FESTIVAL SERIES: JAMBAY LLAKHANG AND THE OWL TREK November 15, 2016 November 26, 2016 As of December 14, 2015 Visit us at www.wildland.com
ITINERARY OVERVIEW Legend has it that in the year 659 the Tibetan King decreed it was necessary to build 108 temples in a day to pin a demoness in place forever. Temples were built all over the Tibetan Plateau and in Bhutan the Jampay Lhakhang Temple, which holds down her left knee, is one of the most famous. Here s your opportunity to take part in one of the most spectacular festivals in Bhutan where you ll see masked Cham dances, pilgrims leaping through burning archways, and the fire dance which takes place at midnight on the 3 rd day. Continue to explore Central Bhutan, taking advantage of prime Bhutanese weather by embarking on the Owl Trek, a lovely 3-day trek around Bumthang offering both fantastic views of Bhutan s unspoiled natural environment and visits to ancient Buddhist temples and monasteries. Observe the black-necked crane, experience authentic Bhutanese life at a farm stay in Gangtey, and explore the markets and iconic symbol of Bhutan, the Tiger s Nest, before leaving this majestic kingdom. DAY 1 DATE NOV 15 OVERNIGHT HOTEL MEALS HIGHLIGHTS PARO 2 NOV 16 BUMTHANG 3 NOV 17 BUMTHANG Khangkhu Resort or Uma (L) Wangdicholling or Yu Gharling (L) Wangdicholling or Yu Gharling (L) LD 4 NOV 18 SCHONATH Camping Transfer to airport for flight to Paro. Arrival greet and tour Paro. Enjoy sunset view of the town from the Paro Museum. Flight to Bumthang and festival Festival day First day of Bumthang Owl trek explore villages. 5 NOV 19 KITIPHU Camping Second day of trek views, forests. 6 NOV 20 BUMTHANG Wangdicholling or Yu Gharling (L) Third day of trek monasteries. Return to Bumthang. 7 NOV 21 TRONGSA Yangkhil Hotel Drive to Trongsa. Visit Dzong and town. 8 NOV 22 GANGTEY Farm Stay 9 NOV 23 THIMPHU 10 NOV 24 PARO 11 NOV 25 PARO Jumolhari Hotel or Taj Tashi (L) Khangkhu Resort or Uma (L) Khangkhu Resort or Uma (L) 12 NOV 26 DEPARTURE B Drive over pass to Gangtey. Visit Crane Nature Center and walk in area. Drive to Thimphu over Dochu-la pass. Visit Punakha Dzong. Enjoy weekend market. Explore Thimphu. Drive to Paro. Hike to Tigers Nest, farewell dinner Transfer to airport for departure flight. -2-
ITINERARY IN DETAIL DAY 1: TO PARO, BHUTAN Your flight is a spectacular introduction to Bhutan as during clear weather you will have magnificent views of the world s highest peaks and then the lush green Paro valley as you land. This beautiful valley encapsulates a rich culture, scenic beauty, and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many of Bhutan s oldest temples and monasteries, the country s only airport, and the National Museum. Mt. Jumolhari watches from the northern end of the valley, its glacial waters plunging through deep gorges to form the Pa Chu (Paro River). The Paro Valley is one of the kingdom s most fertile, producing the bulk of Bhutan s famous red rice from its terraced After clearing customs and immigration, you will be met by your guide and driven to Paro. Visit Kychu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan s most beautiful and oldest Buddhist temples, built in the 7 th century by the first king of Tibet. Explore Paro Rimpung Dzong, fortress on a heap of jewels, universally considered one of Bhutan s most impressive temples. Walk from the dzong to the old traditional covered wooden bridge and stroll along the west bank of the river. Downstream from the bridge, you can get a spectacular view of the dzong. Continue to the Paro Museum, a renovated watchtower from which you can enjoy a lovely view of the sunset. Get in the festival spirit with the museum s impressive collection of fearsome festival masks. Overnight Kangkhu Resort [LD] DAY 2: FLY TO BUMTHANG JAMBAY LLAKHANG FESTIVAL Transfer to the airport for your flight to Bumthang, the heartland of Buddhism. Spend the afternoon at the Jambay Llakhang Festival, a day full of dances and celebration with the people of Bumthang and the nearby villages. Stay awake until midnight to catch the opening of the festival, including the naked dance performed to sanctify the region and the fire blessing ceremony, where locals run through a huge dry-grass bonfire to cleanse their sins for the year. Overnight Wangdicholing Resort [] DAY 3: BUMTHANG TEMPLES AND FESTIVALS Wander the city, absorbing the festival atmosphere. Visit local temples including Kurjey Lhakhang, where the Guru Rinpoche subdued a local demon and left an imprint of his body on a rock. Choose to hike to the Tamshing Monastery, founded in 1501 ACE and containing some of the earliest wall paintings in the country, or over to the Thangbi valley across a suspension bridge to see the Thangbi Lhakhang, built as a religious school in 1470 ACE. Overnight Wangdicholing Resort [] -3-
