2007 Journey to the Kingdom of Bhutan

Transcription

1 2007 Journey to the Kingdom of Bhutan Tucked into the folds of the rugged Eastern Himalayas and blessed with some of the world's highest and youngest mountains, glacial lakes, and deep forests rich with life Bhutan is one of the world's environmental jewels. Please join the Snow Leopard Trust on a journey to a land steeped in the culture of peace and respect for the environment. This secluded kingdom is deeply informed by Buddhist beliefs and values. Kindness and compassion are a way of life. You sense from the moment you land, that this tiny Kingdom is cared for with respect, with only the sounds of wind, fluttering prayer flags, a soft rush of rivers and the frequent laughter of its people. Uniquely governed by the principles of Gross National Happiness, Bhutan is the last remaining Himalayan Buddhist kingdom. The high mountains of Bhutan provide an ideal home to the beautiful snow leopard. Bhutan is also home to a variety of other rare and endangered species. While it is unlikely we will spot a snow leopard, we are sure to see many other unique animals and plant life as we journey across the country. Birders who join our journey will also be pleased to know that our Bhutanese guide is a founding member of the Bhutan Ornithological Society and an expert birder. Snow Leopards Majestic and elusive, the snow leopard makes its home in one of the harshest, most remote environments of the world. Uniquely adapted to the soaring mountain ranges of Asia, their thick, spotted fur makes them virtually invisible to the naked eye while keeping them warm in winter s sub-zero temperatures. These cats can leap spectacular distances to catch prey on rocky cliffs and are adapted to extreme altitudes some have been spotted roaming at elevations of over 16,000 feet. With quiet grace, they have ruled the mountains for centuries. Hardy as this cat is, however, it cannot overcome the challenges posed by humans at least not without help. Threats include illegal hunting by poachers for the cat's fur and bones, loss of habitat as people and their livestock take over more space, and loss of prey. Today, researchers believe, only 3,500 to 7,000 snow leopards remain in the wild.

2 Community-Based Conservation The Snow Leopard Trust has been working to prevent the loss of these endangered big cats for 25 years. By helping communities become good stewards of their environment there is hope for the snow leopard s survival. We work with herders to find ways for them to protect their traditional way of life and support their children without resorting to poaching. Communities in snow leopard range are often dependent on small herds of livestock for food, clothing, fuel, and income. These domestic animals can drive wild goats and sheep off of grazing land. As wild prey species decline, hungry snow leopards increasingly prey on domestic herds. Because the loss of even a single animal can be devastating to a family, herders protect their livestock by any means possible which sometimes includes hunting snow leopards. The Snow Leopard Trust alleviates conflicts through community-initiated small development projects. Income is generated to cushion against livestock losses, provide a better quality of life for participants families, and increase tolerance towards snow leopards. Trip Itinerary 9 September Group members will need to arrive in Bangkok, Thailand by this day. In the evening there will be a group gathering to discuss details of our early morning departure to Bhutan. 10 September Day 1: Bangkok to Bhutan Flying on Druk Air, the national airline of Bhutan, we will have a spectacular view of the great Himalayan peaks, and catch our first glimpse of Bhutan. Descending into the striking Paro valley at 8,000 feet, we land in a world apart. Crystal clear Himalayan air, the scent of pines, and the greetings of Bhutanese in their traditional dress of ghos and kiras, will signal that our journey, rare in time, place, and spirit, has begun. We will be warmly received by our Bhutanese guide, and will drive to our hotel overlooking scenic Paro valley. After lunch we will cross a tradition wooden bridge with fluttering prayer flags to explore Rinpong (Paro) Dzong, known as the fortress on a heap of jewels. Dzongs are impressive fortress-like buildings that serve as civil and monastic administration headquarters for each district. In the evening you will be free to relax at our hotel or explore Paro town. (Overnight in Paro)

