Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Bhutan - Tiny peaceful land
Environmentally, Bhutan is considered as one of the 10 hotspots in the world and as one of the 221 global endemic bird areas.”
Bhutan
has 72% of its area under forest cover. Bhutan is one of the few
developing countries where much of the natural resources base is still
remain intact. One of the reasons is that people of Bhutan love their
natural environment and have been living in harmony with its elements
respecting the sanctity of life and revering the mountains, forests and
rivers as abodes of gods and spirits. The magnificent mountains and lush
valleys of Bhutan harbor some of the most exotic species of the eastern
Himalayas. An estimated 770 species of birds and about 55 species of
rhododendron, along with an astounding variety of medicinal plants (over
300 species) and orchids are endemic to this region. The abundance of
wild flowers, birds and many more plants are yet to be named, so there
are many exciting opportunities to discover more about flora and fauna
of this fascinating Himalayan Kingdom. Bhutan has an impressive
diversity of plants and animals because of its unique geographical
location in the eastern Himalayas with its extensive altitudinal
variation, from 150 meters in the south to over 7,000 meters in the
north, which is accompanied by dramatic climatic changes. This
variations makes home for different animals and plants, for example in
the southern part of Bhutan we have Asiatic elephants, Greater
one-horned rhinos, Gaur, wild water buffalo, Hog Dear, Tiger, Clouded
leopard, Hornbill, and other mammals and various species of birds. In
the north we have Blue sheep, Takin, Musk deer, Snow Leopard, wolf and
more adoptable species whose range extends to both tropical and
temperate zones live between this two extremes like, barking deer,
Himalayan black bear, Leopard, wild dog, wild boar etc. etc.
Nine
national parks and wild life sanctuaries are home to some of the rare
and most significant animals in the world. This has become possible as a
result of the combined efforts of the government and the people to keep
the country’s flora and fauna undisturbed.
Note: For interested travelers to experience Flora and Fauna in Bhutan can contact me at travel2adventurebhutan@gmail.com and traveltobhutan@yahoo.com
Friday, July 26, 2013
Laya-Gasa Trek (22Days/21Nights)
This is one of the best and most popular
cultural treks, in goes past many temples and monasteries and covers
same of the same ground as more difficult and more famous Snowman Trek.
Day.01 Coming from Bangkok to Paro
On your Arrival of international Airport in Paro Bhutan, you will be received by Guide and Driver and then will be drive to National Museum, to visit National Museum, and Paro Dzong. Lunch at Paro town, after Lunch, Visit Dungtse Lhakhang (Temple) O/N Paro
Breakfast
at hotel, Drive to Taktsang Monastery hiking Point, it’s take about
5minute from hotel to Hiking Point by car, then we will be by walk to Taktsang Monastery to visit Tiger’s Nest ,
it’s take about 2hrs 30minute up total up down it takes about 5hrs
approximately , Taktsang Monastery altitude at (3.030m), Lunch at
Taktsang cafeteria, then after Lunch back to same way car Parking, then
Drive to Drukyel dzong to visit Drukyel Dzong, back to Paro Town, on the way Visit Kichu Lhakhang, after that free time for Shopping at Paro O/N Paro
Paro to Shana The trek begins with a low altitude, 17km walk.O/N camp in Shana
Day.04 Shana to Thangthangkha
Shana to Thangthangkha, Gradually
gaining altitude to (3,750m) during a 9-10hrs of hike of 22km, the trail
follows the Paro River and then goes through evergreens and
rhododendron and at last entering into Jigme Dorji National Park. O/N camp in Thangthangkha.
Day.05 Thangthangkha to Jangothang
Thangthangkha to Jangothang, this 19km
trail crosses up to (4.000m) our night will be spend at the Jhomolhari
Mountain base camp Jhomolhari O/N base camp
Day.06 Jhomolhari to Recovery day with possible
Short hikes to enjoy the view O/N camp in Jangothang
Day.07 Jangothang to Lingshi
Jangothang to Lingshi, 19km trail, alt
(4,150m) going through wide Yak pastures on the way up and down the Pass
we will have great views of Lingshi Dzong as we come down into the
Lingshi basin. if the weather is clear mt. Tserim gang and it’s
descending glaciers at the north end of the valley can be vividly seen.
Today, the highest point we cross is the Nyile La Pass at almost
(5,000m) but our camp is somewhat lower at (4,010m) (13,153ft) O/N camp in Lingshi
Day.08 Lingshi to Chebisa
Lingshi to Chebisa 19km walk (3,850) O/N camp in Chebisa
Day.09 Chebisa to Shomutang
Chebisa to Shomutang, 17km walk, alt.
