Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Jumolhari Base Camp Trek




Day One
During this flight, one will experience breaktaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchan Junga and other Himalayan Peaks including sacred Chomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport you will be received by a representative of Dream Advanture. who will escort you to the Hotel where arrangements have been made for two nights halt.
Day Two
Drive to Drugyel Dzong (a ruined fortress - 16 Kms. away from Paro Town). Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. From here , the peak of Chomolhari "Mountain of the Goddess" (Alt. 7,329 m / 24,029 ft.). On the way back you visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse. After lunch, at the hotel, take a leisurely stroll around the compound. Overnight in Hotel
Day Three
Distance 17 Kms. About 5 - 6 hours journey. Altitude of Shana 2,800 m. Drive up to Drugyel Dzong where the road ends and the trek begins. The trail follows the river through beautiful meadows and paddy fields. The night’s camp is just beyond an army outpost.
Day Four
The trail continues uphill through the river valley. The valley gradually narrows to a mere path which descends to a meadow where a camp will be set up.
Day Five
Distance - 19 Kms. About 5 - 6 hours journey. Altitude of Jangothang 4040 m. The trek starts up the Pa Chu. Cross an army outpost along the way. The valley begins to widen here with a spectacular view of high mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks. Yaks and the herders' winter homes become a regular feature of the landscape. Camp for the night beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Mt. Chomolhari.
Day Six
Trek up to Tosoh or hike around the area. There are good short hiking trails in three directions. Chomolhari and it subsidiary mountain chains lie directly west, Jichu Drake to the north and a number of unscaled peaks to the east. Overnight halt in camp
Day Seven
Distance - 19 Kms. About 5 - 6 hours journey. Altitude of Lingshi 4150 m. Trek through wide yak pastures and up and down passes. As you come down into the Lingshi basin, you get a wonderful view of Lingshi Dzong on a clear day. Tsarim Kang and its glaciers rise up at the north end of the valley. Night halt is a choice between a stone hut or the tent.
Day Eight
A day excursion to Tsokha (Lake), which is the base camp for Jichu Drâke, can be organized. Blue sheep and musk deer are plentiful along the trek route. Distance 15 Kms. About 3 - 4 hours journey. Altitude of Tsokha 4500 m.
Day Nine
Distance - 22 Kms. About 7 - 8 hours journey. Altitude of Shodu 3963m.The trail climbs up to the Yalila Pass at an altitude of 4820 m. From the pass, you can get an excellent view of Chomolhari, Tserim Gang and Masagang on a clear day. The trek from the pass to camp site at Shodu is steep down hill. Camp can be made in a stone shelter or in tent.
Day Ten
Distance - 13 Kms. About 3 - 4 hours journey. Altitude of Barshong 3785m.The trail follows the Thim - Chu river through rhododendron forests. Waterfalls can be seen along the way. The valley narrows till the path takes to the slopes and gradually ascends to reach the ruins of Barshong Dzong. Camp can made in stone shelter or tent.
Day Eleven
Distance - 11 Kms. About 3 - 4 hours journey. Altitude of Dolam Kencho 3628m. The trail descends through thick rhododendron forest to meet the Thim-Chu and then ascends to pasture lands. Camp is in a meadow.
Day Twelve
The trail continues through forested areas winding up and down and through a small pass. Langurs (monkeys) can be seen along the way. Overnight halt in Hotel.
Day Thirteen
Drive to Punakha and Wangdi for a day’s excursion. Visit Punakha Dzong. Packed lunch will be arranged. Return to Thimphu. Overnight halt in Hotel.
Day Fourteen
Visit Tashichho Dzong, the main Government Secretariat building, where the government ministries, the Office of His Majesty the King and the Throne Room , and the offices and living quarters of the monk body and the Chief Abbot are housed. Explore the town, visit shops and the Choki Handicrafts, where Bhutanese textiles and other handicrafts are available. Visit the workshop where the handicrafts are made.Visit the painting and woodcraft schools where traditional painting and other crafts are still practiced.Visit the National Library and see the ancient manuscripts preserved there.Visit the Simtokha Dzong (6 Kms. from Thimphu), the oldest Dzong in Bhutan built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1629 A..D. The Simtokha Dzong houses the largest monastic school in the country.
