Bumthang Valley Trek

Transcription

1 Bumthang Valley Trek Overview This is a classic trek starting out from the beautiful Bumthang valley. You will walk through several villages, virgin forests with unique flora and fauna, and the ruins of fortresses, monasteries. During the trek you will find complete peace and tranquility in the countryside and will have an opportunity to interact with the local people and experience their culture and lifestyle. No previous trekking experience is required for this trek. However, it is not physically demanding as anyone can easily climb over 3360 m altitude. Animals will carry the bulk of our loads and you can enjoy in nature walking at your own pace. This trek is ideal for average walkers. Itinerary in detail DAY 01: ARRIVE IN KATHMANDU Arrive at the Tribhuwan International Airport where you will be welcomed by Trek Himalayan representative and transferred to your Pre-booked hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free until evening when you'll enjoy a welcome drinks with your guide and introduce to each other. Overnight in Kathmandu DAY 02: KATHMANDU SIGHTSEEING Your guide will meet you at your hotel in the morning to begin your city tour of Kathmandu. You will visit the Boudhanath temple, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal, Pashupatinath, a Hindu pilgrimage site, and possibly view cremation ceremonies along the banks of the Bagmati River and continue drive to Patan Durbar Square to take in ancient Nepalese architecture and end your tour after a lunch. Then, you will visit the Patan museum. Overnight in Kathmandu DAY 03: FLY KATHMANDU TO PARO BY DRUK AIR After breakfast you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for the flight to Paro. After completing the visa formalities at the Paro airport you will be received by our Bhutan s representative and transferred to the hotel. While driving through the picturesque Paro valley with its quaint clusters of hamlets amid terraced paddy fields you will see by the sight of white-domed peak of the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari that looms overhead. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the town of Paro and its markets. Dinner and overnight in hotel DAY 04: PARO SIGHTSEEING After breakfast we will drive to Drugyel dzong, the ruined Fort (destroyed by fire in 1950.). From here we enjoy the view of sacred Mt. Chomolhari on a clear day. After lunch we drive to Ta Dzong, former Watch Tower which now houses the National Museum and then walk down passing close by the Paro Dzong, crossing the Bhutanese typical wooden roofed bridge to Paro. After a short stroll in town we drive back to hotel for overnight dinner and stay. DAY 05: DAY HIKE TO TAKTSANG & DRIVE TO THIMPHU Today we spend half a day hiking to Taktsang, the Tiger s Nest. This magical monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 4000 ft. above the Paro valley floor. Legend says that Guru Padmasambhava flew here on the back of a tigress.the hike to Taktsang Monastery takes about 4 hours. We take lunch at the Taktsang Cafeteria. After lunch we walk down to Paro and drive through the winding road beside the Paro Chu (Chu means river or water) downstream to its confluence with the Wang-Chu then up the valley to Thimphu capital (2hrs). Dinner and overnight in hotel w w w. t r e k h i m a l a y a n. c o m Page 1