(4,259m) the walk is through wild pastures see a few nomads and yaks.
Our highest point will be when we cross Gobula Pass (4,440m) (14,564ft) O/N camp in Shomutang
Day.10 Shomutang to Robluthang
Shomutang to Robluthang 18km trail, alt
(4,400m) the trail climbs our of the valley through pretty desolate
country up to jhari La (4,747m) (15,807ft), about Two hours from camp.
During clear weather you can see the Mt. Gangchentag, Mt. Tserim Kang
and Jhomolhari. Herds of Takin are typically grazing on the slopes of
the nearby hills O/N camp in Robluthang
Day.11 Robluthang to Lemithang
Robluthang to Lemithang, 19km walk, alt.
(4,100m) this will be a long, hard day, crossing Sinchu La, the highest
pass on the trek. It’s a tough climb from there to the Sinchu La pass
(5,005) (16,417ft) about five hours from camp. The snow covered peak of
Gangchentag fills the horizon to the north. It’s then a short walk on
a good trail through a cedar forest interspersed with small meadows to
Lemithang (4,140m) (13,786ft), a lovely camp site in a big meadow by the
river. The peak of Gangchentag dominates the campsite, even though
it’s quite a distance away O/N camp in Lemithang
Day.12 Lemithang Laya
Lemithang to Laya 10km trail, alt. (3, 800m) Today it’s mostly downhill along a winding river O/N camp in Laya
Day.13: A day rest at Laya and a chance to wander around
This remote and culturally unique village O/N same camp in Laya
Day.14 Laya to Chamsa
Laya to Chamsa 8 to 9hrs walk, alt. (3,800m) O/N camp in Chamsa
Day.15 Chamsa to Gasa
Chamsa to Gasa Tsahchu, 5 to 6hrs walk, alt (4,160m) Brings to the hot springs O/N Gasa
Day.16
This recovery day brings an opportunity
to actually enjoy the medicinal values of the hot springs by the bank of
the stream, below the hotel complex. The Jigme Dorji National Park
administers the hot spring complex. There are five cement pools and a
shower room, more under construction. The water temperature is 40 degree
centigrade, which is invitingly warm. O/N is same camp in Gasa
Day.17
Gasa Tsahchu to Geon Damji Gasa Tsahchu
to Geon Damji, after the climb away from Gasa Tsahchu the trail winds
through rolling hillsides passing through fields, villages, forests.
Gasa Dzong should be visible behind us, glued to the valley wall,
seemingly floating in space After a 5 to 6hrs walk of 18km at the lowest
altitudes of this trip, our trek ends in Geon Damji, O/N Geon Damji
Day.18 Goen Damji to Punakha
Goen Damji to Punakha. After a long
descent, the trail will make a few small ups and downs close to the
river. The main valley is still very closed-in with sub-tropical
vegetation such as wild banana trees, creepers and orchids, sometimes
rhesus monkeys are playing by the water O/N Punakha
Day.19 Punakha to Thimphu 
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Punakha dzong to Visit Punakha Dzong, back to same way and hike to Chime Lhakhang,
it takes 30minutes from car parking to chime Lhakhang. Total it takes
up down 1hrs 15minutes. Lunch at chime Lhakhang cafeteria, after Lunch
drive to Wangdi to Visit wangdi dzong, after that drive to Thimphu, on
the way you can see the beautiful view of Himalayan mountain with 108
stupa at Dochula passes altitude at (3,150m) which is built in 2003 by
eldest Queen Mother Her Majesty Ashy Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. O/N Thimphu
Breakfast at hotel, after breakfast Visit National Memorial Chorten which was built in 1975 by the mother of Third King, his Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in memory of her son, and Changangkhang Lhakhang
was built in the 12 century on a site chosen by lam PhajoDrugom
Zhigpo, who came from reeling, Tibet. It is an old fortress-like temple
perched on a ridge above Thimphu and it has a beautiful view of the
Thimphu from the courtyard. The main chapel houses a unique statue of
