Making a difference
Nominated in the category "Best in Mountain Environment" on "Virgin Holidays, Responsible Tourism Awards 2010, 2011"
The Hidden Kingdom Trekking
Trip Facts
- Trekking Destination: The Hidden Kingdom Trekking
- Group Size: Min-2, Max 12
- Highest Access of Challenging Trekking: -
- Grade: Moderate
- Transportation: -
- Mode of Trekking Tour: -
- Trekking Hour: Approximately 5-6 hours each day
- Total Days: 26 Days
- Trip Cost: USD 4955
Trip Overview
This is one of our longest Bhutanese treks, and one, which we have successfully run every year since 1988. It has everything remoteness, fantastic mountains, fascinating villages and monasteries/ fortresses, all within a Kingdom which itself is culturally unique in the Himalaya.
The trek starts from Paro, where we strike out towards the Tibetan boarder into Bhutan's mountains northwest corner. The route takes us beneath Chomolhari, 23997 ft/ 7314m, the country's second highest mountain, and Jichu Drake, 22500 ft/6858m, first climb by a joint British –Indian expedition in 1988. You may be lucky enough to see bears, herd's of ‘blue sheep', taken and many varieties of eagle, and perhaps even the Yeti, known here as the ‘Dredmo'. According to the local people this is a large, hairy, man –like creature which roams the hillsides, whistling ‘like a policeman'.
The semi tropical and alpine forest we pass through on the first day and a half of the trek also contain a wealth of flowers and plants. Many varieties of small, pretty birds flit through the undergrowth, which changes character as we climb higher, the main villages in the area, are Lingshi, Laya and Gasa. Their mountain tribes- people, dressed in their yak wool clothes and conical, bamboo hats, see few visitors.
To reach this little known area is not easy and involves crossing passes up to 16000 ft/5000m high, over a total distance of some 150 miles However, rest days occur at timely intervals, including a stay near the hot sulfurous springs of Gasa. The hidden Kingdom Trek has proved very popular and is without doubt one of the finest treks in the Himalaya.
Day to Day Outline Itinerary
Day to Day Itinerary
| Day | Activities | |
| Day 1 | - | Arrive Kathmandu |
| Day 2 | - | Free Day in Kathmandu |
| Day 3 | - | Fly to Paro |
| Day 4 | - | Sightseeing in the Paro valley. |
| Day 5-21 | - | Trek Chomolhari-Lingshi-Laya-Gasa-Punakha |
| Day 22-23 | - | Drive to Thimpu and Paro |
| Day 24 | - | Fly to Kathmandu |
| Day 25 | - | Free day in Kathmandu. |
| Day 26 | - | International departure. |
Fact Finder
| Duration | - | 26 days |
| Trip Details: | - |
|
| Activities | - | Cultural, Touring, Walking |
| Trip Grade | - | Challenging |
| Mode of Travel | - | - |
| Group & Staff | - | Min 2, Max 12, Responsible Adventures leader, local guides plus driver |
| Accommodation | - | - |
| Land Cost | - | US$4955.00 |
Note:- Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 2 clients
Departure Dates
Trip dates for 2011
8th October – 2nd November 2011
Trip dates for 2012
13th October – 8th November 2012
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
