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The last Buddhist Kingdom in the world, this beautiful, largely unspoiled country nestles in the foothills of the Himalaya between two of the most powerful countries in Asia – India and China. With tourism not starting until 1974, Bhutan remains one of the most isolated countries in the world, and its culture and traditions remain very much intact. With one of the world’s greatest concentrations of mountains, the experience begins with the flight into Paro offering close up views of Mt Everest, Mt Kanchenjunga and other great Himalayan peaks. Once on the ground, this is a country of high rugged mountains and deep shadowy gorges, cloaked in dense primeval forest, resplendent with rhododendron blossom in the spring and offering ecosystems that are both rich and diverse. The full glory of this ancient land is discovered through majestic fortress – like dzongs , numerous ancient temples, monasteries and stupas which take prime position in this picturebook landscape. This unique architecture embodies Buddhist culture and sets the scene for the spectacular tsechus (dance festivals) that take place throughout the year. The tsechus are a rich and happy expression of the ancient Buddhist culture; an important social occasion for the community and a period of deep prayer and meditation for the monks who perform the masked dances. The true charm of this tiny kingdom must surely lie in its use of Gross National Happiness as a measure of development, placing real value on such things as heritage, health, education, good governance, psychological wellbeing and community spirit. The people of Bhutan are warm and welcoming, and you will easily become immersed in their traditional way of life.

The Druk Path trek leads from Paro to Thimpu, crossing stunning natural landscapes through blue pine forests, dwarf rhododendrons, high ridges and crystal lakes.

The Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan lies along the lofty ridges of the eastern Himalayas, bordered by China (Tibet) to the north and northwest, and by India on the east, south and west. With an area of 46,500 square km., Bhutan is comparable to Switzerland both in its size and topography. The mighty Himalaya have protected Bhutan from the rest of the world and left it blissfully untouched through the centuries. The Bhutanese people have protected this sacred heritage and unique identity for centuries by choosing to remain shrouded in a jealously guarded isolation. 

Often referred to as the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’, this tiny Himalayan Kingdom, nestled between India and the People’s Republic of China in the Eastern Himalayas, is one of the most isolated nations on earth. Each part of Bhutan has its own historical, geographical, cultural and religious significance, and any visit to this beautiful and largely unspoiled setting will combine spectacular mountain terrain, ancient monasteries, rich flora and fauna, and a vibrant Buddhist culture. The Druk Path trek is a four day trek, crossing the spectacular natural landscape between Paro and Thimphu. Our tour begins with a visit to the stunning Tiger’s Nest Monastery, located high on the cliffside of the upper Paro valley. We then start our trek, a journey through rhododendron forests and alongside glacial lakes, against a backdrop of snow – capped mountains and dramatic valleys. Along the way you will discover more about the history of Bhutan through unspoilt villages, ancient lhakhangs and dzongs. After completing the trek, we will include city tours of Thimphu and Punakha before returning to Paro.

**Please note, these adventures are planned far in advance, and sometimes things come up that are unforeseen or unplanned. With that forethought, know the group will be accompanied on this adventure by Keith, or Michelle, and/or My1FitLife Ambassador. Activities on the itinerary are subject to change based on guides, weather, availability, etc. **

We have seen first hand the need for travel insurance. Whether it be flight cancellations, theft, sickness, or pandemic issues, we now require each guest to purchase this. It is a very affordable and could save you a lot of headaches! My1FitLife uses InsureMyTrip, however, please use which ever company you are comfortable with. Please make sure you fully understand your coverage to ensure all aspects are covered. Our guides will need this information for confirming your hotel accommodation. 

Please be sure to inquire and fully understand about the coverage your policy includes in the case of COVID. 

Please use your judgement – this is just a guide for you. Not all items may not be needed by you.

Click HERE for a specific listing of items. Bhutan in September is very pleasant ranging from 68-77°F.

 PLEASE NOTE – there is virtually no opportunity to rent equipment in Paro or Thimphu, so you will need to source all of your trekking equipemtn before you leave home. 