the seated Avalokiteshara, the Buddha of Compassion. Visit Paper factory, Lunch at Thimphu Bhutan orchid. then after Lunch Drive to Buddha Point to Visit Buddha statue, you can see the beautiful view of the Capital City of Thimphu Bhutan, then drive to Tashicho Dzong, to visit Tashicho Dzong,
the fortress of the glorious religion†houses the throne room of His
Majesty the King, the main secretariat building and the central Monk
body its courtyard is open to visitors during the Thimphu Tshechu and
when monk body moves to its winter residence in Punakha. O/N Thimphu
Breakfast at hotel, and Visit handicraft center for Shopping, Lunch at Thimphu, after Lunch Drive to Paro, on the way you can see view of the Simtokha Dzong, which is oldest Dzong in Bhutan. Drive to Paro, on the way you can see the view of two rivers and three types of stupa, and enjoy beautiful views of Takchu Lhakhang (Temple), is 15 Century built by Thing thong Geylpo from Tibet and Bhutan. O/N at Paro
Breakfast at hotel, Drive to Paro international airport and see off by Guide and Driver
DRUK PATH TREK
Druk path Trek (12Days/11Nights)
Basically, a low altitude forest trek in the area between Paro Thimphu
Day.01: On your Arrival of international Airport in Paro Bhutan.You will be received by Guide and Driver at Paro international Airport, then Drive to Paro Town to Visit Paro National Museum and Paro Dzong, lunch at Paro Town, after Lunch drive to Dungtse temple to visit Dungtse Lhakhang (Temple). O/N-Paro
Breakfast at hotel, and drive to Taktsang hiking point to Visit Tiger’s Nest,(Taktsang Monastery) by walk. It takes around 5hours up down approximately. Lunch at Taktsang cafeteria then walk down same way. Drive to Drukyel to Visit Drukyel Dzong. O/N-Paro
Breakfast at hotel then drive to Dzong drakha, Visit Dzong drakha (temple), on the way back to Visit Dasho Nishoka Chorten we back to same way and Visit Kichu Lhakhang (temple). Paro is altitude (2340m). O/N.Paro
Paro to Jele Dzong, our trek begins with an easy 6-7km walk at a fairly low altitude, (2600m) Visit Jele Dzong. O/N Camp in Jele Dzong
Day.05: Jele Dzong to Jangchulakha.
Jele Dzong to Jangchulakha, this 10km walk at less than, (3000m) goes through alpine and rhododendron forests O/N-Camp in Jangchulakha
Day.06: Jangchulakha to Jimilangtsho.
11km from Jangchulakha to Jimilangtsho, altitude at (3350m) O/N camp at Jimilangtsho
Day.07: Jimilangtsho to Simkota.
From Jimilangtsho to Simkota, you need to walk 11km trail at about the same altitude (3350m) or (3440m) O/N camp in Simkota
Day.08: Simkota to Phajoding.
Simkota to Phajodang, this easy 10m walk at than (3000m) affords a View of several mountain peaks, including Gangkar Puensum, before we exit to Phajoding. O/N Camp in Phajoding
DAY.09: Phajoding to Thimphu.
Phajoding to Timphu, this is an easy forest walk to Thimphu of about 8km at less than (2350m) O/N at Thimphu
Day.10: Thimphu-Thimphu.
Breakfast at hotel with Sightseeing in Thimphu, Visit national memorial Chorten and Changangkhang lhakhang, Nunnery Drupthop temple than lunch at Thimphu town, after Lunch Visit Tashicho Dzong and weaving centre and free time in town O/N Thimphu
Breakfast at hotel, Visit of National Handicraft center and shopping in the morning; in the afternoon, Visit Simtokha Dzong, and it is oldest Dzong in Bhutan and then drive to Paro O/N in ParoBreakfast at hotel, then drive to international Airport, and see off by Guide and Driver
Dagala Trek (12Days/11Nights)
The Dagala mountain range, near our capital city of Thimphu Bhutan, divides the two famous valleys of Thimphu and Wangdue.
This is a short, moderate hike but it has some long steep climbs, and
the highest pass is (4,500m) the height level and main reason for the
trek is that it goes to a large numbers of really beautiful high
altitude lakes, these rout filled lakes are paradise for people who love
fishing. Typically trekkers get to see alpine flowers, rhododendron and
the different species of animal and even musk deer.
