Bhutan
The Best of Bhutan
November 4 to 23, 2011

| At a Glance | About Bhutan | Itinerary | Costs | Sign-up | Other Details | Back to color itinerary |

Join our wonderful leaders, Tandi and Dorji, over the scenic Himalayan passes of Docula, Pelela, Thrumsing La and Chelila at the very best season for vivid clear blue skies. Bhutan's altitudinal variations, from the lowlands to the east at Yongkhola to mountain peaks in every direction, will keep you guessing about the next surprise around the corner! Encounter many birds and some very intriguing mammals. This tour is timed to be in the Phobjikha Valley for the Black-necked Cranes on the day of the Crane Festival with all its festivities and dancing. The photography will be spectacular. Travel in a modern bus and enjoy excellent lodges, plus three nights of mobile camping to the east of Trongsa at Gayzamchu and at Yongkhola. Your efficient and fully equipped camp staff will set up your comfortable camp before you arrive. The Buddhist culture in Bhutan is more than a religion. It is integrated into all aspects of daily life in this "land of the peaceful dragon". You will love the Bhutanese and their culture and wildlife! Also spend a day toward the end of the trip walking slowly up to the famous Tiger's Nest Monastery.

At a Glance

Cost: $6,000 per person, double occupancy, not including airfare. Review cost details.

Leader: Tandi Dorji (Tandi) and Sonam Dorji (Dorji), assisted by our very experienced driver, Pala, in an excellent, spacious modern bus.

Size: 10 participants, not including leaders and staff.

Number of Days: 20, including travel days.

Conditions: A non-smoking safari for people who are very interested in all wildlife and spending the maximum time in the field.

Update: This itinerary was updated in October 2011.

Synopsis:
Bhutanese suffixes: "La" means pass, "chu" means river, "ka" or "kha" means valley.

Return to top

About Bhutan

The Kingdom of Bhutan is the size of Switzerland, nestled between Tibet and India, and is truly one of Earth's most remote countries. Over 60% 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 along with 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. There are over 600 species of birds including some of the most exotic and rare species in the eastern Himalayas. Bhutan is also home to at least 165 species of mammals, including three species of langurs, macques, Red Panda, Himalayan Black Bear, Musk Deer and in the alpine meadows, Takin, grazing on grasses 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 elusive and encountering them is difficult, but you're bound 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. The Buddhist culture in Bhutan is more than a religion, integrated into all aspects of daily life in this "land of the peaceful dragon." There will be opportunities to examine traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts, which represent an exciting and vital aspect of Bhutan's living heritage, and 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.

Until recently, Bhutan's remoteness, steep terrain, and tightly controlled tourism ensured that its incredible beauty and fascinating people remained known only to a few. Bhutan was closed to outsiders until 1960; its first roads were built in 1961 and 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. Bhutan is a developing country yet its unique agrarian Buddhist culture is very much intact. With development flourishing, towns are expanding and new hotels are being built. The Kingdom recently celebrated 100 years of monarchy, which was established in 1907. A general election was held in 2008 as it was the vision of the fourth King to usher in democratic changes in times of peace. At only 51 years old, he abdicated in favor of his son, who is now the fifth King. The capital city of Thimphu is growing very quickly as it attracts the younger generation to settle there where they can make a better living than staying on the family farmland. Other towns 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.

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 further east to Yongkhola, adding new species and absorbing the culture. We'll return west from Yongkhola back to Paro, discovering new scenery. From Paro enjoy a full day up on Chelila Pass. On the last day walk to the famous Tiger's Nest monastery and celebrate that evening back in Paro at Dorji's family farm for the farewell dinner.

