Photo: Crane Wu Tour the Cloud Kingdom of with George Archibald, Co-Founder of the International Crane Foundation

November 5-20, 2016

The International Crane Foundation works worldwide to conserve cranes and the ecosystems, watersheds, and flyways on which they depend. Group Travel Directors Enriching Lives Through Travel Since 1982 DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY WED 09 NOV Punakha This morning drive to Tsekha village to seek out Dr. George Archibald SAT 05 NOV Arrive Bangkok the world’s rarest heron, the White-bellied Heron, is the Co-Founder and Arrive independently in Bangkok – most arrivals one of the world’s 50 rarest birds. George Archi- Senior Conservation- are around midnight or shortly thereafter. Your bald has been a key figure in helping with a proj- ist of the International hotel rooms will be available for check-in from ect to save this giant heron and its habitats, in per- Crane Foundation. He 3:00PM onward on Saturday, November 5. The haps the world’s only safe place for this rare bird. has devoted his life to hotel is located onsite at the airport. Novotel Su- If we are lucky, we may even see Pallas’s Fish Eagle protecting cranes around varnabhumi Airport Hotel (Please contact GTD along this river. On the return to Punakha walk the world and helping for additional nights if arriving earlier.) across Bhutan’s longest suspension footbridge to others understand the global context of bird the Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 and the place conservation. From Buddhist monks in Bhutan where all the Kings of Bhutan are crowned. Meri SUN 06 NOV Bangkok who see cranes as spiritual beings, to Chinese The primary order of business today is recovery Puensum Resort (B, L, D) officials balancing economic development from our long transpacific flights. The hotel pool is pleasant, and the concierge can arrange Bangkok THU 10 NOV Punakha/Phobjikha and land conservation, George is able to con- tours for the energetic. We will rendezvous around Today leave for the glacial valley of Phobjikha, nect through the magic of cranes and leverage cocktail time to discuss plans for our departure most commonly referred to as the “Crane Valley.” people’s interests into effective conservation and enjoy getting to know each other during din- Phobjikha is Bhutan’s largest wetland and a desig- actions. ner. Novotel Hotel (B, D) nated conservation area. Because of the presence of a large flock of Black-necked Cranes, which SAT 12 NOV Phobjikha/Chhume MON 07 NOV Bangkok/ come to Bhutan from Tibet in late October and Travel to Bumthang, the spiritual and cultural This morning fly via from Bangkok to leave in early spring, it is one of the most impor- heartland of Bhutan. Today’s destination is the Paro, Bhutan, where your local host is waiting tant wildlife preserves in the country. There will be quaint valley of Chhume where the Black-necked to greet you for the short trip to the capital city plenty of birding and photography stops during Cranes visit during the winter months. Drive of Thimphu. Today you have the opportunity to today’s drive. The Yellow-rumped Honey Guide, through misty forests of rhododendrons, silver acclimate to the high altitude with no strenu- which is classified as a globally threatened bird, firs, and bamboo and make several stops to enjoy ous sightseeing scheduled. Visit the Takin Zoo to can often be seen feeding on the honeycombs the breathtaking vistas of the rolling hills and take catch a glimpse of Bhutan’s national animal – the hanging from the cliffs. Driving time approxi- in the cool, fresh Himalayan air. Driving time