You’ll want to pack smart (not lots of) clothing options if your trip will take you to a variety of places, or conversely if you will be navigating off the beaten path. Having a packing list with several options doesn’t mean you’ll need to over-pack. (And in fact, you shouldn’t.) Just pack smart. Include clothing that can be worn on your daily adventures and then dressed up slightly with a different pair of shoes and a scarf. Maybe a dress that becomes a skirt, or comfortable travel pants that can be dressed up for a day at the market. Also, consider clothing with SPF or mosquito repellency if you’ll be in environments where that would be beneficial.

PACK YOUR TOILETRY BAG
If you’re carrying on, keep your toiletry bag light and TSA-compliant. The TSA’s 3-1-1 rule makes it easy to remember: liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less per container, and they must be stored in one quart-sized, clear plastic, zip-top bag. To make this as easy as possible for you, we have a toiletry set that includes four 3-ounce silicone bottles in a quart-sized clear pouch that’s wipeable and has a water-resistant zipper.

HERE’S A COMPLETE PACKING LIST OF TRAVEL ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR TOILETRY CASE:
THE TOILETRY BAG BASICS

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash
• Hairbrush or comb, hair ties, barrettes/bobby pins
• Deodorant
• Shampoo and conditioner (Dr. Bronners is a good option all-in-one option for hair care, face wash, laundry, and more.)
• Sunscreen and face lotion with SPF
• Makeup packed in a washable sac
• Face wash and/or makeup remover wipes and Q-tips
• Nighttime moisturizer/lotion
• Lip balm with SPF and lipstick or lip gloss
• Personal hygiene items
• Feminine hygiene products
• Extra contacts, solution, and contact case
• Glasses and prescription sunglasses
• Prescription medication with the label/script so that you can refill if needed and not be questioned by TSA.

TOILETRY BAG EXTRAS

• Cologne/perfume
• Personal mini mirror
• Hair products like hairspray, hair gel, and beard oil
• Clothesline and detergent
• Shaving kit and extra razors
• Sewing kit/clothing care kit, stain remover
• Facial tissues and/or toilet paper
• Travel Towel
• Nail clippers and tweezers (optionally, scissors, which must be in checked luggage)

 

As soon as you decide to travel internationally, check the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website for comprehensive information on travel vaccines, medicines, and local travel advice. Whether you decide to get vaccinated or not is your decision, but many vaccinations require administration two months before travel begins. So get informed! And if an emergency does happen, here’s everything you should know about travel clinics and handling medical emergencies abroad.

• First aid kit (bandages, gauze, adhesives, etc.)
• Personal prescriptions (copies of scripts)
• Pain and fever relievers (also children’s strength if you are traveling with kids)
• Thermometer
• Cold medicines and throat lozenges
• Diarrhea/laxative medicines
• Oral rehydration salts
• Allergy medicines
• Hydrocortisone cream/antibacterial ointment
• Multivitamins
• Sunburn relief
• Insect repellent/mosquito net/sting reliever
• Motion sickness pills or bands
• Altitude sickness pills (if you are planning to hike in higher altitudes)
• Eye drops
• Moleskin
• Medicines and vaccinations specific to the region/activity

ADDITIONAL HEALTH ITEMS

• Hand sanitizer or wet wipes
• Prescriptions in the original packaging (you’ll want to make sure you have these in your carry-on bag just in case something were to happen to your checked luggage)
• Sleeping medicines
• Glasses and glasses case (email yourself a copy of your prescription, just in case)

Travel Tip: Your under-the-seat bag can hold a lot! Some travelers can even pack an entire trip in a small bag—at the very least learn how to put your under-the-seat bag to good use when packing for international travel.

PREPARE YOUR PERSONAL ITEM CARRY-ON BAG
The next thing you’ll want to do is prepare a packing list especially for your personal item carry-on bag with anything that you’ll want with you on the flight. It’s always a good idea to make sure you have an outfit (or two) and a few essential toiletries in your personal item just in case your luggage is lost.