Return to top

Detailed Itinerary

November 4 - 6, Friday - Sunday: Fly to Bangkok for overnight on November 6
Depart on November 4 or 5 to arrive in Bangkok by the evening of November 6 at the latest for an overnight at the Novotel near the Bangkok Airport. Lose one day crossing the International Dateline. One night at the Novotel, either at the beginning or end of the trip, is included in the trip cost, depending on what fits your flight schedule best. Extra nights at the Novotel are approximately $175 per room, depending on the exchange rate. This lovely hotel was newly built when the airport opened a few years ago. Review flight information.
Lodging: One night at Novotel in Bangkok on November 6 (unless hotel night at end of trip is preferred)

November 7, Monday: Fly to Paro
Depart Bangkok early on the morning of November 7 for Paro, Bhutan. Our outfitter will obtain your airline tickets on Druk Air, the national airline and will also arrange for your Bhutan visas. Arrive at the Paro airport at about 11 am where our leaders will be waiting, then drive to the Janka Resort, very close to the Pachu River in Paro. 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. Enjoy birding along the river to experience your first Ibisbill, a very special large Himalayan shore bird. It is both rare and well camouflaged, so it may take a bit of searching. White Wagtails and two species of redstarts, the Plumbeous and White-capped, are nearly always present along the river. We may also locate the elusive Black-tailed Crake as well as the Common Snipe.

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. Some of the bird 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 experienced driver will also pull over on the road edge whenever you are inspired to take photos, as all the scenery will be very impressive.
Lodging: Janka Resort in Paro

November 8 - 9, Tuesday - Wednesday: Jigme Dorji National Park and Thimphu
In the morning, drive from Paro to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital city, following the river valley between the two towns through Blue Pine and some alpine slopes. Sometimes, especially in the morning, Grey Langurs are active along the shrub covered rock cliffs beside the road. Like the Paro Valley, the Thimphu Valley is relatively dry and is surrounded by Blue Pine forests.

Drive north through the religious Cheri Valley to Bhutan's largest park, Jigme Dorji National Park, where the vegetation is mainly evergreen oak forest with bamboo. The concept of a national park in Bhutan reflects sustainable use for people, as well as the fauna and flora, to flourish. 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 we will encounter Assamese Macaques, Grey Langurs, and even Ghoral (a small native goat), as well as birds, such as the Crested Kingfisher, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, and Spotted Nutcracker. If time permits, stop 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 rock-bee hives where the road follows cliffs. This honeyguide is one of the globally threatened birds relatively easy to find in Bhutan.

While in Thimphu you'll have the opportunity to take time for a little shopping, such as buying stamps, post cards, and maps at the post office. Possibly visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum (Tradional Crafts) and stop to see the national mammal, the Takin, protected in an extensive green area on the edge of town.
Lodging: Two nights at Hotel Mingmar in Thimphu

November 10, Thursday: A day on the Dochola Pass and overnight at the homey Hotel Dochola
Drive up the Dochola for some delightful birds at the 10,000-foot pass summit, also spelled Dochu La. Explore the Dochu La area today in the midst of chortens, colorful birds and glorious Himalayan scenery. 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 this scenic pass, enjoy the spectacular sight of 108 chortens (108 being an auspicious number) built early in this century to commemorate the victory of the 4th King over the Assamese insurgents trying to invade Bhutan. Then look west to the many splendid peaks all along the horizon, a great place for scenic photos during this season with crisp clear blue skies. While on Dochola Pass walk a beautiful nature trail, where Dorji has spotted Red Panda in the past. Also visit the Royal Botanical Park located just over the summit of the pass. Return to the summit for overnight at the small homey Hotel Dochola.
Lodging: Hotel Dochola

November 11, Friday: Spectacular sunrise over the Himalayas and the Crane Festival
Rise early to see the sunrise over the Bhutanese Himalayas, including Mt Gangkhar Phuensum, the highest unclimbed mountain at 7570 meters or 24,836 feet and the 40th highest mountain in the world. After breakfast drive to the Phobjikha Valley to witness the Crane Festival dancing and other festivities. On the descent from Dochola to the town of Wandi, the temperate broadleaved forest habitat soon gives way to a semi-tropical zone. The vegetation includes Chirpine, a lower elevation conifer, instead of Blue Pine. The drive to Phobjikha is soon reached as we ascend another pass, Pelela, at 10,000 feet. From the conifers and bamboo of Pele La, start down the road south to Phobjikha (Phobji Ka). Phobjikha 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. Arrive in the village and check into Hotel Yoe-lu-ki. The town will be decked out for the Crane Festival. Enjoy not only the merriment of the Crane Festival, but also walk a trail across the marshes to get a closer look at the cranes while keeping an eye out for cranes flying overheard. 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 to the festival by their bawdy antics. Tshechus attract crowds traveling in 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. Immerse yourself in the excitement of the Crane Festival and enjoy wonderful and endless photo opportunities.
Lodging: Hotel Yoe-lu-ki in Phobjikha