2 DAY 06: THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING After breakfast we will drive for sightseeing tour of the Thimphu valley that includes the Nunnery, National Library, Painting School and Handicraft Emporium and then drive back for lunch. After lunch we continue our sightseeing tour of Memorial Chorten (Stupa) of His Late Majesty the 3rd King of Bhutan. We will visit Simthokha Dzong, the first fort built by Shabdrung who unified the kingdom in the 17th century, now it houses the school for study of National Language Dzongkha. Dinner and overnight in hotel DAY 07: DRIVE TO PUNAKHA (77 KM/ 3 HRS) After breakfast we will drive to Punakha via Dochu-La-Pass (3100 m. Then we will continue our drive towards Punakha where we visit Chimi Lhakhang - The Temple of Fertility built in the 15th century. Also, we will visit Punakha Dzong. Dinner and overnight at Punakha DAY 08: DRIVE TO WANGDUEPHODRANG & BUMTHANG (212 KM / 8 HRS) After breakfast we will drive to Wangue Phodrang(4,300 ft.), visiting Dzong & local market. This place is known for Bamboo products, Slate & Stone carving. Then we will drive further down and cross Pele-La- Pass ( ft.), which is a traditional boundary between east & west Bhutan. There is an abrupt change in vegetation, with mountain forest replaced by high altitude dwarf bamboo. We stop en route at Chendbji Chorten and drive further to visit Trongsa Dzong it was the seat of power over central & eastern Bhutan. Finally we arrive at Bumthang after crossing over the Yutong-La-Pass (11,155 ft.). Dinner and overnight at Bumthang DAY 09: BUMTHANG SIGHTSEEING Bumthang is the general name given to combination of four valleys Chumey, Choekhor, Tang & Ura. These valleys produce honey, cheese, apples & yathra (woolen colourful material). After breakfast we will visit Jambey Lhakhang, Kurje, Tamshing and Kunchosum monasteries. Besides, we will visit the Jakar Dzong & Mebar Tsho (Lake of Burning Fire). Back to hotel. Dinner and overnight at Bumthang DAY 10: TREK TO NGANG LHAKHANG (14 KM, 5/6 HR WALK) The trek route follows along the Chamkharchu (Bumthang River). You will stop at Tangbi Monastery for a lunch. After sometime, you will enter the Swan valley known as Ngang valley with its Ngang Lhakhang (the Swan Temple) at the center of the valley. Dinner and overnight at camp DAY 11: TREK TO UGYENCHOLING (12 KM 3 / 4 HOURS) Today we make a gradual climb to Phephe La (pass) at an altitude of ft, which is the highest point of the trek. The trail from the pass takes you through one of the most beautiful forests of the region. Along the way you can see the view of the Ugyencholing Palace. Overnight at camp at an altitude of 9000 ft DAY 12: TREK TO BUMTHANG After breakfast we follow the trail to the Tang Chu, another trout-filled river. On the bank of the river we visit Tang Rimpoche's Lhakhang. The trek will pass the Mebar Tsho (Flaming Lake). From Bumthang, you will be picked up by our transport and driven to Bumthang. DAY 13: DRIVE TO WANGDIPHODRANG From Bumthang we drive to Wangdiphodrang, following our original route. This will give us an opportunity to see things we missed along the way. w w w. t r e k h i m a l a y a n. c o m Page 2

3 DAY 14: DRIVE TO PARO En route you will visit Wangdi Dzong, built by the Shabdrung in After lunch we will continue our journey and again we stop on the way and visit Tamchoe Monastery built in 15th century by Thangtong Gyalpo (Iron chain builders). If you are interested, you may visit the local handcraft shops to buy some souvenirs for your relatives and friends back home. DAY 15: FLY PARO TO KATHMANDU After the spectacular flight back to Kathmandu the rest of the day you are free to relax in Kathmandu or to go shopping. DAY 16: FREE DAY IN KATHMANDU DAY17: FINAL DEPARTURE COST INCLUDES International arrival/departure transfers Kathmandu half day sightseeing escorted by City Guide (any foreign language accordingly ) 4 Nights standard hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on BB basis Flight fare with tax: Kathmandu-Paro-Kathmandu International arrival/departure transfers (Paro) Guided sightseeing tour in Paro and Thimphu escorted by Tour Guide Private vehicle while sightseeing Bhutan Monuments entrance fees Accommodation on twin sharing basis in hotels/resorts with breakfast (Bhutan) All meals (breakfast/lunch/dinner) in Bhutan during treks Porters and pack animals for trekking All necessary trekking equipments Bhutan government royalty and local taxes COST EXCLUDES International airfare and airport tax Nepal entry visa fee Nepal re-entry visa fee Single supplement during entire trip Note: Additional cost applies for single supplement Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu Monument entrance fees in Kathmandu Travel/medical insurance and emergency evacuation cost Expenses of personal nature like alcoholic drinks, mineral water, cold drinks, laundry, international phone call etc. Personal clothing and equipment Extra luggage charge on the flight Upgrade of airfare and type of accommodation w w w. t r e k h i m a l a y a n. c o m Page 3

4 Bhutan visa fee collected on arrival in Kathmandu Tips for guide and driver All expenses incurred in the event of early departure (evacuation fee, transport, extra hotel night, food etc.) Any others expenses which are not mentioned in the 'Cost Includes' NITTY-GRITTY Location: South Asia Destination: Nepal & Bhutan Total Trip Duration: 17 Days Hotel in Kathmandu: 04 Nights Tour + Trek in Bhutan: 13 Days Trip Starts / Ends: Kathmandu Activities: Cultural Tour Mode of Transportation: Private, comfortable Vehicles Flight Service: Kathmandu-Paro-Kathmandu Best Season: Mid Sept - Dec & Mid Feb June Type of Trip: Private & Regular Departure Service available: Standard Trek grade: Moderate to Challenging No. of Pax: From 2 & above Meals during trip: Breakfast throughout, Lunch & Dinner on trek in Bhutan General Information Nepal Visa: All visitors except the Indian nationals must hold passport and valid visa. Visa can be obtained at the Nepalese diplomatic missions and consulates abroad. Visa is also issued at the entry points. It can be extended at the Department of Immigration, Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu. Children under 10 years need not pay any visa fee. People willing to get entry Visa at the airport or any of the land entry points are required to fill a visa form with one passport size photograph. Gratis visa for 30 days available only for tourists of SAARC countries Multiple entry 15 days - US$ 25 or equivalent convertible currency Multiple entry 30 days - US$ 40 or equivalent convertible currency Multiple entry 90 days - US$ 100 or equivalent convertible currency Tourist Visa Extension * Visa extension fee for 15 days or less is US $ 30 or equivalent convertible currency and visa extension fee for more than 15 days is US$ 2 per day * Tourist visa can be extended for a maximum period of 150 days in a single visa year (January - December). Note: Above Visa fee is subject to change without prior notice. w w w. t r e k h i m a l a y a n. c o m Page 4

