LUXURY TOUR OF BHUTAN Tiger s nest monastery (Taktsang)
HIGHLIGHTS Our Luxury Tour of Bhutan is an in depth tour to this fascinating country while staying at the best hotels in each location. You have time to visit Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Trongsa, Bumthang, Gangtey and Phobjikha Valley. We have arranged for all of our fixed date departures to coincide with one of the main festivals (Tsechus). Tsechus are annual religious Bhutanese festivals of Drukpa Buddhism held in each district or dzongkhag of Bhutan. There are superb views of the Himalaya from Druk Air flight to and from Paro and also on a clear day from Dochu La pass between Thimphu and Punakha. Throughout this itinerary you stay at best available hotels, they are as follows: Thimphu at Hotel Taj Tashi; Punakka at Punatsangchu Cottages; Trongsa at Hotel Yangkill; Bumthangat Hotel Yugurling; Phobjikha at Aman Resorts; Paro at Uma Paro and Kathmandu at Shangri La. There is no day to day trekking in this itinerary however there are opportunities for day walks while in Paro, Bumthang, Gangtey and Phobjikha Valley. You have the option to join one of our fixed date departures or to have a private tour tailored to dates that suit you. The Mountain Company has a good track record of operating in Bhutan, our groups have successfully completed Lunana Snowman trek on three previous occasions in 2006, 2008, 2011 and 2012. Snowman trek is known as one of the toughest treks in Himalaya, to read these Trip Reports please see: http://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/bhutan/walking-and-trekking/lunana-snowman/report/ Your organisation was superb & our trip itself exceeded our expectations by miles! John Potter (UK) Everything with the organisation was first class; you really run a well oiled machine! Gordon and Lynda Blair (UK)
LUXURY TOUR OF BHUTAN Total number of days 15 days Grade Accommodation Tours 14 nights hotel Minimum group size 2 2014 price from Kathmandu 4,195 (US$6,695) per person 2015 price from Kathmandu 4,195 (US$6,695) per person Druk Air also flies from to Paro from Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkatta and Singapore although surcharge would apply as only Kathmandu flights are included in price above. Dates Private tailored made tours are also available for dates that suit you. THE FOLLOWING IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF THE TRIP Druk Air flight to/from Kathmandu & Paro. All transfers including airport collections at Kathmandu & Paro. Twin/ double share room at Hotel Shangri la in Kathmandu and all hotels as per itinerary in Bhutan. Breakfast only at Hotel Shangri La in Kathmandu, all meals included while in Bhutan. All tour arrangements including permits, Bhutanese guide with private vehicle and driver.
Financial protection insurance with International Passenger Protection. Pre departure support and advice from The Mountain Company by email, phone or face to face meetings in London. After booking with us we will send our comprehensive Bhutan Pre Trip Information notes. THE FOLLOWING IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF THE TRIP International flight to/from Kathmandu (London from 600). Travel & trekking insurance (eg. Snowcard). Nepal visa Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu. Personal clothing & equipment please see Appendix for suggested kit list. Tips. Other items not listed in What is included. YOUR COMPLETE FINANCIAL PROTECTION In accordance with "The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992" all passengers booking with The Mountain Trekking Company Ltd ( The Mountain Company ) are fully protected for the initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all monies paid to us, including repatriation if required, arising from cancellation or curtailment of your travel arrangements due to the insolvency of The Mountain Company. For further information about our financial protection insurance with International Passenger Protection please see Appendix 2.
