Bhutan in November with Blue Skies
A Scenic Wildlife Adventure
November 4 - 23, 2010

Join our wonderful leader, Hishey Tshering, over the prayer-flag laden passes of Bhutan along roads looking out onto beautiful vistas in all directions. This shining Buddhist gem is a scenic paradise in November during the clear skies of autumn. Bhutan's altitudinal variations from tropical lowlands to mountain peaks keeps you constantly guessing about the next surprise around the corner! Many resident and migrant birds are very likely to be encountered with Hishey's expertise in finding them. The Black-necked Cranes that winter in the Phobjikha Valley and the Crane Festival are true highlights. Also expect to encounter about a dozen species of fascinating mammals.

Black-necked Cranes Bhutan
Black-necked Cranes ©Yeshey Dorji

Basics

Cost: $6580. Review cost details.

Leader: Hishey Tshering, along with an assistant guide, driver, and camp staff.

Size: Eight, not including leaders and staff.

Conditions: A non-smoking safari.

Update: This itinerary was updated in September 2008. View the plain text version, great for printing!

Synopsis:
Note: 'La' means pass, 'chu' means river, 'ka' or 'kha' means valley.

November 4 - 5 Fly to Bangkok. Cross international date line (lose one day).
November 6 Overnight Night at the Novotel Airport Hotel in Bangkok.
November 7 - 8 Experience great birds and fascinating culture in Paro for two days.
November 9 Drive to Thimphu and Jigme Dorji National Park. Night in Thimphu.
November 10 Ascend Dochu La to Punakha Dzong and down the Puna Tsang Chu.
November 11 Explore the valley of the Black-necked Cranes with night in Phobjikjha.
November 12 Attend the Crane Festival in the morning then over Pele La to Chendebji.
November 13 - 14 View spectacular vistas to Bumthang in eastern Bhutan for two days.
November 15 - 17 Find new birds and mammals in the southern Zhemgang lowlands.
November 18 Drive from lowlands back to the highlands in Tongsa for the night.
November 19 Travel the dramatic Dang Chu up to the new Dochu La Hotel.
November 20 Return to Paro via Thimphu and overnight at Janka Hotel.
November 21 Depart very early to Chelila Pass. Return to Paro for lunch.
November 22 - 23 Fly to Bangkok on the morning of November 22 to connect with your flight schedule (gain 1 day).

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About Bhutan

The Kingdom of Bhutan is the size of Switzerland, nestled between Tibet and India, truly one of Earth's most remote countries. The Buddhist culture in Bhutan is more than a religion, integrated into all aspects of daily life in this "land of the peaceful dragon". Bhutan has 20 peaks over 23,000 feet, a wonderful place to photograph stunning mountain scenery at this season, while also seeing spectacular birds and charming mammals. We will travel easterly, dropping south to the Phobjikha Valley for the Black-necked Cranes and Crane Festival, then down to the southern lowlands in the district of Zhemgang, adding new species and absorbing the culture. We'll return west from Bumgang to Paro, discovering new scenery. Then enjoy a grand finale up on Chelili Pass, one of the best places for Satyr Tragopan, Monal Pheasant and the Kalij Pheasant.

Geographical map of Bhutan
Geographical Map of Bhutan

Until recently, Bhutan's remoteness, steep terrain, and tightly controlled tourism have ensured that its incredible beauty and fascinating people remained quiet known only to a few. Bhutan was closed to outsiders until 1960; its first roads were built in 1961; no tourists were officially permitted until 1974. You will encounter red-robed monks and herders with their cows or yaks on the road, as well as vehicles. Two centuries co-exist, as Bhutan is a developing country, yet its unique agrarian Buddhist culture is very much intact. With development flourishing, do expect to encounter the 21st century in this remote mountainous land. Towns are expanding and new hotels are being built. The Kingdom celebrated 100 years of monarchy, which was established in 1907. A general election was held in 2008. It was the vision of the 4th King to usher in democractic changes in times of peace. He abdicated in favor of his son at only 51 years old. The capital, Thimphu, is growing very quickly, as it attracts sons and daughters to settle there where they can make a better living than staying on the family farmland. Other towns, such as Bumgana to the east, are also attracting many new residents, where homes, apartments and hotels are in construction, always in the wonderful Bhutanese architectural style. Nepalese and Indians work alongside the roads for Indian construction companies, maintaining the winding thoroughfares.

