Bhutan Adventure 2017 1
Itinerary Discover an ancient Himalayan kingdom, closed off from the world for centuries and shrouded in myth and legend. Walk through valleys under soaring peaks, along roaring rivers to ancient temples and dzong fortresses, where traditional beliefs and ways of life remain unaffected by the modern world. Day 1: Depart UK Day 2: Arrive Kathmandu After an afternoon arrival, we transfer to Kathmandu where we have time to relax and explore a little. Accommodation: Hotel Malla (1 night) (Meals included: Day 3: Flight to Paro and drive to Thimphu, Bhutan We transfer to the airport for a spectacular flight to Paro. On a clear morning it is possible to see Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks. Upon arrival in Paro we drive through hamlets following the Paro and Thimphu rivers to the capital, Thimphu. This is perhaps the most tranquil capital city in the world. It is located in a beautiful valley fanning out from the Thimphu Chuu River and is home to the revered Bhutanese royal family and the royal government. All buildings are required by law to be designed in traditional style with Buddhist paintings and motifs. Depending on our flight times, we may have time to explore Thimphu and visit the Takin Sanctuary. If this is not possible today, we will try to fit this in tomorrow. Accommodation: Peaceful Resort or similar (3 nights) (Meals included: breakfast, lunch, Day 4: Thimphu This morning we take a short walk to Wangtse Monastery. We begin walking through apple orchards and farmhouses with prayer flags fluttering above. Throughout the trail you get good views of Thimpu city. The trail then descends gently as you walk through oak, blue pine and 2
rhododendron forests and eventually brings you to the Wangtse Monastery. You are rewarded with stunning views of Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu city, and Buddha statue from here. (Walk approx 2hrs, altitude 2,400 meters). This afternoon we ll visit the Folk Heritage Museum which houses different tools, materials, objects, equipments and artefacts from rural Bhutanese households and gives a good insight of the traditional Bhutanese lifestyle. The National Library of Bhutan was first established in 1967 under the patronage of HM Queen Ashi Phuntso Choden (1911 2003), with a small collection of precious texts. The library holds a representative collection of English and western language books mainly related to the Himalayas, Bhutan and Buddhism. We also plan to visit Tashichho Dzong: arguably Bhutan's most stately and impressive building. It has traditionally been the seat of the Drukdesi or Dharma Raja, the head of Bhutan's civil government, an office which has been combined with the kingship since the creation of the monarchy in 1907, and summer capital of the country. It houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan and is the summer residence of the venerated monastic community. Meals included: breakfast, lunch, Day 5: Thimphu Today s walk takes us to Phadojing Monastery. Phajoding takes its name from the saint Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, who meditated there in the 13th century and is considered to be one of the most sacred meditational sites in Bhutan. The monastery itself is an open complex that comprises many holy buildings and relics and a State monastic school that currently houses 40 monks. The trek to Phajoding is an uphill climb through forested area of blue pine, fir and spruce. It takes around four hours walk on a leisurely pace. Phajoding provides an excellent view of Thimphu Valley and is also a retreat center for monks and nuns. You can visit some ancient monasteries and commune with the monks. (Walk approx 4 hours) Day 6: Thimphu & to Punakha (approx 77km, 3 hrs) This morning we take a walk around Thimphu, visiting the handicraft stores and the Arts & Craft School where students are trained in the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. We visit the National Memorial Chorten, built in honour of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, the Father of Modern Bhutan. Built in Tibetan style, it has numerous religious paintings. The complex tantric statues here reflect the peaceful and wrathful aspect of Buddhist deities. We see locals here spinning prayer wheels for good karma. 3
picturesque untouched landscape. After descending from the temple, we follow our path down the valley through rice fields and the small villages of Soneagasa (Distance: 3.5 miles/5.5km. Ascent/descent: 918ft/ 280m). We drive to the Punakha valley via Dochula pass (3,200m/10,499ft). Weather permitting, there can be great views of the Eastern Himalayan range from here. There are also 108 stupas donated by the Queen for the wellbeing of the country. En route there will be a hike through a small village to Chimi Lakhang, to the Divine Madman Temple. The site is still believed to hold fertility power for women who want to conceive (Distance: 2.5 miles/4km. Ascent/ descent: 384ft /117m) We arrive in Punakha this afternoon. Punakha served as Bhutan s capital for over 300 years and is dominated by the impressive Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan s most important buildings. Accommodation: Meri Phuensum or similar (2 nights)(meals included:breakfast, lunch, Day 7: Punakha valley Today, we drive to Kabisa for a four hour hike to Khamsung Yuelley Namgyal Stupa. From the viewpoint at the majestic temple, we can see the Mochu river valley. This is a moderately easy hike through rice fields and After lunch we visit the Punakha Dzong, built in1637, the winter residence of the monk body. It is situated in a stunning position where two rivers, the Pho-chu (male) and the Mo-chu (female) join together. Punakha Dzong has been restored to its full glory and is replete with traditional carvings and colourful paintings in perfect condition. If time permits, we ll also explore Punakha town. Day 8: Drive to Haa Valley (Approx 5 hours drive, 177km) 4
Today we leave Punakha for the Haa valley. We cross Chele La Pass, the highest pass on the Bhutanese Highway. On a clear day, the top of the pass offers spectacular views of the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari and Jitchu Drake. Haa Valley, often known as the Hidden-Land Rice Valley is one of the most picturesque places in Bhutan with great views, dramatic scenery and cultural interaction. Day 9: Haa Valley We explore the area with an out and back hike from Haa town to Juneydrak Hermitage. The walk is through rhododendron forest with fine views. The cliff-side retreat contains a footprint of Machen Labdrom (1055-1132), a female Tibetan tantric practitioner. If there is no one meditating inside the temple then we can go in and take a look at the footprint. If monks are meditating in the Hermitage you will not be able to go in, but it is a lovely walk and there is a beautiful view back towards Haa valley from the temple. The walk will take approximately 3 hours and due to the location of the retreat, may not be suitable for people suffering with vertigo. According to the legend, before the 8th century, animist tradition was very significant in the Haa valley. The tantric master Padmasambhava visited the valley in the 8th century and transformed some blood sacrificing animist beliefs into peaceful Buddhist traditions. Once animist forces were hostile and subdued, there were made guardians of the land. Some elements of this belief system still exist in form of festivals and rituals. Accommodation: Risum Resort, Haa, (2nights) Day 10: To Paro Today we drive back to Paro (approx 2 hours), where we ll have time to explore the town. After lunch we take a walk, winding through the pine forests to the tranquillity of Tse-tho monastery. We continue to explore the Dzongdrakha. This unusual village is built precariously on a rock face. We are welcomed by beautiful views of the Bondey village and the valley below. The numerous temples we can see are home to most of the men in the village. The majority of men are monks or gomchens (lay 5
monks). It is the women who you see here working in the fields, a different scene from elsewhere in the country (Distance: 2.5 miles/4km. Ascent/descent: 690ft/210m). Accommodation: Tenzeling Resort or similar(3 nights) (Meals included: breakfast, lunch, Day 11: Walking and sightseeing around Paro We ll enjoy more spectacular views on the Zuri Goenpa hike. This is a relatively easy walk with a gentle ascent of about 20 minutes then contours along the slope above the Paro valley, finally finishing at the National Museum. As you walk along the trail, you ll have the opportunity to take photos of the Rinpong Dzong, Paro town and the surrounding mountains. Zuri Goenpa is a 17 th century monastery built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Walk takes approx 2-3 hours. Day 12: Taktsang Monastery This morning we take the famous hike to Taktsang Monastery, known as the Tigers Nest. This magical monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff, 3,000ft above the valley floor. The primary monastery was built around Guru Rinpoche s meditation cave in 1684 by Gyaltshe Tenzin Rabgay. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in 747, flew here on the back of a flying tigress. The original monastery was destroyed by fire in 1998 and was reconstructed. This is a 4 hour hike with steep gradients. Your leader is on hand if you have any difficulties and a mule can be hired if needed. Those not wanting to go all the way to the top can wait at a pleasant café about half way up with views of the monastery (Distance: 5 miles/8km. Ascent/descent: 1,900ft/580m). Day 13: To Kathmandu Today we fly back to Kathmandu where we can enjoy a celebratory farewell dinner. 6