PARTICIPATION STATEMENT Participants should be aware trekking, mountaineering and travelling in a developing country are activities that involve a risk of personal injury or death. As a condition of booking you must accept these risks and be responsible for your own actions and involvement. Adventure travel requires an open and flexible attitude. You may experience extreme conditions, unpredictable weather and last minute changes to the itinerary beyond our control. Lack of acclimatisation to high altitudes could also be a risk factor. Our itineraries allow optimum time for acclimatising although it is possible that some individuals might be slow acclimatisers. The majority of our trips visit remote areas where you are away from normal emergency services and medical facilities. In case of a serious injury requiring hospitalisation, it has to be accepted by you, evacuation could take up to several days and may impede your ensuing recovery. Helicopters are the most usual means of evacuation, however they are not always available or they may be hindered by poor weather and flying conditions. DETAILED ITINERARY It is our intention to keep to the day by day itinerary detailed below, although there might be some flexibility due to local conditions or other factors beyond our control. If this is the case the trek leader will do everything possible to work out the changes to the itinerary in order to minimise your inconvenience. Day 1. Fly to Kathmandu. You will be met on arrival at Kathmandu airport and driven back to the hotel. Please provide travel plans on booking and we will arrange the pick-up and transfer. Overnight at Hotel Shangri La (B). Day 2. Fly to Paro, drive to Thimphu- 1 hour driving On a clear day the flight along the Himalaya from Kathmandu to Paro is sensational including views of Mount Everest. Upon arrival our crew will receive you at the airport and drive you through the hamlets of Paro along the riverside to Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan. You will notice a stark difference in lifestyle, architecture
and the unique Bhutanese customs men and women dressed in their traditional attire. The men wear the Gho and women kira. The drive from Paro to Thimphu takes about one hour 1h, on reaching Thimphu you are free to explore the small city with its many curios shops. You can visit the National memorial stupa of the 3 rd King of Bhutan. Large stupas are usually the place for older folks to walk around and socialize with prayers, you will see many people walking around the stupa and spinning prayer wheels. In the evening visit Tashichho Dzong, this massive structure houses part of the Government Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room and the office and the living quarters of the Monk Body and its Chief Abbot. Overnight at Hotel Taj Tashi (B,L,D). Day 3. Sightseeing in Thimphu. We drive to the viewpoint of Thimphu and visit the Takin sanctuary, Takin is the national animal of Bhutan with the head of a goat and body of a bull. Legend has it that Lama Drukpa Kuenley the Devine Mad Monk Saint, created this animal. Later we visit the Zilukha nunnery, folk heritage muesuem, the textile weaving center, Institute of Arts and Crafts called the Zorig Choesuem. Visit the handicraft emporium then the post office with its vast collection of stamps and other items. Overnight at Hotel Taj Tashi (B,L,D). Day 4. Drive to Punakha- 3 hours driving. If we didn t complete sightseeing yesterday, we ll aim for an early breakfast so we can do some more before leaving for Punakha the old winter capital of Bhutan. En route we ll cross the Dochu La pass at an altitude of 3150m. On a clear day the whole range of Eastern Himalayas can be seen from here, so fingers crossed. We then descend down to the Punakha Valley at an altitude of 1350m. The road has lots of sharp bends, but lots of breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys. If we get to Punakha early enough we ll visit the glorious Punakha Dzong, also known as the the Palace of Great Bliss. Overnight at Punatsangchu Cottages (B,L,D). Day 5. Sightseeing in Punakha. Overnight at Punatsangchu Cottages. Punakha is a beautiful place with valleys and terrace farming on mountains on both side and a river flowing through the valley. We will visit Chime Lhakhang where many locals go to pray for progeny with great success. Lam Drukpa Kuenley who
was a highly unorthodox Buddhist saint whose deeds form the basis of many local legends blesses the monastery. The temple is fondly regarded as a potent fertility shrine. Visit Crown prince Lhakhang, explore the valley. You can walk around the Punakha valley to see the farmhouse and the Bhutan architecture. Overnight at Punatsangchu Cottages (B,L,D). Day 6. Drive to Trongsa- 5 hours driving. Today we drive to Trongsa with the road taking us over two passes and the small town of Wangdue at 1,350m, where we ll explore a bit, maybe visit the Dzong and then ride on to Nobding. From Nobding the road ascends sharply to Pele La pass at 3,300m before descending through pastureland at Sephu where we reach the historical Chendebji Chorten. After lunch at Chendebji, we drive on to Trongsa. While Punakha and Trongsa are at approx the same elevation, there are lots of bends, beautiful waterfalls and thick forest cover on the way. This part of the ride offers good view of the south Trongsa Valley and stunning views of the Trongsa Dzong. We will visit the Trongsa Dzong and the museum. Overnight at Hotel Yangkhill (B,L,D). Day 7. Drive to Bumthang and Jakar- 3 hours driving. After visiting the spectacular Trongsa Dzong, we drive onto Bumthang. En route we ll pass many interesting villages and cross the Yutong La Ppass at 3,400m before descending into the beautiful Bumthang Valley. Our hotel in the trading centre of Jakar is at an altitude of 2,680m. We will arrive relatively early so give us a chance to explore the township with its wonderful bank and Post Office where you can buy some Bhutanese stamps (not rare, but still much sort after by amateur philatelists). Bumthang is known as the Switzerland of Bhutan. In the 1980 s several Swiss people from the NGO Helvetas came to Bumthang to develop the forestry industry in Bumthang, Bumthang also looks like the Swiss alps in many ways with the farmhouses with wooden shingles except that it has many monasteries and prayer flags dotting the hill sides and mountain passes. You can visit the Swiss farm, the Jambay Lhakhang monastery, the Kurgye Monastery, one of the most holy sites for Buddhists. Many royal family and high ranking lamas have their funeral in this monastery premises. We can also walk by the river towards the Tamshing Monastery. Overnight at Hotel Yugurling (B,L,D).
