Bhutan Guest Expedition

This trip allows the travellers to enjoy the taste of the great variety of Bhutanese landscape, and the views from some of the major passes that we come across are breath-taking, be it of mountains or the valleys underneath. It gives you a chance to meet people, enjoy the pristine forest with rare glimpse of wildfire and observe the ancient old traditions of arts and crafts while travelling through the less frequented areas of Bhutan.

We started our 8 days Jhomolari trek which is probably the most trekked route in Bhutan due to its easy access, beautiful terrain and spectacular views of the majestic snowscapped mountains. Locally known as Jhomolhari (The Mountain of Goddess Jhomo), believed to be the adobe of Jhomo goddess is one of the most beautiful and imposing mountains in the entire Himalayan region. Located at the northwestern border with Tibet, the trek to the base camp of this dome shaped mountain provides an opportunity to experience to experience the panoramic views of some of the world's highest peaks. Beginning from Paro valley, your trek starts with gentle ascent through Bhutan's undisturbed forest of rhododendrons and pines. Passing through the villages with lush fields of rice, wheat, barely and crossing over the tree lines you arrive in the regions sparsely inhabited by the migrant yak herders. The trail continues through enchanting valley flanked with snowcapped peaks to the base of Mount Jhomolhari and its spike shaped companion, Jichu Drake. You spend one entire day exploring the vicinity or just relaxing and enjoying the wonders of nature. You resume your trek to the Thimphu valley by cross two major passes through the remote wilderness with abundant of wildlife, including, blue sheep, Takin and variety of birds, perhaps under the surveillance of the elusive snow leopard. There will be ample of opportunities to interact with the friendly people of Bhutan and learn their philosophy of "GROSS NATIONAL HAPPINESS". After the trek, you have a day to see Bhutan's tiny Capital city with no traffic light.

FACTS FOR VISITORS TO BHUTAN

1. October is Autumn in the areas we will be trekking with a range of 11 ° C - 23 ° C. So , this is reputedly the best weather to be there as usually there are clear skies and a cool temperature during the day.

2. Please note the travel details and flight details. In this case your fee covers the return flights to/from Hong Kong.

3. Visas are required.

4. Please ensure you have travel / medical insurance cover arranged.

5. There is a “suggested” list of things to bring but for the seasoned travellers you will be able to modify the list to suit your own needs.

6. Pack your own special remedies/ potions/ medications that you rely on… plus any particular trek nibbles that will give you a motivational boast when needed.

7. Bhutan Visa Procedure
We need these details from you:

- Full Name
- Nationality
- Date and place of birth
- Passport No.
- Date of Issue
- Place of Issue
- Expiry date
- Full address
- Copy of passport

We will then send this information to our land operator in Bhutan, who will apply for a Visa Approval No. The actual visa will be stamped on their Passport upon arrival at the Bhutan airport.

Note:
- Participants do NOT need to submit their original passport to us for the visa application.

8. Bhutan's unit of currency is the ngultrun (Nu), which is divided into chetrum. A ngultrum has the same value as the Indian rupee, which is also the legal tender. Tourists can exchange their travellers' cheques or cash at the Bank of Bhutan in Thimpu or at the airport and larger hotels. US dollars and travellers' cheques are highly recommended during travel in Bhutan. US$1 is equalled roughly 46Nu. US dollars or local ngultrum can be used. But for buying small value items, the ngultrum is preferred.

9. Suggested tipping amounts:
- US$5-10 per person per day for local guide
- US$3-7 per person per day for assistant local guide
- US$3-7 per person per day for driver
Beside money, other things to give are items of clothing like sweaters, shirts, jackets, t-shirts, socks, shoes and other items that you do not wish to carry all the way back home.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do we supply sleeping bags, linens, sleeping mats, cold weather clothing?

Sleeping mats are provided.

Sleeping bags, bag linens and cold weather clothing are not provided. If you bring your own, you would need a bag with temp rating of down to – 5 deg Celsius. Otherwise, you can combine a higher temp rating bag with bag linens for extra warmth.

Can we take cigars?

The Bhutanese government has been aiming to ban smoking outright in Bhutan since several years ago, but it has not been officially implemented yet. However, smoking is generally NOT well received in Bhutan. So, be advised to avoid smoking if possible, especially in religious and public places. Also, all tobacco products will be subject to a custom tax on arrival.

Can we take whiskey or good wine?

There is no ban on alcohol in Bhutan, so it is fine to bring whiskey. We may need to co-ordinate a plan here. Do note the new airline rules for taking liquids in carry on baggage on planes.

** New rules for liquids in carry-on baggage

• All liquids, gels, aerosols in cabin baggage have to be carried in containers with a capacity not greater than 100ml. Liquids, gels, aerosols carried in containers larger than 100ml are not to be accepted, even if the container is only part-filled;
• Containers have to be placed in a transparent re-sealable plastic bag of a maximum capacity not exceeding one litre. The containers must fit comfortably within the transparent plastic bag, which should be completely closed;

So, if anyone brings whiskey, wine, bottled water etc, they will have to check it in as otherwise, it will be confiscated.

Will the porters take all our gear?