australian museum members mystical bhutan

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1 Himalaya australian museum trip highligh ts Experiencing the colourful Paro Tsechu Festival Visit the famous Tiger s Nest (Taktshang) monastery, near Paro. Immersion in Bhutanese culture at Paro s National Museum Visit the capital of Bhutan, Thimphu. Ancient dzongs (fort-monasteries) and monasteries in Thimphu Views of Chomolhari (7314m), Bhutan s most sacred mountain, and the Bhutanese Himalayas A day in Bumthang in Central Bhutan the cultural heart of Bhutan and home to some of the country s most significant Buddhist sites Staying in Trongsa and visiting the famous Trongsa Dzong welcome to World Expeditions Thank you for your interest in the Australian Museum Members Mystical Bhutan trip. At World Expeditions we are passionate about off the beaten track experiences as it provides our travellers with the thrill of coming face to face with untouched cultures as well as wilderness regions of great natural beauty. We are also committed to making sure that our range of unique itineraries are well researched, affordable and tailored for the enjoyment of our small groups or individuals - philosophies that have been at our core since 1975 when we began operating adventure holidays. The 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. We hope you will join us for a life changing experience! Trip Duration 16 days Grade Adventure touring level Activities Adventure Touring Accommodation 16 day trip, 13 nights hotel 1 night airport hotel, Bangkok why travel with World Expeditions? When planning travel to a remote and challenging destination, many factors need to be considered. World Expeditions has been pioneering trips to the Himalaya since Our extra attention to detail and seamless operations on the ground ensure that you will have a memorable experience in the Indian Sub-continent. Every trip is accompanied by an experienced local leader, as well as support staff that share a passion for the region, and a desire to share it with you. We take every precaution to ensure smooth logistics, with private vehicles throughout your trip. We use comfortable 3 to 4 star accommodation in hotels hand-picked for their local character and charm. In Bhutan, all internal transport, entrance fees, national park fees and transfers are included in the cost of your trip Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 25 May :57:18

2 Mar - 07 Apr trip dates trip cost Joining Sydney based on a minimum of 10 people travelling in twin share: $7490 options & supplements Single Supplement: $755 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. IMPORTANT NOTE Flights with DRUK AIR from Bangkok to Paro (return) are booked by our operator in Bhutan. These flights, once booked, must be ticketed and paid for immediately. We cannot hold seats indefinitely. Therefore, once the group reaches minimum numbers, these flights will be booked and 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 special tour, please do not waste any time in booking. This way, we can confirm our group early and secure flights as needed. With thanks! the trip The remote Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan is well known for it s untouched wilderness, rich Buddhist culture and a history steeped in mystique and legend. On this exclusive journey, you will experience the mystical and pristine kingdom of Bhutan during Festival time and take in all that Bhutan has to offer, while enjoying the must see highlights of both western and central Bhutan. We commence our tour in Paro in the picturesque Paro Valley before driving across the dramatic Dochu La into central Bhutan and Bumthang. It is widely regarded that Bhutanese Buddhism first took hold here and the legacies are the many ancient and magnificent monasteries which we will explore. On our return to Paro, our trip culminates in witnessing the full colour and spectacle of the Paro Tsechu Festival. We have a full day to enjoy the festivities where we will also wake before dawn to witness the unfurling of the giant Thangka (a holy scroll), an event only a few westerners have had the privilege to witness! We hope you can join the Australian Museum Members on this exceptional journey. at a glance Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Day 10 Day 11 Day 12 Day 13 Day 14 Day 15 Day 16 Depart Sydney Fly Bangkok to Paro Sightseeing Paro Valley Drive to Thimphu via the Haa Valley Sightseeing Thimphu Cross Dochu La, Punakha Dzong (drive approx. 3/4hrs) Wangduephodrang to Gangtey Gompa(2 hours) and to Trongsa (approx. 3hours) Trongsa to Bumthang In Bumthang ura Village and Mebartso Bumthang to Wangduephodrang (drive approx. 6/7hrs) Drive to Paro via Lobesa (drive approx. 3/4hrs) Trek to Takstang Monastery Full Day Paro Tshechu Festival Trip concludes in Paro Arrive Sydney what s included Return economy flights from Sydney to Bangkok with Thai International Airways, including taxes Return economy flights from Bangkok to Paro with Druk Air 13 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 12 dinners English-speaking local guide Quality accommodation on a twin share basis Sightseeing and entry fees as listed Private internal transport All airport transfers Pre-departure Information Guide Trip accompanied by Australian Museum Members Escort Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 25 May :57:18