3 11 September Day 2: Tiger s Nest, Paro to Thimphu We will start the day with a short drive to Paro s upper valley. On a clear day you will have an unforgettable view of the sacred Mount Jhomolhari (23,995 feet). We will continue to Taksang Monastery, the most famous monastery in Bhutan. Taksang means Tigers Nest, so named because the Bhutanese believe Guru Rinpoche flew to the site on the back of flying tigress in the 8th century. Between the blue pine forest and bluer sky, the monastery perches miraculously on a cliff nearly 2,700 feet above the Paro Valley floor. Those who would like to hike to a scenic viewpoint or continue on to the monastery will be free to do that. We will take a break on our hike for tea and snacks in a small tea house next to the trail. In the afternoon we will visit the National Museum in Paro, with its extensive thangka and philatelic collection, among many other unique exhibits. We will then continue on to the capital city of Thimphu in the evening. (2 hr drive. Overnight in Thimphu) 12 September Day 3: Thimphu to Phobjikha This morning, leaving Thimphu the road climbs through a forest of pine and hemlock, festooned with hanging lichens and we stop at Dochula pass (10,142 feet) that offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. Yaks often graze nearby. We will arrive in the broad glacial valley of Phobjikha, the winter roosting home of the endangered black necked crane, and have a relaxing dinner at our lodge that is beautifully decorated in traditional Bhutanese style. (5 hr drive. Overnight in Phobjikha) 13 September Day 4: Phobjikha Valley Today we will visit nearby Gangtey Monastery. There we will see fine Bhutanese craftsmanship as carpenters work to reconstruct this sacred site. After lunch we will take the short walk to a village and visit with school children. We will also be invited into the home of a Bhutanese family to see their traditional way of life. Later we will enjoy folk dances by local villagers and may do some stargazing under the broad night sky of this peaceful valley. (Overnight in Phobjikha)

4 14 September Day 5: Phobjikha to Trongsa Today we will make our way to Trongsa and have a picnic lunch by the river side at the scenic Chendebji Chorten. We will arrive at our hotel in the afternoon where we can relax and enjoy the panoramic view of the Trongsa Dzong and surrounding valleys. There will also be opportunities for local hikes for those interested. (5 hr drive. Overnight in Trongsa) 15 September Day 6: Trongsa We will start the day with a visit to the imposing Trongsa Dzong perched so high on a mountain it is said the clouds float below it. Overlooking the Mangde River, this fortress houses 26 temples, administrative and judiciary offices of the Trongsa district, as well as being home for 350 monks. In the afternoon our group will challenge a team of local people in a traditional Bhutanese archery tournament. This friendly competition is sure to be lively and entertaining as we enjoy the national sport of Bhutan. (Overnight in Trongsa) 16 September Day 7: Trongsa to Punakha We will continue our journey to Punakha where we will enjoy its semi-tropical vegetation and mild climate that enables two rice-growing seasons each year. Along the way we will pass by Wangdi Dzong founded in We will cross Pele la Pass at 11,046 feet. Near the pass we will be surrounded by an alpine environment of rhododendrons and dwarf bamboo. (7 hr drive. Overnight in Punakha) 17 September Day 8: Punakha After a leisurely breakfast we will visit the Punakha Dzong situated in the beautiful spot where the Pho Chu and Mo Chu (male and female rivers) converge. In the afternoon we may hike to a temple dedicated to the Crown Prince of Bhutan, or take a scenic stroll across one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the country. (Overnight in Punakha)

5 18 September Day 9: Punakha to Thimphu familiarize ourselves with the city. (3 hr drive. Overnight in Thimphu) On our drive from Punakha we will stop to take the short walk to Chimi Lakhang temple on a small hilltop. This temple is dedicated to the great yogi in 14th century known as Drukpa Kuenly, also known as Divine Madman to Westerners. It is believed that this temple blesses women who seek fertility. We will continue on to Thimphu and have a picnic lunch along the way at a recently completed botanical garden. In the evening will take a riding tour of Thimphu to 19 September Day 10: Thimphu Today or on Day 11 we will meet with scientists and conservation officials to learn about wildlife conservation in Bhutan. We will hear about the status of snow leopards from wildlife scientists whose work has been funded as part of the Snow Leopard Conservation Grants Program. Representatives of the World Wildlife Foundation and the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature will also be describing their wildlife conservation programs in Bhutan. The remainder of the day will be free to explore the sights of Thimphu. (Overnight in Thimphu.) 20 September Day 11: Thimphu Depending on the scheduling of our wildlife conservation meeting, all or part of the day will be free to explore Thimphu, including shopping for souvenirs in the many unique shops of the city. Based on group interests we may visit a school of traditional Bhutanese crafts, and some traditional craft companies where we can see up-close how handmade Bhutanese products are made, such as textiles, paper, and incense. (Overnight in Thimphu) 21 September Day 12: Thimphu Festival We will spend most of the day at the Thimphu festival (tshechu) at the Thimphu Dzong. A tshechu is as an annual festival at a dzong or monastery where a series of elaborate masked dances are performed in honor of Guru Rinpoche. Monks as well as lay people perform the dances. During breaks between the religious dances, woman in colorful traditional dress perform by singing and dancing to Bhutanese folk songs. (Overnight in Thimphu)