Accommodation: Hotel Malla (1 night) Day 14: Departure day Transfer to the airport for our flight home. (Meals included: breakfast) Chitwan National Park extension Day 14: To Bharatpur and Chitwan National Park This afternoon s 30 minute flight takes you to Bharatpur. Your flight travels along the Himalayas with magnificent views of the mountains, including the majestic Annapurna range. On arrival, you will be driven overland (45 min) to your accommodation, in the very north of Chitwan National Park. Chitwan National Park is one of Asia s finest and richest wildlife sanctuaries. It covers an area of 360 square miles and is a true wilderness in every sense of the word. The park is home to a plethora of wildlife including a staggering number of bird species and the majestic if elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. Accommodation: Jungle Villa Resort (2 nights) (Meals included: breakfast, lunch, Day 15: Chitwan National Park A full day of wildlife activities ranging from wildlife viewing with experienced naturalists to elephant safaris into remote regions of the park. The programme for your stay will be given to you on arrival at the resort. The activities are adjusted to the season and the weather conditions. On the jungle safaris you will be accompanied by expert naturalists who will advise you on safety procedures. We request you respect their judgement at all times. If you wish to stroll in the forest alone, a guide should accompany you for your safety.. Day 16: Chitwan National Park and return to Kathmandu One more opportunity to search for wildlife before transferring to Bharatpur for your return flight to Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your accommodation. Your hotel is close to the Thamel district, should you wish to pick up some last minute souvenirs. We have not included your meal this evening, so that you are free to explore at your own pace. Accommodation: Hotel Malla (1 night) (Meals included: breakfast) Day 17: Departure day Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (Meals included: breakfast) Please note there will not be an HF Holidays leader nor a local leader in Chitwan. All activities are accompanied by local experts. 7
Accommodation We use the best hotels available in the places visited. Accommodation in the more remote areas can be quite basic, and are generally at 2 or 3-star European standards, but always clean and welcoming. Arriving in Kathmandu, we stay at the Hotel Malla, a 4-star hotel located in the centre of the city in the Thamel area. http://malla.kathmanduhotelsnepal.c om/en/ comfortable and spacious. meripuensum.bt/punakha/ Continuing into the Haa Valley we spend 2 nights at the Risum Resort, which offers spacious and comfortable bedrooms, a multi purpose dining room with wood burning stove. Excellent food and friendly staff will ensure you get the most from your stay in this quiet valley. In Paro, accommodation is at the Tenzeling Resort or similar (3 nights) situated amongst the pine forest, in the heart of the Paro Valley. In Thimpu, the Peaceful Resort (3 nts night) offers a very comfortable place to relax, a little out of the centre, and with very friendly and efficient service. http://peacefulresorts.com/ Returning to Kathmandu, we again stay at the Hotel Malla. In Punakha we stay at the Meri Phuensum or the Hotel Vara. (2 nights) Located in a superb vantage point with views down over the river, the hotel is a little outside of town, affording us some peace and tranquility. Rooms are all en-suite, 8
Before your holiday We hope you find this information comprehensive if not please visit our website for more details or contact us. All details correct at time of writing (revised Feb 2017). Passport and visa requirements are subject to change; please check with your consulate before you travel. We would advise that you check your government s travel advisory before travelling. For UK travellers, please check www.fco.gov.uk In all instances during your holiday, your first point of contact should be your HF Holidays leader or local leader. If for any reason this is not possible, HF Holidays emergency contact details are as follows: Mon - Fri 9am - 7pm Tel +44 (0)345 470 7558 or +44(0)20 8732 1250 ( from overseas) Fri - Mon 7pm - 9am Tel +44 (0)7918 737777 Airport parking and accommodation If you require airport parking or accommodation before your flight, we recommend our partner Holiday Extras. Call 0871 360 2750 and quote HX031 or book online at www.holidayextras.co.uk/hfholidays Suggested Kit List Please try to keep luggage to a minimum as you will need to carry it yourself at airports and between your transport and your hotel. Walking boots (worn in) with good ankle support and spare bootlaces Walking socks Lightweight fleece Lightweight waterproof trousers and jacket Shorts Long trousers and long-sleeved light coloured shirts with collars to protect from the sun your clothing should ideally be pretreated with insect repellent and in-built sun protection (available from specialist clothing stores such as Rohan, Cotswold Outdoor) Gaiters and thermals Warm fleece, hat and gloves Towel Torch Sun hat Comfortable clothes and shoes for evenings and sightseeing Sun protection sunglasses, high factor sunscreen and lip protection Water bottle at least 2 litre capacity Lightweight survival bag Small/medium rucksack (30 litre) a bin liner will keep contents dry if it rains Soap and hand sanitizer gel Insect repellent Universal adaptor plug Universal sink plug Personal first aid kit including: personal medication, tissues, plasters, blister kit, painkillers, 9
