O.A.R.S. Announces New Expeditions to Bhutan

O.A.R.S. the worldwide leader in whitewater rafting and culture-based adventure travel, has announces new scheduled expeditions in the Kingdom of Bhutan starting Nov. 6-18, 2014, and Feb. 12-24, 2015.

Flowing out of the Himalaya into Bhutan are some of the world's least explored rivers and best kept secrets. In fact, up until 2006 when the first descent of Mangde Chhu was completed, and later in 2009 with the first descent of the Drangme Chhu, Bhutan's rivers were essentially unknown to the rest of the world.

O.A.R.S.' adventure will explore two remote waterways in this 'Land of the Thunder Dragon': the Lower Drangme Chhu in eastern Bhutan on the southern slope of the Himalayas bordering India and the Pho Chhu ("Male River"). These are two exceptional Class III rivers far off the beaten path.

This new 13-day program marries the excitement of whitewater with the currents of the culture of this little-known country. The rate of $6,165 per person based on double occupancy (single supplement $540) for ages 16 and up includes accommodations (camping and hotels), all meals, airport transfers, equipment, guides, park fees and more. See: http://www.oars.com/bhutan/bhutan-rafting

The adventure spans Bhutan from Paro (the arrival and departure airport) in the west, crosses several high passes and culminates in a put-in on the Lower Drangme Chhu in the east. Enroute, in addition to the on-river thrills, guests hike 3,000 feet above Paro to Tiger's Nest Monastery, visit Trongsa Dzong, the National Museum and weaving centers of Chumey Valley before arriving in Bumthang that is the spiritual center of Bhutan. Tropical forests, villages, a foray into India to Manas National Park Lodge and an elephant safari in the Mana Wildlife Park are a few of the highlights.

O.A.R.S. (http://www.oars.com/) is also launching a new World Rivers series in 2014 with the goal of combining sightseeing in exotic travel destinations with the opportunity to run some of the most remote and scenic rivers on Earth. The series is the result of a partnership with renowned international river guide John Yost, co-founder of Sobek Expeditions and a longtime partner of the O.A.R.S. family. Yost has used his vast knowledge of international travel destinations to create four diverse itineraries in Peru, Southeast Asia, South Africa and Guatemala. The under-14-day trips, offered throughout the year, accommodate guests in small inns and family-owned lodges. The adventures include, among others, the culture of cities visited, historic sites and monuments and, of course, pristine wilderness and whitewater.

For more information, availability, reservations and a copy of the 2014 O.A.R.S. Adventures catalog call 209-736-4677 or 800-346-6277, email info@oars.com, or visit: http://www.oars.com/. The 2013 O.A.R.S. catalog recently received the Gold Medal in the 9th Annual Davey Awards for overall design presented by The International Academy of Visual Arts.

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Bhutan hoping for happiness with hydropower

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By the middle of 2014, the stately yellow, black and white Great Hornbills that live in the forest along the Dagachhu – a river in Bhutan’s Himalayan foothills – should get some peace after four years of drilling, blasting and construction around their rural haunts.

Some countries have oil and gas. Others have fertile plains on which to grow wheat or rice. Bhutan has mountains and rivers – lots of them – and has staked its future on hydroelectricity.

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Dagachhu, a 126MW plant partly financed by the Asian Development Bank, is only the latest of a series of projects that are turning this previously isolated Buddhist kingdom into a modern hydropower nation.
Bhutan is famous for its philosophy of emphasising “gross national happiness” (GNH) over gross domestic product (GDP). The $240m project has some peculiar features suited to the country’s attempts to open its economy while seeking to preserve a largely pristine mountain environment.

It is the first Bhutanese hydro project in which the private sector – in this case India’s Tata Power, with 26 per cent of the equity – has a direct stake.

And it is the world’s first example of cross-border use of the UN’s Clean Development Mechanism: although the power plant is in clean and green Bhutan, it is permitted to earn carbon credits because the electricity is exported to India and will reduce emissions there by some 500,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.

Dagachhu, however, is part of a much broader drive by the Bhutanese royal family and the two governments elected since the introduction of full democracy in 2008 to accelerate economic growth and reduce poverty.
Bhutanese ministers admit the target will slip, but the country’s declared aim is to increase hydropower capacity to 10,000MW by 2020, most of it for export to its electricity-hungry neighbour India.