Day Fifteen
Drive to Paro International Airport. Seen off by representatives of our tour operator or your guide.
BHUTAN- A valley of Earthly Delights
Day One
You will be received by representatives from Dream Advanture at PhuntsholingBhutan. Phuntsholing lies directly at the base of Himalayan foothills and this small town is Bhutan's commercial centre holding most of commercial organisations. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Phuntsholing.Road further climbs steeply and winds in innumerable bends, upwards to an altitude of approximately 2000m.
Day Two
You should occassionally stop on the way so as not to miss the magnificent view of the Brahmaputra plains and the Toorsa river. After two hours drive through light mountain jungle, displaying lianas and orchids, the first ridge has been passed and the road descends slightly. The scenery and
vegetation changes and enroute you pass Chukha Hydel Project and the small town of Chimakothi. Lunch would be served enroute. Near Chapcha the road reaches its highest point approximately 2800m. Now it goes steeply down and along the Wang Chu till the Chuzom (confluence). Shortly before entering Thimphu city, visit to Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom built by Shab drung Ngawang Namgyal in 1627 which now houses the School for Buddhist studies. On arrival in Thimphu, check into the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day Three
Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan, sitting in broad fertile valley of Wang Chu river. Thimphu's most impressive building is Tashichhodzong, the home of National Assembly and summer residence of Chief of monk body. Also known as "fortress of the glorious religion" and originally built in 1627 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was the country's first official centre of social and religious education. Memorial Chorten is town's another landmark, built in the memory of the Late King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan.
Visit to Painting School is indeed pleasant experience where the age old style of traditional Bhutanese painting is taught. Also visit the National Library which houses vast collection of manuscripts and texts related with Buddhist studies.The other places of interest are ; Traditional Medicine Institute where centuries old healing arts still practised and Choki Handicrafts & Emporium which displays wide assortment of beautifully handwoven and crafted products. Evening take a stroll through Thimphu's market area visiting local shops and mingling with people. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day Four
After breakfast proceed to Punakha. About 45 min from Thimphu, lies Dochula pass (3,100m), offering visitors their first glimpse of the eastern Himalayan range. A low lying sub tropical valley, Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan untill 1955 and still it is home of Chief Abbot in winter months. Punakha Dzong, built in 1637
by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal has played prominent role in civil and religious life of the Kingdom. Destroyed four times by fire and an earthquake in 1897, the Dzong has been now fully restored in its original splendour. Also visit the valley of Wangdiphodrang situated at the junction of Punakha Chu and Tang Chu rivers. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha / Wangdiphodrang.
Day Five                
Sightseeing in Wangdiphodrang which is typical small Bhutanese town, with bustling market and well stocked shops. The place is also known for its fine bamboo work, slate, stone carvings, yak dairy research station. Wangdi Dzong is town's most visible features, situated majestically at the junction of Punakha Chu and Tang Chu rivers.After lunch drive to Paro enroute visiting village house. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day Six
This beautiful valley, where nature and man conjured to create their dearest image is home to some of Bhutan's oldest temples, monasteries, the National Museum and country's only airport. Situated strategically and commanding spectacular view of valley, Rinpung Dzong meaning "fortress of the heap of
jewelsm was built by Shabdrung now houses Paro monastic school and office of civil administration.It is also the venue of Paro Tshechu (festival) held once a year in spring. Above Dzong is Ta Dzong or National Museum which has vast collection of Bhutanese art, artefacts, weapons and stamps. A short drive north overlooking Paro river is KyichuLhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Bhutan, dating from the introduction of Buddhism. Further ahead, at the end of valley lies Drukgyel dzong, a symbol of all the unsuccessful attempts armies from north made on Bhutan in the early past. The Dzong, built by Shabdrung commemorates early victory.Evening at leisure to visit local shops. Overnight Paro.
Day Seven              
After early breakfast in the hotel drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.
