Trip program –

D1: Meeting at the hotel in Kathmandu's Thamel district.

D2: Transfer to the airport and flights Kathmandu-Paro; transfer to the hotel in Thimbu.

D3: Thimbu: Visit to Taschichoedzong (dzong=fortress), built in the 18th century, and the Memorial Chorten, religious tibetan monument. We visit a hand-made paper factory and the old battle field of Changlimithang nowadays transformed into a sports field. Departure for Punakha after lunch. We pass Dochu La hill (3050m) and continue along fields tilled with bananas, oranges and rice (2h).

D4: Punakha-Gangtey (3h).

We visit Punakha’s dzong (17th century), its small sanctuary Dzongchung (14th century) and the 21 temples with beautiful painted walls. Further we stop at the dzong of Wangdiphodrang (17thc.) located at the top of a hill. Gangtey’s valley is known for its scenery and the rare black-necked herons that cross the Himalaya between India and Tibet. Gangtey village is dominated by its yellow roof monastery, the only existing one from the religious faction Nyingmapa of Buthan. Lodge.

D5: Gangtey-Jakar by bus (3h30). We continue along the Black Mountains with a view over Jomolhari (7314m) the highest mountain in Buthan. Pin-nic at the amazing dzong of Tongsa with its Ta Dzong (watch tower) just above the fortress and an astonishing panorama all around. Lodge at Jakar, in the historical Bhumtang valley.

D6 and D7: : We attend two religious festivals: Jambey and Prakkhar . The festival is dedicated to the Guru Rimpoche and includes religious songs and dances with masks. This is a very important social event that attracts people from all around the area. The atmosphere is very happy, lively and colorful.

D8: Jakar(2700m)-Nganglhakhang (2900m) (5h). We hike from Jakar’s dzong, along river Chamkhar Chhu, passing by Thangbi Lakhang (lakhang=temple) and Ta Lakhang, where we stop for a pic-nic. We continue across Goling and Kharsa villages surrounded by its tilled fields. The Bumthang valley is a sacred one with many sanctuaries and temples which we will see on our way to Nganglhaklang, the Temple of Swans. We camp on river Chamkhar Chhu’s bank a few minutes away from the village.

D9: Nganglhakhang-Ugyenchholing (2750m) (6h). Trek through the forest to Phebe La hill (3350m) and then down to Tang valley. Pic nic by Bizum bridge over river Tang. We pass by the sacred rock Tang Rimjang and Ta Rimochen monastery and camp at Misithang near the river.

D10: Ugyenchholing-Jakar (3h). We descend through the valley and visit Mebartsho gorges, the Incandescent Lake, one of Buthan’s most famous pilgrimage places.
In the afternoon we drive to Gangtey, 5h.

D11: Drive to Paro, 4h30.

D12: Hike through the pine woods to visit Taktsang Lhakhang (14th century), the Tiger’s Nest, one of Himalaya’s most sacred monasteries. In the afternoon, visit to the Paro fortress and its watch tower where the National Museum is installed.

D13: Transfer to airport and fly Paro-Kathmandu

Difficulty: Easy to moderate.

Price: Eur 2500. per person.

Single room supplement: Eur 408.

Dates: Apr 27-May 10, Oct 26-Nov 9; 2005: Apr 19-May 2.

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Booking Conditions -

Price - Valid in 2004.

Includes: Flights in economic class Kathmandu-Paro-Kathmandu, hotel in double room with breakfast in Kathmandu, Paro and Thimbu, lodges, tents during the trek, all meals while in Buthan, all domestic transport, guide, helpers, pack animals.

Does not include: visas (Nepal 2 x USD 15, Buthan USD 20.), airport taxes (Nepal USD 15, Buthan USD 12.), personal equipment, visits on free days in Kathmandu, lunch and diner in Kathmandu, tips, travel insurance, single supplement of USD 50. per person.

Guiding: Local guides speaking English in Buthan, assistance while in Kathmandu.

Group: min 4 persons, max 15.

Luggage: Transported by horses during the trek, max 15 kg per person.

Program: Depending on weather conditions, the groups’ condition or other justifiable, the guide may alter the program. The festival dates are established according to the stars position in the tibetan calendar and may be altered at the last minute. Lodging units between Thimbu and Jakar are small and simple, and may be replaced if not enough rooms are available.

Vaccines: None mandatory.

Equipment: Trekking boots, sleeping bag (3-4 seasons), waterproof gear, etc.

After your booking you will receive a Trip Information sheet which includes a detailed recommended equipment list.

Documentation: valid passport, visas are obtained in Kathmandu and Paro airports.

Notice: The Buthanese authorities have a policy of restricting tourism in the Country by means of the price. The number of travellers entering the country has been limited to about 3000 per year. Prices are dictated by the Government which do not correspond to the quality of services that you would expect in Europe. There are no phones (except in Paro and Thimbu) and electrical power failure is frequent. The spring trip last either 10 days or 11 days in Bhutan depending on the flight schedules.
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