So far only 1,500MW, about 6 per cent of the country’s total potential, has been completed, and in winter when rivers are low Bhutan is still an electricity importer. Even at this low level, hydropower is Bhutan’s biggest export and accounts for one-fifth of GDP.

“Hydropower is the backbone of Bhutan,” says Tinley Dorji, Dagachhu chief executive. Asked about GNH and GDP, he said: “As far as our policy is concerned, people should be happy. In the process, yes, we will get more money also.”

Tshering Tobgay, the prime minister, is determined to make the most of Bhutan’s growing output of clean electricity. In the capital Thimphu, for example, he wants to use cheap hydropower to create an electric vehicle “hotspot” that would be an example to the rest of the world and attract investments in green vehicle technologies.

Yet relying on hydropower is not without risks, including environmental ones. Lam Dorji, finance secretary, says that climate change and reduced winter snowfall is already affecting the flow of Bhutan’s glacier-fed rivers (rain-fed Dagachhu is not one of them). “These are really hard facts that we are beginning to realise – that there’s a possibility that some day in the future it [the water flow] would be reduced to an extent that we may not be able to make use of it.”

Bhutan spreads measure of happiness to UN

This week the General Assembly adopted a non-binding resolution that aims to make happiness a "development indicator".

Bhutan's ambassador Lhatu Wangchuk told the BBC the next step was to help UN members better understand the concept.

He admitted some were sceptical when Bhutan started lobbying for the resolution 10 months ago. But ultimately it won 66 co-sponsors, including the UK.

The idea is based on Bhutan's model of GNH, or Gross National Happiness, which measures quality of life by trying to strike a balance between the material and the spiritual.

The resolution invites member states to draw up their own measures of happiness and contribute them to the UN's development agenda.

"It's basically an approach," said Mr Wangchuk. "Our initial idea was to bring the concept of happiness to the consciousness of the UN membership… because we know that GDP indicators are inadequate to address human needs."

But given the conflicts that divide so many member states, isn't one country's happiness often another's unhappiness?

Mr Wangchuk maintained that wars and disputes do not indicate happiness or otherwise. They are caused by the egos and interests of leaders, he said.

He admitted his vision is Utopian, but "if you don't have a dream you'll have nothing to work on".

Asked if he thought UN diplomats were a happy bunch, he said many were overworked and needed to make better use of their time, one of Bhutan's happiness indicators.

"I tell them they must have sleeping time, time with their families," he said.

Thimphu - Capital of Bhutan

Although the Thimphu Valley has supported small settlements for many centuries and a dzong has existed there since 1216, the city didn't really develop until the king declared Thimphu the new capital in 1961. Vehicles first appeared on the streets a year later, and slowly the city began to adapt to its role as the nation's capital. Currently the town is undergoing massive development. New tree-lined streets are being laid and the clock tower area in the center of the city has been transformed into a park-cum-open air theater where live cultural performances take place. In 2008, the national stadium was completed together with a new river-side park. The area around the dzong and government buildings is a particularly green and an attractive district.

Norzin Lam is the city's main thoroughfare and is lined with hotels, shopping complexes and hotels.

Weather in Thimphu

The winter season in Thimphu is very cold but dry, while the summers are wet and humid. The best times to visit are from mid September to the end of October and from March to May

Temples and Monestries in Thimphu

Monasteries are called to by their Dzongkha title of lhakhang or gompa.

Changangkha Lhakhang. Constructed in the 15th century, this is one of the oldest temples in the Thimphu Valley, and is dedicated to Avalokiteshvara, the Buddhist emanation of compassion. The temple affords wonderful views over the entire valley.

The National Memorial ChortenThe National Memorial Chorten, located off Jangchhub Lam. A good place to visit in the evening when the locals are doing their evening prayers. The stupa was built in 1974 in memory of the third king.
Zangthoperi Lhakhang, lower Thimphu (follow the path down from below the GPO). The present structure was built in 1960s and although lacking the charm of many of the older temples, Zangdopelri still possesses some impressive murals and art treasures and is worthy of a visit. The site of the temple was a former battle ground, and the temple was constructed there in order to pacify energies.

Statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, sitting on top of Kuensel Phodrang hill is a 51.5mt bronze statue of the founder of Buddhism. The site also offers unobstructed views over the Thimphu Valley - especially stunning at sunset.

