BHUTAN: DESCRIPTION

BHUTAN: THE HIMALAYAN SHANGRI-LA

October 24 – November 8, 2010

Bhutan is a small sequestered Himalayan kingdom that has one foot in the past and one in the future. Visitation is tightly controlled by the government, and it has been able to maintain it’s traditional culture and character free from most of the stresses of modern tourism. Nonetheless, it recognizes the need to be part of the modern world. English is widely spoken, and is taught even in the most remote schools. Buddhist monks transcribe ancient texts into computers, and traditionally dressed archers use modern compound bows. Only two countries in the world have fewer telephones per capita, but email is in common usage. The best way to see Bhutan is by foot and into the hills. We will take a 9-day trek to the foot of Jhomolhari, their sacred mountain in the Himalayas on the Tibetan border. The approach will be through dense pine and rhododendron forests. We will visit Bhutanese villagers in their homes or in their black yak-hair tents.

At Jhomolhari basecamp we will have time to explore the high inner-Himalayan valleys, and to scramble up ridges for spectacular views. We will have a complete camp staff of guides, cooks and porters, so we’ll travel in style.

Bhutan Itinerary [] Bhutan Details