3 Local cash payments are becoming increasingly popular with many operators in the adventure travel industry. 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 we have chosen a policy not to ask for such payments. detailed itinerary Day 1 Depart Sydney Today you will depart Sydney on Thai Airways TG476 at around 1000am and arrive into Bangkok at You will clear customs and transfer to the Novotel Airport Hotel for the evening (room only). meals: nil Day 2 Fly Bangkok to 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. There will be a pre-trip briefing on arrival at the hotel, followed by an afternoon/evening at leisure in Paro, to allow some acclimatisation; Paro is 2280m above sea level. Overnight at Kyichu Resort on the banks of the Paro Chhu (Paro River). meals: l,d Day 3 Sightseeing Paro Valley We spend the day sightseeing in and around Paro. We visit the ruined fortress of Drukyel Dzong ( dzong means fortress-monastery), which still attracts visitors due to its imposing location. The fort defended the Paro Valley from invasion by Tibet in the early 17th century. On a clear day, Mt Chomolhari (7320m) can be seen towering over the dzong. Further along the beautiful Paro Valley we come to the watch tower known locally as Ta-Dzong, which now houses the National Museum of Bhutan. The seven-storey museum highlights various aspects of Bhutanese culture and history dating back to the 7th century; there are excellent displays of all facets of the country s rich cultural history including traditional costumes and battle dress, priceless jewellery and specimens of the kingdom s unique flora and fauna. We take a short walk downhill to the Rinpung Dzong which serves as the administrative centre and school for monks, before walking a little further and crossing the traditional bridge into Paro Town. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Overnight Paro. Day 4 Drive to Thimphu via the Haa Valley This morning we will drive 3 hours to the Haa Valley crossing over Chilela Pass(3900m), one of the highest passes in Bhutan that can be crossed by vehicle. During your crossing (and on a clear day!) you will gain spectacular views of Mt. Jomolhari, Jichu Drakethe and adjoining peaks to the North West and as well as Paro and Haa Valley.On arrival into the Haa Valley you will visit Chhundu Lhakhang and Lhakhang Karpo which provide an insight into the history of the valley. Following lunch in the Haa Valley, we will drive on to Thimpu enjoying the surrounding landscapes of deep valleys, river gorges and surrounding mountains.(approximately 3 hour drive). Overnight River View Hotel (or similar). Day 5 Sightseeing Thimphu Today is spent sightseeing in and around Thimphu. Bhutan s compact capital (population about 50,000 Bhutan had its very first census in May 2005) is easily explored on foot. We visit the Indigenous hospital, where traditional healing arts are still practiced, the Art & Craft school, the National Library, the Royal goldsmith workshop and the Handicraft Emporium with its famous weaving, woodcarvings and paintings. In the afternoon we visit the memorial chorten (a chorten Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 25 May :57:18

4 fast facts Visas: Yes* Vaccinations: Please consult a travel vaccination specialist for up to date information Singles: Single travellers who are unable to be matched with another single traveller of the same gender, must pay a single supplement on this trip. Leader: Expert local leader Brochure Reference: Journeys of Discovery 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 and 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 trip grading Although there is no commitment to extended walking on this journey we nonetheless want to keep the accent on the active. We therefore advise some physical training before undertaking the trip to enable you to participate in optional activities. As for any trip, the fitter you are the more you will enjoy your experience. is a stone Buddhist monument, often containing relics) dedicated to the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the founder of modern-day Bhutan. We ll also visit the 15th century Changangkha monastery and Motithang mini zoo, where we ll see the rare takin (the national animal of Bhutan), before driving out of town for a view of the Thimphu Valley. We also visit the new Drupthob nunnery temple and browse the local market. Overnight Thimphu. Day 6 Cross Dochu La, Punakha Dzong (drive approx. 