If you’ll be traveling around to multiple destinations, make sure this small bag has items to keep you comfortable on any train, boat or bus rides. It’s always nice to have a bag that’s easy to access so you don’t have to get into your luggage each time you need your eye mask. But remember, you’ll be carrying all of this, so keep it light.

We recommend you consider using a small daypack, shoulder bag , or waist pack as your personal carry-on item. Here are some good things to include in your carry-on bag packing list:

TECHNOLOGY

• Mobile device and charger
• Laptop, iPad, or E-reader and charger(s)
• Headphones (consider noise-reducing headphones if you’re sensitive to sound)
• Camera and GoPro/video camera, memory card, and chargers
• Electrical converters and adapters

TRAVEL COMFORT, ENTERTAINMENT, AND INFORMATION

• Travel pillow, blanket, eye mask, and earplugs
• Travel journal and pen (it’s awful when you forget your pen!)
• Books and magazines
• Deck of cards and travel games
• Chapstick and lotion (t’s dry up there)
• Water bottle (you’ll need to fill it up once you get through TSA)
• Guide books, travel guides, maps, language guides, etc. (if you will need any of these upon arrival at your destination, put it in your carry-on)

COLLECT IMPORTANT TRAVEL DOCUMENTS, CASH, AND CREDIT CARDS
Start by collecting all of your important documents in a travel document organizer. (This travel organizer holds a passport, ID, credit cards, coins, documents, a boarding pass, and a pen!) By bringing all your important information together, will help ensure you have everything you need to get from one place to the next.

Not sure what you need? Here’s your international travel checklist, document-wise:

• Passport/visa(s)
• Personal ID/Student ID card
• Frequent flyer card(s) and other loyalty program card numbers (ex: hotel chains and AAA)
• Cash and credit card(s) (call your credit card companies before you travel to inform them of your travel, otherwise they might turn them off to prevent perceived fraud. Also, consider how travel hacking can save you money on the road!)
• Health insurance cards/document(s)
• Travel insurance information
• Reservations and itineraries (print them and save them electronically for easy access)
• Hotel and/or tour contact information
• Transportation tickets (plane, train, bus, car, etc.)
• Emergency contacts and important addresses
• Copies of all these things in case you lose your wallet
• Guide books and maps

Travel Tip: As soon as you book a trip, it’s a good idea to double-check that your passports and IDs aren’t expired and that they will not expire while you are traveling internationally. You’ll also want to inform your bank if you’re traveling abroad so they don’t assume fraudulent activity and freeze your credit card. Also consider emailing yourself a copy of your passport, driver’s license, medical cards, and itinerary, so if anything happens to them you’ll be able to access them online.

Getting to Bhutan can be challanging as there are no direct flights, and most routings from Europe go via one of the hubs in India or Nepal. This means flying via Kathmandu, Delhi or Kolkata. Other options are Bangkok or Singapore. Things are also complicated by the fact that none of the Bhutanese airlines are integrated into the online flight search engines so the last leg of the flight has to be booked directly with one of only two operators, Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines. Michelle and Keith will be flying into Singapore and are happy to meet up with anyone arriving the same day as them to help navigate you through travels. 

Accommodation

Included is 5 hotel nights. More information will be provided when we have the hotels confirmed with guides. 

Visa approval formalities should be straight forward. Please make sure you have the visa confirmation we email to you in your hand luggage, as you will need to show this at Immigration.

When you collect your bags you need to make sure you have your airline baggage tags handy as they check these off against the flight tags on your luggage before you can leave. You will be given a baggage declaration form to complete, this is to ensure that you re-export all items that have arrived with you. Once you have cleared immigration and collected your luggage, make your way to the main doors. Your guide will be outside these doors, holding a ‘MORE Adventure’ sign.

Please double check that your passport is valid for 6 months beyond the date of arrival in Bhutan. We recommend that you take a photocopy of your passport and keep it separate from the original, and this will be useful if the original is lost while you are travelling.

All visitors (except Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian passport holders) require a visa to enter Bhutan, which can only be arranged by a licenced tour operator. To process your visa we need to provide the guides with a clear, readable colour copy of your passport (JPEG or PDF format) containing the passport number and photograph. This must be received at least 40 days prior to your date of entry into Bhutan.