Museums

The National Folk Heritage Museum, located behind the National Library. A traditional house that showcases rural life. Exhibits and cultural shows are held in the museum compound. Open: Mon-Fri 10:30AM to 4:30PM, Sa 10:30Am to 1PM and Su 11:30AM to 3:30PM. Entrance: 150nu.

The Textile Museum, Norzin Lam, has a display of exquisite Bhutanese textiles from the 1600s to the present day.

Landmarks

Trashi Chhoe Dzong. The present dzong was built in the 18th century by Shabdrung Rinpoche to house government officials. Later it was enlarged to accommodate both the monastic and civil bodies. Three times suffering severe damage from fire and once from an earthquake in 1897, much of the historic building dates from the rebuilding in 1902. To accommodate the national government and the central monastic body, the dzong was totally refurbished and enlarged in 1962, a year after Thimphu was designated the nation's capital.

Simtokha Dzong. Built in 1629 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Simtokha was the first dzong to be built in a unified Bhutan. Currently, it houses the country's main Dzongkha language learning institute. Simtokha is about 5km south of Thimphu.

Parks and preserves

Takin Preserve, Motithang. The Takin is the national animal of Bhutan, and looks like a cross between a cow and a goat. Legend has it that the animal was created by the great Buddhist yogi, Drupa Kunley, and it can be found only in Bhutan and nearby areas. Taxonomists place the animal in a category of its own as it is not similar enough to any other animal to fit established categories.

Botanical Gardens, Serbithang. Located on lush hillside about 10km from the city, the gardens offer a peaceful and relaxing environment to spend a few hours. Botanists will find the wide selection of indigenous trees and plants of interest.
Coronation Park. Located on the banks of the river (near the city stadium), this 5.6 acres of parkland offer a pleasant and relaxing environment to stroll or to sit and watch the river flow by.

Traditional crafts

Zorig Chusum School of Traditional Arts, near National Library. Zorig Chusum was established in 1971 to preserve the thirteen traditional arts of Bhutan, and visitors are able to observe students honing their skills. There is also a small gift shop selling work created at the school. The thirteen arts are paintings, carpentry,wood carving, sculpture, casting, metal work, bamboo carving, gold & silver work, weaving, embroidery, masonry, leather work and paper making.

Hotels in Thimphu

Budget Hotels

Hotel Ghasel, Norzin Lam (Opposite Clock Tower). Tel:+975 2 323-341. Centrally located. Clean and pleasant rooms with attached bathroom and hot water facility, cable TV. Restaurant, bar and fast food facilities.
R. Penjor Lodge, Norzin Lam (between Traffic Circle and Clock Tower - opp PNB Bank). Tel:+975 2 325-578. Centrally located. Clean and pleasant rooms with attached bathroom, cable TV and wifi. Restaurant and coffee shop facilities.
Hotel Norling, PO Box 327 Norzin Lam. Tel:+975 2 322-997, 323997. E-mail:norlinghotel@druknet.bt A clean and pleasant facility located on the city's main street (Norzin Lam). All rooms with attached bathroom and TV. Very friendly and helpful service. Single - 490 Nu Twin - 650Nu.
City Hotel,building #14, (Opp Clock tower), Norzin Lam. Simple rooms,r easonable rates.Single Nu.300-450 and Double nu.500-700.Complimentary bed tea. Indian, Nepali, Bhutanese dishes. Tel:975 77251429, 17795388 or 02 335-894.

Touris clas hotels

Wangchuk Hotel, PO Box 507 Changlam 17, Thimphu. Tel:+975 2 323-532, 325484. E-mail: htlwchuk@druknet.bt A pleasant hotel located near the city center and over looking the river and hills beyond. Sauna, massage and steam bath facilities. Standard single - 1,150Nu, standard double - 1,450Nu.
Hotel Jumolhari, PO Box 308, Thimphu. Tel:+ 975 2 322-747, 325506. E-mail:hoteljumolhari.com [3]. A modern facility in the city center. Massage and recreational facilities. Standard single - 2,000Nu, standard double - 2,500Nu.
Hotel Druk, Tel:+975 2 322-966, 322977. E-mail:drukhotel@druknet.bt A large city center hotel located adjacent to the Clock Tower. Health club with massage, sauna, steam facilities. Standard single - 2,000Nu, standard double - 2,500Nu.
Hotel Motithang. Tel:+975 2 322-435. A pleasant hotel located on the mountain side above Thimphu. Wonderful views over the valley. A great place for people looking for peace and quiet or some inspiration.

