Bhutan Overview:
The Buddhist Kingdom known as Druk Yul, Bhutan is nestled in the Himalaya between Indian and Tibet. Smaller than nearby Nepal both in size (just slightly larger than Switzerland) and population (less than one million inhabitants), Bhutan seeks to preserve its culture by limiting tourism. To restrict the number of visitors, the government imposes a minimum daily tariff of $200USD per person, which includes all food, lodging and travel expenses (guide, transportation and more). You won't find a five star resort destination but rather a real experience — an unspoiled environmental paradise unlike anywhere in the Himalayan region. Citizens have equal access to healthcare and education. Bhutan's king is a gentle, well educated monarch who is actually stepping aside to empower his people with self-government. Though expensive, Bhutan is a very worthwhile destination — it is a miracle that this wondrous land still exists!

There are two entry points for visitors to Bhutan. The flagship carrier Druk Air can transport you to Paro, a pristine valley at 7,300 feet anchored amidst snow capped peaks. The capital city of Thimphu is a short one-to-two hour drive from from Thimpu (Bhutan's capitol) and a short flight from Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu or Calcutta. By road the entry point is Phutsholing, reached in just hours from Darjeeling, India, or Gangtok, Sikkim. Bagdogra airport in India is only about five hours away.

Trek Possibilities To Consider:
Bhutan offers an array of unspoiled wilderness trails. We have experience arranging easy three day treks, like the Bumthang Trek — trekking at 12,000 feet deep into the heart of Bhutan, in combination with one of Bhutan's many festivals. The Gangte Trek is also short yet remarkable for viewing wildlife and rhododendrons. Longer five-to-six day treks like Druk Path or the Gasa Hot Spring Treks offer special year 'round adventure at lower altitudes.

Then there are our most challenging treks... The Cholmolhari Trail is a rugged ten day trekking adventure and even more challenging is the Laya-Gasa Trek a fifteen day endeavor. The Snowman Trek covers some of the same area as Cholmolhari and Laya Gasa, but pushes you on... ascending a series of passes over 16,000 feet! To complete this trek requires 24 full days, all spent at high altitude. A minimum of four participants is needed to be practical, as all food and gear must be carried (porters or pack animals) and is generally accompanied by a staff including a full time cook.

The trekking season usually extends from early October through November and from March to May. Note that strenuous treks in Bhutan truly are just that — you need to be in shape!. Campsites are well spaced and hiking days are long. Staff support is more limited than in neighboring Nepal. Talk to us about your abilities and limitations — and we'll do our best to steer you to the right trip!

Cultural Tours:
Bhutan offers an intact culture — one of the few remaining anywhere in the world. You'll sense the difference the moment you step off the plane. People are dressed in the Kira (for woman) and the Gho (for men) — the native attire. Of course it isn't just the dress, but also an attitude about life including a ribald humor and the teasing that takes place between men and woman. Phallic symbols are proudly displayed in or on every home. There's a fierce, uncompromising brand of Tibetan Buddhism brought to Bhutan by the famous Buddhist saint Padmasambhava or "Guru Rinpoche". Regarded as a second Buddha, Guru Rinpoche had magical powers and was the founder of the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism practiced in Bhutan. He came to Bhutan as Dorje Drakpo (Fierce Thunderbolt) riding on a flying tigress. He flew to the site of the famous Thaksang Monastery ("Tiger's Nest"), to meditate in a cave for three months. An excellent day hike of about one to two hours can take you up to the "Thaksang Cafeteria" (more like a local teashop, really) with views both of the Gompa and the surrounding countryside. The monastery lies another hour or more up the trail.

With the extensive road system in Bhutan, most of the interesting cultural sites can be visited by either a short walk or day hike. If you prefer having the comforts of a hotel (like a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath at night) you can still find plenty to see and do in amazing Bhutan. Join a festival while you are there! The Paro Festival in early Spring is the good and our staff will not only accompany you to it, but can offer many personal accounts — many of our staff are from that area. All monasteries present annual festivals. One of the main festivals is the Tsechu Festival where the life story of Guru Rinpoche is told in 12 dance episodes. Festivals take place in various parts of the country at many times throughout the year. For touring, you'll want to avoid the summer monsoons but winter can be a great time for avoiding other tourists and best if you aren't trekking. Most hotels and guest houses have small wood stoves or some other form of heating.

Handicrafts:
Thangkas are Buddhist paintings created on cotton and mounted on fabric that can be rolled up and carried like scrolls. Usual Thangka subjects include mandalas or Tibetan deities. You'll also see bright textiles like the woman's traditional dress, the "Kira" and the man's garment, the "Gho". They can range in price from $100USD to $2000USD. Jewelry, and Wooden Masks ($30USD to $40USD) resemble those used in festivals. Small handmade carpets are also available starting at $100USD.

You'll find less expensive items too, like wooden bowels, bamboo baskets, hand made paper products and gorgeous stamps. Prices in Bhutan are comparable to the U.S. It is much more expensive than neighboring countries but the quality of goods are also very high.

Learning Resources:
Before you decide on your trip to Bhutan, consider learning some essential things about the destination. We highly recommend the book "Beyond the Earth and Sky" by Jamie Zeppa, a teacher of English literature. Jamie's writing is beautiful and even non-traveling friends will agree this book is well worth reading. The descriptions of Bhutan and its people are highly evocative. For an actual look at the landscape and people of Bhutan find Khyentse Norbu's "Travelers & Magicians", the only movie completely made in Bhutan. It's a fable told by a monk to a fellow traveler making a story within a story... and a good one at that!

Process:
Independent treks are unique by definition. To assist you in perfecting your custom trip, we suggest you call or email us first to review any questions and options. We will make this consultation with you on a casual basis and free of charge, to help us determine the feasibility and anticipated costs of your trek. Once you have decided on the scope and details of your trip, we require a $100USD non-refundable Development Fee. We will then create your detailed custom itinerary — including all associated costs, routes, lodging, amenities and schedules. When you approve and commit to your trek, we will subtract the $100USD Development Fee from the land cost of your trip. If you cancel your trip for any reason, the Development Fee is not refundable. We remain in contact throughout the entire development process to create the exact trip you have in mind.

Development Fee: $100USD*
Trip Cost Estimate: Minimum $200USD per day* (trek options and group size can affect trip cost)
Minimum Group Size: 1*
Maximum Group Size: Any

* The development fee is the cost involved to develop your unique itinerary.
   It is non-refundable and is paid at the time you apply for your custom trip.
   Trip cost is based on a group size of four (4) or more.