Golden Langur in Bhutan
Golden Langur

Stop to walk and bird along roads, both dirt and pavcd, that border broadleaf jungles and temperate coniferous forests. The last morning in the field, driving from Paro on the road to Ha at Cheli La or Chelila Pass, enjoy tundra close to 13,000' at the pass. Over 60 percent of the country is still forested, despite many farms dotting the countryside, especially in eastern Bhutan. The Buddhist philosophy of respect for all living things and a progressive governmental approach to preservation of the environment and the promotion of Bhutan's unique culture and traditions have maintained a healthy environment, where wildlife flourishes. Bhutan lies in an area designated as one of the world's ten biodiversity hotspots. Over 600 birds include some of the most exotic and rare species in the eastern Himalayas. Bhutan is also home to at least 165 species of mammals, including Golden Langur, Leopard, Rhinoceros and Elephant in the lowlands, Red Panda, Himalayan Black Bear and Musk Deer in the middle-elevation forests, and Takin grazing on grasses in alpine meadows along mountainsides. Tiger tracks might be found from the bases of the foothills to above tree line, although this predator is very seldom seen. All the mammals are very elusive and encountering them is difficult, but definitely you will see the beautiful Golden Langur, a rare primate found only in Bhutan, as well as other langurs and the Assamese Macaque.

Throughout the trip occasionally stop to visit the impressive goembas (monasteries), dzongs (the monastery/fortresses that serve as Bhutan's administrative and religious centers), lhakhangs (temples), and chortens (stupas) that are important features of Bhutan's past and present religion and culture. There will be opportunities to examine traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts, which represent an exciting and vital aspect of Bhutan's living heritage, and which reflect Bhutan's spiritual and intellectual life. Surrounding you at every turn from the moment you land at the airport in Paro will be the appealing Bhutanese architecture with its traditional shapes, colorful patterns, outrageous "motifs," and an unmatched combination of engineering skill and beauty.

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Detailed Itinerary

November 4 - 6, Thursday - Saturday: Fly to Bangkok. Cross international date line (lose one day).
We can help you to make your own flight arrangements. Depart on November 4 or 5, depending on flight schedules to arrive in Bangkok at the latest by the evening of November 6. We have included one night at the Novotel at the Bangkok Airport, either at the beginning or end of the trip, whichever fits your flight schedule best. Extra nights are approximately $210 per room, depending on the exchange rate. This lovely hotel was newly built when the airport opened a few years ago. A daily non-stop Thai Air flight departs from LAX at 11:10 pm and arrives at 6:40 am (2 days later) and the Thai Air flight from JFK departs at 11:35 am to arrive at 4:10 pm, also two days later, crossing the International Dateline (lose one day) and arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), the name of this new international airport outside Bangkok. Flights are available on Continental/Northwest and United from SFO, LAX and Seattle via Tokyo to BKK. Korean Air also has a good schedule and fare. The flight from Bangkok to Paro will be very early on November 7 (before 6:30 am) with the present schedules on Druk Air.
Lodging: Optional Novatel Hotel at Suvarnabhumi Airport on November 6 (meals on your own)