3/4hrs) From Thimphu, we drive for about three hours to Wangduephodrang (locally known as Wangdi ) via Punakha, changing climatic zones from mountainous to tropical. On the way, we cross over Dochu La, a 3150-metre-high pass marked by prayer flags and a chorten and, if the weather is fine, a view of the eastern Himalaya including the highest mountain in Bhutan, Mt Gangar Punsum (7520m). We drive through forests of rhododrendron and magnolia, before the road descends into the warmer lowlands around Punakha. We visit the Punakha Dzong, which once served as the old capital of Bhutan. This remarkable fortress is built in 1637 between two rivers and has survived many glacial floods and fire. Every February there is a procession known as the Punakha Serda to commemorate the victory over the Tibetans. From there it s just 45 minutes drive to Wangduephodrang where you can view the Dzong and stroll around the market area. Overnight Wangdi Kyichu Resort. Day 7 Wangduephodrang to Gangtey Gompa(2 hours) and to Trongsa (approx. 3hours) This morning we drive to Gangtey Gompa valley, at an altitude of 2800 metres. Gangtey Gompa is a Buddhist complex which includes monks quarters, a meditation centre, schools and a small hotel all overlooking the Phobjikha Valley, a designated conservation area which borders Black Mountain National Park. This is one of the most isolated gompas in Bhutan; there s no telephone and no electricity (to protect wildlife). This beautiful valley is home to the rare Black Necked Cranes which migrate from the Tibetan plateau to escape the harsh winter. About 200 to 300 cranes live in this valley and the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) is taking every measure to ensure their protection; during the 4-5 months that the cranes are in residence over winter, for instance, the villagers are not allowed to make loud noises or fish in the river that runs into the valley. After lunch we continue to a small town known as Trongsa, meaning new village. The route offers magnificent views of the Himalayas and a beautiful landscape of scattered hamlets, and rhododendron and pine forests. On the way we will visit the 18th century Chendbji chorten. Overnight Yangkhill Resort (or similar) Day 8 Trongsa to Bumthang The town of Trongsa mainly consists of newly arrived Tibetan refugees however the most impressive building here is the Trongsa Dzong. The whole of Eastern Bhutan was controlled from this fortress during the mid 17th century. It is a spectacular building and only recently visitors have been allowed to also view the Dzong from the inside as well. After wandering around the Trongsa market area we will depart for Bhumtang visiting the Chume weaving centre on the way. Overnight Lhendupcholing Guest House (or similar) Day 9 In Bumthang Comprised of four smaller valleys, the deeply spiritual region of Bumthang in Central Bhutan is shrouded in religious legend. It is believed to be the first part of Bhutan to be inhabited and tales of Guru Padmasambhava (aka Guru Rinpoche), who lived here in the 8th century, and his reincarnation Tertons, still linger. Bumthang is also known for its hand-spun, hand-woven woollen cloth called Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 25 May :57:18

5 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 or travel agent. important note These trip notes represent the most current information for this itinerary, and may supersede any information in the current brochure, including but not limited to the itinerary and price. The itinerary should be seen as a guide only. This itinerary may change at any time due to inclement weather, forces of nature and other circumstances beyond our control. yathra, which can be seen hanging for sale outside houses. We visit the Jakar Dzong, the 7th century Jambay Lhakhang, and the Kurjey, Tamshing and Kunchosum monasteries. This sightseeing day is a round trip so it is more interesting done on foot. Overnight Bumthang. Day 10 Ura Village and Mebartso Today we take a two-hour excursion to Ura Village (3100m), a small village with cobblestone streets where the local women wear traditional sheepskin shawls. We ll visit the new Ura monastery and, on the way, stop at the Mebartso, meaning burning lake, where prayer flags and clay offerings indicate its spiritual significance. Legend has it that there is a temple at the bottom of the lake. We ll take a stroll around the village and return to the guest house. In the evening we may take a pleasant evening walk to the nearby Swiss farm where apple juice, cider, cheese and other dairy products are made. meals: nil Day 11 Bumthang to Wangduephodrang (drive approx. 