bhutan tour and trek

Just returned from a lovely 2 week trip to Bhutan when any tentative thoughts beforehand soon disappeared through the kindness, and good planning of our agent Lhomen Tours. We (2 60+ ladies) had had lots of email contact beforehand and planned exactly what we wanted to do - some cultural and some trekking and seeing the more remote areas, seeing how everyone lives in this beautiful country. We did exactly that. Our guide and driver were excellent; we were extremely well looked after, travelled miles, saw lots of monasteries, temples, art school, weaving centres, festival, and fantastic scenery. We stayed in good tourist hotels (not luxurious but comfortable and homely and food everywhere was very good - particularly if you like vegetarian.and particularly on the trek when the second cook walked with us to give us a hot lunch!. For the 3 day trek we had 2 horsemen, 4 pack horses, 2 cooks and our guide just for the 2 of us so it was very comfortable. The grading of walks we felt was different to Europe as all the country is so high and there are no flat or straight spots either on tracks or roads ehem.... many many bends.... but driving is slow and courteous and avoids the many many animals and people on the roads.... This must be one of the truly unspoilt, peaceful, interesting and beautiful places left in the world

bhutan tour and trek

Hi: Impressed by your post. Sounded lovely. I%26#39;m about to organize a trip to Bhutan, possibly March/April 2008 (when best?) for my husband and i, along with my mother and father who aren%26#39;t able to walk much (75 and 84 yrs) but are very keen, young at heart explorers...Are people able to ride the horses, instead of trek....Or can you see much without trekking at all? Do you have a contact for the agent you reccommended? Thanks so much. Diana (currently living in India)

bhutan tour and trek

To diane in Delhi. Not absolutely sure about March?April for which is best. The Rhododendrons should be out I believe in spring. We chose Oct. to try to get clear weather - however, as the climate is, nothing is guaranteed and we had mixed weather anyway. The agent%26#39;s details are Karchung Wangchuk is the boss at lhomen@druknet.bt for email and is the contact. He is most helpful and would advise you on all your queries. I am sure you could organise to ride horses in some parts. I know people ride up to the Taktshang Monastery near Paro which most people try to visit altho it is 1500 ft. steepish climb if you walk. I am sure there is riding elsewhere too. Of course you can see the scenery and visit lots of monasteries/dzongs without trekking - that is the main culture in Bhutan. The main road across the country is single lane and very windy and taked you over various high passes, but the driver was excellent - they all drive very slowly to avoid other drivers, animals and people who all use the roads. The lonely plantet guide is quite useful if choosing itineries etc. I would just mention that there is usually steps or footpaths to climb up to some of the monasteries but not usually very far and steps inside to see temples etc. on a different level to entrance. All very worthwhile - some spectacular. The Cheli La Pass (on the way to the Haa valley (a side trip) was particularly great with views towards the west and north border himilayas if clear. Preferred Paro to Thimpu. Art school in Thimpu v. good. went as far as Bumthang in the east central part any further information you need let me know.

Hello,

I%26#39;d like to add that Bhutan is 2200 meters above sealevel, and you get higher even when just driving, so ask you parent%26#39;s doctor if they are allowed to go. Ponies on treks can usually be arranged. Enjoy your trip.

lancome