Thevisa fee is included in your trek cost.

We will email you confirmation of your visa prior to departure. Please ensure that you take this confirmation with you, as you will need to show it when you check in for your flight into Bhutan.

You have plently of time get your training in! We recommend you complete our 3 month training guide which can be found HERE.

This will give you plently of time to get a few rounds of this training in, adding weight each time. 

One of the most unpleasant factors of air travel is sitting in a cramped seat for hours on end. A stiff neck, cramping, and sore muscles affect everyone, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do to prevent them.

Doing yoga before your flight is a great way to prepare your body for the hours ahead. The following is a simple routine you can follow that will loosen up and stretch out the parts of your body that get hit the hardest during a long flight.

Neck Roll

Drop your right ear to your right shoulder as much as it naturally wants to go (don’t force it), then, using the weight of your head to facilitate the movement, gently roll your head around to the front (dropping your chin toward your chest) and then to the left side. Hold the side, front, and other side positions for a few extra seconds to maximize the stretch.

Walk Your Dog

Downward Facing Dog is a great pose for stretching your calves, and well-stretched calves decrease your risk of back pain during travel.

Foot Stretch

Wearing shoes for the entirety of a long-haul flight will cause your feet to feel stiff and cramped.

Stretch them out by tucking your toes under and sitting back on your heels for a full foot stretch.

Thread the Needle

This is a great pose to improve your neck and shoulder flexibility, which will decrease your risk of neck pain while building shoulder fitness.

From all fours, bring one shoulder and ear to the mat while sliding the arm on that side under your supporting arm, then repeat on the other side.

Butterfly

If you’re stuck in a small seat for hours, the groin and hips will stiffen up, but by practicing butterfly pose, you can loosen them up beforehand.

Sitting up tall, bring the soles of your feet together and allow your knees to drop toward the floor into a diamond shape. To try a more intense version of this stretch, try to bring your heels closer to your hips.

When you sit in the same position, your hip flexor muscles will be in a constant state of contraction, which causes low back pain and tightness. Loosen these muscles before your flight with these low lunges.

Bend your right knee, keeping your right ankle directly beneath it, and place the left knee onto the mat and untuck your toes. Sink your pelvis forward as you place your palms on the front knee for balance, then switch.

Ankle Over Knee

One of the many problems of sitting for long hours is the pressure it puts on your sciatic nerve, the longest and widest nerve in your body (it extends from your lower back into your legs). The best thing you can do to alleviate sciatic nerve pressure before a flight is to stretch your glutes out with this pose.

Lying on your back with bent knees, cross your right ankle over your left knee and interlace your palms behind the left thigh, then gently draw your knees toward your chest, keeping your feet flexed. Repeat on the other side.

Prepare for Travel

So, you’ve been planning your trip for a while now. You are getting ready for every detail – but is your body ready as well?

Many people in their 60s are worried about their physical health in relation to travel. They are concerned they aren’t going to have the energy and endurance to keep up with their family and travel partners.

To explore a new city, you will likely encounter historic streets and stairways, mountains, and hillsides. Many times, the terrain on these sites is uneven. You might be walking and on your feet for long days, keeping up with tours.

What about hiking or exploring areas where there are no handrails. Do you have the strength and balance to safely navigate these areas while taking in all the sights? You may even have to rush through an airport or two.

What are your travel plans? Whether you plan to go to the beach, the mountains, the lake, or explore a new city, you want your body to be fit to travel and be ready to enjoy every adventure!

Meditation for your Travel

Before you even head out on your new adventure, you need to make sure that you already have a meditation practice in place. The more set you are with your meditation routine—the easier it will be to keep meditating when you travel.

In the days and weeks leading up to your trip, be more strict with yourself about your meditation practices. Don’t just meditate in the morning, meditate at 7:00 AM every day. Don’t skip your meditation because you’re tired or busy—stick with it.

