Bhutan: Snow Leopard Trek

Transcription

1 Bhutan: Snow Leopard Trek Western Bhutan Tour & Trek to Chomolhari, Bhutan s Devine mountain Trip Dates April 6-19, 2017 with Paro Tsechu Festival April 14-27, 2017 with Rhododendron Festival at Dochula pass Sept Oct. 10, 2017 with Wangdue & Thimphu Tsechu Festivals October 12-25, 2017 No Festivals but good time

2 Bhutan Snowleopard Trek At-A-Glance Duration: 14 days Arrive: Paro Depart: Paro Lodging: 7 nights in hotels & 6 nights on the trek in tents. Meals: All Included: Group Size: Maximum 9 members. For private trips, maximum or minimum participants do not apply. Trip Type: 6 day moderately strenuous trek with cultural tour Trekking Facts: Highest Elevation: 4890m Bontela pass Highest Campsite: 4150m Thongbu Longest walk: Approx. 16km, 7 hours trek with 810m ascent and 1090m descent between Jangothang and Yaksa on Day 10 Highlights: A week-long cultural tour visiting the highlights of Bhutan Arts, Architecture, History, Culture, Buddhism Local markets, villages, meeting people, children and visiting local homes. Some dates are also tied into attending colorful festivals. A week long trek to base of Chomolhari trek Cost Per Person in US Dollars The cost is tiered based on total participants. Cost may be taken on the basis of 2 members at the time of booking and the final invoice will be raised based on total of sign-ups. 5-9 members - $ members - $ members - $3470 Single member - $3950 Single room supplement $270 Single member cost includes single room supplement. Plus airfares to and from Bhutan depending on where you fly in or out to. Cost of Private/Independent travel will increase slightly. Land prices will not increase for those who have already booked. Wind Horse reserve the right to increase prices for any new booking. Nothing in the world can prepare you for an astounding panorama that awaits you when you embark on a Jomolhari trek in Bhutan. Along this trek, you will come upon stretches of spectacular scenery, unending expanse of fields, green hills filled with flowers and quiet hamlets below snowcapped mountain peaks. This is one of Bhutan s finest treks that offer spectacular views of 7,314m Jomolhari with its companions Jitchu Drake and Tserim Kang. These trio peaks are Bhutan s highly revered custodians that loom large on the Tibet-Bhutan border close to an ancient trade route from India into Tibet s Phari Valley. It is thought by many to be the most beautiful mountain in the whole length of the Himalayas. This trek has high chances of sighting wild-life such as the Blue-sheep, Takin, wide varieties of birds, and may be even the elusive Snow Leopard In the spring, rhododendrons, azaleas, and masses of wildflowers carpet the high meadows, while pear and apple trees blossom in the valleys. In the fall, rice paddies ripen to a golden brown, and yak herders bring their charges down from high summer pastures. 2 sales@windhorsetours.com

