BHUTAN, LAND OF THE THUNDER DRAGON

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1 BHUTAN, LAND OF THE THUNDER DRAGON September 18 29, 2015 This will be our fourth tour to Bhutan and it offers a blend of the better of the first three. But for the first time we are adding a trek component since many adventurers have suggested to us that they would like a taste of trekking outside Nepal. The Kingdom of Bhutan in the heart of the Himalayas is situated between Tibet to the north, Nepal to the west and India to the south and east. In order to protect its unique cultural heritage, Bhutan admits only a small number of tourists each year and even fewer choose to trek. September to late November is considered to be the best time of the year to visit Bhutan, as it is mild and clear, offering magnificent views of the Himalayas. Bright sunshine keeps the days warm while the temperatures start falling toward freezing at night. We will witness harvest time in Bhutan along with the brilliant fall colours of changing foliage. We will see Bhutan s imposing architecture, beautiful artwork and have the opportunity to observe the role of religion in Bhutan. Bhutan is the only country in the world devoted to the Tantric form of Mahayana Buddhism and the influence of the redrobed lama is visible everywhere. Our trek will be a classic walk along high ridges with spectacular scenery~~we will pass ruined forts which long ago guarded against Tibetan invasion, cross mountain passes which will take us across lush valleys and introduce us to some of Bhutan's high mountain lakes teeming with fish. You can even spot the rare blue poppy here along with many other species of flora and fauna. Our 4 nights/5 day trek allows for a moderately challenging trek that we feel most of our clients are capable of, with some gradual and sensible training with plenty of time allowance before the trek. This trip is the perfect opportunity for the adventurous and flexible traveler. Bhutan continues to be one of the top world destinations and it is definitely not to be missed. We will have 10 days and 9 nights to explore this amazing country, plus a day/night each side in Kathmandu For those who do not wish to fly to Kathmandu but would rather join us in Bhutan we offer the opportunity to fly into Paro, Bhutan to meet us from Bangkok or Delhi.

2 ITINERARY Friday, September 18: Kathmandu Arrival in Kathmandu. After clearing customs and immigration you will be met by Razzu Tuladhar of Samsara Journeys and transferred to hotel. Briefing on Bhutan Overnight at the Yak and Yeti Hotel Saturday, September 19: Kathmandu Paro After breakfast, which is included, we transfer to the airport for our Kathmandu Paro flight on Druk Air. The flight should offer us spectacular mountain and landscape views. On arrival and after visa formalities we will transfer to our hotel. If time permits we will do some sightseeing and perhaps stroll around the market in the evening. Overnight Paro Sunday, September 20: Paro Paro Sightseeing Following breakfast at the hotel we will visit the ruined fortress of the Drugyel Dzong, which still attracts visitors due to the strategic location of the fort. It was from this fort that the Paro Valley was defended from the Tibetan invasion from the north in the early 17 th Century. We continue on to the start point for a hike to the Takshang Monastery. The monastery clings to a huge granite cliff 800 meters from the Paro Valley. It is believed that the great saint Padmasambhava came in the 7 th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave for 3 months. The demons were subdued who were trying to stop the spread of Buddhism and the Paro Valley was converted to Buddhism. During the 17 th century a monastery was built on the spot where they saint meditated though sadly this burned not long ago. With incredible dedication and work from the whole Paro Valley and many others, the Takshang Monastery was painstakingly rebuilt to its former glory. The hike is a good one for

3 acclimatization for the trek, which begins tomorrow. Stroll back to our resort. Overnight Paro Monday, September 21: Trek starts from the Paro Valley to Jele Dzong. 10KM/4/5 hours/1115m ascent/40 M descent Following breakfast we start our first trekking day where we will be able to relax and enjoy the scenic beauty. The hike is gradually uphill through pine forests. Camp will be next to a Dzong, which was renovated recently~~there are many interesting stories about the dzong, which we hope to hear about over dinner. Campsite 3100 meters. Tuesday, September 22: Trek from Jele Dzong to Jangchulakha 11 KM/3 4 hours/425 M ascent/50 M descent Today our trek begins uphill through a huge rhododendron forest. We may encounter yak herders as we hike. Campsite 3650 meters Wednesday, September 23: Janchulakha to Jigmelangtsho 12 KM/4 5 hours/375 M ascent/370 meter descent The trail follows the ridge and in clear weather you should have a perfect view of the mountains. The path descends to camp near a lake at 3600 meters. Campsite 3600 meters