If you are diligent with yourself ahead of time, it will be easier to make sure you make time for your meditation practice when you are away from home.

To gain a better understanding of how mindful breathing and other meditative techniques can help, it’s best to practice them before your trip. If you can manage to develop something resembling a daily or regular habit, the effects tend to be greater.

Follow your own practice

Your meditation practice is a deeply personal experience, and there is no one way to do it. How you choose to meditate, where and when, is entirely up to you. Some people like to be fluid with their practice, others like the ritual of it.

Just follow your own practice, be open to adjusting it if you need to, and set your intentions. Your travels may even inspire you to meditate differently and deepen your practice.

Pack something to set the scene

Be it a yoga mat, prayer beads, crystals, a small candle, some essential oil rollerballs, just don’t forget to pack what you need to meditate! I usually travel with a little essential oil diffuser, which I turn on just before going to sleep, my favorite time to meditate is right at the end of the day, and it just helps me get in the right frame of mind. You know what you need, so bring it along with you, or purchase a travel-friendly version of it.

Try an app

If you find travel disrupts your practice, there are so many apps available that can help you meditate on the go.

Try a guided meditation or podcast

Apps aren’t the only place to score some guided meditation. If you’re struggling to get in the right mindset, you can find some great guided meditations on YouTube or even try a podcast. It’s great if you’re traveling as part of a group and need a little more “you” time on the go or it’s hard to find a quiet space, just download a podcast, pop your headphones in and listen away.

Think quality over quantity

Even five to ten minutes of mindful meditation can be better than nothing. At times just taking a few moments of calm and some deep breaths can be more than enough to notice a change of consciousness.

Even you don’t meditate regularly, take out a little time for yourself every day to breathe and be present while traveling, and exploring the world will be even more amazing than it already is.

Stretches For Your Adventure

Whether you are going on your first hiking trip, or you are an advanced hiker, it is important to know how to prepare for a hike. 

A lot of people will talk about hiking tips such as: what to bring on your hike, hiking safety tips, and where to hike. But they leave out one of the most important parts of hiking: preparing your body for a hike. 

Not a lot of time is spent talking about hiking training or conditioning. But, it is important to make sure your body is ready for the activity.

One important way to prepare your body for a hike is to do a dynamic warm-up routine before you hit the trails. Dynamic stretching is important for warming up your muscles and getting them ready for the adventure. It will help you to perform your best and get you to your hiking goal, no matter how big or small that goal is.

A pre-hike stretch should only take about 10 minutes, and then you’ll be ready to hit the trail. Follow this dynamic stretching routine before your next hike to get your body ready.

Alternating knee lifts:

Start standing with your feet hip-width apart. Lift one knee towards your chest and grab right below your knee with both hands. Bring your knee as close to your chest as you can and then slowly lower the leg back to a standing position. Repeat with the opposite leg. Don’t hold the stretch longer than a few seconds. You should be moving through the stretch.

Squat to hip flexor:

Start standing with your feet hip-width apart. Lower your bottom like you are sitting back in a chair, keeping your knees tracking behind your toes. While in the squat position, bring one leg back so that you are in a lunge position. Keep your hips pushed forward to get a good stretch on the hip flexor. Return to a standing position. Repeat with the opposite leg.

Alternating high kicks:

Start standing with your feet hip-width apart. Bring one leg straight out in front of you and swing the opposite arm over your head to try to touch the top of the foot. It’s ok if you can’t touch the foot, but try to keep the leg straight. bring the leg back to standing and repeat on the opposite side. Take these slow to maintain good balance.

Torso twist:

Start standing with your feet hip-width apart. Bend at your waist and twist your shoulders so that you touch one foot with the opposite hand. Return to standing and repeat to the opposite side. If it is difficult to touch the foot with the opposite hand, try spreading your legs wider apart.

Alternating quad stretch:

Start standing with your feet hip-width apart. Bend one leg so that your foot comes close to your butt. Reach your arm behind you to grab the top of that foot with your hand. Pull your foot towards your butt to deepen the stretch. Release the foot and return to standing. Repeat with the opposite leg. Feel free to grab a railing or friend to help you maintain balance during this stretch.