antiseptic wipes, Imodium, rehydration sachets Passport (and copies); booking confirmation; insurance cover note; HF Holidays registration form Kathmandu, however it can take time completing the form and queuing. If you plan to get your visa on arrival, please download and complete a form from the Nepalese Embassy website. This will save time on arrival. Optional: trekking poles, camera, umbrella, binoculars. Please ensure you have access to emergency funds should you need them; carrying a credit card is probably the most convenient method. Please note that your HF Holidays leader reserves the right to refuse to take any guest on a walk should they consider that a lack of suitable clothing/footwear may affect safety. Baggage allowance 1 piece checked-in luggage (max 20kg) on internal flights. Please check details of your airline s baggage allowance, as shown on your e-ticket. Remember to also check any connecting flights you may have booked. Passports & visas Passports must be valid for 6 months when applying for Nepal visas. A Nepalese multiple-entry visa is required by British passport holders visiting Bhutan. Contact: Embassy of Nepal, 12a Kensington Palace Gardens, London, W8 4QU, or visit www.nepembassy.org.uk. Please obtain this in advance. Other countries should consult the embassy for advice. It is possible to obtain visas on arrival at Your visa for Bhutan will be organised by HF Holidays; please forward a copy of your passport at least 10 weeks before departure. Travel insurance If arranging your own travel insurance, please ensure it is adequate for your specific itinerary. This should cover walking at altitudes over 2,000m. The highest point on this tour is 3200m. Health advice This is subject to change and we would highly recommend that you consult your doctor before travelling. For further information on country specific advice, visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.traveldoctor.co.uk Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and Polio vaccinations are recommended. Malaria and Rabies prevention is sometimes recommended too. Please note: the use or possession of some common prescription or overthe-counter medicines is banned in some countries. If you will be carrying medication, please check with the country s embassy/ consulate prior to travel. As an extra precaution: Keep your medication in its original packet Take a copy of your prescription too 10
If possible, ask your chemist to write the name of your medication in the language of the country that you re visiting Dietary requirements Please contact us as far in advance as possible if you have any specific dietary requirements. We will do our best to accommodate you. If you require a specific meal on the flight, please let us know as soon as possible, and no later than 96 hours before travel. Travel tips for a comfortable flight We ve put together a few simple tips to help make your flight as comfortable as possible, ensuring you begin your holiday in tip-top shape. Move about. Change position and avoid crossing your legs. Immobility poses the greatest risk in the development of clotting disorders. Get out of your seat and walk around as regularly as possible to improve circulation No pills. Unless advised by your doctor, do not take sleeping tablets on the flight; this will reduce your mobility and make you feel sluggish Protect your ears. If you experience discomfort due to the cabin pressure changes, suck a sweet, chew, or hold your nostrils and gently blow through your nose; this should equalise the pressure. If you still experience problems, speak to a member of the cabin crew Drink plenty. Ask a member of the cabin crew if you are thirsty. Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee or carbonated drinks as these will dehydrate you. Instead, try to drink plenty of fruit juices or water Eat light. Avoid heavy meals and foods air expands at altitude and heavy meals will result in that bloated feeling Moisturise. Your skin, especially your lips and nostrils, may feel dry so moisturising creams may help. If you wear contact lenses, always carry your glasses with you, as your eyes may feel dryer than usual Stay loose. Wear loose fitting, comfortable shoes and clothes Flight socks are recommended to help prevent DVT on longhaul flights Lost/damaged luggage If your bag or its contents are damaged or lost while in the airline s care, this should be reported to the baggage service agents at the airport. They will assess the damage and in some cases the airline may decide to settle your claim immediately. You will be given a reference to quote to your insurance company if settlement cannot be reached. In many cases baggage claims can only be accepted in writing. A baggage claim form must be obtained from the airport. HF Holidays with-flight guests For those travelling on our HF Holidays group flight, please proceed to the arrivals hall once you have passed through passport control, customs and baggage reclaim, when you arrive at your destination. Your leader or local leader will assemble the group in the arrivals hall. Look out for the HF Holidays sign. 11