November 7 - 8, Sunday - Monday: Arrive in Bhutan with two days in the valley of Paro.
Depart Bangkok in the early morning for Paro, Bhutan, on Druk Air, the national airline of Bhutan, the only airline flying to Bhutan. Your tickets and Bhutan visas will be issued in Bhutan, handled by Hishey Tshering. There is a daily flight from Bangkok to Paro and it will depart between 4:30 am and 6:30 am and might make a stop in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), India, depending on the schedule that day. From Kolkata it is another hour to Paro, arriving between 8:30 am and 11 am, depending on the departure. (Flights are also available from Delhi and Kolkata on certain days.) Upon arrival at the Paro Airport, Hishey will be there to meet you. On the drive from the airport to Hotel Janka near the Paro River, you might see your first Ibisbill, a very special large Himalayan shore bird, although unlikely, as it is both a rare bird and well camouflaged and normally takes a bit of searching. It can easily be mistaken for a big stone along the river until you put your binoculars on it. White Wagtails and two species of redstarts, the Plumbeous and White-capped, are always present along the river. Hishey may also locate the elusive Black-tailed Crake, as well as the Common Snipe, for you.

Arrive at Hotel Janka, very close to the Paro River, for a two night stay. The meals on this tour will be excellent, a combination of Indian, Chinese, and Bhutanese. After a great lunch, enjoy the beautiful valley of Paro. The valley of Paro is mainly Blue Pine forests, which does not have quite the diversity of bird life found in the many broadleaf habitats to the east, but the woodlands around the Drukgyel Dzong area provide a hint of the great variety that is to come. With two nights in Paro there will be time to visit the famous Tiger's Nest if you would like to hike up to this beautiful site. Some of the species that can be seen in this area include Black-faced Laughingthrush, Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush, Brown Parrotbill, Chestnut-tailed Minla, Common Kestrel, White-collored Blackbird and Grey-backed Shrike. Our driver will also pull over on the road edge whenever you are inspired to take photos, as all the scenery will be very impressive.

Elevation: Paro is 7600 feet
Lodging: Janka Hotel in Paro

November 9, Tuesday: Drive to Thimphu and Jigme Dorji National Park. Night in Thimphu.
Drive from Paro to Thimphu following the river valley between the two towns through Blue Pine and some alpine slopes. Sometimes Grey Langurs are active along the shrub covered rock cliffs beside the road. Like Paro, the Thimphu Valley is relatively dry and is surrounded by Blue Pine forests. To the north of the capitol is the religious valley of Tango and Cheri and Jigme Dorji National Park, where the vegetation is mainly evergreen oak forest with bamboo. Jigme Dorji NP is huge, but the concept of national park in Bhutan reflects sustainable use of the park for people to flourish, as well as the fauna and flora. People own private land within the national park and are assisted by the Department of Agriculture to maintain small herds and allow the forests and wildlife to flourish. Perhaps encounter Assamese Macaques, Grey Langurs and even Goral (a small goat), as well as birds, such as the Crested Kingfisher, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker and Spotted Nutcracker. Stop if time permits at a place with rock-bee hives hanging from a cliff to look out for the rare Yellow-rumped Honeyguide feeding on the honeycomb. If not found here, there will be several other opportunities to stop at one of the hugh rock-bee hives where the road follows cliffs. This honeyguide is one of the globally threatened birds relatively easily found in Bhutan, due to many cliffs along the roads. Later in the afternoon take time in Thimphu to buy stamps, post cards and maps at the post office and perhaps visit a weaving museum. Also stop for a close-up view of the national mammal, the Takin, protected in a green area on the edge of town.

Elevation: Thimphu is 7700 feet
Lodging: Riverview Hotel in Thimphu

November 10, Wednesday: Ascend Dochu La to Punakha Dzong and down the Puna Tsang Chu.
Depart early for some delightful birding at Dochu La, where there will be more time later in the trip with an overnight here on the return trip to Paro. Watch for high elevation, mixed evergreen and cool broadleaf forest birds, including Fire-tailed Myzornis, Red-tailed Minla, Mrs. Gould's Sunbird, and Green-tailed Sunbird. At the 10,000' summit of Dochu La one of the Queens of Bhutan built an auspicious number of chortens, a total of 108, to commemorate the victory of the 4th King who led the ouster of insurgents from Assam trying to invade Bhutan early in this century. As we descend to the town of Wandi, temperate broadleaved forest soon gives way to a semi-tropical zone. Here look for niltava species, Eurasian Jay, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Plain-backed Thrush, and Great Barbet and perhaps even the rare Ward's Trogon. The sudden appearance of low elevation species, such as Red-vented Bulbul and Common Myna, is a reminder of the astonishing diversity of Bhutan within such short distances. The vegetation changes mainly to Chirpine, a lower elevation conifer, instead of Blue Pine.

