| |
Bhutan
Cultural tour
|
|
| |
GANGTEY GOMPA TREK
"AA" 3 days
This is a combination of moderate and easy treks. Starts from Phobjikha Valley at 3000m, is in one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan. It is the chosen home of the rare Black-Necked Cranes which migrate here in the winter from Tibetan plateau in the north. The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful places in Bhutan and houses the century- old Gangtey monastery. The trek visits the villages of Gogona and Khotokha passing through meadows, fields, and forests of juniper, magnolia and rhododendron. This is one of the finest low-altitude treks in Bhutan.
ITINERARY
Day 01: Trek begins from Gangtey - Gogona.
Day 02: Trek to Khotokha
Day 03: Trek to Chazam (trek ends and O/N in Hotel)
BUMTHANG CULTURAL TREK
" AA" 3 days
This is a trek in the splendid Bumthang Valley, the cultural heart of Bhutan. The trek passes through several villages on its meandering route through Bumthang countryside. This trek provides an exceptional opportunity for contact with Bhutanese rural life and nature.
ITINERARY
Day 01: Trek begins from Jakar - Ngang Lhakhang
Day 02: Trek to Ugyenchholing
Day 03: Trek to Membertso (Bumthang) Camp.
DRUK PATH
"AAA" 5 nights/ 6 days
Parts of this trek are following the old route between Paro and Thimphu, crossing the chain of mountains that separates the two valleys. The route is sparsely inhabited (by nomadic yak herders) but there are wonderful lakes teeming with fish and the area is known for spectacular rhododendron forests which bloom in April & May. In the clear weather of late autumn and winter, great views of the Himalayas can be seen as most part of this trek is along the ridge.
ITINERARY
Day 01: Trek begins from Paro - Jele dzong
Day 02: Trek to Jangchulakha
Day 03: Trek to Jimilangtsho
Day 04: Trek to Simkota
Day 05: Trek to Phajoding
Day 06: Trek to Thimphu (Hotel)
CHOMOLHARI BASE CAMP
"AA +" 6 nights/ 7 Days
This trek starts at Paro, following the Pachu (Paro river) upstream literally to its source passing through scattered hamlets and farmland, into a deep and richly forested valley, which further leads to a high alpine pastureland where yak herders graze their animals. Besides, Mt. Chomolhari and its adjoining range has impressed visitors to admit as one of the most beautiful peak. The trek offers a taste of great variety of Bhutanese landscape.
ITINERARY
Day 01: Trek begins from Paro - Shana
Day 02: Trek to Soi Thangthaka
Day 03: Trek to Jogothang (base camp)
Day 04: Jongothang halt (Excursions)
Day 05: Retrace downhill to Pangyohsa (Past Soi Thangthaka)
Day 06: Retrace past Shana to Tsento village
Day 07: Get to road and transfer to hotel
CHOMOLHARI WITH LINGSHI (Full)
" AAA +" 7 nts/ 8 days
This is an extension of Chomolhari base trek. It continues to Lingshi from where it makes a turn down south following the gorge along Thimphu river. It is more strenuous than Chomolhari Base trek.
ITINERARY
Day 01: Trek begins from Paro - Shana
Day 02: Trek to Soi Thangthaka
Day 03: Trek to Jangothang (base camp)
Day 04: Jongothang halt (Excursions)
Day 05: Trek to Lingsh
Day 06: Trek to Shodu
Day 07: Trek to Barshong
Day 08: Trek to Dolam kencho
Day 09: Trek to Dodena & drive to Thimphu
" To such as find satisfaction in contemplating nature, in its most gigantic and rudest form, what an exhaustible fund of delight is here displayed " -Wrote SAMUEL TURNER on his mission to Bhutan to secure a trade agreement for the British in 1783
LAYA GASA TREK
"AAA" 8 nts/ 9 days
This trek starts from Punakha and offers a great variety of trekking conditions, from picturesque farmland and sub-tropical forests to alpine pastureland and high passes. This trek gets you to the hot spring of Gasa and to Laya, a high spectacular village, whose people are friendly and dress differently. This trek can be combined with Chomolhari route, making it a full circuit from West through North to central Bhutan.