4 Star & 5 Star hotels

Taj Tashi, PO BOX 524, Samten Lam. Tel:+975 2 236-699. Opened in 2008, a large and centrally located hotel offering full amenities. Nightly rates start from US$275 (off season), US$350 (peak season).
Amankora Thimphu, Near Kuenga Chhoeling Palace, Upper Motithang. Tel:975 2 331-333. Part of the Aman super luxury hotel chain. A sixteen room lodge offering five star plus facilities. US$1,000+

10 Days Bhutan Trekking Tour

The best time of the year to trek in Bhutan is during March-May and September-to mid November.

ITINERARY

DAY1 ARRIVAL – PARO [-/L/D]
Arrival at Paro. Welcome by the representative of Asian Trails/Pristine Druk-Yul Tours & Treks at the Airport. Transfer to hotel and check-in at Kichu Resort.
After lunch, visit National Museum, Paro Dzong, Kichu Lhakhang, Dungtse Lhakhang and the town of Paro.
Dinner and overnight at the Kichu Resort.

DAY2 PARO – SHARNA [B/L/D]
Breakfast
The trek starts at the north end of the valley PARO-SHARNA.
Following the river gently uphill through a narrowing agricultural valley. Village houses, kids and farm land on either side can be seen on the trail. The trail is gently uphill for a distance of 15kms. taking about 6 hours at slow pace. The camp is on a meadow for a half an hour walk above the army check post at an altitude of 2,800 metres.
Overnight camping.

DAY3 SHARNA – SOITHANGKHA [B/L/D]
Breakfast
Continue uphill through the valley. The path narrows and closes in and the trail winds up and down along the drainage. Today is quite a long walk so, one has to start early to have enough rest on the way. Pack lunch will be served enroute. Camp in a meadow under a stone shelter.
Distance today is 21 kms. and takes about 9 hours. at slow pace (altitude 3640 metres.)
Overnight camping.

DAY4 SOITHANGKHA – JANGOTHANG (Base Camp) [B/L/D]
Breakfast
Up the Paro River, pass a small army post where the valley begins to widen again. Now the views of high ridges and snow capped peaks are all around. You begin to see yak herders in their tents. Hot lunch will be served on arrival at the base camp.
Camp beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Jomolhari. Distance today is 14 kms. and takes 5 hours. (altitude 4120 metres).
Overnight camping

DAY5 JANGOTHANG – YAKSHA [B/L/D]
Breakfast
Continue uphill passing the Tsophu (Lakes) and Bhontela pass at 4500 metres. Then descend steeply downhill till you reach the camp site. If fortunate you can see herds of blue sheep grazing on an open pasture. The camp will be in a meadow at alt. 4100 metres. Distance today is 16 kms and takes about 6 hours.
Overnight camping.

DAY6 YAKSHA – THONGBU [B/L/D]
Breakfast
Cross the Tagulinla pass at 4520 metres and descend down to the campsite at Thongbu (alt. 4100 metres). Distance today is 15 kms. and takes about 6 hours.
Overnight in a tent (alt. 4160 metres)

DAY7 THONGBU – SHARNA [B/L/D]
Breakfast
Cross a small pass during a 50 minutes walk and then descend all the way downhill till you reach the camp at Sharna. Distance today is 16 kms. and takes 5/6 hours.
Overnight camping.

DAY8 SHARNA – DRUKGYEL DZONG - PARO – THIMPHU [B/L/D]
Breakfast
Start the trekking downhill to Paro. The trail is all the way gently downhill. After arrival at Paro, have lunch at the hotel and continue by car to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan’ s mainroad a two-hour drive. Transfer to the Druk Hotel.
Evening at leisure, wander along the town’s mainroad and do shopping as you like.
Dinner at local restaurant.
Overnight at the Druk Hotel.

DAY9 THIMPHU – PARO [B/L/D]
Breakfast
Sightseeing of Thimphu Valley. Visit Tashichho Dzong, the biggest fortress and the administrative centre of Bhutan.
10:30 Drive to Paro. After lunch drive to north of the valley for about 10 kilometers and hike up through the pine trees for 1 1/2 hours at slow pace till the tourist Cafe’ offering close views of the Taktsang Monastery hanging on a cliff above the valley. Those who are energetic can walk up to the monastery, wheras entering inside is restricted. The main temple was burnt down in 1997 and the renovation project is going on. Enjoy the stunning view of the monastery. After a break and refreshment at the Cafe’, walk down where you will be picked and transferred to the hotel. Check-in at Kichu Resort.
Dinner and overnight at the Kichu Resort

DAY10 PARO – DEPARTURE [B/-/-]
Breakfast
Pick up from hotel and transfer to airport for your departure flight.