Drive north up the valley to Punakha, where you would not want to miss visiting the majestic Punakha Dzong. Before the capital moved from Punakha to Thimphu, Punakha Dzong was the seat for the kings and lamas. It was strategically built in 1637 at the confluence of the Pho Chuu and Mo Chuu, meaning male and female rivers, that flow into the Puna Tsang Chu. In the late afternoon drive down the mighty Puna Tsang Chu south. This will be the best chance for the extremely rare White-bellied Heron. Hishey has been responsible for initiating the survey of this endangered species. Since 2002 the heron nest has been regularly sighted, the first since 1929. Though very rare elsewhere, the heron has been regularly located along both the Puna Tsang Chu and Pho Chu, also sometimes spelled Po Chu or Pho Chuu, depending on which spelling used. (Note: The Bhutanese languages, Dzongkha and others, are all based on oral tradition. Therefore you will frequently find more than one way to spell names, such as Zhemgang or Shemgang.) Another exciting rare bird we may encounter while looking for the White-bellied Heron is the Pallas' Fish Eagle.

Elevation: Thimphu is 7700 feet
Lodging: Hotel in the Wangdi Phodrang District

November 11, Thursday: Drive over Pele La to explore the valley of the Black-necked Cranes at Phobjikjha.
We will want to leave very early for the hour's drive up to Pele La at 11,200'. Monal Pheasants, Satyr Trogopan and the Great Parrotbill are distinct possibilities here. From the Pele La in sub-alpine conifers and bamboo we start down the road south to Phobjikha (Phobji Ka). At 10,000 feet, it is a glacial valley and is the biggest wetland in Bhutan. It is the winter home of about 350 Black-necked Cranes that arrive in late October and start migrating back to Tibet by early March. Because of the presence of the cranes, Phobjikha is one of the most important wildlife preserves in the Kingdom. The drive down from the pass into the valley is full of great surprises, such as Spotted Laughing-thrushes and brilliant sunbirds feeding among unique larches endemic to the Himalayas. There are three species of parrotbills (Black-throated, Brown and Great), Brown and Red-headed bullfinch, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker; Black-eared Shrike-babbler, Fired-tailed Myzornis, and Kalij and Monal pheasants that might be encountered on today's drive to Phobji. Once in the valley walk out to get a close look at the cranes and keep your eye out for cranes flying overheard. Arrive at the beautiful Hotel Dewachen, located in the village, a photographic delight in itself!

Lodging: Hotel Dewachen in Phobji

November 12, Friday: Attend the Crane Festival in the morning then over Pele La to Chendebji.
Festivals in Bhutan are not formal religious affairs, but occasions to get together, renew acquaintances, and make merry. The atsaras (traditional clowns of the Tshechu) add color and merriment to the festival by their bawdy antics. Tshechus attract crowds that sometimes come from the remotest of villages. In a swirl of color and noise, the gods and demons of Buddhist mythology come to life. Masked and sword dances and other rituals are performed during festivals. Each dance has its own significance and is performed by monks and villagers. This morning immerse in the excitement of the Crane Festival and enjoy lots of great photo ops. After lunch drive north again back up to Pele La and down the east side of the pass to Chendebji, where there is an excellent small lodge near the site of Chendebji Chorten, a very photogenic chorten in the style of a Nepalese stupa. The drive to Chendebji is very scenic and the recent Bhutanese film, "Travelers' and Magicians", was shot along this road.

