianum and cinnabarinum. Our camp site is close by the river. meals: B,L,D Day 6Trek to Soi Thangthangkha (3600m) (approx 45mins), and rest day Today is a short day to benefit acclimatisation to the higher altitudes. We make a short walk to Soi Thangthangkha through the forest. Many of the camps we stop at are not settlements as might be implied by them having a place name. Most are merely clearings beside a water source that is suitable for seasonal yak herders. On this rest day there is the option of a side walk to Soi Yaksa village, which is approximately a 6 hour return trip. Activities this day will depend on the groups acclimatisation and some members may prefer to rest in camp. meals: B,L,D Day 7Trek to Jangothang & Celebratory Banquet Dinner(4100m) (12kms, approx 4/5 hours) We continue higher to the camp at the base of Chomolhari, a superb alpine setting. Jichu Drake (6794m) rises to our right, with a fine, elegant ridge running down toward the pass that we will cross on our next trekking day. We camp in the vicinity of yak herders from the Paro Valley, who, like their counterparts in Southern Tibet, live in woven yak wool tents throughout the summer months. By now we are above the treeline and the area is characterised by low tundra of juniper and rhododendron setosum, while blue sheep have also been spotted in the higher rocky outcrops. While at this stunning campsite we will enjoy a special WWOT celebratory banquet dinner prepared by our wonderful chefs! meals: B,L,D Day 8At Jangothang (reserve day) At Jangothang. A reserve day for acclimatisation. A side trip up the small valley towards Chomolhari takes us to a dramatic viewpoint and onto the glacier beneath. Alternatively we may make a scenic excursion up to Sopu lake set adjacent to Nye La pass, both will be worthy photo excursions. As far as mountaineering is concerned, these two peaks, like the rest of Bhutan, have seen little expedition 5 – © 2012 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 1/11/2012 4:03:41 PM wwot bhutan - chomolhari basecamp trek Join Wild Women on Top for the finest short trek in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan activity from outsiders. Doug Scott successfully climbed Jichu Drake in 1988 on his third attempt, demonstrating that conditions are not so easy on this far east location of the Himalaya being first in line geographically for monsoonal influences. meals: B,L,D Day 9Cross Nye La (4870m) to Lingshi village (4025m) (18kms, approx 6/7 hrs) From camp we commence our ascent over rolling slopes of grassland and small brush to the Nye La (4850 metres). 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 scree and sand. The views enroute to Jichu Drake will inspire you.From the Nye La we leave Chomolhari 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. meals: B,L,D Day 10Cross Yale La and trek to Shodu (3750m) (Walk approx 7/8 hrs) Today is the most difficult day so an early start is essential. We begin our walk opposite the dzong and ascend gradually through the valley until the stiff climb to Yale la pass at 4950 metres the highest point of the trip. The panoramic view of Mt.Chomolhari (7314m), Jichu Drake (6794m) and Tshrim Gang is breathtaking. After the pass it is a long descent to our camp at Shodu (3750m). meals: B,L,D Day 11To Barshong (3500m) (Walk approx. 5/6hrs) The path follows the Thimchu River descending through rhododendron, Juniper and pine forests. The view of the cliff facing rocks and water falls are stunning. The trail gradually ascends after 3 to 4 hours to the ruins of Barshong Dzong and our camp for the night. meals: B,L,D Day 12Complete trek at Dodina (Walk approx. 7/8hrs). Transfer to Thimphu (approx.1-2hrs) The path descends for a while joining the Thimchu river and gradually ascending and descending through thick bamboo and pine forests. From Dolemkencho the trail descends all the way to Dodina, and the end of our trek. Transfer to Thimphu. Overnight hotel. meals: B,L,D Day 13In Thimphu, transfer to Paro (approx. 2hrs.) This morning there is ample time to get a feel for the country’s capital or do some shopping in the bazaar.The main Secretariat building, the Tashichho Dzong is the most prominent building consisting of the main Secretariat, the National Assembly Hall, the Office of the King and the Throne Room. Its remarkable construction is in traditional Bhutanese style completed without the use of nails or metal of any kind. There is a large Stupa dedicated to the late King HM. Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, regarded as the founder of modern day Bhutan. Then there is the Handicraft Emporium with famous weaving, woodcarvings and paintings and also the Post Office - Bhutan’s exquisite stamps are world-renowned. Our last night in Bhutan is spent at the comfortable and relaxing environs of Kichu resort. meals: B,L,D Day 14Trip concludes in Paro. Our trip officially ends after breakfast with a transfer to the airport. We will fly from Paro to Bangkok and connect with our Thai Airways TG475 departing Bangkok at 1915. meals: B 6 – © 2012 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 1/11/2012 4:03:41 PM wwot bhutan - chomolhari basecamp trek Join Wild Women on Top for the finest short trek in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan Day 15Arrive Sydney and arriving into Sydney at 0720 the following morning meals: NIL This itinerary is subject to change with any change in Community regulations as well as Governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control. suggested extensions Bhutan Retreat country information Bhutan is a small, independent Buddhist kingdom situated on the eastern side of the Himalaya about 300km long by 150kms wide. It is bordered with India, (Sikkim, Assam, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh), China (Tibet) and Bangladesh. Virtually the entire country is mountainous, ranging in elevation from 100m in the south to the 7544m Kulha Gangri peak on the northern border. It receives more rainfall than any other Himalayan region, and on average half to two metres of precipitation falls annually in the foothills and mountains. This ensures a lush and diverse flora from small orchids to enormous