BHUTAN: LAND OF THE THUNDER DRAGON
14 NIGHT JOURNEY

Sept. 10-24, 2010

Bhutan is the last Himalayan Buddhist Kingdom. This formerly little known Hermit Kingdom is changing rapidly. While you don’t have to get there before MacDonald’s (little chance of this), it does make for a unique destination in terms of what you can see and experience. Isolated from the world until 1960, with no roads, electricity, schools, hospitals, postal service or currency, Bhutan has leapt from the Middle Ages to the 21st century in a matter of 40 years. A visit there has the feel of a trip back in time, yet with every bit of comfort that one might desire today. I have traveled to over 80 countries, and without hesitation I can say that Bhutan is the most remarkable place I have ever seen.

On this cultural tour we’ll visit the enormous Dzongs (fortresses and monasteries), the most iconic buildings in Bhutan. These massive structures with their inward sloping walls stand guard over most Bhutanese towns, built for protection against marauding Tibetans.

Constructed 400 years ago, and still in use today, the only significant change being the addition of electricity, and the elimination of the army (no threat of invading Tibetans now). Our guide will have all the necessary permits to visit the inner most sections within the Dzongs, generally off limits to foreigners. We will also visit schools and clinics, museums, artist studios and will be invited into the homes of Bhutanese for meals.

Our travels will take us from the high altitudes of Thimpu and Paro, to the lower semi- tropical elevations of Punakha and Trongsa. Along the way we’ll pass through forest of pine and cedar, rhododendron and dogwood, and bamboo and daphne. We’ll pass hamlets, small towns, and isolated homes perched on mountainsides, and terraced fields of rice, wheat, and potatoes.

Our journey will be by private minivan, with the government required local driver and guide. Our lodging will be in comfortable hotels, some old converted homes of affluent Bhutanese, others in comfortable new buildings. Meals will consist of hearty amounts of Bhutanese food, plus an assortment of Indian and Chinese specialties. Almost all meals will be buffet style, this seems to be the way foreigners are fed in Bhutan; give them an abundance of choices and let them pick what they prefer. If you have eaten in a Tibetan restaurant, the food will be familiar. Vegetarian options are numerous.

Tourism is new to Bhutan, so you will find only a handful of other visitors (tourist numbers are restricted by permitting only 2 flights per day to Bhutan). The people are genuine and friendly and all speak English, the language of education since 1960.

This trip will include the 3 day and 2 night Gantey trek, considered both easy and beautiful, especially at this time of year. It will provide you with a close up view of rural Bhutan. Pack animals will carry food and luggage and at night tents will be set up for sleeping.

DAY 1
Arrive Paro and check into Gantey Palace Hotel. Enjoy your first Bhutanese meal in restaurant in downtown Paro, followed by exploration of Paro and a visit the Paro dzong.

DAY 2
A two hour drive brings us to Thimpu, one of the world’s smallest capitals. There is much to see, the 400 year old art school, museums, school of traditional medicine, and national memorial chorten. This day will provide a glimpse into Bhutanese life, both old and new. Our centrally located hotel is close to restaurants and night life in Bhutan’s only urban area. Overnight at Phuntsho Pelri Hotel.

DAY 3
Another full day in Thimpu, starting with a 2-hour hike to Wangdi-tshe monastery.Built in 1750, and impressively perched above the Thimpu valley, it is surrounded by pine and rhododendron forest. Still in use today, the monastery houses monks who permit us to view the altar room, withenormous gold covered sculptures of Buddha. Overnight at Phuntsho Pelri Hotel.

DAY 4
Depart Thimpu to drive east, over Dochu La Pass, at 10,130 feet. The high pass is considered sacred, so is festooned with thousands of prayer flags. The views are impressive, with mountains in the distance, and forest of magnolias and rhododendron in the foreground. From here we descend into semi tropical lowland, and arrive just outside of Punakha town, where we overnight at the Zango Pelri Hotel.

DAY 5
We spend the morning exploring the Punakha Dzong, considered to be the most beautiful of all Bhutan’s dzongs. Afternoon hike to Chimi Lhakhang monastery, built in 1499 to commemorate Lama Drukpa Kinley’s subjugation of the demoness. It is also revered as a temple of fertility and a blessing ceremony with a giant phallus is performed for those who request this. Overnight at Zangto Pelri Hotel.