3 Itinerary Bhutan Snowleopard Trek Day 1: Arrive in Paro Arrive in Paro by flight. You are met and transferred to the hotel. This afternoon begin a short tour of serene Paro valley, where we visit Rinphung Dzong, take a short walk and visit Dungtse Lhakhang to see some ancient murals. Later stroll through charming Paro town. Overnight hotel in Paro. Day 2: Paro - Punakha valley After breakfast, drive east to Thimphu and continue further across spectacular Dochula pass to semi-tropical Punakha-Wandgdue valley. At Dochula pass, enjoy the spectacular mountain panorama and continue the drive descending nearly 1700m (5,500ft) in two hours to Punakha valley. After lunch, tour Wangdue Prodrang, visit Richengang village, and take a short easy walk to Chimi Lhakhang temple, dedicated to Bhutan s famous Saint Drukpa Kuenley. Overnight hotel in Punakha. Day 3: In Punakha & Wangdue Phodrang Drive to the idyllic countryside north of Punakha, and start a gradual hiking ascent through cultivated fields to visit Khamsum Yuelley temple with great views of the valley. Later walk along the ancient riverside trail through Sonagasa and visit impressive Punakha Dzong, an architectural masterpiece located on the confluence of two rivers. In the evening, tour Punakha area, visiting the town area and may be a nunnery nearby. Overnight in hotel. Day 4: Punakha - Thimphu From Punakha retrace our drive, recrossing Dochula for one more opportunity to view Bhutan s peaks that form the natural boundary with Tibetan Plateau. After enjoying the views over Cuppa and snacks at Dochula, begin 2hr ridge top walk to Lungchuzekha temple/ retreat center. The trail is through rich vegetation of moss laden birch, hemlock and rhododendrons trees, with excellent views of peaks and the valleys. This trail is adopted by Wind Horse since Our guides clean and maintain this trail. Picnic at the monastery. The views are astounding on a clear day. Instead of returning to Dochula, walk 1hr downhill to another retreat and monastic center of Trashigang, located on a hilltop. Meet our vehicle and drive short distance to Thimphu, where we visit the great Tashicho Dzong, and the giant Buddha statue, as the sunsets in the valley. Overnight hotel in Thimphu. Day 5: Thimphu Valley Tour Bhutan s bucolic capital is nestled in a fertile valley at 2,350m (7500ft). The capital has lot to offer and if there are no events taking place, our agenda is to do a full day tour that takes in some of the highlights such as visiting view points, Takin Preserve, Zilukha nunnery, Traditional Art School, Memorial Chorten, and Changlimithang ground to see if archery is taking place. Visit institute of Traditional Medicine, stop briefly at the National Library, visit the Centennial Farmer s market and more as per available time. We will also allow some time for you to stroll and shop in the city area if you need to pick up handicrafts or some gears or likes for your trek. Overnight hotel in Thimphu. Day 6: Drive to Paro - Shana - begin trek to Thongdu Zam From Thimphu, we drive to Paro and continue north till Drugyal Dzong (2hrs). Stop briefly to visit the ruins of Drugyal Dzong fortress. Then we drive for another hour or so along the rough road to Shana Zam (2850m). Meet our trekking crew (horseman, cook & assistant), hand over your luggage for the trek (others can stay in the vehicle to be met at the end of the trek). After lunch begin our 3-4hr trek gradually walking up the valley, following Pachu river s bends deep into J.DW National Park to camp at Thongduzam (3150m). Approx. 10km/3-4hrs trek, 700m ascent/300m descent. (1m = Approx 3.28ft). Overnight in tent camp HORSE (46773) 3

4 Bhutan Snowleopard Trek Day 7: Trek to Soi Thangthanka Approx. 9km/3-4 hours trek, 500m ascent, 100m descent. A short day of trekking, but it is important to gain height slowly. Continue along the river through a magnificent forest of pine and spruce, mixed with oak, birch and maple as the valley begins to narrow. In some areas, the trail can be muddy, especially after the rain. There are many small ups and downs as we follow the river north. After crossing a bridge, we make a short climb to reach a junction of two valleys, marked by a large chorten, from where (weather permitting), we can see Chomolhari at the head of the valley. Our trail stays on the west bank of the Paro Chu and the campsite is only half an hours walk from here at Soi Thangthangka (3575m) Day 8: Trek to Jangothang (Base Camp) Approx. 15km/6hr trek ascent/100m descent. Cross a small army post and a chorten and then, leaving the forest behind, we enter more open country, surrounded by high ridges and snow capped peaks. The trail continues through lovely juniper forest, past few yak-herder s villages. Our camp is a little further on, a beautiful grassy meadow beneath the enormous east face of Chomolhari, by a ruined fortress /Dzong (4080m) Day 9: Rest Day or Explore Today is a scheduled rest day, intended to aid acclimatisation before the crossing of the high passes. Jangothang is one of the most spectacular camping places in the entire Himalayas. Snow capped peaks form the western side, with clear stream running through the valley, surrounded by yak herders villages, and trout filled lakes. One possibility is to hike up the ridge to a grassy summit at approximately 5000 metres, from where there is an incredible close-up view of Chomolhari and its glaciers. The cooks will have had all day to prepare a small feast for your dinner. Day 10: Trek across Bhontela to Dumzo (Yaksa) Approx. 16km/7 hrs trek. 810m ascent/1090m descent. The trek is now more serious. The trail starts with a steep hike to Tshopu lakes and gradually climb up to Bhonte La pass (4,890m). Around these areas, we can often see blue sheep, fat marmots, and migrating Himalayan birds, as well as incredible views of Jichu Drake, a beautiful snow capped peak alongside Jomolhari. After the pass, it is a steep descent downhill to small yak-herding village of Soi Yaksa or Dumzo at 3800m. Overnight in tents. Day 11: Trek to Thongbu Shong Approx. 11km/5 hrs trek. 720m ascent/340m descent. Our hike starts with a gentle uphill trail to the top of the eastern ridge of the Soi Yaksa valley. From here, enjoy an incredible view of the amphitheater of mountains to the north. Cross Takhungla (4,520m) and descend to our camp site in a wide grassy Thangby valley at 4,150m. Overnight in tents Typical Trekking Day In the morning, one of the cook crew will wake you with a cup of tea or coffee brought to your tent. You will have plenty of time to get up and pack your kitbag before sitting down to a hot breakfast. Shortly thereafter you set off with the guide. The crew will then have their breakfast, take down the camp, load the pack-horses and will soon follow you. Your lunch is transported in insulated pots, is served on route, or at the camp-site if the day is sufficiently short. The horses usually catch up with the group during lunch and are well on their way to camp, which we hope to establish well before dusk. On arrival at camp, the trek staff will quickly put the tents up and a hot drink will soon follow. Dinner is a 3-course meal served in the mess tent. After dark, the temperature quickly drops, and everyone will soon be tucked up in their sleeping bags. When possible, a hot-water-bag is provided that will help you get warm and cozy right away. 4 sales@windhorsetours.com