Lodging: Chendebji Lodge

November 13 - 14, Saturday - Sunday: View spectacular vistas to Bumthang in eastern Bhutan.
From Chendebji continue east toward Trongsa, a district with a very narrow river valley and a very big dzong. Nearly an hour before we reach there on the winding road, we'll have our first glimpse of the Trongsa Dzong across the breathtaking depths of the Mangde Chu Gorge. Built atop the crest of a narrow ridge, it is, without doubt, the most spectacularly sited dzong in all of Bhutan. It's perched so far above the river that the clouds frequently float below it. The Yangkhil Resort, where we will overnight on our return west, is also in a superb location and built in the wonderful Bhutanese style of architecture. Above Trongsa the road climbs through many switchbacks, then passes through a forest of Silver Fir and bamboo on the way to Yotong La (11,600 feet). Once we cross the Yotong La Pass, the vegetation is mainly spruce and Silver Fir forest with plenty of bamboo undergrowth. As we descend further, it then changes to Blue Pine forest in Bumthang. Bumthang is the only district in Bhutan where we will find the Black-billed Magpie. Explore the town and environs of Jakar, also often called Bumthang, the largest town in the Bumthang district where we overnight two nights.

The valley of the Bumthang Chu is also considered the cultural heartland of Bhutan and hence has many temples. The valley is very scenic and has good places for walking and many sacred sites. Guru Rimpoche (also known as Padmasambava) introduced Buddhism to Tibet and the Himalayas, including Bhutan. He is often thought of as the second Buddha, and his image may appear more often in Bhutanese art than even that of the Buddha himself. All of the places where he is said to have visited and to have worked wonders on behalf of the Buddhist faith are regarded as sacred. During the time we are in Bumthang, we'll visit one of the most important of these, the temple complex called Kurjey Lhakhang. We may have time to visit another important temple, Tamshing Lhakhang. Founded by Pema Lingpa, the great treasure reveller, Tamshing has religious paintings, which may be the oldest paintings in Bhutan.

Lodging: Gongkhar Guesthouse in Bumthang

November 15 - 17, Monday - Wednesday: Find new birds and mammals in the southern Zhemgang lowlands.
Today backtrack south from Jakar, then west over the beautiful passes overlooking the vast Black Mountains and along the deep river gorges to Tongsa (Trongsa). From Trongsa drive south to the lowlands of the Zhemgang District on a road with beautiful waterfalls and ferns at every switchback to the bottom of the valley, then again ascend to an elevation of about 6500 feet at Wangdigang. We'll drive through a big agricultural area, then more diverse forest habitats, including huge moss laden trees perfect for the incomparable Beautiful Nuthatch, the Sultan Tit and hornbills. We will spend more time here on our return back to Trongsa when with an early arrival the birds are the most active. The open farmland is impressive, due to the amazing rice terraces down the steep hillsides where Crested Bunting can be seen perched on shrubs along the road, maintaining their territories. We'll have dinner by 7 pm, allowing plenty of time for a good sleep to be ready by 5 am for more great wildlife action. We'll have tea, coffee and biscuits before departing, a hot field breakfast between 8 and 9 am and lunch about 12:30 with dinner at 7.

The valley of the Bumthang Chu is considered the cultural heartland of Bhutan and hence has many temples. The valley is very scenic and has good places for walking and many sacred sites. Guru Rimpoche (also known as Padmasambava) introduced Buddhism to Tibet and the Himalayas, including Bhutan. He is often thought of as the second Buddha, and his image may appear more often in Bhutanese art than even that of the Buddha himself. All of the places where he is said to have visited and to have worked wonders on behalf of the Buddhist faith are regarded as sacred. During the time we are in Bumthang, we'll visit one of the most important of these, the temple complex called Kurjey Lhakhang. We may have time to visit another important temple, Tamshing Lhakhang, founded by Pema Lingpa. Tamshing has religious paintings, which may be the oldest paintings in Bhutan.

