Visit Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon
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VISIT BHUTAN: LAND OF THE THUNDER DRAGON October 1 – 12, 2017 This trip is a benefit for: with Larry Robinson Board Member, Center for Climate Protection This very special tour of Bhutan, the last Buddhist kingdom in the Himalayas and the world’s only carbon negative country and, will provide insight into: » The people and their livelihoods— some lodged in the 16th century and some as current as today » Geography— from the temperate midlands into the foothills of the Himalayas, across rivers and through forests Itinerary: » An amazing culture— the unique aspects of Tibetan Buddhism and its manifestations in all Bhutanese life Day 1: OCT 1 Bangkok - Paro - » Stunning arts and architecture— from exquisite mandalas on walls and thankas to the arrangement of Thimphu buildings in an ancient monastery, the beauty of Bhutan will astound you Flight to Paro over the Himalayas. Meet our » The emerging government— how does this small constitutional monarchy focus on Gross Domestic guide and drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhu- Happiness, balancing the needs for modernization and economic growth with the urgency of tan. Overnight in Thimphu. environmental protection, while hovering between political and economic giants China on the north and India to the south? Day 2: OCT 2 Thimphu We will join the celebrations at the third and Join us to learn the answers first hand. last day of Thimphu Tsechu, the main religious “This trip to Bhutan was pure delight! Our festival of the year. Enjoy a picnic lunch; spend knowledgeable guides covered the cultural, the whole day at the festival grounds. Back at our leaders and speak with everyday Bhutanese people. hotel, we will meet with one of Bhutan’s leading historical and religious aspects and Larry TravelersMeet with will government walk to villages, officials hike and throughreligious rice lamas for a discussion of Tibetan Buddhism and gave us spirituality, poetry, and group spirit, paddies and native vegetation, climb hillsides to visit Gross National Happiness. Overnight in Thim- deepening and anchoring the experience in our ancient fortress/monasteries and be immersed in a phu. life: priceless.” land both foreign and welcoming. — Cristiane St. Jean, Montreal, Quebec Day 3: OCT 3 Thimphu We will visit the Memorial Chorten, where peo- ple gather to pray and pay homage. Then we will hike to Tango Monastery and have an introduc- we will meet representatives of Bhutan’s Depart- menttion to of Bhutan’s Gross National native floraHappiness and fauna. during At dinnerdinner, to discuss this groundbreaking policy initiative. Overnight in Thimphu. Contact Larry Robinson for more information: [email protected] | 707.823.1708 Day 4: OCT 4 Thimphu - Punakha Day 9: OCT 9 Tang Valley Excursion We begin a scenic drive to Punakha, stopping at Tang is one of the four valleys of Bumthang and home to numerous holy sites. We will visit the views of the eastern Himalayas. We will visit the Ugyencholing Palace which has been converted to LemperiDhochu La Botanical Pass (3,048m) Garden, to then enjoy stay the at fabulous Punakha. a museum that exhibits the lifestyle and art works of a Bhutanese noble family. Night in Bumthang. Day 5: OCT 5 Punakha This morning we will hike through a village and Day 10: OCT 10 Bumthang – Paro known as the ‘temple of fertility.’ In the afternoon we will visit the national museum and the lively werice will fields drive to the to the legendary ancient Chimicapital Lakhang, of Bhutan, also the townWe will of takeParo. a Night domestic in Paro. flight back to Paro where Dzong of Punakha. Overnight stay in Punakha. Day 11: OCT 11 Paro Day 6: OCT 6 Punakha - Trongsa Today we will hike to the most famous pilgrimage Today’s drive to Trongsa will bring us through site in Bhutan: Taktsang Lhakhang, or the Tiger’s towns and villages of the Wangdue district. We Nest Temple (2835m). Visible from across the will drive up the Black Mountains at the western valley, this stunning monastery clings to a vertical boundary of central Bhutan. On a clear day, views of the valleys and mountains, including Mt. Cho- in the valley we will explore Paro town. Night in Paro.granite cliff above the valley floor (610m). Back on the way for pictures, we arrive in Trongsa to staymolhari, the night. can be seen. After making several stops Day 12: OCT 12 Paro - Bangkok Day 7: OCT 7 Trongsa - Bumthang weather is clear we will have a spectacular view of We will visit the Trongsa Dzong and admire Mt.Early Everest departure and thefor ourhigh flight peaks back of the to Himalayas.Bangkok. If the this testament to Bhutanese architecture built Trongsa Dzong, we drive across the Yotong La Passto defend and descend the surrounding into the valleyregion. of After Chumey, visiting the of buckwheat, a staple in the region’s diet. Night infirst Bumthang. of four Bumthang valleys. We will see fields Day 8: OCT 8 Bumthang In Chokhor valley we will visit Jambay Lhakang will cross the suspension bridge over to Tamsh- ingand Leaking continue and to Kurjeycontinue Lhakang. walking After to the Kurjey, Swiss we farm and then on to the main town area. Night in Bumthang. Additional Trip Option: Day 4: OCT 16 Jangothang to Soi Yaktsa Details The Jomolhari Loop Bhutan Tour with Thimphu Tshechu toDistance a last settlement 16km, six toin seventhe valley hours, and 810m drops ascent, to the Paro Oct 13 – 20, 2017 1,090m descent, camp altitude 3,800m. The trail leads additional Jomolhari Loop, cost is Jomolhari Loop is the shortest of the Jomolhari trek- cost is $4,995 per person. With king routes, which are the most popular treks in Bhu- highestChhu. Passing point of the this lake trek of route.Tshophu (4,380m) you will climb up steeply to Bhonte La pass at 4,890 m, the $6,995 per person Single travelers pay Day 5: OCT 17 Soi Yaktsa to Thombu an additional charge of $500.00. tan. With altitude differences of 2,500m and nearly Included in our cost: Shong view5,000m, of Mount it offers Jomolhari a wide range from ofJomolhari landscapes, Basecamp fauna, » (Jangothang).and flora. The Trekkershighlight whoof this want trek to is avoid the spectacular high passes » RoundAll meals trip and air lodging transportation in Bhutan and high altitude can chose an easier version of the Distance 11km, four to five hours, 720m ascent, 340m » All transportation in Bhutan Jomolhari Loop by retracing their steps from Jango- descent, camp altitude 4,180m. The trail climbs 100m between Bangkok and Paro, Bhutan thang (see days 1-2), while still having the majestic toover Thombu a ridge Shong, to drop where to another your campsitestream then. sits nextAfter to » impressions of Mount Jomolhari. threecrossing yak the herder Takhung huts. La pass (4,520m), you descend made to the Center for Climate A $1,500 tax-deductible contribution Itinerary: Day 6: OCT 18 Thombu Shong to organization, to offset your carbon Gunitsawa Village footprintProtection, from the airtrip’s travel beneficiary Day 1: OCT 13 Sharna Zampa - Not included in the price of the tour: » International air fares between your Thangthangkha Distance 13km, four to five hours, 200m ascent, home and Bangkok 1,650m descent, camp altitude 2,850m. Crossing Gunitsawa where you can be collected to drive to » First night’s stay at Bangkok hotel Paro,Thombu or you La pass may (4,380m),choose to youstay willat the finally campsite, reach Distance 22 km, 7-8 hours, 770 m ascent, 10 m the trail continues with lots of small ups and downs. Sharna Zampa. » Tips, souvenirs, laundry, and descent, camp altitude 3,610 m. On this long day, alcoholic beverages narrows gradually to a mere path which descends to a After going uphill through the river valley, the valley Day 7: OCT 19 Paro - Bangkok meadow where we will camp. RESERVATIONS Day 2: OCT 14 Thangthangkha – Depart to the Paro International Airport for your Jangothang flight to Bangkok. End of Bhutan Tour. A deposit of $500.00, made by October accepted31, 2016, asreserves tour participants your place andon the tour. The first 15 individuals will be previousDistance 19evening, km, 5-6 you hours, will still 480 have m ascent, a chance camp to get subsequent registrants will be placed aaltitude great view 4,080 early m. If this you morning. did not see This Mt. trek Jomolhari continues the on the waiting list. Your deposit enables up the Paro Chhu valley which widens into patches of us to guarantee tour arrangements. alpine meadow. Final payment of the balance on the tour cost is due no later than December Day 3: OCT 15 Jangothang Halt The rest day in Jangothang provides plenty of pos- sibilities for day hikes with great views of lakes and 31, 2016. snow capped mountains such as Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. There are good chances to spot some blue sheep on the upper slopes of the valley. Jangothang is a perfect environment for your acclimatization. .