5 Accommodations / Gears Thimphu: Hotel Druk, or Namgay Heritage In Punakha/Wangdue: Zhingkham, Meri Phuensum or Lobesa hotel. In Paro: Tashi Namgay, Tenzinling or similar. As the hotels in Bhutan have few rooms and demands during the festival period is high, we are unable to specify the exact name but our objective is to provide the best in the category. With our reputation, and many years of good relationship with the hotels, we normally get our preferred hotels. Our preference is listed above in sequence. Bhutan Snowleopard Trek Camping: You will spend 6 nights in the tents. Wind Horse provides all camping equipment. Provided during the trek: Tents, mattresses, Blow pillow, Hot-water bag, Pressured Altitude Bag for altitude emergencies, Pack animals to carry luggage and one additional riding pony for emergency. Basic Medical Kit. Trekking Guide, Cook and assistants accompany the group. All meals, beverages and snacks are provided. Sleeping bag is available for nominal cleaning charges. Also available to borrow for free Walking Sticks (trekking poles) Umbrella/Pancho Water Bottle We are constantly upgrading our trekking equipment and gears, so you can be assured that you will receive the best and latest. Day 12: Trek to Shana- Paro Approx. 13km/5hr 200m ascent/1650m descent. After a short, steep climb out of camp, leave the remote mountain area by following a ridge to Thombu La (4,380m). From this vantage point we get a glimpse of the Paro valley to the south and mountain views all around. Start steep descent and rejoin our route to Shana, where we first began our trek. Bid farewell to trekking crew, meet the vehicle and, drive along the farm road to Paro. Arrive in the evening to the comforts of your hotel. Overnight in hotel in Paro Day 13: Paro (Takstsang) Full day for hike to legendary Taktang (tiger s nest) monastery, an quintessential Bhutan travel experience!. As you will have covered more grounds on foot, we hope to take you beyond Takstang to visit more remote monasteries further uphill such as Zangdopelri, Ugyen Tshemo and other side of the Takstang that is not accessible from the usual side. This is a full day hike. Return to Paro, where we get chance for final stroll. Farewell dinner. Day 14: Departure After breakfast, transfer to Paro airport in time for your departure flight. Included: Bhutan Royalties, tourists fees, Visa fees and taxes. Accommodations in listed or similar hotels (pleasant hotels 3-4 star type) during the tour and in tents during the trek. All meals, including evening tea/coffee etc through-out the trip. All land transfers, sightseeing with entrance fees. Experienced English Speaking Bhutanese Tour Guide. Bottled water in the vehicle and other Comp. services. During the trek: Fully-serviced camping trek Not Included: Flights into and out of Bhutan Optional Travel/Medical Insurance Personal expenses such as bars, beverages in the hotel, telephone, laundry, trips, and others HORSE (46773) 5

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