November 12, Saturday: Spectacular Pelala Pass to Trongsa
This morning, drive north back through the Phobji Valley and then turn east over beautiful Pele La towards Trongsa, a district with a very narrow river valley and a very big dzong. The drive up the pass from the valley is full of great surprises, such as Spotted Laughing-thrushes and brilliant sunbirds feeding among unique larches endemic to the Himalayas. Along the drive from Phobji to Trongsa, three species of parrotbills (Black-throated, Brown, and Great) may be encountered, plus Brown and Red-headed bullfinch, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Black-eared Shrike-babbler, Fired-tailed Myzornis, and Kalij and Monal pheasants. Before reaching our hotel on the winding road, the first glimpse of the Trongsa Dzong across the breathtaking Mangde Chu Gorge is fantastic. Stop to walk to the dzong from the lookout through the forest down into the valley below, across a wooden cantilevered bridge, and up to the dzong on the other side. This is beside a huge forest reserve, where Leopards have been observed. Built atop the crest of a narrow ridge, Trongsa Dzong is without doubt the most spectacularly sited dzong in all of Bhutan. It's perched far enough above the river that the clouds frequently float below it.

We will take time to visit the Trongsa Ta Dzong Museum. Situated strategically above the Trongsa Dzong, the Ta Dzong served as the watchtower for centuries. It now houses the newly inaugurated beautiful museum that focuses on the history of the monarchy, which had its cradle in Trongsa. Overnight at the Yangkhil Resort built in the wonderful Bhutanese style of architecture. It is also situated in a superb location, overlooking the town of Trongsa at 7,000 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.
Lodging: Yangkhil Resort in Trongsa

November 13, Sunday: Over scenic passes to Ura Valley, great for Blood Pheasants
Above Trongsa, the road climbs through many switchbacks and then passes through a misty forest of Silver Fir and bamboo on the way to Yotong La (11,600 feet) past some magnificent waterfalls. White-browed Fulvettas, Grey-crested Tits, Coal Tits, and social groups of White-throated Laughingthrush may be encountered. The elusive Fulvous Parrotbill is also a remote possibility, as are the Brown and Great parrotbills. (The parrotbills are an interesting genus, Paradoxornis, formerly in the family Sylviidae with the old world warblers and with the only American sylviid, the Wrentit, all insectivorous. Now they are in the family Paradoxornithidae, an ornithological paradox indeed, tucked away in Bhutan and very reluctant to show themselves! Bhutan appears to be the center of parrotbill evolution with three of these specialized seedeaters possible at this season in these highland niches.)

Once we cross the Yotong La Pass, the vegetation is mainly spruce and Silver Fir forest with plenty of bamboo undergrowth. Descend further and it changes to Blue Pine forest where the birdlife is not as diverse, but Bumthang is the only district in Bhutan where we will find the Black-billed Magpie. Chamkhar is the largest town in the Bumthang district. The valley of Bumthang is also considered the cultural heartland of Bhutan and hence has many temples. It is very scenic and has 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. Guru Rimpoche was called to make his first visit to Bhutan to help the king of Bumthang, whose soul had been taken by a local deity. It is festival time in this district and there will be religious festivals taking place both in the town of Chummey located about 40 minutes before reaching Bumthang town as well at Bumthang this week. There should be time to stop for about an hour at one of these festivals enroute to our overnight camping on the Gayzamchu River at the Gayzamchu camp.