This is subject to change.

Sept. 6th – Day #1

Arrive in Paro

Local guides will meet you at Paro airport and transfer you to your pre – trek hotel . Later in the afternoon there is the option to join a tour of the city . Once a watchtower, built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter – valley wars of the 17 th century, Ta Dzong was inaugurated as Bhutan’s National Museum in 1968 . It holds a fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps . The museum’s circular shape augments its varied collection which is displayed over several floors . Afterwards, we will take a walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong , which has a long and very interesting history . Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal , the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district . The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam , which offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it . Later you will attend a pre – trek briefing with your Lead Guide to prepare you for the journey ahead.

Visa approval formalities should be straightforward. Please make sure you have the visa confirmation we email to you in your hand luggage, as you will need to show this at Immigration. When you collect your bags you need to make sure you have your airline baggage tags handy as they check these off against the flight tags on your luggage before you can leave. You will be given a baggage declaration form to complete, this is to ensure that you re – export all items that have arrived with you. Once you have cleared immigration and collected your luggage, make your way to the main doors. Your guide will be outside these doors, holding sign.

Your guide team will meet you at your hotel the evening before your trek begins, where we’ll review the plans for the trek with you, make sure you have all the right gear and answer any questions you may have. In order to set a base line for your daily health check, your resting pulse rate will be tested and if it is above 100 you will be required to see a doctor before starting your trek. If you are arriving on a late evening flight, then the guide will arrange to brief you in the morning before you set off for the trek.

Sept. 7th – Day #2

Excursion to Taktshange Lhackhang

In the morning we will take an excursion to Taktshang Lhakhang, commonly known as ‘The Tiger’s Nest Monastery’ . Undoubtedly one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, the Taktshang monastery is one of the most breath – taking temples in the world . This Buddhist place of worship is perched on a cliff – top at around 3 , 100 m ( 10 , 000 ft) above sea level . The main temple complex was built in 1692 , and is considered to be one of the holiest for the Bhutanese people . Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, an 8 th – century Indian Buddhist master, arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery, thus the name ‘Tiger’s Nest’ . The site has been recognized as a sacred place and is now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime . On 19 April, 1998 , a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour . After lunch we will visit the 7 th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo . The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism to Bhutan . We will then drive to Drukgyel Dzong , a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago . In the early 1950 s, Drukgyel Dzong was almost completely destroyed by fire . It is now listed in Bhutan’s Tentative List for UNESCO inclusion . In 2016 , the Prime Minister Lyonchen Tshering Tobgay , announced that the Dzong will be rebuilt and reinstated to its former glory . The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari ( 7326 m), ‘the Bride of Kangchenjunga’, can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong . After our tours we will return to our hotel in Paro.

Elevation: 2250m to 3110m to 2250m, Time: 5 hours 

Sept. 8th – Day 3

Paro to Jangchulaka

Today our trek begins with a short climb up to Jele Dzong on a trail that ascends gradually up to the camp . If the weather is clear the Paro valley can be seen, with snow – capped mountains rising behind . Above the camp is the Jele – La Pass ( 3 , 540 m) and Jele Dzong (mostly in ruins) . There is also a lhakhang containing a statue of Buddha Sakyamuni . Women who come to the monastery to seek blessings of children get hit on the head by the presiding Lama with a 10 inch ivory, wood and bone phallus, so be careful! After lunch we continue with a 1 ½ hour climb onto a ridge which affords dramatic views of the valleys on both sides and the Himalaya to the north . The trail takes us through thick alpine forests and rhododendrons . Weather permitting, we will have beautiful views of Chomolhari and other snow – capped peaks . Monsal pheasants can be heard calling during the day and we may see yak herders moving along the trails.