6/7hrs) Today we drive back to Wangdi. This is a windy place, thanks to its location on an exposed headland overlooking the Punak river, but it affords great views. It is also home to Wangdi dzong, which sits atop a ridge high above the river. The hillside below the dzong is covered in cacti, which were planted centuries ago to deter invaders. Wangdi was once the capital of Bhutan. Overnight at Wangdi Kyichu Resort. Day 12 Drive to Paro via Lobesa (drive approx. 3/4hrs) We drive Paro today, via Lobesa, with a short walk past farm houses and through fields to Chimme Lhakhang. This monastery was built in the 15th century and is dedicated to the famous Lama Drukpa Kunley, the divine mad man. He is one of the most famous saints in Bhutan and his temple is visited mostly by childless couples, for good luck. We have lunch at Thimphu and drive back to Paro, stopping off to visit the oldest building in Bhutan, the Simtokha Dzong, which now serves as a Buddhist university. Overnight Kyichu Resort. meals: nil Day 13 Trek to Takstang Monastery Day hike to Taktsang (Tiger s Nest) monastery, through forests; it takes about 3-4 hours. It is all uphill so for those less energetic, horses can be arranged, for an extra cost. The monastery, which clings to a huge granite cliff 800 metres above the Paro valley, was devastated by fire in 1998 but the Royal Government has taken steps to restore it to its original condition. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche came here in the 7th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a nearby cave for three months where demons trying to stop the spread of Buddhism were subdued and converted. During the end of the 17th century a monastery was built on the spot where Guru Rinpoche meditated and it is now a pilgrimage site; every Bhutanese hopes to visit the monastery once in their lifetime. Stroll back to Paro. Evening at leisure. Overnight Kyichu Resort. Day 14 Full Day Paro Tshechu Festival We have timed our journey to coincide with the annual Tshechu Festival and today we will have the full day to immerse ourselves in the festivities. Tshechus are Buddhist religious festivals held around the Dzong (fortress monastery) and generally last several days. It is a bright, colourful affair with hundreds of people from the city and surrounding countryside filling the courtyards and temple grounds to watch and participate in the event. Masked dances are performed by trained Buddhist monks depicting life events of an historic Buddhist teacher, Padmasambhava. Other dances include that of the Nobleman and Ladies, where Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 25 May :57:18

6 flirting princess are punished for their indiscretions. The stag dance tells the story of a hunter who gives up his profession and converts to Buddhism whereas the Barco dance reminds the Bhutanese that their past and present deeds are responsible for their future destiny. The costumes of the dancers are as bright and colourful as the clothes of the local people who have come dressed for this important occasion. We might also be privileged enough to view the Thangka, a holy scroll. This huge silk covers the face of a building or mountainside and is only exhibited for a few hours (before the sun s ray hit the silk fabric). The Dzong grounds are packed with people during this time as by catching a glimpse of this important religion icon provides a blessing to the individual. It is an enormous privilege to be in town during the Tshechu Festival as few westerners have had this opportunity to witness this aspect of Bhutanese culture. Day 15 Trip concludes in Paro This morning we wake before dawn to witness the unfurling of the giant Thangka (holy scroll), an event only few westerners have had the privilege to witness. 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 and arriving into Sydney at 0720 the following morning meals: b Day 16 arrive Sydney Arrive Sydney on TG475 at around 0720am 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. country information Bhutan is a small, independent Buddhist kingdom about 300km long by 150kms wide, situated on the eastern end of the Himalaya. It is bordered by India, (Sikkim, Assam, West Bengal and 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 up to five metres annually which ensures a lush and diverse flora, from small orchids to enormous conifers and rhododendrons. The country s natural environment has also been preserved by Bhutan s long history of isolation, small population (around 670,000), Buddhist beliefs and mountainous terrain. There are more than 5000 species of plants, including over 50 species of rhododendron and 600 species of orchid! There s also plenty of wildlife, including elephants, rhino, tigers and snow leopards. Most of Bhutan s