From the town of Chamkhar drive over two more passes further east to the beautiful alpine valley of Ura. Ura is a large, compact, and quite wealthy agricultural village since the advent of potato farming. It has an attractive temple and cobblestone "streets." Red-billed Chough, Black-billed Magpie, White-browed and Beautiful rosefinches and other birds can be seen foraging in the open fields with perhaps a Himalayan Griffon soaring above. Later in the afternoon as we approach our campsite, the timing should be perfect with dusk approaching to see Blood Pheasants that are active in both the early morning and in the very late afternoon. Elevation at Ura is 10,000 feet and at our camp at about 11, 000 feet along the Gayzamchi River. Vegetation is sub-alpine and open habitats.
Camping: Gayzamchu camp

November 14 - 15, Monday - Tuesday: Over Thrumsing La to superb habitat for Satyr Tragopan
We bird early in the morning before the flow of traffic begins with the hope of catching some of the most beautiful pheasants of the Himalayas feeding along the road. Blood Pheasants feed in the open by the roadside at dawn. If lucky, we should also see Monal Pheasant, as well as the Satyr Tragopan. Flocks of Snow Pigeons have also been frequently sighted flying across the valley or foraging in the farmlands. A big sign amid the prayer flags at the top of Thrumsing La at 12,435 feet (3,790 meters) marks the high altitude boundary of Thrumshing National Park. We shall check for forest birds, such as Red-headed Bullfinch, Collared and White-winged grosbeaks, Rusty-flanked and Eurasian treecreepers and a variety of tit species. We should have clear skies and excellent views. From the pass, it is another hour down to the alpine village of Sengor, then a little further down from the village, it is prime Satyr Tragopan habitat, which is in the national park, which gives it added protection. Besides the Tragopan, other intriguing species reported in this area include the Bar-winged Wren Babbler and the Spotted Laughingthrush. Elevation at Sengor is 9,000 feet to 10,000. Vegetation is mainly cool broadleaf and fir forest.

The stretch of road from the Thrumsing La Pass at 12,435 feet down to 2,000 feet at Yongkhola is considered to offer the best birding in Asia. While camping at Yongkhola explore the wonderfully rich, subtropical, warm broadleaved forest along the lower section of this road (8,000 to 2,000 feet). There is also the small village of Yongkhola, in the middle of the best warm broadleaved habitat. Stop in good habitats for Capped Langur and many birds. The lowland boundary of this ecosystem is at the Kuru Chu Bridge, close to Yongkhola, at 2,000 feet and the highland boundary is at Thrumsing La at well over 12,000 feet. As already mentioned, the concept of a national park in Bhutan is to sustain both the people living there and the diversity of habitats and wildlife. The main road traverses the park and is used for transportation of goods as well as for the agrarian society that has traditionally lived in this huge ecosystem. The bird specialties here are Ward's and Red-headed trogon, several species of scimitar babblers, parrotbills, Rufous-necked Hornbill, an assortment of warblers, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Hill Partridge, Satyr Tragopan, Speckled Wood Pigeon, Sultan and Yellow-cheeked tits, varieties of bulbuls, three species of tesias (Chestnut-headed, Slaty-bellied and Grey-bellied), flycatchers, and laughingthrushes.
Camping: Yongkhola camp for two nights

November 16, Wednesday: To Trongsa with stops for mammals and birds
Drive back to Trongsa with some fascinating stops for birds, mammals, and spectacular views. This will take us the entire day, so enjoy an amazing day of superb scenery and wildlife, as we retrace the road west to Trongsa for overnight at the same Yangkhil Resort. The photography will again be spectacular from the lodge overlooking the Trongsa Dzong and surrounding valley.
Lodging: Yangkhil Resort in Trongsa

November 17 - 18, Thursday - Friday: Punakha's beautiful dzong and the endangered heron
From Trongsa return east with stops along the way, especially in the sub-alpine paradise areas of Pelela Pass. The Bhutanese film "Travelers and Magicians" was shot along this road. Near the town of Wandi where the temperate broadleaved forest habitat gives way to a semi-tropical zone look for niltava species, Eurasian Jay, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Plain-backed Thrush, 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. Drive west, back over Pele La at 11,200 feet. Monal Pheasants, Satyr Trogopan, and the Great Parrotbill are distinct possibilities here. Then turn 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 along the mighty Puna Tsang Chu.