ap- Takin, an oddly misshapen animal that resembles mately 3 hours plus stops. Dewachen Hotel and proximately 5 hours. Chhume Nature Resort (B, a strange cross between a shaggy buffalo and a farmhouses (B, L, D) L, D) goat. Continue up the hill for a panoramic view of the capital city and its adjoining areas. There is a FRI 11 NOV Phobjikha SUN 13 NOV Chhume/Yongkhola lovely hiking trail that cuts through a lush forest of After breakfast, drive to the courtyard of the 17th Today’s drive is hailed by many as one of the most pine trees. After 30-40 minutes of hiking, you will century Gangtey Monastery to attend the Annual spectacular in the world. Travel past pristine for- reach the quaint monastery of Wangditse. Keep Crane Festival. The International Crane Foundation ests, magnificent waterfalls and quaint villages an eye out for the Kalij Pheasants that are known and its travel partner in Bhutan were instrumental that have remained untouched from the forces of to frequent this area. Check in at the hotel for din- in sustaining this festival, which was mainly initi- modernization. Stop atop Shertang La from where ner and overnight. Hotel Pedling (B, L, D) ated to demonstrate the benefits of conservation (if the weather permits), there are fantastic views to the local community. There will be masked and of Gangkhar Puensum – the highest mountain in TUE 08 NOV Thimphu/Punakha folk dances as well as exhibition stalls at the festi- Bhutan and the highest unscaled mountain in the Start the day with a visit to the National Memorial val. Perhaps the most popular program of the fes- world. In the Ura Valley watch for the beautiful Stupa, built in 1974 in memory of the 3rd King – tival is the Black-necked Crane dance performed Rosefinch, White-browed Rosefinch, Red-billed His Majesty . Then visit the by the children of the community school. After Chough, Spotted Nutcracker, Russet Sparrow, National Institute of Zorig Chusum, a crafts school lunching at the festival site, George Archibald will Black-billed Magpie and Rufous-breasted Accen- that trains both boys and girls in the thirteen tra- lead us on a hike through the beautiful pine forest tor. While driving through lush forests of coni- ditional crafts of Bhutan. Next is the Textile Weav- bordering the wetlands. We will plan the walk to fers and rhododendrons you may spot coveys of ing Factory to see weavers creating elaborate arrive at particular point about 4 pm in order to Blood Pheasants scuttling across the roads. Climb traditional patterns and visit their show room. witness the cranes flying to their roost. It is always through a magical wonderland of moss-draped Depart for the subtropical valley of Punakha. Trav- a special thrill to experience the cranes spiraling trees to reach the high-elevation pass of Thrim- el over Dochu La Pass stopping to look for Fire- down the valley and doing their dances upon sung La, then descend towards the idyllic little tailed Myzornis and Spotted Laughingthrushes. landing at the roost. Dewachen Hotel and farm- village of Yongkhola. This stretch has long been At Dochu La Pass, there is a congregation of 108 houses (B, L, D) lauded as one of the best spots for birding in Asia Buddhist stupas built on a conch-shaped hillock with such species as the Black-throated Parrotbill, decorated by colorful prayer flags. Arrive in Pu- Goldcrest, Golden Bush Robin, Grey-sided Laugh- nakha later today. Driving time approximately 3 ingthrush, and the specialty of this region – the hours plus stops. Meri Puensum Resort (B, L, D) rare Satyr Tragopan. Driving time approximately 5-6 hours plus stops. Trogon Villa (B, L, D)