END OF SERVICE

PRICING

The total costing for the above itinerary is found below. Prices are per person based on adults sharing. Prices are in US Dollar.

US$ 4,780.00 Per person minimum 4 people required
VALIDITY: 01 November, 2010 – 31 October, 2011

Prices are nett per person in twin sharing basis

INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICES ARE :
• Accommodation in shared twin room
• Meals as specified in the programme (fullboard)
• Tours and transfers by private car/van with English speaking guide
• Tourism Development Fund
• Visa fee

NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICES ARE :
• Airticket to/from Paro
• Expenditure of a personal nature, such as drinks, souvenirs and laundry etc.,


Minor changes to the programme are sometimes necessary, we will endeavour to minimise these changes which are sometimes out of our control.

7 Days Trails of Bhutan Tour

ITINERARY

DAY1 BANGKOK - PARO [-/L/D]
Arrival at Paro. Welcome by the representative of Asian Trails/Pristine Druk-Yul Tours & Treks at the Airport. The drive from airport to the Kichu Resort is enchanting.
After lunch, do the sightseeing of Paro valley. Visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and the most sacred temples in Bhutan built in 7th Century and sightseeing of Paro town.
Dinner and overnight at the Kichu Resort.

DAY2 PARO - THIMPHU [B/L/D]
Breakfast
After breakfast, two hours drive to Thimphu following the winding road beside the Pachhu River downstream to its confluence with the Wangchu River, then up valley to Thimphu.
After lunch at the Druk Hotel, sightseeing of Thimphu valley. Visit the vegetable market (Saturday & Sunday), Tashichho Dzong, the biggest fortress and the administrative centre of Bhutan.
Rest of the day at leisure. Wander in the town, do shopping, visit private handicrafts where you can bargain for the price and get better deals at the Government emporium.
Dinner and overnight at the Druk Hotel.

DAY3 THIMPHU [B/L/D]
Breakfast
After breakfast, visit memorial chorten, Changangkha Lhakhang, drive up to Sangay Gang from where the view of Thimphu town is superb. After lunch at one of the hotels in the town, visit the Hand made paper factory, National Library, art and craft school and other places of interest.
Dinner at local restaurant.
Overnight at the Druk Hotel.

DAY4 THIMPHU – PUNAKHA [B/L/D]
Breakfast
Depart Thimphu and drive 3 hours to Punakha (72 kms), the old palace and winter residence of Chief Abbot (Je-Khempo). Stop at Dochula pass (alt. 3050 metres.) for tea break. If you are lucky with the weather, you can have spectacular views of the Eastern Himalayas. To name few, Mt. Masagang, Mt. Gangkher Puensum, Kangphu Gang etc. Continue drive to Punakha through the temperate forest where rhododendrons and magnolias bloom in spring (mid March to mid May). Check in at Zangtopelri Hotel.
After lunch, sightseeing of Punakha Dzong, Chime Lhakhang, Wangdi Dzong and other places of interests.
Dinner and overnight at the Zangtopelri hotel.


DAY5 PUNAKHA – PARO [B/L/D]
Breakfast
After breakfast, return to Paro via Thimphu. Enroute, visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest Dzong of Bhutan first built by Shabdrung Ngwang Namgyel in 1627. Check in at Kichu Resort in Paro.
After lunch, visit the National Museum, Paro Dzong, Kichu Lhakhang, Dungtse Lhakhang and the town of Paro.
Dinner and overnight at the Kichu Resort.

DAY6 PARO [B/L/D]
Breakfast
After early breakfast, drive to the north end of the valley to view the peak of Mt. Jomolhari and the ruin of Drukgyel Dzong, the victorious fortress. Drive back for about 5 kms. and ride on mules up through the meadows of pine trees for 1 1/2 hours. Rest at the tourism cafe offering close views of the burnt Taktsang Monastery hanging on a cliff above the valley.
Those who are energetic can walk up to the monastery, whereas entering inside is restricted. Lunch will be served at the cafe. After lunch, walk all the way downhill till you reach starting point where you will be picked and transferred to the hotel.
Dinner and overnight at the Kichu Resort.