Centeral Bhutan Historic Tour
Day One On arrival at Paro International Airport, Your escort from Dream Advanture who will accompany you throughout the trip, will be waiting for you. From the air port, then drive to Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan. The road leads through the Paro valley to the confluence of Paro and Thimphu river at chuzom
( confluence ).Three differrent style of chortens adorn the confluence. A short way beyond, on the left, is Tschogang Lhakhang, the temple of the hill of excellent horse. It is private temple, built in 15th century, as the result of visitation from Balaha, the excellent horse, a mani festation of Chenrezig, the compassionate Buddha. After the narrow, rock lined section of the road opens up as Thimphu approaches, Simtokha Dzong lies enroute. Simtokha means the place of profound tantric teaching', this dzong now houses a school for the study of the Dzongkha language. On arrival in Thimphu, check into the hotel.
Day Two          
Full day sightseeing of Thimphu valley: Memorial Chorten, National Library, Painting School, Traditional Medicine Institute, Tashichhodzong, Choki Handicrafts & Emporium.Overnight Thimphu.
NOTE : For our guest there is 20% discount on shopping from Choki handicrafts-the renown handicraft
Day Three
After breakfast proceed to Punakha. About 45 min from Thimphu, lies Dochula pass (3,100m), offering visitors their first glimpse of the eastern Himalayan range. A low lying sub tropical valley, Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan untill 1955 and still it is home of Chief Abbot in winter months. Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung
Day Four
Ngawang Namgyal has played prominent role in civil and religious life of the Kingdom. Destroyed four times by fire and an earthquake in 1897, the Dzong has been now fully restored in its original splendour. Afternoon visit Punakha Dzong and sightseeing. Overnight Punakha.Early morning drive to Trongsa via Wangdue Phodrang across Pelela pass (alt. 3,300m), the traditional boundry between east and west. The pass is marked by a large prayer flag and the ground is covered with high altitude
enroute at Chendbji Chorten, which was built in 18th century by a lama named Shida, it is Nepalese in style with eyes painted at four cardinal points. Arrive Tongsa and check into the lodge. Dinner and overnight at
Day Five            
After breakfast walk by Tongsa Dzong, built by Shabdrung in 1647 and visit the Ta Dzong (watch tower), dedicated to Buddhist epic hero, King Gesar of Ling.Then drive to Bumthang which is about 3 hours. 29 Kms from
the Yutong La pass (alt. 3,400 m). Further 13 kms ahead, the road enters into a wide, open,cultivated valley known as Chumey valley. On arrival in Bumthang, check into the lodge.
Day Six
After breakfast walk by Tongsa Dzong, built by Shabdrung in 1647 and visit the Ta Dzong (watch tower), dedicated to Buddhist epic hero, King Gesar of Ling.Then drive to Bumthang which is about 3 hours. 29 Kms from Tongsa
road reaches the Yutong La pass (alt. 3,400 m). Further 13 kms ahead, the road enters into a wide, open,cultivated valley known as Chumey valley. On arrival in Bumthang, check into the lodge.
Day Seven            
Bumthang valley is one of the most sacred in the Kingdom and innumerable legends surround the area. It is here that the kings are cremated and the present royal family traces their ancestry back to the famous saint, seeing include visit to Kurje Lhakhang (where the saint Padsambhava subdued a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock), Jampel lhakhang which was built in 7th
century, then jakar dzong (the fortress of white tenzin rabgay ( the fourth desi), Tamshing lhakhang built in 1501 by terton pema lingpa ( the founder of religious treasures). Then visit kunchosum lhakhang and membertsho ( the flaming lake) in fact it is a gorge where the river runs through but the story says that pema lingpa discovered religious text from this lake.Also worth seeing are the woodcraft workshop, Traditional hospital, and the cheese factory Overnight in Bumthang.
Day Eight            
After breakfast proceed to Gantey/Phobjikha via Trongsa. The approach to Phobjikha valley is through a forest of Oak and Rhododendron. Phobjikha is one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan and chosen home of black necked cranes which migrate from the central Asiatic Plateau to escape its harsh winters. Overnight Gantey.
Day Nine            
Morning proceed for Paro, enroute visit Simtokha Dzong visit Kyichu Lhakhang, Ta-Dzong (National Museum), Rinpung Dzong and Paro's market.Overnight Paro.
Day Ten            
After breakfast, visit Drukgyel Dzong and take full day excursion to view the Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) monastery.Overnight Paro.
Day Eleven            
Early breakfast in the hotel and drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.