Day 8. Drive to Gangtey and Phobjikha- 5 hours driving. Drive to the beautiful Phobjikha valley, this place is also home to the endangered black neck cranes that migrate every year to this valley in winter. Phobjikha is a large glacial valley, on reaching Phobjikha visit the Gangtey monastery and the crane foundation centre. Overnight at Hotel Yugurling (B,L,D). Day 9. Day walk in Phobjikha valley. The valley is a good place to do day hikes as it offers numerous places to walk through villages. Overnight at Aman Resorts (B,L,D). Day 10. Drive to Paro- 5 hours driving. Drive to Paro via Thimphu, on reaching Paro valley visit the Paro Dzong and time permitting visit the national museum. Overnight at Hotel Uma Paro (B,L,D). Day 11. Sightseeing in Paro, Morning walk to Taktsang monastery (Tiger s Nest). After breakfast we will organise a walk up to the Taktsang monastery known as the Tiger s Nest. It takes about 3 to 4 hours to walk through pine forest and up to the monastery perched on a cliff overlooking the valley. Lunch will be served in the viewpoint cafeteria. In the afternoon we visit Kichu monastery which is one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Genpo who built 108 monasteries around the region with the heart being Lhasa in Tibet. Also visit the Drugyal Dzong at the end of the valley to end your tour. Overnight at Hotel Uma Paro (B,L,D). Day 12. Fly 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. Overnight at Hotel Shangri La (B). Day 13. Sightseeing in Kathmandu. Overnight at Hotel Shangri La. Today we explore Kathmandu with a local sightseeing guide, the day is flexible depending on what you would like to see but the most popular places generally are: Pashupatinath is a Hindu temple with burning ghats on the banks of the Bagmati river. Swayambhunath, also known as the monkey temple, is climbed by a long set of steps and has great views of Kathmandu.
Boudhanath stupa has many traditional gompas hung with strings of multi coloured prayer flags, it attracts many Sherpas and Tibetans for the circumambulations of the stupa (koras). Durbar square, which is one of the old capitals of the Kathmandu valley, has a blend of Hindu and Buddhist temples. Overnight at Hotel Shangri La (B). Day 14. Fly back home. Transfers to Kathmandu airport for flights back home.
ETHICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS The Mountain Company is committed to adopting a responsible attitude to the areas we visit. We are guests of the communities visited and with some thought and care we can ensure that everyone benefits from the experience. We work closely with the International Porter Protection Group (www.ippg.net) who we support as a Camp 1 sponsor- we abide by their 5 guidelines for porter protection. We also work with other organisations such as Climate Care (www.climatecare.org), Tourism Concern (www.tourismconcern.org.uk), Friends of Conservation (www.foc-uk.com) and Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (www.keepnepal.org). We have developed a Responsible Tourism policy which aims to ensure that The Mountain Company and its clients act in a way that is socially, environmentally and culturally sound. The Mountain Company has joined the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Know Before You Go campaign. The aim is to make sure travellers are properly prepared before travelling overseas. The best way to get the FCO latest advice is to visit their website at: www.fco.gov.uk/travel.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION ACCOMMODATION IN KATHMANDU In Kathmandu we use Hotel Shangri La, this hotel is located close to the British Embassy near to the centre of Kathmandu and is within walking distance to the tourist hub of Thamel. DRUK AIR FLIGHT The Druk Air flight to/ from Paro is notoriously unreliable with the final timetable often published very late. The itinerary is based on the latest schedules but it is subject to change. Flights can also be cancelled at the last minute with no alternative offered. In this situation we might have to drive to or from Paro. Passengers in Executive Class (J class) are entitled to a maximum of 30 kg, and those in Economy Class (Y class) are entitled to a maximum of 20 kg.. VISA REQUIREMENTS Bhutan visa The Mountain Company team will obtain your Bhutan visa. We will send you a copy of the confirmation from the Bhutanese Department of Tourism showing that your visa has been authorised. Your actual visa will be issued on arrival at Paro. VACCINATION You should obtain professional advice from a travel clinic or your local GP about which vaccinations to have before you arrive in Bhutan and Nepal.