This will be the best chance to see the extremely rare White-bellied Heron. Another exciting rare bird we may encounter is the Pallas' Fish Eagle, plus there will be many species of ducks. Note: Dzongkha and the other Bhutanese languages are all based on oral tradition. Therefore you will frequently find more than one-way to spell names, such as Zhemgang or Shemgang.
Lodging: Two nights at Hotel Zangtopeiri in Punakha

November 19 - 20, Saturday - Sunday: Return to Paro via Dochu La and Thimphu
Drive to Thimphu for lunch and back to Paro to get ready for a big day tomorrow to the famous Tiger's Nest Monastery located close to Paro on a beautiful hanging ledge. The photo of the Tiger's Nest has become the symbol of Bhutan. We recommend taking most of the day to walk there and back with lunch, as this is the only real hike on the tour. Much of the trail is quite steep up to the famous viewpoint at a restaurant situated across from the Tiger's Nest. The Bhutanese name is Taktshang Goemba for this beautiful Buddhist monastery. The trail becomes even steeper continuing on from the restaurant, but levels out on approaching the Tiger's Nest. It is an impressive sight, especially at this time of year with clear blue skies and well worth the hike even if you do not continue past the restaurant. The hike up can take less than 2 hours, but it is best to go slowly and enjoy the occasional sunbird or other interesting attraction to allow a short rest stop and chance for photos. It is not allowed to take photos inside the monastery, but this is definitely one of the highlights of a trip to Bhutan.
Lodging: Two nights at Janka Resort in Paro

November 21, Monday: Depart very early to Chelila Pass and return to Paro for special evening
Depart before dawn for the 90-minute trip to Chelila Pass, perhaps spotting a Grey Nightjar or even a Leopard Cat, a small nocturnal cat that is sometimes sighted before dawn on this road. The road 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. With the pass located at close to 13,000 feet, this 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 recorded calls. 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 evening, gather for dinner and a farewell celebration.
Lodging: Janka Hotel in Paro

November 22 - 23, Tuesday - Wednesday: From Paro to Bangkok then home
After breakfast on November 22, take the morning flight from Paro to arrive in Bangkok by approximately 5:30 pm to connect with your flight homeward if it is scheduled after 8 pm. Some flights may not leave to the next morning, so require an overnight in Bangkok. Let us know if you would like an extra hotel night at the Novotel. Arrive home on November 22 or 23, depending on departure. Gain back one day crossing the International Dateline. Review flight information.

Return to top

Costs

Payments and Cancellations: Upon receiving your deposit, we will send complete trip materials. 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.

Included:

• All specified activities, leaders, transport, park entry fees, accommodations.
• Meals from lunch on November 7 through breakfast on November 22.
• Tips to lodge personnel.
• Drinking water.
• Airport transfers, unless making a separate transfer on a different day.

Not Included:

• Airfare and airport or departure taxes. Flights to Bangkok are approximately $1,650 from US, depending on departure point. Bangkok-Paro round trip flights will be booked on Druk Air with the cost added to your final payment, approximately $1025 in business class and $875 in economy class (quoted May 2011).
• Extra nights at the Novotel near the Bangkok Airport are approximately $175 for single or double, depending on exchange rate.
• Separate airport transfers.
• Gratuities: Tipping is, of course, discretionary, however we suggest budgeting a total of $250 per participant to be distributed among all the resident naturalists, drivers, camp staff and porters. The gratuity will be collected at the end of the tour or include it with your final payment to avoid carrying the cash and it will be wired to our outfitter and will be distributed to the staff at the farewell dinner together.
• Travel insurance.
• Items of a personal nature, room service, bottled beverages, and items not on the regular menu (if you have special dietary needs, please indicate them on your reservation form).