population came from the north (Tibet) and practise a Buddhism similar to that region, yet Bhutan has its own unique beliefs and practices too. Bhutanese Buddhism is officially called Drukpa Kagyu and includes practising their faith through traditions of art, dance, drama and various crafts such as weaving, carpentry and metalwork. Bhutan is also unique in its leadership. The late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is succeeded by his son, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, demonstrated much character and foresight by developing and maintaining a program that is for the betterment of the people and the land rather than short term financial gains an encouraging sign to a sound future. Part of Bhutan s charm lies in the fact that it was virtually cut off from the rest of the world, particularly the West, until the early 1960s. Until 1961, the country had no national currency, telephones, schools, hospitals or postal service and no tourists. Tourism to Bhutan began when the first groups of trekkers arrived in the 1960s but larger numbers of foreign tourists Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 25 May :57:18

7 started arriving only around 1974; Paro airport opened in At the time of writing, only 8000 tourists per year are allowed into Bhutan, which adds to the sense of privilege when you visit. climate Bhutan, like Eastern Nepal, comes under the influence of the Indian monsoon from late May to mid-september and receives more rain during the monsoon than other Himalayan regions (up to 5.5 metres a year). So the ideal time to visit Bhutan is either pre-monsoon from mid-march when the winter snow has begun to melt off the high passes, until the end of May; or post-monsoon, from October to mid-november. Temperatures can vary considerably depending on your elevation but as a guideline, temperatures in the capital, Thimphu, in April/May and October range from around 5C to around 25C. a typical day Each morning, you will meet for breakfast and a briefing on the day s events. After a wholesome breakfast, we are usually on the road by around am. Because this is a touring trip, distances covered are less important than what is seen along the way. When there is free time, you can wander at leisure before meeting the group (or not) for dinner. Much of the enjoyment of an expedition is in the journey itself. 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. equipment required There is no specialist equipment required for this trip. A good pair of walking shoes is recommended special visa requirements The visa process for Bhutan requires you to provide us with 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 forms with you, along with 2 passport sized photos. You are required to make payment for your visa to your World Expeditions office or travel agent with your final balance. The cost of the visa is US$20. high altitude travel by vehicle Travellers sometimes drive or fly to high altitude (above 2000m) and therefore run a risk of altitude illness. This risk increases the faster one ascends and the higher the final altitude gained. The risk is reduced if the night following the ascent (sleeping altitude) is spent at low altitude, ie. If you are travelling by road, cross a high pass and descend to an altitude not more than 300 m from your starting point, the risk of altitude illness is minimized. Gaining height rapidly and staying high definitely risks developing altitude illness and you should be aware of, and watch for, the symptoms (see Acute Mountain Sickness ). You should also consider the Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 25 May :57:18

8 use of acetozolamide (Diamox) as an aid to acclimatization and discuss this with your doctor or leader before departure. Should altitude illness occur the treatment is to descend and/or visit a hospital or clinic where the appropriate oxygen and medications can be administered. what s not included Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc Tips Airport and departure taxes not included in your flights (as listed above) Visa Travel insurance how to book Please fill out the booking form and return with a $400 deposit to World Expeditions to reserve your place on the tour. Please note that all reservations are subject to availability at the time of booking. The deposit is payable by cash, cheque, or credit card (made payable to World Expeditions) & is non-refundable. Please send your completed booking form to the following address: World Expeditions Level 5, 71 York St Sydney NSW 2000 Ph: (02) Fax: (02) Please Note: This is an Australian Museum Members Tour and participants are required to be current Members. For further details about Membership, please call Australian Museum Members on (02) Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 25 May :57:18