MON 14 NOV – TUE 15 NOV Yongkhola Spend the next two days birding in beautiful Yongkhola. The region’s pristine broadleaved for- ests make it a natural haven for several species of birds. Some of Bhutan’s rarest birds are found in this region such as the elusive Ward’s Trogon and the majestic Rufous-necked Hornbill. Other bird species found in this area are various types of Scimitar Babblers, Parrotbills, an assortment of Warblers, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Flycatchers, Laugh- ingthrushes, and a variety of Bulbuls. There will be an early start to both days. Much of the morn- ing and afternoon will be spent birding and hik- ing along the main road that traverses through the Yongkhola/Limithang region. With luck you might encounter the charismatic and photogenic Capped Langur. The evenings bring an altogether different experience when the forests come alive with the sounds and calls of a variety of nocturnal bird and animal species. Perhaps search out owl species such as the Collared Owlet and the Col- lared Scops Owl and catch a glimpse of a flying squirrel in flight. Trogon Villa (B, L, D) WED 16 NOV Yongkhola/Bumthang COST SUMMARY Start the journey westwards by backtracking a WHAT’S INCLUDED? ways - the drive will be just as fascinating as the 5 first time around because of the amazing scen- 5 AIRFARE: Economy class airfare and taxes for flights via Drukair. $ * ery. Upon reaching the Choekhor Valley, embark 55 ACCOMMODATION: Fifteen nights (three in $11,638 on a bit of cultural exploration with visits to two Bangkok, twelve in Bhutan) accommodation in *Costs per person based on double occupancy in USD important monasteries: Tamshing Lhakhang, built three to five-star hotels (where available), double Contribution of $3000 to ICF...... Included in 1501 by Bhutan’s greatest saint; and Kurjey occupancy, with private facilities. Hotels as listed Tour Gratuities...... Included Lhakhang, one of the country’s most sacred or similar. Note that hotels in Bhutan can be chilly Bhutan Entry Visa ($40)...... Included sites. The latter commemorates the great Guru and rustic. Fuel Tax/Surcharge Fund ($150)...... Included Rinpoche and his curing a local king of a spirit- 55 MEALS: Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily in Bhutan induced ailment in the 8th century, an event that as outlined in the itinerary plus breakfasts and a Single Room Rate...... $12,288 resulted in the king, and finally the whole country, welcome dinner at the Novotel Bangkok Airport. embracing Buddhism. Driving time approximate- All beverages are included with limited alcoholic Costs: The tour cost is per person based on current airfares, ly 5-6 hours plus stops. Hotel TBA (B, L, D) beverages. double or single occupancy, tariffs and currency valuations as 55 GROUND TRANSPORT: Transfers and transporta- of February 2016, a minimum of 8 full-paying travelers, and tion by 20-seater Toyota Coaster bus in Bhutan. subject to confirmation. While we will do everything possible THU 17 NOV Bumthang/Paro to maintain the listed price and/or itinerary, they are subject Fly from Paro to Bumthang; although the flight 55 SIGHTSEEING: Extensive sightseeing throughout; entrance fees included. to change due to circumstances beyond our control. Single takes only 25 minutes, it is an absolutely delight- rooms may have limited availability and are on a request basis ful visual treat. Enjoy fantastic views of the Bhuta- 55 PORTERAGE: Luggage handling of one piece per only. Not all bookings have been made and all space/rates are nese Himalayas; the melting glaciers also provide person. subject to availability at time of booking. an insight on the impact of climate change. Upon 55 EXPERT GUIDE: Mr. Hishey Tshering serving as tour arrival in Paro, tour the Paro National Museum. guide from arrival in Bhutan through departure Items Not Included from Bhutan; in addition, ICF staff will be assisting The museum houses the largest and most com- •• Transpacific airfare and taxes. the group throughout. •• Any meal or sightseeing item not listed in the itinerary. prehensive collection of Bhutanese artifacts. Then 55 GRATUITIES: Gratuities to driver and guide pre- •• Items of a personal nature. take a short hike down to the magnificent Paro paid on your behalf. •• Passport fees. A passport valid six months beyond date Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most impressive and well- 55 BHUTAN ENTRY VISA: An entry visa is required for of reentry to the U.S. is required. known dzongs, and perhaps the finest example of Bhutan (total fees currently $40 per person); GTD •• TRAVEL INSURANCE: Insurance for health, baggage, trip Bhutanese architecture you’ll see. This afternoon will assist with processing. cancellation/interruption and emergency evacuation take a drive to catch a view of Bhutan’s cultural 55 FUEL SURCHARGE/TAX INCREASE PROTECTION: is not included. The ICF requires that all participants icon – the Tigers’ Nest. After a quick glimpse of GTD has included a fund of $150 per person as have emergency evacuation/repatriation coverage and the monastery, continue to the ruins of Drukgyal protection against unexpected increases in fuel or proof of coverage will be required at the time of final Dzong. The Dzong, built in the 1600’s, was lost to taxes. If all or part of this fund is unused, a refund payment. GTD offers coverage as an option with your will be provided. reservation - please refer to the Travel Insurance section a fire in 1949 and is currently being reconstructed. for more information or request a detailed Description of 55 ALL THE INFO YOU NEED: Comprehensive docu- Janka Resort (B, L, D) Coverage from GTD. mentation including travel accessory, bag tags, name tags, flight and land itineraries, destination literature, customs information, travel tips and Itinerary continues on the back page more. 55 ICF CONTRIBUTION: A tax-deductible contribution of $3000 is included in your tour price.