ITINERARY
Day 01: Trek from Punakha - Goen Damji
Day 02: Trek to Gasa
Day 03: Trek to Chamsa
Day 04: Trek to Laya village
Day 05: Day at Laya village
Day 06: Retrace steps to Koena
Day 07: Retrace to Gasa Hot Spring
Day 08: Retrace to Goen Damji
Day 09: Retrace to Tashithang and drive to Punakha
CHOMOLHARI to LAYA GASA
"AAA+" 15nts/16days
This trek is the best combination of Chomolhari and the Laya Gasa trek. It begins from Paro in the west and follows the old trade route to Tibet and then makes northward through the secluded valleys of Lingshi & Chebisa and the beautiful valley of Laya. After Laya, the trek turns southward to Gasa, where the natural hot spring is a great treat, and finally the trek ends in Punkaha after passing through semi-tropical forests. The highlight of this trek is the camping at the base of beautiful peaks such as Chomolhari, Tsherim Gang, Jichu Drake, Great Tiger Mountain (Gang Chen Ta) and several other peaks. It takes you through the isolated, unique & traditionally rich villages of Chebisa and Laya, passing through several nomadic campsites. Wild life such as Takin and Blue Sheep can be seen and even snow leopards can sometimes be spotted on this trek. It is truly a rewarding trek ! If one is physically fit to overcome three days, he can easily do this trek as he builds up and acclimatizes after the 3rd or 4th day.
ITINERARAY
Day 01: Begin trek from Paro - Shana
Day 02: Trek to Soi Thangthaka
Day 03: Trek to Jangothang (Chomolhari base)
Day 04: Jongothang halt (Excursions)
Day 05: Trek to Lingshi
Day 06: Trek to Chebisa
Day 07: Trek to Shomuthang
Day 08: Trek to Robluthang
Day 09: Trek to Limithang
Day 10: Trek to Laya
Day 11: Laya Halt (Cultural Program)
Day 12: Trek to Koena
Day 13: Trek to Gasa
Day 14: Trek to Gasa Hot spring (2hr)
Day 05: Trek to Goen Damji
Day 16: Trek to Tashithang and drive to Punakha
SAMTENGANG WINTER
" AA " 3 nights/ 4 days
This is a culture trek passing through the villages of Punakha and Wangdi region. As the name indicates, this trek is best done from late autumn and through the winter.
ITINERARY
Day 01: Start trek from Punakha -- Limukha
Day 02: Trek to Chungsakha
Day 03: Trek to Samtengang
Day 04: Trek to the road head near Wangdi (end)
DUR HOT SPRING
"AAA" 7 nts/8 nights
This trek starts from Bumthang and the main highlight of this trek is the Hot Spring, known for it's healing properties. There are good chances of seeing wildlife such as musk deer and herds of blue sheep as you pass through rich temperate forests on this trek.
ITINERARY
Day O1: Trek start from Bumthang - Gorsum
Day 02: Trek to Lungsum
Day 03: Trek to Tsochenchen
Day 04: Trek to Dur Tsachu (Hot Spring)
Day 05: Rest day
Day 06: Retrace to Tsochenchen
Day 07: Retrace to Gorsum
Day 08: Retrace to Bumthang.
OTHER TREKS
a) Dagala thousand lakes trek
b) Lunana trek
c) Snowman trek
d) Wild East Rodungla trek
e) Punakha (Winter) Sinchula Trek Equator
SPECIAL ITINERARY
The following are the Equator specially designed trips that have been tried and proven to satisfy our customers.
REVISITING THE SHANGRILA
This trip is, in a way, a study tour of Bhutan's culture and traditions. It combines a moderate and the best part of Chomolhari trek. On this trek, we will be passing through remote Bhutanese villages, ancient monasteries, picturesque valleys and majestic mountains including Mt. Chomolhari. A truly Bhutanese treat, the trip offers a great variety of experiences such as informal get-togethers with village folks, traditional Hot Stone Bath on star-lit evenings, and a cultural bonanza of traditional Bhutanese songs and dances.
ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrive Paro
Day 02: Acclimatising and S/s
Day 03: Start trek from Paro - Shana
Day 04: Trek to Soi Thangthanka
Day 05: Trek to Jangothang (base camp)
Day 06: Jangothang - Halt (Excursion)
Day 07: Trek to Dhumzo
Day 08: Trek to Thombu Shong
Day 09: Trek to Sharna Zampa
Day 10: Trek to Drugyal Dzong/Paro
Day 11: Paro - Thimphu S/s
Day 12: Thimphu S/s
Day 13: Thimphu - Punakha/Wangdi
Day 14: Punakha/Wangdi - Excursion
Day 15: Punakha/Wangdi - Bumthang
Day 16: Start trek to Ngalakhang
Day 17: Trek to Ugencholing
Day 18: Ugencholing - Halt (Excursion)
Day 19: Ugencholing - Bumthang S/s
Day 20: Bumthang - Punakha
Day 21: Punakha - Paro
Day 22: Departure
OPTIONS:
a)
Day 12: Thimphu s/s
Day 13: Thimphu S/s - Paro
Day 14: Departure
b)
Day 13: Thimphu - Punakha/Wangdi
Day 14: Punakha/Wangdi s/s
Day 15: Punakha/Wangdi - Paro
Day 16: Departure
"The more I see of the Bhutanese, the more I am pleased with them. The common people are good-humored, downright, and I think, thoroughly trusty. The statesman have some of the art which belongs to their profession. They are the best built race of men I ever saw." George Bogle, 1774 (Dairy)
THE GRAND WALKING TOUR
This trip offers the perfect introduction to Bhutan! We have designed the itinerary to give clients a wide variety of experiences though it will be an adventure enjoyed in comparative comfort because every night is spent either in a hotel or comfortable lodge (with exception of one night camping). The hike is gentle as compared to trek and every day hike has an interesting objective taking clients to many temples, hermit retreats, old palaces, villages or simply into lovely scenery. But one does not have to do every day hike. If for instance clients prefer to spend a day relaxing, this is possible. There are also exciting road journeys on twisting mountain roads, over passes and when it gets monotonous, stops can be made to take incursion into the roadside villages and come in contact with the people and nature. This is a treat that the mainstream tourists miss, which your clients can make and return home with not just an enjoyable holiday but the with holiday full of learning, exercise and happiness for the days ahead.
OUTLINE ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrive Paro, welcome dinner and briefing
Day 02: Hike to Taktsang Monastery
Day 03: Paro valley Sightseeing and drive to Thimphu
Day 04: Hike to Phajoding and return to Thimphuib
Day 05: Sightseeing in Thimphu
Day 06: Drive to Punakha and hike to Chimi Lhakhang and visit Punakha Dzong
Day 07: Drive to Tongsa (hike to villages en-route)
Day 08: Drive to Bumthang (short hikes en-route)
Day 09: Walk to Tamshing monastery and villages nearby. PM Bumthang sightseeing
Day 10: Drive to Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley), short hikes
Day 11: Return to Paro via Thimphu
Day 12: Departure
SEASON: Throughout the Year, except Monsoon
DURATION: 12 Days
GRADE: Mild
YOUR HOST: Friendship Trekking Pvt. Ltd
MEANING OF Friendship Trekking Pvt. Ltd.
One of the prayer flags, popular in the Himalayas and other Tibetan Buddhist practising regions, is called "Lungta" - meaning Wind Horse. Hundreds of these flags can be seen flying atop and around homes, mountain passes, hills, bridges, monasteries and temples. These flags are hoisted to entreat the mythological Wind Horse to bestow good fortune, remove obstacles and bring peace to all living beings.
THE COMPANY
Friendship Trekking Pvt. Ltd. is an upcoming employee-owned company established after the liberalization of tourism industry by the Royal Government of Bhutan. Young and dedicated travel professionals trained in Western countries and experienced in operating tours, amongst others, in India, Bhutan, countries besides Bhutan comprise the staff of the company. An essential element of Wind Horse's professionalism is its services; the best lodge, food, cars/coaches and friendly and knowledgeable guides are provided in order to make the "Bhutan Experience" last in the minds of our guests. Our aim is to provide a style and an individual approach to all guests, reminiscent of the age of old Grand tour.
OUR TREKS:
Our treks operate according to the highest environmental standards; for one, it is a strict company policy to remove all rubbish en-route. The less used routes are chosen so as to preserve the natural environment and to give the guests the opportunity to experience the peace and serenity of Bhutan.
(The company can arrange quite a large variety of diets including those for vegetarians and diabetic travelers)
OUR TOURS
Touring with Equator combines an adventure of both the body and the soul. Generally, we combine our tours with short treks or long treks (and walks for less energetic and aged ones). For those who do not like physical exercise, we provide cultural trips for those keen on exploring Bhutan's artistic, religious & cultural heritage, and nature adventures such as bird, animal and flower watching, sightseeing and trips to country's prized parks and sanctuaries for nature lovers. Equator will also be glad to arrange tailor-made programs for it's clients.
FINANCIAL SECURITY:
A member of the Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators, Friendship Trekking Pvt. Ltd operates under the license issued by the Department of Tourism, Royal Govt. of Bhutan. The Department of Tourism's role is to regulate the tourism industry, in particular to frame policy directives, which will ensure the industry's healthy growth.
As a rule, all monetary transactions are approved by the Department for release only after the tour is completed and standards are met. As such, there is no risk involved while booking your tours. If that is not enough Friendship Trekking Pvt. Ltd have representative agents overseas who are licensed and protected in their respective countries
| |
|
|
|
|