DAY7 PARO – DEPARTURE [B/-/-]
Breakfast
Pick up from hotel and transfer to airport for your departure flight ....

END OF SERVICE


PRICING

The total costing for the above itinerary is found below. Prices are per person based on adults sharing. Prices are in US Dollar.

US$ 2,450.00 Per person minimum 2 people required
VALIDITY: 01 November, 2010 – 31 October, 2011

INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICES ARE :
• Accommodation in shared twin room
• Meals as specified in the programme (fullboard)
• Tours and transfers by private car/van with English speaking guide
• Tourism Development Fund
• Visa fee

NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICES ARE :
• Airticket to/from Paro
• Expenditure of a personal nature, such as drinks, souvenirs and laundry etc.,


Minor changes to the programme are sometimes necessary, we will endeavour to minimise these changes which are sometimes out of our control.

13 Days Bhutan Lifestyle Tour

ITINERARY

DAY 01 ARRIVAL – PARO [-/L/D]
Arrival at Paro in Druk Air, Bhutan National Airline: The flight takes you over the great Himalayas, offering the most beautiful scenery of the world’s highest glacial peaks. As you enter Paro valley, you will see the Rinpung Dzong (Spiritual and Temporal seat), the national museum and the Paro town.

Your representative will welcome you at the airport and drive you through the fascinating valley of Paro . En route, client will visit the Ta-Dzong or National Museum: It houses a fine collection of art, relics, thankas, paintings, armoury & exquisite postage stamps. In the ancient days, it served as a watch tower, & later converted into a museum in 1968. Returning from the museum stop to visit the Dungsti Lhagang, built by a saint in the 14th century.
After a lunch, guests will be escorted to see the historical ruins of Drugyal Dzong,built in 1647 by Zhabdrung:It was built to commemorate the victory over repeated Tibetan invasions. The Fort was gutted by fire in 1951 and now stands as a monument for foreign visitors.
On a clear day, the snowy caps of Mt. Jomolhari can be seen.
Dinner and overnight at Gangtey Palace Hotel (standard hotel)

DAY 02 PARO [B/L/D]
After breakfast, guests will drive to the base of Ramthangkha for the rejuvinating hike to Taksthang monastery: which sits on the edge of a granite cliff at 9000ft above the valley floor: The hike takes aprrox: 4 hours up/down along trails of wooded bluepine & fluttering prayer flags.
For this day trip, we will have picnic lunch, which you can enjoy on a scenic spot:
When you have had your fill of Taksthang, hike down the mountain to your waiting vehicle & drive back to your hotel for a hot bath & rest.
After a good rest, your guide will escort you to visit the 7th century Kichu Lhagang and further down the valley to see the Paro Dzong, built in 1646, & is one of Bhutans most sacred places of worship.The Dzong houses both the administrative center & monastic bodies: It is also the venue for the popular Paro Festival: Rest of the day can be spent shopping for souvenirs in town.
Dinner and overnight at Gangtey Palace Hotel (standard hotel)

DAY3 PARO – WANGDUE PHODRANG - GANGTEY (car 6.5 hours) [B/L/D]
After breakfast, start your drive down the fertile Paro
view that they offer. Stop for a while for view & pictures ! Group will then walk down 10 minutes to the Dochula cafeteria to enjoy TEA/COFFEE.
After this brief respite, continue journey:
The road then descends a long way to Punakha & Wangdue through temperate forest of rhododendron & magnolia bloom in mid-March till May.
Then you will enter into a semi-tropical zone where orange trees, banana trees and cactuses are found in abundance.
From a distance you will see the awesome Wangdi Dzong. stratigically built on the spur of a hill between 2 flowing rivers: This Dzong was built in 1638 by Zhabdrung & still serves as the administrative center for both Wangdi district & monk body: Stop to visit the inner courtyard of the Wangdi Dzong & meet monks running about in their scarlet robes.
The continue drive to Gangteygompa which will be apprx: 3 hours drive along the same higheway, till it biforcates & continues for another 18/19km upto the peak of the Phobjikha valley & the Gangety monastery in full view, as it sits with a commanding view of the entire valley. The monatsery was built in the early 15 century & is an important center of learning for the Ngingmapa sect. There are about well over 200 monks living and studying the scriptrues. The valley is about 3000m & the winter resting ground for the Black necked cranes that arrive in November from Siberia, China & Tibet.
If guests are upto it, the open valley provides ample opportunities for energetic walks.
Dinner and overnight at Standard hotel in Gangtey