5 Geography: Nepal is located in South Asia between China in the north and India in the south, east and west. While the total land area is 147,181 sq. km including water area of the country that is 3,830 sq. km. The geographical coordinates are N E. Nepal falls in the temperate zone north of the Tropic of Cancer. Nepal s ecological zones run east to west about 800 km along its Himalayan axis, 150 to 250 km north to south, and are vertically intersected by the river systems. The country can be divided into three main geographical regions: Himalayan region, mid hill region and Terai region. The highest point in the country is Mt. Everest (8,848 m) while the lowest point is in the Terai plains of Kechana Kalan in Jhapa (60 m). (Source NTB) Climate: Climatic conditions of Nepal vary from one place to another in accordance with the geographical features. In the north summers are cool and winters severe, while in south summers are tropical and winters are mild. Nepal has namely five major seasons: spring, summer, monsoon, autumn and winter. Average temperatures and rainfall during peak summer and winter in three most popular tourist areas: Place Summer (May, June & July) Winter (Dec, Jan & Feb) City (Max. o c) (Min. o c) Rain (mm) (Max. o c) (Min. o c) Rain (mm) Kathamndu Pokhara Chitwan Further details can be found at Insurance: Before joining a tour, we recommend you to take out a travel insurance which should cover cancellation, medical expenses, etc. Please send us the following details such as your full name, policy number and the insurance company s 24 hour emergency contact number prior to departure. We also strongly recommend that your policy must cover personal liability, flight/trip cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Money Exchange Currency exchange rates in Nepal often fluctuate. Please log on to the following link for the update: When changing money try to get a mix of denominations (your guide will advise you on this).keep smaller notes with you when on the trek or tour as it can be difficult to change larger notes once out of the city. Government Office Hours & Holidays Sunday to Thursday: 1000hrs 1700hrs (during summer) Sunday to Thursday: 1000hrs 1600hrs (during winter) Friday: 1000hrs 1500hrs. Saturday: Holiday You can find list of other national holidays in Nepal below; w w w. t r e k h i m a l a y a n. c o m Page 5

6 Language Nepali, written in the Devanagari script, is the official language of Nepal. However, most people living in the city areas can understand and speak English fluently. Hindi language is widely understood across the country. Bhutan Druk Yul, land of the Thunder Dragon, as Bhutan is known, is regarded as the last paradise on earth. The kingdom is flanked on the north and north-west by Tibet, the plains of north-east India to the south and south-west and the hills India s north-eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh to the east. This Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan is fast emerging from centuries of self-imposed isolation. First opened in a much regulated manner to tourists in 1974 on the auspicious occasion of coronation of Bhutan s present king, this mountain kingdom is still perhaps the world s most exclusive tourist destination. This fabulous Himalayan kingdom is jeweled with pain shrines, forts, hamlets, Buddhist monastery and picturesque valleys of the eternal highlands. Bhutan Travel Information Visa, Passport & Visa Fee: A visa is stamped in the passport at Paro Airport during the immigration process. A visa cost US$20 and Visas are approved and issued prior to entry, only after the pre-payment. The visitors are required valid passport and visa to enter Bhutan, except for Indian nationals. Travelers to Bhutan must have a visa approved prior to arriving in the kingdom. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Thimphu issues visa to all foreign travelers. Tour Guides/Leaders: All our tour guides are trained and certified by the Tourism Council of Bhutan. They are friendly, honest, English speaking and have good knowledge about the local culture, religion and history. We arrange Japanese, French, Chinese and German language speaking guides as per the client's interest. Accommodations Bhutan offers generally modest but clean hotels. There are none of the chain hotels in Bhutan although a couple of high end resorts have been opened in some districts. Trek Himalayan puts you up in the best available hotels that are classified and approved by the Royal Government Bhutan. Bhutan s local hospitality is, however, an insight into a society where tourism may be a new venture, but where visitors are greeted with true warmth and friendship. Generally, tourist facilities and services are good in western Bhutan, but the quality of service and facilities decreases the further east we go. This is because tourism is less developed in the remote eastern part of Bhutan. Meals A variety of meals are available in most hotels the most popular being Indian, Chinese, and the more common continental food. Non vegetarian dishes are generally available in most parts of Bhutan - pork, beef, chicken, and fish. The best advice is to ask the hotel and restaurant to recommend what is fresh and available in season. The most popular Bhutanese dish is "Ema Datsi" prepared entirely from chilies and w w w. t r e k h i m a l a y a n. c o m Page 6