Day.01 your coming from Bangkok to Paro
on your Arrival of international airport, you will be received by Guide and Driver.Than Drive to Paro National Museum, to Visit National Museum ,  and Paro Dzong, Lunch at Paro town , after Lunch Visit the Dumtse Lhakhang (Temple) which  is (2,250) (7,382ft) O/N At Paro
Day.02 Paro-Taktsang
Breakfast
at hotel, Drive to Taktsang hiking point, it takes about 30minute from
hotel to hiking point by car, it takes 2hrs. 30minute from car parking
point to Taktsang monastery, total up Down it takes about 5hrs
approximately to Visit Tiger’s Nest, (Taktsang Monastery), Lunch at Taktsang cafeteria, after Lunch  drive to Drukgyel Dzong  to Visit Drukyel Dzong, and  Kichu Lhakhang (Temple ) which height is (2,250m) (7,382) O/N at Paro
Day.03 Paro-Paro
Breakfast at hotel, Drive to Dzong drakha temple to Visit Dzong drakha temple,
on the way Visit Dasho Nishoka Chorten, then back to same way to Paro
Town, Lunch at Paro town, after Lunch Drive to Sangchen Chokhor
Monastery to Visit Sangchen Chokhor monastery,
it takes about 50minutes from Paro town to Sangchen Chokhor monastery
(temple), total up and down it takes about 1hrs .40minutes which is
(2,250m) (7,382ft) O/N at Paro
Day.04 Paro to Thimphu
Breakfast at hotel and  Drive to Thimphu, on the way you can see  beautiful views of the Tachugang Temple
and you can also enjoy seeing the views of two rivers known as Paro
river ( Pa chhu) and Thimphu river( Wang chhu). Thimphu is capital city
of Bhutan. Lunch at Bhutan orchid, after Lunch Visit the Takin preserve, Buddha Point, and Tashichho Dzong. From Buddha point, you can see the beautiful view of Thimphu Capital city of Bhutan at altitude (2,320m) (7,610ft) O/N at Thimphu
Day.05 Thimphu to Genekha
Breakfast at hotel, Thimphu to Genekha,
the trek begins with the longest hike of 14km from Wang sisina car
parking to Genekha (2,800m)O/N at camp in Genekha
Day.06 Genekha to Gur
Genekha to Gur, this is a recovery day
with only a 5km hike at about (3,350m) After crossing a suspension
bridge, the trail heads west for While, then climbs steeply towards the
south to a rock platform and a crest at (3,200m) (10,656ft) After a
further walk of about two hours leads to our camp in a forest clearing
(3,350m) (11,155ft) height level.O/N at camp in Gur
Day.07 Gur to Labatama
Gur to Labatama, This is a 12km trail at
about (4,300m) after a long, stiff climb leads up the ridge, we cross a
meadow a pass at (4,240m) (14,119ft) and a spectacular view of the
whole Dagala range. We are likely to see yaks as we herders’ camps on
the way to the foot of the broad (4,050m) (12,486ft) Labatamba valley.
We then a climb beside a stream to our camp at near Utsho Lake at
(4,300m) (14,319ft)O/N at Camp in Labatama
Day.08 Labatama to Punka
From Labatama to Punka, you need to walk
slightly 8km trail, at a slightly lower altitude of (4,000m) but there
are some good mountain views along the wayO/N at camp in Punka
Day.09 Punka to Talakha
8km from Punka to Talakha, by walk at lower Altitude of (3,080m) O/N at camp in Talakha
Day.10 Talakha to Simtokha
Talakha
to Simtokha The route leads north crossing a pass at (4,000m)
(13,320ft) then climbs along the side of a ridge to a crest at (4,270m)
(14,219ft) from here there is a view of Thimphu valley, far to the
north. Then we have a long descent through forests to the temple and
village of Talakha (3,080m) (10,256ft) it’s not very far to Simtokha
and the oldest Dzong in Bhutan. We drive the short distance back to
Thimphu for lunch at Bhutan orchid. After lunch, than if we get time, visit the National handicrafts centre for shopping altitude at (2,320m) (7,610fr) O/N at Thimphu
Day.11 Thimphu to Paro
Breakfast at hotel, after that, we will take you to the Visit Changangkhang Lhakhang (Temple). Then Drive to Paper factory Visit paper factory and National Memorial Chorten,
you can see the beautiful view of Thimphu capital of Bhutan, back to
town and lunch at Thimphu town. after lunch Drive to Paro, on the way
you can see the views of two rivers which is known as Paro river (Pa
chhu) and Thimphu river (Wang chhu) and also you can enjoy the views of
three different style of Chorten in Bhutan that is Tibet style, Nepali
style and Bhutanese style  of Chorten ( stupa). Again you will enjoy
seeing the views of Tachugang Lhakhang (Temple) height at (2,250m)
(7,382ft) O/N at Paro
Day.12 Paro to Bangkok
Breakfast at hotel, Drive to Paro international airport and see of by Guide and Driver.
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