conifers and rhododendrons, and the country’s small population (approx 600,000), their religious beliefs as practising Buddhists, and a protective government has allowed the wilderness to be well preserved. There are hundreds of unique species of plants and animals to be found here. Most of the people of Bhutan originate from the north (Tibet) and practise a Buddhism similar to that region yet it has it’s own unique beliefs and practises. It is officially called Drukpa Kagyu, and includes practising their faith and traditions of art, dance, drama and various crafts including weaving, carpentry, metalwork and painting. It is obvious that the culture and history is rich in Bhutan, and the foresight of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck who is succeeded by his son, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck to develop and maintain a program that is for the betterment of the people and the land rather than a quick financial return, is an encouraging sign to a sound future. climate Bhutan, like Eastern Nepal, comes under the influence of the Indian monsoon which precludes trekking throughout the summer months from the end of May till the middle of September. The ideal time to trek in Bhutan is therefore either pre-monsoon from mid March when the snow begins to melt off the high passes until the end of May. Temperatures on the treks can vary considerably. On any one trek the temperature may vary from 20 - 30C during the day to -10C when the occasional storm breaks over the high passes. You will be pleased that you have been provided with good down jackets, sleeping bags and two-person tents that we send to Bhutan from our operational base in Kathmandu. a typical day 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 or popcorn) 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. 7 – © 2012 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 1/11/2012 4:03:41 PM wwot bhutan - chomolhari basecamp trek Join Wild Women on Top for the finest short trek in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan pre and post tour accommodation In Bhutan a group is considered to be three (3) people or more travelling together. If you are arriving early and travelling with fewer than three people, the cost of your additional accommodation in Bhutan will be as follows:Single room with all meals and airport transfers: A$472 pp per night Twin share room with all meals and airport transfers A$392 pp per night.To avoid this additional cost, it is recommended that you arrive in Bhutan with the rest of the group, on the flights arranged by us. what you carry In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, film and camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip-eze etc. Porters and mules carry all group gear and your trek pack. equipment required Specialist gear required include walking boots and day pack (a comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre-departure information provided on booking). acute mountain sickness When we ascend above 2500 meters our bodies have to acclimatise 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 acclimatisation to occur. However, during the acclimatisation 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 acclimatise at different rates. Your best strategy 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. All our group 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. special visa requirements The visa process for Bhutan requires you to provide us with a scanned colour copy of your passport as we require your full passport details (full name as it appears in your passport, nationality, date of birth, passport number, date of issue and expiry date, and occupation) at least 30 days before your arrival in Bhutan. Following the processing of your visa clearance we will provide you with a clearance number to enable you to board the plane from your respective airport; you will then receive a stamped visa upon arrival at Paro airport. You must carry the visa approval letter issued to you before your departure, along with 2 passport sized photos. The cost of your Bhutan visa is included in the cost of your trip. 8 – © 2012 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 1/11/2012 4:03:41 PM wwot bhutan - chomolhari basecamp trek Join Wild Women on Top for the finest short trek in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan what’s not included Bottled water Aerated & alcoholic drinks Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry etc Tips Airport & departure taxes Travel insurance private groups WWOT Golden Rules 1. Stay positive at ALL times 2. T.E.A.M. Together Everyone Achieves More 3. Expect the unexpected 4. If you have a gripe, handle it discretely, or air it politely [Don’t let it fester!] 5. Set challenging adventure goals, write them down, train hard and you will achieve them [No excuses!] 6. Buy quality gear [This will save you money and could save your life] 7. Don’t come home from training or trips tired. Be energized & happy. 8. Leave no trace (The wilderness is sacred!) 9. Bring MORE than you take away. [Including chocolate!] 10. Happy endings guarantee the next leave pass! [this one is secret!] subscribe to our e-newsletter Subscribe to our enewsletter! To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and adventure news, subscribe to our monthly enewsletter! You can do this online through our website, www.worldexpeditions.com or contact our office. how to book Please note that all reservations are subject to availability at the time of booking. Your booking will be held for seven days pending receipt of a non-refundable deposit per person and the completed booking form. The deposit is payable by cheque (made payable to World Expeditions),credit card or direct deposit. Please fax or post your completed booking form to: World Expeditions Level 5, 71 York St Sydney 2000 Ph: (02) 8270 8400 Fax: (02) 8270 8401 Important: You must be a financial member of Wild Women On Top to join this tour. Please go to WWW.WILDWOMENONTOP.COM, ring 0434 027 912 or email [email protected] for more details on training and memberships. 9 – © 2012 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 1/11/2012 4:03:41 PM