THE OWL TREK DAY 4: BUMTHANG (8.859 FT) SCHONATH (11,318 FT) DISTANCE: 6 MILES TIME: 5 HOURS ELEVATION GAIN/LOSS: 2,459 FT/ 0 FT Start at Manchugang and visit Dhur, the largest village in Bumthang, at an elevation of 9514 feet. The village consists of about 75 households comprising two peoples; the Kheps, associated with cattle and farmland and the Brokpas (nomads) who have yaks. Take a walk above the village to get a bird s eye view of the area. Climb down to the river where the traditional water-driven flour mill can be visited. It was once a source of income for the people of Dhur village and is currently being renovated after the intake channel was washed away by a flash flood. Continue trekking uphill through the blue pine forest and reach camp at Schonath (11,318ft) in a hemlock and juniper forest. Drift to sleep to the hooting of owls and fully appreciate why this journey is called the Owl Trek. Overnight Camp [] DAY 5: SCHONATH (11,318 FT) KITIPHU (13,123 FT) DISTANCE: 7.4 MILES TIME: 5-6 HOURS ELEVATION GAIN/LOSS: 1,805FT/ 0 FT Trek through the virgin forest of huge trees including spruce, hemlock, fir, birch and many species of rhododendron. Breathe in the real wilderness of Bhutan. Bamboo is the main under growth of this wild forest. In about two hours, you will arrive at the Drange-La Pass (11,800 ft). Ascend the Kitiphu Ridge bringing you to an altitude of 12,700ft for the night s camp. If the weather is good, you will have a wonderful view of the valley and a panorama of the snow-capped Himalayan Mountains. The highest mountain of Bhutan, Gangkarpunsum (24,445 ft), stands right in front of the Kitiphu ridge. Overnight Camp [] DAY 6: KITIPHU (13,123 FT) JAKAR/BUMTHANG (8,859 FT) DISTANCE: 7.9 MILES TIME:6 HOURS ELEVATION GAIN/ LOSS: 0FT/ 4,264FT Enjoy a magnificent sunrise in the morning before climbing down to the monasteries of Zambhalha, Chuedak and Tharpaling which allow you to observe the religious life of a monk. Chuedak monastery has 100 Bodhisattvas statues in a special 11-headed form that you will see nowhere else in the country. Later walk along the ridge of Kikila and follow the traditional trek route between Trongsa and Bumthang (the Royal Heritage Trail). The best view of Jakar Dzong will end your three day trek. In Jakar your car will be waiting to drive you to hotel in Bumthang. Overnight Wangdicholing Resort [] END OF TREK -4-
DAY 7: BUMTHANG TRONGSA Drive to Trongsa (3 hrs) over the Yotongla Pass (11,154 ft). After checking in to your hotel, venture out to view the impressive Trongsa Dzong, ancestral home of the ruling dynasty. In the past this Dzong controlled the passage between East and West Bhutan. Overnight Yangkhil Hotel [] DAY 8: TRONGSA PHOBJIKHA VALLEY CRANE CENTER Leave for the Gangtey valley over Pele-La Pass. Climb steadily through semi-tropical vegetation until you reach the pass where it changes to an alpine environment of rhododendrons and dwarf bamboo. If the weather is clear, the Himalayan range can be seen, particularly the peak of Jhomulhari (23,996 ft) to the west. En route cross Chendebji Chorten (shrine) built many centuries ago to suppress a demon. Gangtey lies on the flanks of the Black Mountains. Stop at the monastery of Gangtey Gompa, which sits high above the valley and overlooks the rolling green hills of Phobjikha. This expansive complex dates back to the 17th century. A few kilometers past the Gompa on the valley floor you will find the fascinating valley of Phobjikha. This beautiful glacial bowl is dotted with villages and hiking trails and its gentle sloping hillsides have won it the title