6 22 September Day 13: Thimphu to Paro This morning we may attend more of the tsechu. We will also visit the Thimphu weekend market where Bhutanese from remote regions come to sell their products. You can explore the stacks of oranges, strings of dried yak cheese, chilies and a rainbow of other produce. Elaborate textiles, Buddhist art and other handicrafts are sold at the market as well. We will then drive to Paro and later celebrate with a farewell dinner. (2 hr drive. Overnight in Paro) 23 September Day 14: Paro to Bangkok We return to Bangkok on Druk Air and bid fond farewell to the special Kingdom of Bhutan. On our return flight we may be lucky and have a clear view of some of the tallest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest. Trip Cost Per person, double occupancy: US$ 3950 Single supplement: US$ 350 Included: Not included: All activities listed in the itinerary. Greeting and orientation in Bangkok the night before travel to Bhutan with Snow Leopard Trust representative. 13 nights twin sharing accommodations. All meals and beverages while in Bhutan. Expert leadership with English speaking Bhutanese guide. All transportation, sightseeing, taxes and monument fees in Bhutan. International airfare to Bangkok, Thailand. Group flight on Druk Air from Bangkok to Paro, Bhutan on 10 September (Druk Air ticket cost will be approximately $750.) Visa fees for Bhutan, currently $35. Maximum number of guests: 12 A portion of each trip fee is a donation to snow leopard conservation. The Snow Leopard Trust is a registered 501(c)(3) of the United States. This donation is taxdeductible to the fullest extent allowable by law. Reservations Space on this trip is very limited and will fill up quickly. To reserve your space, please contact Jeff Brown at (206) or jeff@snowleopard.org. To confirm your reservation a deposit of $750 will be required along with signed copies of the Acknowledgement of Conditions/ Obligations and the Release and Hold Harmless Agreement enclosed with this brochure.

7 International Travel Arrangements Guests are responsible for coordinating their own travel to Bangkok, Thailand. The Snow Leopard Trust will coordinate obtaining your travel visa for Bhutan. However, if you are not a US citizen you may need to obtain a visa to enter Thailand. If you do not yet have a passport, please apply for one as soon as possible. We recommend making your arrangements through an experienced travel agent who can assist you with visa and travel insurance questions. Note that the Druk Air ticket and Bhutan visa fees are not included in the trip cost. They must be paid along with the trip cost as required by Bhutanese National Tourism regulations and to secure reservations on Druk Air. Visas must be approved before Druk Air will allow boarding. Note: The group will be gathering the evening of 9 September to discuss the details of our early morning departure the next day to Bhutan. The likely meeting place will be the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel. We strongly recommend you consider staying at this hotel the night of 9 September as it is less than five minutes away from the Bangkok airport. Travel Conditions Traveling in a developing country like Bhutan can be arduous. Infrastructure is limited and riding over bumpy, winding roads for several hours can be uncomfortable. Every effort is made to ensure the comfort of all participants and we use the best facilities available, however we are constrained by the remoteness of our destination. Note that this itinerary is intended to give you a general idea of the likely trip schedule. Numerous factors such as weather, tour conditions, group options and the physical condition of participants, may dictate itinerary changes either before departure or while on tour. We reserve the right to change this schedule in the interest of the trip participants safety, comfort and general well being. Accommodations We will be staying in comfortable hotels reminiscent of mountain lodges and with beautiful traditional Bhutanese hand painted designs, woodwork and thick quilts. All have hot running water, electricity, and western style bathrooms. Meals are deliciously prepared traditional Bhutanese and Indian dishes suitable for Western tastes. Meals will be provided three times per day and bottled drinking water and snacks will be provided at all times. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice. Physical Requirements A moderate level of physical fitness is required to fully enjoy all of the activities offered on this trip. We strongly recommend consulting your physician if you have any health problems that might affect your ability to travel safely.