RESERVATION APPLICATION • APPLY ONLINE AT: WWW.GTD.ORG G#161104 • OR CLIP AND MAIL ICF: Bhutan • November 5 – November 20, 2016 • (G#161104) • Group Travel Directors • 2000 W 98th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55431 (Name as it appears on passport)

1. ______Male Female Date of Birth ______First Name MIddle Name Last Name Month/Day/Year

2. ______Male Female Date of Birth______First Name MIddle Name Last Name Month/Day/Year

Address (no P.O. boxes) ______Tel. (Day) ______(Eve.)______City______State______Zip Code______Email______Roommate______I will pay the supplement for a single room. Advise if we can assign you a roommate or single supplement. GTD can assist in finding roommates; however, this cannot be guaranteed and the supplement may apply.

DEPOSIT/TRAVEL INSURANCE (please check one) Physical Conditions Form of Payment This rigorous tour will include hiking Check Please reserve______space(s) for me/us; we choose the in altitudes over 11,000 feet. Please following deposit option: consult your physician to confirm your Charge my deposit(s) to $______$1924 per person inclusive of travel fitness for this challenging adventure. Credit Card #______insurance ($1955 in single). ______$______$1500 per person without travel insurance. Flight Arrangements I/We decline now, but understand it can be purchased later. Exp ______without the pre- existing waiver. If you would like assistance with your flight arrange- ments, please contact Valerie Bartl at [email protected]. Security Code______Name as it appears on credit card: Please make checks payable to Group Travel Directors G#161104 ______I/We have read and understand the conditions of this brochure. Parent or guardian signature is required for travelers under age 18.