DAY4 GANGTEY - CHENDEBJI CHORTEN – TRONGSA DZONG – TRONGSA WATCH

TOWER - BUMTHANG (car 4 hrs) [B/L/D]
After breakfast, start journey to Trongsa: The drive to Trongsa is apprx:80kms, 3 hours in car.
On the way, you will cross the Pilela Pass (alt. 3.300m). After the pass, the road descends gradually till you reach Trongsa. En-route, you will stop at Chendebji Chhoeten built in Nepalese style by Lama Sidha in the 18th century. The next halt is 16 kms away from Trongsa from where you can have a close and spectacular view of Trongsa Dzong. Stop in Trongsa for lunch at YANGKHIL & then for a visit to the historical Dzong: The Dzong was built in 1648 : Then visit the Ta -Dzong ,or watch tower which has been converted to a museum of great interest. After this client will return to vehicle and continue 3 hours drive to Bumthang, one of the most magnificent valleys in Bhutan and also the heartland of Buddhism. 29kms away from Trongsa, you will cross Yotongla Pass (alt, 3,400m).
Beyond the pass, the landscape looks different as dense conifer forest stretches far and wide. You will also cross a small pass before descending to the valley of Chamkhar.
Dinner and overnight Standard guest house/lodge

DAY 05 BUMTHANG – NGANGLHAKHANG (Distance: 20 km, time: about 5 hours walk) [B/L/D]
The hike route follows the Chamkhar Chhu (river). Lunch stop at Thangbi Lhakhang before entering ‘Swan Land’ (Ngang Yul) with its centre ‘Swan Temple’ (Nganglhakhang). This part of the valley was first inhabited only by swans (ngang) from where the name of the place.
Overnight at Ancestral Family mansio, Bumthang

DAY 06 NGANGLHAKHANG [B/L/D]
A day of walking to nearby villages /monasteries.
Your host will pack lunch for your excursion around nearby villages and experience pure villagae daily lives.
Return from field trip, pack and drive to Jagar:
Overnight at Guest house-Jagar, Bumthang

DAY7 BUMTHANG [B/L/D]
Today visit all places of interest in the valley
Overnight at Guest House

DAY8 BUMTHANG – URA – SHINGKHAR (2hrs drive) [B/L/D]
After breakfast drive to URA/ Shangkhar village: Visit Ura village ,& monastery: experience the close community life of the people of both Shingkhar & Ura village:
Dinner and overnight at Shinkhar Nagsthang

DAY9 BUMTHANG – TRONGSA [B/L/D]
After breakfast drive to Trongsa and visit Trongsa Dzong & Museum
Overnight at Trongsa.

DAY 10 TRONGSA – PUNAKHA [B/L/D]
After breakfast drive directly to Punakha
Viist the Punakha Dzong and then check into your hotel for lunch.
Dinner and overnight in Punakha.

DAY 11 PUNAKHA – THIMPHU [B/L/D]
After breakfast and drive to Lobisa villgae for your hike to Chimmi Lhagang:
Return and drive to Thimphu, visit the Memorial Chorten in Thimphu
Dinner and overnight at Jomolhari Hotel

DAY 12 THIMPHU [B/L/D]
After breakfast visit all places of interest within the valley; Changangkha monastery/ Simtokha Dzong/ Takin Zoo/ or take a short hike to Tangu with picnic lunch.
Dinner and overnight at Jomolhari Hotel

DAY 13 THIMPHU – DEPARTURE [B/-/-]
Departure flight to your onward destination

END OF SERVICE

PRICING

The total costing for the above itinerary is found below. Prices are per person based on adults sharing. Prices are in US Dollar.

US$ 4,520.00 Per person minimum 4 people required

VALIDITY: 01 November, 2010 – 31 October, 2011

INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICES ARE :
• Accommodation in shared twin room
• Meals as specified in the programme (fullboard)
• Tours and transfers by private van with English speaking guide
• Tourism Development Fund
• Visa fee

NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICES ARE :
• Airticket to/from Paro
• Expenditure of a personal nature, such as drinks, souvenirs and laundry etc.,


Minor changes to the programme are sometimes necessary, we will endeavour to minimise these changes which are sometimes out of our control. WX