of "the most beautiful valley in the Himalayas". This is the winter home of black necked cranes that migrate from arid plains in the north to pass winter in the milder lowland climate. Visit the Nature Information Center and walk along the nature trail to see the Black-Necked Cranes. Stay tonight at the home of Nangay Pem and her husband Phob Gaytshey, who have converted the upper floor of their two story farmhouse to a guesthouse. Spend the evening dining with the family sharing a meal in the traditional manner while seated on the floor. Retire to your upstairs room for the night at your farm stay where you will feel more like family than you will a visitor [] DAY 9: PUNAKHA DZONG THIMPHU Drive towards Punakha, stopping to visit the Punakha Dzong. From this spectacular setting you can look back to see the Khamsung Yuely Namgyel Temple perched on the hillside far in the distance. Depart for the drive to Thimphu (3 hours) climbing steeply through a forest of pine and cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high up near Dochula pass (10,000 ft). This pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges and is marked with 100 stupas on a small hillock, exuding the feeling of an outdoor sculpture garden. Enjoy a drink at the lodge there and then descend to Thimphu. Overnight Jumolhari Hotel [] DAY 10: THIMPHU EXPLORATION Explore Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. The town is made up of 3 rows of shops and is the only capital in the world without traffic lights. Sightseeing options include the National Library, the Folk Heritage -5-
Museum (a beautifully restored Bhutanese farmhouse from the last century), the National Painting School - home to 13 teachings of 13 traditional arts and crafts- the Textile Museum, and the National Post Office (Bhutan has many intricate stamps). Drive to Paro where you will overnight at the Kangchu Resort [] for an early trip to the iconic Tiger s Nest. DAY 11: TIGERS NEST Drive the winding road to Drukgyal Dzong, the ruined fortress which once defended the valley from Tibetan invasions from where you will start your hike up to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger s Nest), which clings to the mountainside 2,600 ft above the valley. Legend has it Guru Padmasambhava rode in to this site on the back of a tigress to subdue a local demon and then proceeded to meditate here for 3 months. As a farewell, your guide will organize a traditional Bhutanese dinner and cultural performance. Together, you can celebrate a final Bhutanese meal as you say goodbye to this magical kingdom. Overnight Kangchu Resort [] The 8th-century historical figure, Guru Rimpoche, is regarded as the second Buddha and believed to have had miraculous powers, including the ability to subdue demons and evil spirits. Taksang is translated as tiger s nest, and Guru Rimpoche is believed to have flown on the back of a tigress to the site of the monastery, where he then meditated in a cave for three months. DAY 12: DEPARTURE Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. [B] END OF SERVICES Actual routes and activities may vary. Local trip coordinators reserve the right to change accommodations to similar quality alternatives. -6-
PRICING: For current pricing please click here For scheduled departure dates please click here **Druk Airfare varies by location and dates. Please contact us for estimated rates. Airfare is estimated and subject to change until purchased. Flights are available from Calcutta, Delhi, Bagdogra in India, and from Kathmandu, Singapore and Bangkok. INCLUDED SERVICES Accommodation as listed Overnight camping gear (sleeping bag, pad, tent) Bhutan Visa (Wildland will obtain approval letter in advance) A/C vehicle and driver including airport transfers Specialist full time guide-escort in Bhutan Guided tours and excursions including entrance fees All meals while in Bhutan Airport-hotel transfers on scheduled dates Complimentary water during all transfers, drives and sightseeing Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services SERVICES NOT INCLUDED International and Domestic airfare (Druk Air flights listed separately) Tips and gratuities Drinks, alcoholic beverages, water in restaurants, and meals other than listed above Personal expenses for extra services, optional activities, or changes beyond our control Travel insurance for trip cancellation, medical services, or evacuation -7-