______161104/JT/CJ/50 Signature______Date______

Signature______Date______FRI 18 NOV Paro GTD TRAVEL INSURANCE Conditions and Responsibility Start early for a 90 minute trip to the Cheli La Pass. With the early start you might spot a Grey Nightjar Travel insurance is included as an option with the Group Travel Directors (GTD) provides customized travel planning throughout the world for group travelers who or even a Leopard Cat, a small cat that is noctur- initial tour deposit and is highly recommended. have a variety of reasons and goals for travel. The goals nal and frequently sighted before dawn on this GTD offers a competitive policy from an inde- and/or opinions of these groups do not reflect or imply road. Wind upward through the blue pine, which pendent company. By purchasing insurance at the position of GTD in any matter. Brochure contents may slowly changes to higher elevation conifers, such the time the tour deposit is made, you can be not be duplicated without permission from GTD. In offer- as spruce, hemlock, fir, and juniper. At the summit covered for events that may cause you to cancel ing these travel arrangements, Group Travel Directors, Inc. the vegetation is mainly dwarf rhododendrons or interrupt your trip, i.e., pre-existing medical (GTD) acts solely as an agent for the sale of air transporta- and open alpine meadows. This pass is the high- tion and other travel related services. GTD maintains no conditions (certain restrictions apply). If you de- control over the personnel, equipment or operations of est road in Bhutan. If skies are clear, you will have cline travel insurance at the time of reservation, any entity furnishing services, products or accommoda- a fantastic view of the sacred Mt. Jumo Lhari and you may purchase it within 14 days with the pre- tions. GTD assumes no responsibility or liability for, and the adjacent Mt. Jichu Drake, both over 23,000 existing conditions waiver or you may purchase it shall not be expected, asked or required to pay for any in- feet high. This pass offers a breathtaking view of later without the pre-existing conditions waiver. jury, damage, expense, personal injury, property damage, the Haa and Paro valleys. Return to Paro for a fare- You may contact Travel Insured International for inconvenience or any other loss experienced by reason of: well dinner and overnight. Janka Resort (B, L, D) further information before making your decision: (1) lack of liability insurance coverage for any supplier, its agents or employees, (2) any intentional, wrongful, negli- 800-243-3174. gent or unauthorized act or omission on the part of any SAT 19 NOV Paro/Bangkok supplier, its agents or employees; (3) any defect, break- Transfer to the Paro airport for the Druk Air flight ____GTD TRAVEL INSURANCE INCLUSIONS down or other failure of any vehicle, equipment, service, to Bangkok and overnight at the same Bangkok Trip Cancellation...... up to Tour Cost* product or other instrumentality which is owned, oper- ated or otherwise used by a supplier; (3) any intentional, airport hotel. Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Ho- Trip Interruption...... up to 150% of Tour Cost** tel (B) wrongful, negligent, or unauthorized act or omission on Travel Delay...... $750 the part of any other party not under the direct control Missed Connection...... $300 of GTD; (5) financial problems causing nonperformance SUN 20 NOV Bangkok/Departure by any supplier; or (6) any other cause, condition or event After breakfast, depart individually for home. (B) Baggage...... $1,000 whatsoever beyond the direct control of GTD. GTD can- Baggage Delay...... $200 not guarantee any rates, bookings or reservations of any Code: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Medical Expense...... $50,000 supplier. Your retention of tickets, reservations or book- Itinerary subject to change. ings after issuance shall constitute a consent to the fore- Evacuation/Repatriation...... $500,000 going provisions. All prices quoted are subject to change TOUR CONDITIONS Accidental Death...... $10,000 if airlines or ground operators increase their prices, the U.S. Political Emergency Evacuation...... $100,000 dollar is devalued significantly against foreign currencies, the group falls below minimum numbers, or a fuel sur- PAYMENT SCHEDULE: Your reservation and de- ID Theft Resolution Services...... included charge, government tax or user’s fee is imposed. Baggage posit of $1500 per person are requested immedi- Assistance Service...... included and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the own- ately to fulfill the group deadline requirements. * a maximum of $9000 per person ers at all times. GTD reserves the right to withdraw from Note that space is limited and reservations are ** a maximum of $13,500 per person any tour any tour member whose conduct is incompat- ible with the interests of the group as a whole. The above taken on a first come, first served basis. A second Conditions and Responsibility also includes The Interna- payment of $1500 is due July 1, 2016. Final pay- Cost of this optional GTD Travel Insurance is $424 tional Crane Foundation and its representatives. ment to Group Travel Directors (GTD) is due Sep- per person ($455 in single occupancy. Additional tember 1, 2016. For credit card payment GTD ac- coverage provided as needed; the full cost of your NOTE TO OUR TRAVELERS: cepts Visa, MasterCard, or Discover. tour must be covered with the exception of the donation to ICF, which is uncoverable as a travel Be assured that GTD continually monitors industry REFUND POLICY: If you should need to cancel expense. NOTE: Residents of Georgia, Kansas, Loui- events, such as airline strikes and bankruptcies, etc. If your reservations, we ask that you provide this in siana, Minnesota, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, any such events affect your tour, you will be notified. writing to assure proper documentation. Unfor- Utah and Washington will receive a state-specific At the time this tour was developed there was not a tunately we are unable to refund fees for partial Description of Coverage, which can also be request- U.S. State Department Travel Warning in effect for this or unused land arrangements. Note: Airline tick- ed by calling 866-684-0218. destination; please refer to the following website for ets will be issued well in advance of departure This insurance may be purchased without the current information or call GTD. http://travel.state. and may be nonrefundable. To this end, we will trip cancellation feature and used for emergency gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html be unable to refund the entirely of your deposit, evacuation/repatriation. The fee is $97. with specific breakdowns as follows: Up to June For more information on 30, 2016 - $100 per person administrative fee plus this global adventure with the any unrecoverable deposits; July 1 – October 21, International Crane Foundation contact: 2016– Deposit plus any unrecoverable payments to hotels, tour operators or airlines; October 22, Kari Stauffer 2016 or after – We are unable to provide a refund. International Crane Foundation E11376 Shady Lane Road LATE BOOKINGS: Passengers registering within Baraboo, WI 53913 thirty days of tour departure will incur a $50 per tel: 608-356-9462, ext. 115 person administrative fee, and possible airline email: [email protected] and/or ground service charges. We ask for tour payment in full at the time we request space on or your behalf. Group Travel Directors 2000 West 98th Street Minneapolis, MN 55431-2593 tel: 952-881-7811 or 800-747-2255 ext. 120 fax: 952-881-6276 email: [email protected] www.gtd.org