Return to top

Sign-up

To Make a Reservation: Please contact us (there are many methods of contacting us) to assure space availability and to let us answer your questions. Then, print our reservation form, fill out one form per person, and post it to us in the mail with your deposit. Or fill out our handy online information request and we will send you more information.

Return to top

Other Details

Leaders: Tandi Dorji has a keen interest in both photography and birding. He worked for many years as a Communication Officer for the National Environment Commission. In 2007 he began working independently on environment and rural development projects for the Royal Government, the Royal Society for Protection of Nature, the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank and the United Nations Development Program. These projects have taken Tandi all over Bhutan providing him with experiences and knowledge of Bhutan's culture and environment, and the changes the country is undergoing. Tandi has also been very closely associated with the tourism industry and is very excited to lead this tour.

Sonam Dorji, knick-named simply Dorji, will assist Tandi. He has been guiding tours for over five years during which his patience and attentive personality made him one of our most praised resident guides. He is excellent at finding Bhutan's many mammals and especially birds, both visually and by song only. Dorji's reflexes and steady hand not only make him a good archer, but quick to locate the target species in his scope and using it for effective "digi-scoping". Travelers on our last trip came up with a new name for digi-scoping: "Dorji-scoping".

Flights: Contact us if you would like help in booking your international flights from our ticketing agent. Bangkok-Paro round trip flights will be booked by our outfitters with the cost added to your final payment.

Arrival: Arrive in Bangkok by the evening of November 6, at the latest, for an overnight at the Novotel in Bangkok. The flight from Bangkok to Paro is very early, normally before 6:30 am, on November 7.

Departure: We will take the morning flight on November 22 from Paro that arrives in Bangkok at approximately 4:30 pm. Depart for home that same evening after 8 pm or the next morning on a flight of your choice from Bangkok. Some flight schedules may require an overnight in Bangkok on the return.

Transportation, Lodging and Camping: Travel in a modern bus with our leaders, Tandi and Dorji, plus our outstanding driver, Pala, also a wonderful person with many years of experience. Enjoy excellent lodging and meals, plus mobile camping for three nights where lodging is not yet available. Your full camp staff for the three nights will travel by truck to set-up your comfortable campsite before your arrival. They will erect your tents and arrange your sleeping cots, blankets, and pillows; erect a dining tent; prepare and serve all meals; port your luggage; erect a shower tent and heat hot shower water upon request. If you are a coffee aficionado, we suggest you bring your own, but there will be lots of hot tea available. The tents are approximately 9x9 feet with a roof high enough to allow you to stand. Two pit toilets will be newly dug at each campsite for your convenience and will be surrounded by an enclosure. There will be no electricity at campsites, but you will be able to recharge your batteries from the vehicles. A battery-operated lantern will be available in each tent, but you should bring a good flashlight and headlamp, with spare batteries. Bring your own towel.

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. Insects are not normally a problem in Bhutan, especially at this season. There should not be rain, although certainly possible, but generally in November the skies are very blue.

Travel Insurance: Emergency Medical Insurance is optional, but encouraged, for this tour. Read about travel insurance and our recommendations and requirements.

Non-smoking Policy: We have a strict non-smoking policy - smoking is not permitted at any time or any place during our tours.

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

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.

Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris is registered as California Seller of Travel #2063050-40. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California. Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris is a participant in the Travel Consumer Restitution Corporation (TCRC). In event of a client canceling where a refund is applicable in accordance with the schedule above, or in the event that CES needs to cancel the trip, all payments for transportation or travel service not provided to the client shall be promptly refunded, unless the client instructs us otherwise in writing. All client payments are deposited into a trust account in accordance with California law. If for any reason a valid refund is not forthcoming, the client may request reimbursement from the TCRC within six months of the scheduled end of the tour. Please feel free to ask us for more information.

Return to top

All material © Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris.
All photos © Doug or Ted Cheeseman, unless otherwise credited.
| Home | Current Trips | Site Map | Contact Us| About Us |