7 cheese. This dish is distinctly Bhutanese and is very hot. Each region in Bhutan has its own specialty and you will get plenty of opportunity to taste its each delicacy that is truly Bhutanese. Transport Trek Himalayan arranges comfortable passenger coaster buses for groups of seven visitors or more. You will also be traveling comfortably throughout the country in six seater Japanese hi-ace buses. Smaller groups of one to two passengers will be fit in cars. Climate & Temperature: Bhutan's climate ranges from tropical in the south, to temperate in the center and to cold in the north. It will be quite unpredictable. In the Thimphu and Paro valleys, the winter daytime temperature averages 60 degrees Fahrenheit during clear winter days but drops below freezing during the night. Mid December to early January can be a beautifully clear and dry in Western Bhutan. Late December through mid February is the period of heaviest snow fall in the higher elevations. Insurance: Before joining a tour, we recommend you to take out a travel insurance which should cover cancellation, medical expenses, etc. Please send us the following details such as your full name, policy number and the insurance company s 24 hour emergency contact number prior to departure. We also strongly recommend that your policy must cover personal liability, flight/trip cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Weather & Clothing Due to wide range of temperature and climatic conditions, it is advisable to bring appropriate clothing. In the months of October, November, December, January and February, mornings and evenings will be cold. You need to bring warm clothes (thick overcoats not necessary). While the months of March, April, May, June, July, August and September the days are warmer. June, July and August will be little wet and some rain gears would be mandatory. Festivals in Bhutan: Age old culture and traditions is deeply ingrained in the minds of people of Bhutan. One such cultural event is the festival, which is the enactment of teachings of 8th century old spiritual master, Guru Rinpoche who brought Buddhism to Bhutan and other neighboring Himalayan countries. Festivals bring lots joys and relaxation to the Bhutanese people. It is a time when farmers rejoice after their years hard work in their fields. People from all walks of life come to witness the festivals in their finest attires. Watching the monks and laymen perform the festival dances is a delightful ways of experiencing the culture of Bhutan. Language: Originally spoken only in western Bhutan, Dzongkha is now the national language. English is widely spoken in main towns and it is the medium of education in all schools. Local people are also familiar with Hindi and Nepali. w w w. t r e k h i m a l a y a n. c o m Page 7

8 Religion: Bhutan is the only country in the world to have adopted Mahayana Buddhism in its Tantric form as its official religion. The Buddhist faith has played and continues to play a fundamental role in the cultural, ethical and sociological development of country and its people. Monks are held in great respect and play an active part in community life. Almost every home in Bhutan has a special area called a chosum, which is a small shrine, or a special room used for prayers. Time: Bhutan standard time is six hours ahead of GMT, and there is only one zone throughout the country. Bhutan standard time is 30minutes ahead of Indian Standard Time. Electricity: Electricity in Bhutan is reasonably reliable and runs 220/240 volts. An international converter kit with a set of adapter plugs may be required if travelers bring along electrical appliances. Currency: Bhutan's unit of currency is the Ngultrum (Nu), which is at par to the Indian Rupee (100 Chetrum s = 1 Ngultrum). One US dollar is equivalent to approximately 46 Ngultrum s*. Most major foreign currencies are accepted. Traveler s cheques, American Express cards and Visa cards are also accepted in certain establishments. The Indian Rupee is also legal tender in Bhutan except for the denomination of 500 notes which are banned in Bhutan because of counterfeit. Tipping: Although the system of give and take is always there in Bhutanese tradition, tipping is not compulsory. But if you would like to appreciate the services of our guides, drivers and service staff you may tip them according to your wish. All Rights Reserved by Trek Himalayan LLC w w w. t r e k h i m a l a y a n. c o m Page 8