Lodging: Small lodge in the town of Zhemgang

November 18, Thursday: Drive from lowlands back to the highlands in Tongsa for the night
Depart early from the lodge in Zhemgang to arrive at the best place in the broadleaved evergreen forests to see the Beautiful Nuthatch by dawn. Enjoy an amazing day of superb scenery and wildlife, as we retrace the road back north to the highlands of Trongsa for overnight at the Yangkhil Resort, overlooking the town of Trongsa at 7000 feet. The lodge is surrounded by beautiful grounds laid out with a prayer wheel powered by water as well as prayer wheels powered by hand. The photography should be spectacular from the lodge overlooking the Trongsa Dzong and surrounding valley.

Lodging: Yangkhil Resort

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November 19, Friday:Bird the dramatic river gorge of the Dang Chu up to Dochu La.
It will be a different view of Pela La at 11,400 on returning west. Walk along the old road with little traffic to find high altitude birds, such as rosefinches, Great Parrotbill, and grosbeaks. Also hope to encounter mammals, the Ghoral and Serow, two wild herbivores that do well in these habitats. Arrive by late afternoon at the top of Dochu La to spend the night in a new hotel and to see the Bhutanese Himalayas in the morning with clear skies.

Lodging: Dochu La Hotel

November 20, Saturday: Return to Paro via Thimphu and overnight
There is a trail to walk in the forest that may be interesting to you. Explore the Dochu La area this morning, then drive to Thimphu for lunch and back to Paro to get ready for a big day tomorrow to Chelila Pass.

Lodging: Janka Hotel in Paro

November 21, Sunday Depart very early to Chelila Pass. Return to Paro for lunch.
Depart early before dawn for the 90-minute trip to the Chelila Pass, perhaps spotting a Grey Nightjar or even a Leopard Cat, a small cat that is nocturnal and frequently sighted before dawn on this road. It winds upward through the Blue Pine, which slowly changes to higher elevation conifers, such as spruce, hemlock, fir, and juniper. At the summit the vegetation is mainly dwarf rhododendrons and open alpine meadows. The pass, located at close to 13,000 feet, is the highest road in Bhutan. If skies are clear, you'll have a fantastic view of sacred Mt. Jhomolhari and adjacent Mt. Jichu Drake, both over 20,000 feet. This pass offers a breathtaking view of the Haa and Paro valleys. The quest for the day will be the majestic Monal Pheasant. Other specialties include Blood Pheasants, Spotted Laughingthrushes, Himlayan Griffon, White-browed Rosefinch and White-throated Redstarts. Collared Grosbeaks may respond to our tape. After a breakfast in the field of hot rice porridge and other goodies cooked by our staff, descend to lower elevations, where resident birds include species of tits, Red Crossbills, Kalij Pheasants, and Yellow-billed Blue Magpies. Return to Paro for lunch and a free afternoon to pursue your interests. Later this afternoon and evening gather for dinner and a farewell celebration.

Lodging: Janka Hotel in Paro

November 22 - 23, Monday - Tuesday: Fly to Bangkok early on the 22nd to connect home or overnight in Bangkok
After breakfast take the morning flight from Paro on the 22nd to arrive in Bangkok by early afternoon. Currently, the Thai Air flight to LAX departs at 7:20 pm and arrives in LAX at 9:25 pm the same day. The Thai Air flight to JFK leaves at 12:40 am and arrives at 7:10 am. Flights on United and NWA/Continental requires an overnight in Bangkok since they depart about 6 am. An extra overnight at the Novotel beside the airport is about $210 per room with the current exchange rate. Gain back one day crossing the International Dateline and arrive home on November 22 or 23, depending on departure time from Bangkok.

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Costs

Payments and Cancellations: Upon receiving your deposit, we will send trip materials, including a travel guide with trip essentials, reading list, species lists, and maps. Deposits are refundable before the final payment date, except for $150. The $150 may go toward another tour if a reservation is made within six months of the departure date of this trip. There are no refunds given after the final payment. Insurance applications are available for trip cancellation insurance.