DAY 6
Morning visit to Punakha market. Local produce and goods are for sale, and the crowd is a mix of Bhutanese, farmers, government officials, monks, housewives, school children, hip young kids come to hang out (their mall), and of course us, likely the only foreigners. Then we drive east, through the densely forested and mostly uninhabited Black Mountains. We cross Pele La Pass, at 10,830 feet, considered the traditional boundary between eastern and western Bhutan. At this altitude the scenery is dwarf bamboo, herds of yak, and snow covered peaks. We continue to Trongsa, where we spend the night at the Yangkhil Resort, just outside town and facing the Trongsa Dzong.

DAY 7
Following breakfast we drive an hour past waterfalls and terraced rice fields to Kuenga Rabten, the winter palace of the second king of Bhutan, Jigme Wangchuk. Next we visit the Trongsa Dzong, strategically and spectacularly sited above the river. Due to its enormous size, it is considered the most impressive of all Bhutan’s Dzongs. Afternoon to explore Trongsa town, small yet interesting and very friendly. Overnight at Yangkhil Resort.

DAY 8
Drive west, to the Phobjikha Valley. This valley is one of the only wintering grounds of the rare black-necked crane. Not wanting to disturb the cranes the government has decided not to provide electricity to the valley, but instead has installed solar panels on the roofs of all houses. While the valley is highly agricultural, with potatoes and wheat under cultivation, it is adjacent to Jigme Singye Wangcuck National Park, home to bears, leopard, tigers, Himalayan boars and red foxes. Enjoy excellent views of the valley while staying at the Dewachen Lodge with its floor to ceiling windows in each room.

DAY 9
Begin 3 day Gantey trek, 5-6 hurs walk per day through blooming rhododendron and conifer forest, isolated villages, and spectacular mountain scenery. Overnight in tents.

DAY 10
Another full day of trekking through more mountain scenery. Overnight in tents.

DAY 11
Arrive early afternoon at Kichu River Resort, where comfortable beds await.

DAY 12
Depart for Thimpu after breakfast. Scenic drive to the end of valley to Dodena, then onward to Phuntsho Pelri Hotel. Afternoon free in Thimpu.

DAY 13
Drive to Paro, the second largest town in Bhutan. Visit market, watch Bhutanese archers demonstrating their amazing skill with the national sport. Overnight at Gantey Palace Hotel.

DAY 14
After hearty breakfast we drive to base of mountain where Taktsang Monastery is located. Also known as Tiger’s Nest, probably the most iconic building in Bhutan, perched on a cliff 2700 feet above the valley floor. It appears to be glued into a concavity on the bare rock. It is said that the Guru Rimpoche arrived here by flying tiger in 746, and meditated in a cave for 3 months. The monastery was built to commemorate his visit. The site has long been recognized as holy in Bhutan. Whether your western mind can wrap itself around this story or not, you cannot fail to find the site majestic, and the 3-hour ascent both arduous and spectacular. (Burros are available to carry you halfway to Tiger’s Nest). Return to Gantey Palace Hotel for traditional hot stone bath and farewell dinner.

DAY 15
Breakfast at hotel, then transfer to airport for flight home.

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TOTAL COST PER PERSON FOR FOURTEEN (14)
NIGHT BHUTAN TRIP
(Includes food, accommodations, ground transportation, entrance fees, services of licensed Bhutanese guide and driver, services of U.S. tour leader, Bhutanese visa and airport taxes.)

$4900. (Based on double occupancy)
Single supplement, $5460.

Note: gratuities, alcoholic beverages, laundry, souvenirs, travel insurance, and international airfare not included.

INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE:
There are 2 gateways to Bhutan: either through Bangkok, Thailand or Delhi, India. From the East Coast it is generally less expensive to fly to Delhi, India, (Delhi flight stops in Kathmandu, where it is possible to join flight) and then to Bhutan. From the West Coast, a flight to Bangkok and then to Bhutan generally works out to be more economical.

Bangkok-Paro, Bhutan, $836. Round trip
Delhi-Paro, Bhutan, $732. Round trip
Kathmandu-Paro, Bhutan, $460. Round trip

Please contact me at:
john@champacajourneys.com with any questions!