2019 Wilderness Travel Catalog of Adventures

Hiker’s Journey to Bhutan FESTIVALS AND HIKES IN THE LAND OF THE THUNDER DRAGON

Emerald valleys, deep rhododendron forests, serene villages, exuberant festivals that honor the guardian deities—we invite you to experience a rare Himalayan world on

capital, where we stretch our legs on a hike up to Cheri, a 17th century monastery and major Buddhist teaching university and retreat center. Days 3-5 Punakha and Phobjikha Valleys In the lush Punakha Valley, we hike through riverside villages to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the Tibetan Buddhist saint known as “the divine madman” for his unconventional ways. Punakha holds the architectural masterpiece of the Punakha Dzong, Bhutan’s former winter capital, built in 1637 at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Po Chu (“mother” and “father” rivers). This is the seat of the highest abbot of Bhutan. We’ll head to the bowl-shaped glacial valley of Phobjikha for a hike through pine-forested hills and visit gold-spired Gangtey, an important monastery of the Nyingmapa sect of Buddhism. Days 6-12 Bumthang / Tsechu Festival / Paro The tranquil Bumthang region of central Bhutan has an extraordinary concentration of venerated temples and monasteries. It was here that Buddhism was introduced to Bhutan in the 7th century. We hike to some of the region’s most sacred sites, including 17th century Kurjey Lhakhang, whose temples are the resting place of Bhutan’s first three kings. Flying back to Paro, our final hike is spectacular as we head up the pilgrim trail to reach Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest, clinging to a cliff 3,000 feet above the Paro Valley. Depart on Day 12 or join our extension.

HIGHLIGHTS • Hike and explore the ethereal Bumthang region, spiritual center of this Himalayan kingdom • Attend a wildly colorful Buddhist tsechu festival • Meet artisans, farmers, Buddhist pilgrims, and red-robed monks • Climb the ancient trail to the cliff-perched Tiger’s Nest monastery • Overnights in deluxe hotels and welcoming lodges DETAILS • 12-day trip begins and ends in Paro • 4 nights deluxe hotels, 7 nights lodges • All meals included Nov 17-28 Nalakhar Festival Dec 11-22 Trongsa Festival Feb 13-24, 2019 Punakha Festival Mar 11-22 Paro Festival Oct 7-18 Thimphu Festival Nov 1-12 Jakar Festival Nov 6-17 Black-Necked Crane Festival Dec 6-17 Nalakhar Festival TRIP COST $5995 (4-15 members) Single supplement: $1595 Internal airfare: $1250-$1950 (subject to change) Bhutan visa fee (WT acquires visa for you): $40 Temples of Angkor Extension: from $925 TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 + 4 5 6 7 7 hiking days on moderate trails, 2-6 hours a day, altitudes between 4,100-12,000 feet DATES Nov 6-17, 2018 Black-Necked Cranes Festival

this cultural and hiking adventure. We’ll discover the kingdom of Bhutan’s unique heritage on hikes to pilgrimage sites in the sacred Bumthang Valley, follow trails to cliff-perched Tiger’s Nest Monastery, and meet villagers at work in their fields as we hike to

“Best trip I’ve ever taken! Our trip leader was an absolute treasure, so knowledgeable about everything and he shared it so well.”

Ellen K., Boulder CO

traditional hamlets. We’ve timed every departure to include a tsechu —a festival held at a centuries-old monastery where intricate dance-dramas depict the world of demons and deities. Lovely hotels and mountain lodges welcome us each night, and our Bhutanese Trip Leaders share their passion for their extraordinary country.

Days 1-2 Paro / Thimphu Flying to the green Paro Valley, we head to Thimphu, Bhutan’s

Exhilarating day hikes bring us through Bhutan’s pristine mountain valleys, and we’ll witness a traditional festival. PHOTO: BILL ABBOTT

HARTMUT LOEBERMANN BILL ABBOTT

QUESTIONS? 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL ASIA@WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM 91