Cost per Person
Trip cost $6,580
Single supplement $580
Payment Schedule
Deposit - to reserve your space $500
September 10, 2009 - second payment $1,000
July 10, 2010 - final payment remaining balance

Included:

  • Meals and Beverages - Meals from lunch on November 7 through breakfast on November 22. Drinking water throughout.
  • Lodging - All specified lodging with one night in Bangkok.
  • All specified activities, leaders, and park entry fees
  • Transport - All specified transport. Airport transfers unless making a separate transfer on a different day than specified.

Not Included:

  • Airfare - Please let us know if you need help arranging your own air flights from Los Angeles to Bangkok, approximately $1650 on Thai Air, flights also available from SFO and Seattle. We will arrange flights from Bangkok to Paro, round trip approximately $950 on Druk Air (quoted September 2008) to be added to the final payment.
  • Meals, Beverages, and Personal Items - Laundry, personal items, and any drinks at lodging other than water.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Departure and airport taxes.
  • Gratuities - Tipping the staff is, of course, discretionary, however we suggest budgeting about $170.

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Other Details

Reservations: Please contact us to assure space availability and to let us answer your questions. Then, fill out our reservation form, and mail it to us with your deposit:

Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris
20800 Kittredge Road
Saratoga, CA 95070
Toll Free: (800) 527-5330
Local: (408) 741-5330
Fax: (408) 741-0358
Email: info@cheesemans.com

Transport: Travel in a modern bus driven by outstanding driver, Dorji Wangchuk, with Hishey leading the way.

Hishey Tshering, Resident Guide
Hishey Tshering, our resident guide

Our Leader: Hishey Tshering, our resident naturalist who has arranged this awesome trip, is based in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, where he lives with his wife and family. After working with the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature (RSPN) and George Archibald, the co-founder of the International Crane Foundation, Hishey began guiding wildlife tours in 1999. The RSPN is the only environmental NGO in Bhutan and Hishey is currently a member of their board. He also continues to work very closely with the International Crane Foundation. In 1998 he assisted the Crane Foundation in the first ever color banding and radio collaring program of the Black-necked Cranes to study their migratory route. He is also the President of the Druk Stars Football Club (soccer in our country). His attention to details is amazing and his knowledge of Bhutan second to none. Hishey keeps his focus on quality and personal service. He believes in the concept of Gross National Happiness, which he exudes from the moment he meets you at the International Airport in Paro until you depart.

Climate: Temperatures vary at this season from cold at high elevations to very comfortable, depending on the time of day. It will be very cool in the early morning and in the evening. It'sis rain and wind resistant. Insects are not normally a problem in Bhutan.

Mailing List: If you would like to be on our mailing list or request information, please use our online request form or send us your name, address, email address and phone number. Please note we will never share your personal information with anybody

Travel Insurance: Unless you specifically decline travel insurance, Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris requires, at a minimum, insurance to cover emergency medical care and evacuation for the duration of the tour. We have had good experience with Access America. Visit their website for complete details and we will also send you their brochure with your trip materials. You can purchase a policy via their website, phone or by mail. Whatever insurance you purchase, be sure to review the terms of all available policies carefully in order to buy the policy that you need.

Responsibility: Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris, Saratoga, California, act only as agents and shall not be responsible or become liable for any delay incurred by any person in connection with any means of transportation, nor for the loss, damage, or injury to person or property by reason of any event beyond the control of the agency or default of such agency suppliers. We reserve the right to cancel the tour prior to departure in which case full refund will constitute full settlement to the passenger. No refund will be made for any unused portion of the tour unless arrangements are made at the time of booking. All rates are based on current tariffs, exchange rates and fuel prices and are subject to adjustment in the event of any change therein. By sending your initial deposit, you agree to accept our payment schedule as a contract. If payments are still outstanding two weeks after the due date, your space may be forfeited. Baggage is at the owner's risk.

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