ACCOMMODATIONS KHANGKHU RESORT, PARO Perched in the mountains above the Paro airport, and opposite the Paro Dzong and the National Museum, Khangkhu is strategically located. Here you have amazing views of the Paro valley from your room and dining verandahs. Facilities include restaurants, bar, spa and lounge. Each room is equipped with cable TV, coffee/tea maker and high-speed internet. UMA, PARO (LUXURY) Uma is an intimate, 29 room resort with an enviable location in the Paro Valley. You can easily access the highlights of Paro, from Tiger s Nest monastery to the museums, monasteries, and markets. Each room has views of the mountains, forests, or valley. Uma boasts an award winning spa and world class restaurant serving Bhutanese fusion meals. WANGDICHOLING, BUMTHANG Established in 2000, the Wangdicholing Resort is nestled on a hilltop facing the Chamkhar Chu river, about 1 km from town. This charming family-run establishment offers panoramic vistas and top notch hospitality. Boasting traditional Bhutanese architecture, the hotel has 35 uniquely decorated rooms. YU GHARLING, BUMTHANG (LUXURY) Yu Gharling is a beautiful boutique hotel that overlooks the Chamkhar River, temples, and the surrounding paddy fields. The lodge offers a regal dining room and a spa with three treatment rooms and a steam room. Suites feature wood-paneled interiors, a king-size bed, free wifi, and room service. -8-
CAMP, TREK All trekking parties in Bhutan are accompanied by a trained guide, a cook, an assistant and at least one horseman. Horses and yaks carry all provisions and most of your gear. You will only have to carry a daypack. The support crew walks ahead each day and pitches camp before you arrive. All meals are carefully planned. Your wake-up call each morning will be a hot tea or coffee bought to your tent along with a bowl of hot water for personal hygiene. For meals, a dinner table is set up with a table cloth, chairs and condiments. Outhouses are set up each night. YANGKHIL RESORT Yangkhil Resort is an elegant establishment in the historic town of Trongsa. It has 21 rooms constructed in traditional Bhutanese style with modern décor. Lush, colorful gardens, a fish pond, and views of the mountains add to the resort s natural and exotic character. Each room has a private veranda. There is a restaurant at the resort that serves Bhutanese and Indian cuisine. There is also a casual, open air dining space that offers breathtaking views of Trongsa Dzong and Ta Dzong. FARM STAY, GANGTEY Potato farmers Nangay Pem and her husband Phob Gaytshey run a small homestay in their two-story traditional farmhouse. There are four guest bedrooms and an altar room upstairs, while the family lives on the ground floor. Join the family for dinner in the kitchen, seated on the floor around the bukhari (wood stove). The couple's daughter, Sonam Wangmo, speaks English, but you don't need a guide to translate how to play archery or learn how Bhutanese alcohol is made. All rooms are clean, comfortable, and warm. Painted in the traditional style they also have modern, Western amenities including attached bathroom with hot water (shared). The farm stay also gives you an opportunity to try a Dhotsho, hot stone bath, that is sure to be a highlight coming so soon on the tails of your trek! JUMOLHARI HOTEL, THIMPHU Hotel Jumolhari is recently renovated, but retains the charm of its traditional Bhutanese hospitability combined with a distinctive boutique style décor. It is located in the heart of Thimphu and accessible to all places of interest. Enjoy the view of the river running past. The hotel has a bar and multi-cuisine restaurant, steam room/sauna and library. The 26 comfortable rooms include tea/coffee maker, safe, mini-bar, satellite TV and high speed internet. -9-