FLIGHTS The Mountain Company does not book international flights for our holidays. Instead all package prices are Land Only with services starting from arrival to the destination country. If you would like help arranging flights then we suggest you get in touch with our partner travel agent, GYT (ATOL registered) operated by Flight Centre UK Limited. GYT are experts in finding the best flight routes and tickets to suit your needs. When it comes to travel; you can shoot any question to them and they ll be sure to steer you in the right direction. Along with all the advice that GYT can offer; there are a few other reasons to book with them: Unrivalled product knowledge and expertise. Passionate about travel - they will do everything they can to create your perfect travel experience. They promise to offer you the best airfare solution to suit your needs. 24 hour emergency assistance helpline. Access to Travel Butler, a service which offers you support whilst you are travelling by providing: one point of contact and free help and advice on ticket date and reschedule changes (free of charge revalidation where possible). As a specialist division of the Flight Centre Group they are part of a $12billion organisation that offers you security and utilises global buying power to save you money. You can contact The Mountain Company s dedicated travel team at themountaincompany@flightcentre.co.uk or talk to an expert on 0844 560 9822. Or try contacting Max Travel (ATOL registered), you can call them at +44 (0)20 7095 0920 or visit their website at www.maxtravel.co.uk
INSURANCE Travel insurance for any Mountain Company itinerary is a condition of booking a holiday. At the very least you should have emergency medical and repatriation insurance. Cancellation insurance is strongly recommended as all deposits paid to The Mountain Company are non-refundable. To get an online quote for your personal travel and trekking insurance (UK residents only), take a look at Snowcard's website at: http://www.snowcard.co.uk Please note that The Mountain Company do not act as an agent of Snowcard Insurance and any policy bought via this web link is effected directly with Snowcard Insurance Services Limited. CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS The Royal Government of Bhutan has a strict policy to preserve its cultural and traditional values. For example antiques may not be taken out of the country and they request that clients do not give sweets, pens etc, to children or distribute medicine to villagers. SUGGESTED READING Please take a look at The Mountain Company s bookstore for a wide selection of books and maps to Nepal, the link is at: http://astore.amazon.co.uk/themountainco- 21 Pocket Guide to the Birds of Bhutan: Grimmett R, Inskipp C & T. Two and Two Halves to Bhutan: Peter Steele
Bhutan Land of the Peaceful Dragon: G.N. Mehra Bhutan, An Illustrated Guide: Françoise Pommaret, Odyssey Guides Bhutan, Land of the Thunder Dragon: E.T. Owen, London 1998 Pocket Guide to the Birds of Bhutan: Grimmett R, Inskipp C & T. Two and Two Halves to Bhutan: Peter Steele
APPENDIX 1 INTERNATIONAL PASSENGER PROTECTION In accordance with "The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992" all passengers booking with The Mountain Trekking Company Ltd ( The Mountain Company ) are fully protected for the initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all monies paid to us, including repatriation if required, arising from cancellation or curtailment of your travel arrangements due to the insolvency of The Mountain Company. There is no requirement for Financial Protection of day trips, and none is provided. This insurance is only valid for packages booked that DO NOT include flights. Consumer aware: Your booking is insured by IPP Ltd and its panel of insurers. This insurance is only valid for passengers who book and pay directly with/to The Mountain Company. If you have booked and/ or paid direct to a Travel Agent for a holiday with The Mountain Company please request proof of how the booking is secured as this will not be covered by IPP Ltd in this instance. For further information please go to www.ipplondon.co.uk This Insurance has been arranged by International Passenger Protection Limited and underwritten by Insurers who are members of the Association of British Insurers & Lloyds Syndicates. Claim procedures: download claim form from www.ipplondon.co.uk, any occurrence which may give rise to a claim should be advised within 14 days to: International Passenger Protection Limited, Claims Office, IPP House, 22-26 Station Road, West Wickham, Kent BR4 0PR, United Kingdom. Telephone: +44 (0) 208 7763752. Fax: +44 (0) 208 7763751. In order to deal promptly with any claims hereunder it is essential that you retain all bills, receipts and other documents relating to your travel arrangements. Claims forms must be submitted to IPP within six months of date of insolvency they cannot consider or pay claims received after this date.