Elevation: 2250m to 3770m, Distance: 13km, Time: 5 – 7 hours 

Sept. 9th – Day 4

Jangchulakha to Lake Jimgelang Sho

Sept. 10th – Day 5

Lake Jimgelang Tsho to Simkota

Sept. 11th – Day 6

Simkota to Thimphu

We start this morning in Bhutan’s capital city with a visit to the National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts . We will also visit the nearby Institute for Zorig Chusum , an Arts & Crafts School where we may see the students being taught the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan . We will follow on to the Textile Museum, providing a fascinating insight into Bhutanese material culture and way of life, followed by a visit to Simply Bhutan, a living Museum and Studio encapsulating the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people . (Please note both the National Library and the Institute for Zorig Chusum are closed at weekends and public holidays, and the Textile Museum is closed on Sundays and public holidays) . After lunch we will leave Thimphu and drive up a series of zigzags to Dochu – La Pass ( 3 , 088 m) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten , mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road . Magnificent vistas are all around including the following 7000 m peaks : Masagang , Tsendagang , Terigang , Jejegangphugang , Kangphugang , Zongphugang , and finally Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7 , 570 m . After crossing the pass, the road descends into the Punakha Valley, where we will spend the night in a hotel.

Elevation: 2350m to 3088m to 1310m, Distance: 75km, Time: 3 – 4 hours 

Sept. 13th – Day 8

Punakha to Paro

Included:

• 5 nights accommodation
• 3 nights camping
• All breakfast, lunches and dinners
• Full service camping and porterage
• Government Fee

What not Included:

• Additional Meals
• Travel Insurance (Requirement)
• Tips for guides
• Personal Trekking Gear

For a complete listing of our FAQ’s please click HERE

Here are some specific for Bhutan:

Currency:

• The Bhutanese Ngultrum (Nu) is thelocal currency of Bhutan and equal invalue to the Indian Rupee. It is a closedcurrency so you will not be able to buythis before you arrive. All majorcurrencies, such as US Dollars, Sterling Pounds and Euros, and traveller’s cheques can be exchanged at Paro Airport, banks and hotels. Hotels in the towns will accept foreign currency but we recommend that you take local currency on the actual trek with you for incidentals and souvenirs.
• Bhutan is a cash economy and credit cards are not commonly accepted. Mastercard may be accepted in larger shops and hotels, but Amex is rarely accepted. If you are relying on a credit or debit card for emergency funds while you travel, make sure you tell your card issuer that you will be using it abroad, or you may find that it won’t work when you really need it.

Etiquette & Dress Code:

• Please avoid body hugging, sleeveless t- shirts, jeans, mini-skirts or shorts while visiting temples and dzongs, and when attending festivals. Please take off your hat when entering religious sites. You will need to take off your shoes when entering the monasteries and temples. We recommend taking some thick socks with you to wear, as the floors are often made of rock or marble and can be incredibly cold!
• Apart from the courtyards, guests are not allowed to take pictures inside any monastery, temple or dzong. Always walk in a clockwise direction while visiting religious places or sites such as stupas, temples, monasteries, prayer flags etc. Please do not point a finger at a sacred object or place – it is considered disrespectful.

Trekking Bag Weight:

• Strict limit of 15kg for your main equipment bag. This is more than sufficient for your needs on the trek. Your bag will be weighed before you leave the hotel to start the trek and if it is overweight you will have to take items out and leave them at the hotel. On the trek all items must be packed in your main equipment bag. They should not be attached to the outside, as we are not responsible if items fall off when the bags are being carried by the pack animals.

Drinking Water:

• In addition to the drinking water we provide on the trek, we will also provide drinking water during your cultural tours. To reduce the use of plastic bottles, we would ask that you bring a re-usable drinks bottle that we can fill for you. If you are planning on using a hydration bag for the trek, this may not be comfortable to use around town, so we recommend you bring a smaller drinks bottle as well.

Airport Security Checks:

•  In addition to existing security measures, passengers may be required to show that electronic devices in their hand luggage are charged up, and you may therefore be asked to turn on devices such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops and e-books in front of the security team. If the device does not have power, then it may be retained by airport security, or you would need to book onto a later flight once the device has been fully charged. You should ensure that all electronic devices in your hand luggage are fully charged prior to travel. If you are transferring between flights, make sure that you do not deplete the power on your devices on the first part of the journey, as it may not be possible to recharge the device at the transfer airport before boarding your next flight.