TAJ TASHI, THIMPHU (LUXURY) In keeping with the enchanting surroundings, the Taj is a blend of Bhutan s Dzong architecture and modern design. Adorned with classical hand-drawn Buddhist murals, its 66 elegant guestrooms afford guests striking highlights of the region s art and color. Taj Tashi s location in the capital city of Thimpu, makes it the ideal base from which to explore the tiny kingdom s spectacular monasteries, centuries-old street festivals, scenic mountain passes and pristine wilderness, all within easy reach. All rooms have wifi and sweeping views of the valley and mountains. DEWACHEN HOTEL, GANGTEY Encircled by pine forests in the hidden valley of Phobjikha, the Dewachen Hotel features sixteen double rooms, modern bathroom fittings, and a restaurant with a magnificent view. Enjoy the cocktail lounge and horse-riding facilities. Rooms are heated by iron stove and hot water bottles warm your bed before retiring in the evening. -10-
BOOKING YOUR WILDLAND ADVENTURE HOW TO RESERVE A TRIP You can book online using our Reserve a Trip form or by calling 1-800-345-4453. Your space on a trip is confirmed once we receive your reservation form and initial trip deposit. All travelers must sign and submit a Release of Liability. Deposit requirements are as follows:* $500 per person for all trips in Central America. $700 per person for all trips in South America, the Middle East, Asia and the Far East, the Mediterranean and North America. 20% of land cost for all trips in Africa. This deposit is generally non-refundable. *Some trips require additional non-refundable deposits, especially when yachts have been chartered, or if permits to visit archaeological or wildlife sites have been purchased in advance. CUSTOM TRAVEL This trip isn t exactly what you re looking for? We are happy to design a private custom itinerary to accommodate your travel dates, interests and style of accommodations. Call us at 1-800-345-4453, send an email to info@wildland.com, or use the Ask The Program Director button on the trip itinerary page on our website. PAYMENTS, CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS Full payment of the trip balance is due 90 days prior to departure. If you must cancel before departure, money will be returned less the cancellation fees charged by WA Inc. plus any additional non-refundable cancellation fees and payments already advanced to airlines, hotels and local operators: Days Prior to Departure: Fee per person 91 or more: $300 61-90 days: Initial deposit amount 31-60 days: 50% of land cost 30 or less: 100% of land cost PRE-DEPARTURE SERVICES Upon receipt of your deposit and completed reservation form, we will send you a comprehensive Predeparture Dossier. This contains important information to help you prepare including immunizations, visas, trip insurance, packing checklist, reading list, maps, cross-cultural information, optional trip extensions and more. You will receive a final trip packet including Final Reminders and local contact information in your destination 2-3 weeks prior to departure. REFERENCES AND QUESTIONS Have any questions or concerns? Call us a 1-800-345-4453 or email info@wildland.com. We re here to help and are happy to provide you with references from previous Wildland travelers. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Wildland Adventures, Inc. has arranged your trip utilizing the travel services of local incountry ground operators who are independent contractors. These local outfitters, lodges, hotels and other suppliers of your travel services will make every effort to conduct this trip as described in the itinerary. It is however possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, this itinerary may vary from what is described. Participants must assume all risks whether identified in advance or unforeseen. All optional activities are at your own risk. Extra costs due to unexpected changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control are not included. We highly recommend purchasing traveler s insurance for trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage, accident or sickness. Representatives are available for assistance at any time during your trip. If preferred hotels are not available, every attempt will be made to reserve alternative accommodations of similar quality. (If upgrade is necessary, higher rates may apply.) All information and services provided are subject to our Terms and Conditions -11-