| Sorry for my lack of posts, we had an electrical | | | | most beautiful in Bhutan. You will be able to visit |
| meltdown that destroyed the computer, modem, | | | | the Crane Center to learn about black-necked |
| three tvs and more items. I plan on being back on | | | | cranes then visit a rural farmhouse. |
| schedule Monday with two updates coming this | | | | Day 6: Phobjika. You will visit the Gangtey Gonpa |
| week. | | | | monastery which is located in the center of the |
| Bhutan Adventure | | | | Phobjika valley. The restoration of this monastery |
| Today I am going to talk about an inshore | | | | is scheduled for completion in early 2008, haven't |
| adventure that is made for active hikers and | | | | heard if it is completed. After exploring the |
| ground explorers. Today the trip will be to Bhutan | | | | monastery you can set off on a great half day |
| where you can take optional hikes that range | | | | hike in the valley. |
| from one to five miles. Many of the excursions | | | | Day 7: Phobjika/Punakha After breakfast you will |
| involve steeper climbing and slippery footing, so | | | | go to Punakha the ancient capital. You will visit the |
| you must be physically fit. | | | | Punakha Dzong fortress a the junction of the Pho |
| You will be staying at comfortable hotels most of | | | | and Mo rivers. You will enjoy an afternoon tea |
| your trip with two nights spent in a comfortable | | | | and a festive dinner around the campfire in the |
| tented camp in the Punakha Valley. | | | | evening. |
| On this trip you will see beautiful temples and | | | | Day 8: There will be a hike to Khamsum Yuelley |
| villages which have not changed for a very long | | | | Namgyel Chorten with awesome views of the |
| time. You will attend a prayer ceremony and | | | | valley. |
| make hikes to ancient dzongs situated on a | | | | Day 9: Punakha/Thimphu Go to Thimphu the |
| cliffside. | | | | capital of Bhutan. Enjoy the weekend open |
| You will visit Gangtey Gonpa which is one of the | | | | market. Enjoy a visit to the school of painting and |
| wealthiest monasteries in Bhutan. You will see | | | | arts. In the evening you will be able to enjoy the |
| traditional homes and visit an arts school. This is a | | | | company of high level officials at a Bhutanese |
| wonderful trip to explore ancient cultures. | | | | banquet. |
| Your itinerary on this trip is shown below: | | | | Day 10: Thimphu/Paro After exploring Thimphu |
| Day 1: Depart the US and arrive at Bangkok on | | | | you will visit the new National Textile Museum. |
| the following day | | | | Bhutan's weavings are world famous for their |
| Day 3: You will fly to Calcutt's Paro Valley in | | | | sophistication. |
| Bhutan. Enjoy a welcome lunch and see the | | | | Day 11: Paro Hike to Tiger's Nest Temple which is |
| national museum near the Paro Dzong fortress. | | | | 2000 feet above the valley floor. In the evening |
| Explore the Kyichu Lhakhang. | | | | you will enjoy an active farewell dinner. |
| Day 4: Explore the Thimphu Valley and see | | | | Day 12: Paro/Bangkok Fly to Bangkok where you |
| Simtokha Dzone, Bhutan's first dzong. Continue to | | | | will stay overnight in a motel |
| the Dochu La at 10,000 feet and view incredible | | | | Day 13: Fly from Bangkok to the US (or your |
| Himalayan summits if the weather permits. Take | | | | return destination). |
| a short hike in the forest and then descend into | | | | This is a great high energy trip that hikers would |
| Wangdiphodrang valley and find your hotel. | | | | find difficult to top. If this is a trip you make |
| Day 5: In the morning there will be a drive to the | | | | please drop me a line, I would enjoy adding some |
| valley of Phobjika considered to be one of the | | | | comments. |