Lost/Delayed Luggage Procedure:

• Establish what items are missing and a contingency plan for each critical item

• If it reaches 6pm on the evening before starting the trek and your luggage has not arrived we recommend buying and/or hiring items immediately as a precaution

• Our guides will arrange for the hire of wet weather gear, t-shirts, fleeces and sleeping bags for you, to be paid locally

• Our guides will take you to a shop where you can buy toiletry items, e.g. toothbrush

• Our guides  will do everything we can to help if your luggage is lost or delayed but all additional out of pocket costs have to be paid locally and should be charged back to the airline or your insurers. This includes the cost of taxis for shopping and/or repeat trips to the airport to collect bags.

Left Luggage:

• Any items you don’t wish to take on the trek with you can be left securely at your Paro hotel and collected when you return. Please make sure you have a spare bag for any items you are storing.

Electrical Sockets:

• There are 2 types of electrical sockets in Bhutan – type D which are old UK style (3 round pins) and type C which are standard European style (2 round pins) – and are 220v, same as the UK. The type D socket is commonly found in India, so any adapter that is suitable for India will be the right size, and a European adaptor will be fine for the type C socket.

Vaccinations:

• The standard vaccinations required for Bhutan are diphtheria, tetanus, typhoid and hepatitis A, but you should always consult your doctor or travel clinic for the most up to date advice. You are required to have a Yellow Fever certificate if you are arriving from a country that is considered to have a risk of Yellow Fever by the World Health Organization.

Daily Health Checks:

• You will have a twice daily health check with your guides in which we fill out a Lake Louise AMS scoresheet, a well- tested method for assessing the symptoms of altitude sickness. This is supplemented by a pulse oxymeter test to measure your pulse and blood oxygen saturation. It is imperative that you answer all of the guide’s questions honestly and report any changes in your health that may affect your ability to continue with the trek.

Crew Tips:

• It has become customary practice to tip the guides, cooks and porters who have assisted you throughout your trek. The decision on how much to tip should be determined by how well the team served you while you were on the trek. Tips are always discretionary and if you are not happy with the service you have received you do not have to pay tips. We say goodbye to our crew at the end of the trail before we head to Thimphu. Any tips that you wish to give to the porters will need to be carried on the trek with you. We recommend between $150-$250 per traveler as  the crew is well deserving of it. 

Descent Protocal:

• Your guides will do everything they can to help you complete your trek, but their number one priority is your health. If you are showing signs of ill-health they will monitor the situation to see if things improve, before they make the decision for you to descend.

• For trekkers whose condition is mild we will bring you down on foot with a team member.

• For more serious conditions, an emergency evacuation by helicopter will be required. Helicopter evacuation must be covered by your travel insurance, so make sure you are aware of the procedure required by your insurance company, or you may end up liable for the cost of the helicopter.

   

• Any additional costs incurred as a result of descending early, including hotel accommodation, must be paid locally.

If you must cancel your reservation, your cancellation fee will be determined accordingly:

For US Retreats:

• A $499 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your spot for domestic adventures

For International Retreats:

• A $699 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your spot.

Cancellation :Please understand that the Non-Refundable deposit  CANNOT be refunded due to the upfront costs we have to pay.

•  If the cancellation occurs 176 days or more prior to trip start date, a refund will be issued in the way the funds were originally received, less the non refundable deposit.
•  If the cancellation occurs 175 days or less prior to retreat start date, a credit to a future trip will be issued less the non-refundable deposit and $150 admin fee.
• If a cancellation occurs within 90 days of adventure start date, a credit will be issued for 50% of the funds received, less non-refundable deposit and $150 Admin fee.
•  If a cancellation occurs 89-30 days of an adventure, a 25% credit will be given to a future adventure.
•  Less than 30 days prior to retreat start date funds are forfeited. No credits issued. Please let us know what your travel insurance company requires for reimbursement.