Making a difference
Nominated in the category "Best in Mountain Environment" on "Virgin Holidays, Responsible Tourism Awards 2010, 2011"
Bhutan Tour and Bhumtang Trekking
Trip Facts
- Trekking Destination: Bhutan Tour and Bhumtang Trekking
- Group Size: Min-2, Max 12
- Highest Access of Challenging Trekking: -
- Grade: Easy
- Transportation: -
- Mode of Trekking Tour: -
- Trekking Hour: Approximately 5-6 hours each day
- Total Days: 15 Days
- Trip Cost: USD 2955
Trip Overview
A varied trip which takes us from the cosmopolitan Nepalese capital, Kathmandu, to the 'Land of the Dragon' - Bhutan . We include explorations of several of Bhutan's unique monasteries, a three day trek in the Bhumtang valley and an overland journey through stunning mountains, where tradition and ritual are still very much a way of life.
Monasteries & High Passes
First we wander around the bustling bazaars of Kathmandu and visit Pashupatinath, Nepal's holiest Hindu temple and Boudhanath Stupa - from which four pairs of eyes which looks at the four corners of earth with wisdom and compassion. We then fly into the quiet Himalayan town of Paro (Bhutan), visiting the old fortress of Drukyel and making our way through oaks and pine trees to the sacred remains of Taktsang, the 'Tiger's lair" which hangs from an almost sheer cliff face some 1000m above the Paro valley.
3 Day Bhumtang Trek
Driving via the Dorchu La pass (3050m), we stop to visit Wangdi and Punakha Dzongs (monasteries) before reaching Jakar, the starting point of our trek. We'll spend 3 days following winding trails through the wide open valleys perhaps pausing at mountain villages to admire yatha - colourful hand woven fabrics mad in the local farms. The valleys are littered with temples and monasteries and we stop to visit Kugye Lhakhang Temple complex, one of the most sacred sites in Bhutan.
Gantey & Thimpu
At the end of our trek, we return to Jakar and then follow the road back to Paro. Stopping en route at tranquil Gantey Gompa and the city of Thimpu we have time to wander around the colourful market, perhaps witnessing some traditional archery .Flying back to Nepal, we spend time in the medieval town of Bhaktapur and in Nagarkot where breathtaking views include Mount Everest itself. Our tour ends in Kathmandu.
Day to Day Outline Itinerary
Day to Day Itinerary
| Day | Activities | |
| Day 1 | - | Join Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel. |
| Day 2 | - | In Kathmandu, walking tour of old bazaar; visit Pashupatinath temple and Boudhanath stupa. |
| Day 3 | - | Fly Paro (Bhutan); city tour. |
| Day 4 | - | In Paro; walk to Taktsang monastery. |
| Day 5 | - | Drive to Punakha via Dorchu La pass; visit Punakha Dzong. |
| Day 6 | - | Via Wangdi Phodrang Dzong to Jakar in Bhumtang valley. |
| Day 7-9 | - | Three day Bhumtang Trek |
| Day 10 | - | Drive to Gantey Gompa;optional walks. |
| Day 11 | - | Drive To Thimpu; afternoon sightseeing. |
| Day 12 | - | Morning free; drive to Paro. |
| Day 13 | - | Fly Paro to Kathmandu; drive via Bhaktapur to Nagarkot. |
| Day 14 | - | Sunrise walk; Drive Kathmandu; optional visit Patan. |
| Day 15 | - | Depart. |
Fact Finder
| Duration | - | 15 days |
| Trip Details: | - |
|
| Activities | - | Cultural, Touring, Walking |
| Trip Grade | - | Easy |
| Mode of Travel | - | - |
| Group & Staff | - | Min 2, Max 12, Responsible Adventures leader, local guides plus driver |
| Accommodation | - | - |
| Land Cost | - | US$2955.00 |
Note:- Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 2 clients
Departure Dates
Trip dates for 2011
| Start Date | End Date | Trip Cost/ Pax | Availability | Trip Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5th March | 19th March | UD$ 2955 | Available |  |
| 19th March | 2nd April | UD$ 2955 | Available | |
| 2nd April | 16th April | UD$ 2955 | Available | |
| 16th April | 30th April | UD$ 2955 | Available | |
| 1st October | 15th October | UD$ 2955 | Available | |
| 15th October | 29th October | UD$ 2955 | Available | |
| 29th October | 12th November | UD$ 2955 | Available | |
| 12th November | 26th November | UD$ 2955 | Available | |
Trip dates for 2012
| Start Date | End Date | Trip Cost/ Pax | Availability | Trip Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3rd March | 17th March | UD$ 2955 | Available | |
| 17th March | 31st March | UD$ 2955 | Available | |
| 31st March | 14th April | UD$ 2955 | Available | |
| 14th April | 28th April | UD$ 2955 | Available | |
| 29th September | 13th October | UD$ 2955 | Available | |
| 13th October | 27th October | UD$ 2955 | Available | |
| 27th October | 10th November | UD$ 2955 | Available | |
| 10th November | 24th November | UD$ 2955 | Available | |
Trip Cost
Cost Includes:-
- 4 nights in Boutique Hotel in Kathmandu on bed and basis
- Kathmandu Paro return airfare all transfers
- Meals on the trek and hotel
- Accommodation on twin sharing
- Entrance fee
- Local leader and porters on the trek
- Food for porters & crew members
- Insurance for crew and porters that includes helicopter evacuation when necessary and medical treatment
- Trek permit
- Park fees
- Staff insurance etc
- Transport
- Sightseeing as indicated.
Cost Does Not Include:-
- International airport taxes
- Visas
- All optional additional tours or activities during free time
- Transfers outside of the tour program
- travel insurance (buy insurance)
- Tips(suggested amount; US$50 per week per client) and items of a personal nature.
Client Reviews
My husband and I went on a trek in Nepal this past August, and we had a fabulous time. It was truly the most unique, beautiful outdoor travel experience that either of us have ever had. For anyone considering trekking in the Himalayas, we highly recommend Raj Tamang as a guide. His company, Responsible Adventures (www.responsibleadventures.com) and (www.notjusttreks.com), is professional and customer-service oriented. We were amazed at the ways that Raj and his employees went above and beyond to make this experience memorable for us. Raj is a 'walking encyclopedia' of information about the culture and history of Nepal, and his confident, welcoming nature put us at ease. He was experienced at facilitating positive, genuine interaction between Himalayan villagers and Western trekkers such as ourselves, and that made all the difference in our 10 days touring the Manang valley. His company offers a service that is truly a cut above the rest.
We can't wait for another opportunity to trek with Raj! Feel free to check out our story and pics at www.joshandelise2008.blogspot.com
Elise and Josh Drexler
Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