Independent travellers If you are arriving ahead of the group, and are meeting them at the first hotel, please leave a message at the hotel reception for the HF Holidays leader or local leader, detailing your room number, and a mobile telephone number if possible. The leader will contact you once the group arrives. If you are arriving after the group, a message will be left for you at the hotel reception, welcoming you and giving details of the time and place to meet the group. If your flight arrives before the group flight and you would like to join the transfer to the first hotel, please contact our Abroad Administration team on (0)20 8732 1271. They will have a list of the relevant transfer costs. Safety on your holiday Once you have made your booking, you will receive a pre-holiday questionnaire where we ask for details of next of kin, and insurance details. We need to have this from you at least 4 weeks before travel. Please also inform us of any medical situation which may affect your enjoyment of the holiday Please listen to any safety instructions from the leader Keep group members in view, especially if weather or visibility is poor If you become separated from the group, please stay where you are, the leader will retrace their steps to find you Each leader carries a first aid kit but is not allowed to supply any medication including aspirin, paracetamol, antihistamines, and antiseptic cream. You may wish to bring these items with you In the unlikely event that your leader is incapacitated, please use any emergency kit in their rucksack and call emergency services on 110 (ambulance), 112 (fire) or 113 (police). Please then call our emergency number (see page 9) and let us know there is a problem. Tipping Tips have been included in your holiday price for key services such as local guides/ driver/restaurants. Any additional tips are at your own discretion. Tips are not included in the extension tour to Chitwan, you will need to allow for these. Climate Most of the region through which we travel enjoys a temperate climate, with the temperatures seldom exceeding 28 C (82 F) in summer or dropping below 0 C (32 F) in winter. Due to the altitude temperature can drop at night, and all hotels are heated. All things considered the best time for travel is from the end of February until May and from October to mid December. General Bhutan is of course a secretive and little known country, and should be a fascinating place to visit for all. It offers excellent walking in an often pristine environment that is largely untouched by the modern world. The people are hospitable and welcoming, largely because visitor numbers are restricted. Bhutan hasn t yet been excessively affected by the growth in worldwide 12
tourism. Due to this, service can sometimes be slow (although often is excellent) and things don t always run like clockwork. Culture and Customs The people of Bhutan have always been careful about conserving their centuries-old culture, and it is even protected by national law, with the result that it is amongst the best preserved in the world. Even in today's time, Bhutan has been able to retain its old world charm, which is its great attraction. The ancient national dress of Bhutan for men is the "gho," a long kneelength robe that is tied around the waist by a belt and the women wear a "kira," which is an ankle-length dress worn with a short jacket. To preserve the ancient customs from being influenced by the west, the Bhutanese government has made it compulsory for all Bhutanese to wear only their national dress when working in public. While society is well guarded, the Bhutanese people are extremely friendly and hospitable. It is important that local traditions are respected, including dressing modestly (particularly in temples) and always asking before taking photographs of people which may be met with a polite refusal. Food Food in Bhutan is fresh and hearty, although with not as much variety as other parts of the world. Meats like pork and daikon (dried beef mixed with vegetables and yak meat), when it's in season, are widely eaten. A dish called "ema datse," which is chillies and cheese, is one of the favourite dishes in Bhutan. Vegetables eaten in Bhutan are potatoes, fern, spinach, cabbage, cauliflower and onions, which are often cooked with a small bit of fresh cheese. Buckwheat is the main staple diet in central Bhutan, as it is at an altitude that is too high to grow rice. Beverages popular in Bhutan are butter tea (suja) and ara, a spirit distilled from rice, wheat, or corn. The hotels we will be staying in are generally used to catering for western tourists. Local currency & money matters Ngultrum (BTN) or the Indian rupee. Sterling is accepted in most of the Bhutan hotels. Most credit cards have limited acceptability. ATMs are available in most of the main towns. Suggested reading and maps Lonely Planet Bhutan 2014 Madeline Drexler A Splendid Isolation: Lessons on Happiness from the Kingdom of Bhutan 2014 Levison Wood Walking the Himalayas 2016 Maps can be obtained in advance from The Mapshop www.themapshop.co.uk 13
Group size Maximum 20 guests plus HF leader and local guides Electricity 220V, round 2 or 3 pin plugs Time difference GMT/UTC +6 hours HF Holidays Ltd, Catalyst House, Centennial Court, Elstree, Borehamwood, WD6 3SY, UK 14