4 Thursday, September 24: Jigmelangtsho to Phajoding 11 KM/6/7 hours/820 M ascent/400 meter descent The trail takes us through dwarf rhododendron shrubs as we pass two lakes. After passing the second lake, we gradually ascend. From the top we hope to enjoy the majestic view of Mt. Gangkar Punsum, at 7250 meters, the highest mountain in Bhutan. We gradually descend further to the Phajodig camp. At night we should be able to see Thimbu city glittering in a bowl shaped valley. Campsite 3500 meters Friday, September 25 Phajoding to Thimpu 5 KM/3 hours/1130 descent Today is the easiest day of trekking. Three hours of down hill through a pine forest will lead us to Motithang where we will be driven to our hotel. Saturday, September 26: Thimbu Following some Thimpu sightseeing, which may include the weekly Saturday market, we will drive 3 hours to the Punakha and Wangduephodrang while crossing the spectacular Dochula Pass at 3100 meters. In fine weather we can see the eastern Himalayan ranges including the highest mountain in Bhutan. The drive from the pass is all downhill, dropping to the lower and warmer valleys of Lobesa. Overnight at hotel Sunday, September 27: Punakha Following breakfast we will visit the Punakha Dzong, which served as the old capital of Bhutan. This remarkable fortress is built between two rivers and has survived many glacial floods and fires.. From Lobesa we will take a short walk through fields and farmhouses to Chime

5 Lhakhang. This monastery was built in the 15 th century and is dedicated to the famous Lama Drukpa Kunley, also named divine mad Man. He is one of the most important saints in Bhutan and the temple is a pilgrimage site for infertile women still hoping to bear children. Following our tours, we will drive back to Paro. Overnight hotel Paro Monday, September 28: Paro to Kathmandu Following breakfast, departure for airport for flight to Kathmandu Overnight Yak and Yeti Hotel Tuesday, September 29: Departure Following breakfast prepare for departure for international flights. COST (Approximate) * Adult sharing (per person) US$2725 Adult single US$3225 *Costs are subject to changes made by the airlines, hotels, government fees and permits. COST INCLUDES Economy airfare Kathmandu/Paro/Kathmandu or Delhi/Paro/Delhi or Bangkok/Paro/Bangkok All airport transfers

6 2 nights twin sharing at the Yak and Yeti Hotel with breakfast in Kathmandu Bhutan Visa Fees Bhutan Tourism /development Fees 9nights/10 days Accommodation at hotels/resorts/camps with full board while in Bhutan All sightseeing tours, excursions, surface transportation in a private coach with an English speaking tour guide in Bhutan All tips for porters, drivers, guides and waiters at included meals. Transportation in a private coach with an English speaking tour guide in Bhutan All porterage, taxes, and tolls All tips including tips for all camping staff and horse/mule drivers Mules/horses, which will be used instead of porters NOT INCLUDED IN COST International Flights other than Druk Air to and from Bhutan Nepal/India/Thai Visa Meals not specified in itinerary Personal items such as laundry, drinks at meals, excess baggage Sightseeing in Kathmandu Insurance of any kind DEPOSIT The deposit is $500 per person and you will not be confirmed on the tour until the deposit has been paid. FINAL PAYMENT Final payment is due June 15, Because this is high season in Bhutan the sooner we can book both flights and accommodation the better. CANCELLATION There will be a cancellation fee of US$250 if you cancel before the final payment is due. Any cancellations after June 15, 2015 will result in payment of any charges the travel agent imposes. Also cancellations

7 after that date could result in higher costs for all group members. You will not pay any cancellation fee if we have to cancel. Marian Leighton 1983 W. 57 th Ave. Vancouver, BC V6P 1T9 Canada