8 Acknowledgment of Conditions/Obligations Please read the following statements and sign at the bottom to indicate your acknowledgement of same. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of the statements below, please contact a Snow Leopard Trust staff member for clarification. (jeff@snowleopard.org, (206) ) Statements I have carefully read the 2007 Journey to the Kingdom of Bhutan materials provided to me by the Snow Leopard Trust including the itinerary for the trip. I understand that accommodations will be provided in a mixture lodges and hotels, some of which may only provide electricity and hot water during fixed hours of the day, and where electricity outages may occur. I understand that this trip involves long drives in a 4-wheel drive bus along narrow, winding roads that vary in quality and can be bumpy. It involves crossing mountain passes approximately 11,000 feet in elevation. Although efforts will be made to ensure the comfort of participants, the travel will be difficult at times. I understand that the portions of this trip will involve walking over varied terrain covering distances of up to 6 miles per day. I understand that the 2007 Journey to the Kingdom of Bhutan is a eco-friendly trip and I agree to conduct myself in an ecologically responsible manner (i.e. proper disposal of litter, conscientious use of available resources, etc). I understand that the likelihood of visual sighting of a snow leopard on the trip is remote. I understand and agree that it is the sole responsibility of the participants to obtain valid passports, visas, and any other required travel documents to ensure all travel associated with this tour. I understand that it is the sole responsibility of the participants to obtain any inoculations, vaccinations, or other medical attention that is necessary or recommended by travel health professionals for travel to Bhutan and any required transit destinations. I understand a portion of my trip fees will constitute a direct donation (tax-deductible in the US) that will support the Snow Leopard Trust s ongoing conservation efforts. The Snow Leopard Trust will provide a receipt to all US-based participants. I certify that I am aware of the nature of this trip as stated in this Acknowledgement of Conditions/Obligations, the Release and Hold Harmless Agreement, and the Trip Brochure. I further certify that all of these documents have been made available to me for review. Signature Date

9 2007 JOURNEY TO THE KINGDOM OF BHUTAN RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT IN CONSIDERATION of the provision to me of logistical, transportation, lodging, meal, educational, and related services in connection with my participation in a tourist trip (the Trip ) to Bhutan in September, 2007 sponsored by the Snow Leopard Trust (the Trust ) and utilizing the in-country services of Sacred Himalaya Travel ( SHT ), I hereby make the affirmations and provide the release of liability and indemnification described below. I understand that the Trust is sponsoring the Trip but that the services to be provided to me in Bhutan will be provided by SHT and by various third party suppliers. The Trust does not represent or act as agent for SHT or any other transportation carriers, hotels and other suppliers of services. The Trust assumes no responsibility for loss, damage, injury, accident, delay or other irregularity, expense or liability caused by any such independent contractors, their employees, agents, or representatives engaged in providing services in connection with the Trip. It is understood that air, boat, ship or train tickets when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the passenger and carrier concerned. I understand that there are certain risks inherent in my participating in the Trip. These risks include but are not limited to delays, property damage, property loss, personal injury, and death. These risks arise from the following facts among others: Travel within Bhutan where the incidence of travel-related injury and death exceeds that in developed countries; travel within remote regions of Bhutan where roads are poor to non-existent and most modern conveniences are unavailable; utilization of vehicles and other equipment which may be used, worn, or in need of repair; risks of theft; exposure to food, drink, and sanitary conditions not up to developed country standards; increased risk of various diseases; increased risk of actions by individuals providing services which would be considered negligent by developed country standards; unavailability in many locations of modern medical care or facilities; travel by foot over unimproved terrain for substantial distances; inclement weather; and encounters with both domesticated and wild animals. I assume all of the risks and dangers associated with my participation in the Trip and accept sole responsibility for my own safety and the safety of my possessions. I irrevocably release the Trust and its shareholders, officers, directors, employees, and agents (collectively, the Trust Group ), from any claims of whatever nature, whether foreseeable or not, that may arise in connection with my participation in the Trip. I further agree to indemnify, defend, and hold the Trust Group harmless from any claims, obligations, costs, damages or expenses of whatever nature, whether foreseeable or not, including attorneys fees, arising from or in connection with my participation in the Trip, without regard to the claimant, the source of the claim, or its nature. This Release shall be binding not only on myself, but also on my estate, heirs, successors, assigns, and family members. I understand that the terms herein are contractual and not a mere recital. I affirm that I am over eighteen (18) years of age and legally competent to sign this Release and Hold Harmless Agreement ( Release ) and that this Release is signed with the full knowledge and consent of my non-signing spouse (if any). If any portion or portions of this Release are held invalid or unenforceable for any reason, all of the other provisions shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law. I agree: to pay all reasonable expenses, including attorneys fees, incurred by any of the Trust Group in order to enforce the provisions of this Release; that this Release will be governed by the laws of the State of Washington; and that the jurisdiction and venue of any dispute in connection with this Release shall reside solely with a court of competent jurisdiction in the Western District of Washington. I HAVE FULLY INFORMED MYSELF OF THE CONTENTS OF THIS RELEASE BY READING IT BEFORE SIGNING AND HAVE SIGNED THIS RELEASE AS MY OWN FREE ACT. (Signature) (Print Name) (Date)