Thunder Dragon
Trekking the Kingdom of Bhutan
March 14 – 30, 2008

THE HIDDEN KINGDOM

In Bhutan, the winds come howling down off the Himalayas, leading the Bhutanese to believe that a mythical god known as the Thunder Dragon watches over and protects them. The Bhutanese name for their country then is Druk Yul, meaning “Land of the Thunder Dragon.” Their mythical god must indeed be protecting them, for Bhutan is one of the few countries in the world that has never been occupied or ruled by another foreign power.
     Existing archives trace Bhutanese history back to AD450, although many of the intervening events remain a mystery. Guru Rinpoche is believed to have brought Mahayana Buddhism to Bhutan from Tibet in the eighth century. Bhutan as it exists today first became a coherent political entity in the 17th century. This land-locked country sits at the base of the Himalayan Mountain range nestled between India’s northeastern corner and China’s Tibet region.
     This is a remote place of remarkable natural beauty with a pristine and intact environment and a friendly, tradition-bound people. For the discerning international traveler who has been everywhere, Bhutan may just be the final frontier. This tiny kingdom, barely the size of Switzerland, zealously sequestered itself from the rest of the world for centuries. They only opened their doors to limited tourism a mere three decades ago.
     The Kingdom of Bhutan has adopted a very cautious approach to tourism in an effort to avoid its potentially negative impact on the country’s culture and environment. All tourists must travel on a pre-planned, pre-paid, guided package tour. Independent travel is not permitted. The package rate is fixed and controlled by the Government and is followed by all in the industry. In spite of the high price, there are still plenty of travelers eager to explore the breathtaking terrain and experience the delightful inhabitants of this astonishing country—the world’s last Buddhist kingdom.
     In an era when tourism often dictates national economics, travel to Bhutan is a refreshing experience. Here, a deeply ingrained sense of hospitality, a universally treasured ecosystem and a living culture ensures every traveler the best that any nation has to offer. Travel to Bhutan is really an exploration of traditions and a culture that has been preserved through the centuries. In Bhutan we are not going to see some display or cultural park that has been created for tourists. Rather, we will be sharing a true life experience with the Bhutanese.
     Toto Tours provides you with the entrance to one of the world’s most remote destinations and greatest vacation secrets. Come with us through a doorway into a world like nothing you’ve ever experienced before.

ITINERARY

Friday, March 14, 2008
Leave Home / Flight to Thailand

Make arrangements to leave your home city today on an international flight bound for Bangkok, Thailand, arriving tomorrow afternoon.

Saturday, March 15, 2008
Arrival in Bangkok

Arrive in Bangkok, known as the City of Angels. Because group airfare is not provided and participants tend to arrive at widely varying times, we have not included a group transfer from the airport to the hotel in the tour cost. Prior to departure we will provide information about the approximate cost of taxi transfers. We can also book private car service for you if you would like. If your flight arrives very late tonight, please consider arriving one day early so you do not miss our welcome events.
     This evening Toto Tours hosts a Welcome Dinner at a sidewalk café in the gay entertainment district near our hotel. Afterwards, those who have the energy or inclination will want to take the plunge into Bangkok’s gay nightlife.     (Welcome Dinner)

Sunday, March 16, 2008
Free Day in Bangkok

We encourage you to rest today, enjoy a Thai massage, and get your body over jet-lag. We have a very early departure in the morning, and we plunge into Bhutan during the very exciting Paro Festival. You won’t want to miss anything due to fatigue!     (Breakfast)

Monday, March 17, 2008
Flight to Paro, Bhutan

This morning we check out of our hotel and transfer to the airport for an early morning flight to Bhutan. We will arrange for a breakfast box if we need to leave the hotel before a hot breakfast is available.
     Upon arrival at the Paro Airport, we meet our guide and travel to the hotel for a cup of tea and brief orientation before plunging into the celebrations of the Paro Festival. The crew will get our bags marked so they will be in our rooms when we get back.
     We spend most of the day at the Paro Tsechu Festival in and around the monastery. This is one of the most colorful annual events in the whole Himalaya as crowds gather to see the monks, dressed in brightly colored robes, perform ritual dances. We also visit the Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower that stands above the monastery and now houses the National Museum.     (All Meals)

IMPORTANT NOTE:  Stops on our sightseeing itinerary in Bhutan are organized but flexible. Opening and closing times change occasionally, and it is impossible to be 100% certain (writing this itinerary nearly one year in advance) that listed activities will be available on the dates and times specified. We endeavor to see everything mentioned, but remain open to change in response to serendipitous events that appear, and to special interests expressed by the group.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Paro to Thimphu

A short drive takes us to Satsam Chorten, where we mount horses for a two-hour ride climbing through beautiful pine forest. Many of the trees are festooned with Spanish moss, and we encounter an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We stop for a rest and light refreshments at the Taktsang Jakhang (cafeteria) and then walk a short distance until we see, clearly and seemingly within reach, Taktsang Monastery, clinging to a sheer rock cliff that plunges 3,000 feet into the valley below.
     After lunch, drive to Thimphu, capital of Bhutan, with a population of about 70,000. The town is made up of just three streets of shops and is the only national capital in the world without traffic lights. This afternoon visit the National Memorial Chorten (honoring late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk), the Arts School where 13 traditional arts are kept alive, and the Traditional Medicine Institute. Finally, after business hours, visit Tashichho Dzong, seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan). Overnight in Thimphu.     (All Meals)

Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Unstructured Thimphu

Many people who take organized tours to Bhutan complain that there are too many planned activities, and not enough time to simply “Be” in the Buddhist sense and soak up the atmosphere of the place. There are many amazing things to do in this city, and we are happy to offer them in an organized way if that is what the group desires, but feel free to do your own thing today.
     Among the many possibilities we can see today: A textile museum; Lungtenzampa to observe the royal silversmiths at work; a traditional handmade paper factory; the Takin Zoo; a half-day hike to the remarkable Tango Monastery (good warm-up for our trek); the Royal Botanical Garden; shopping at a local handicrafts emporium. Whatever you choose to do will make for an absolutely perfect day!     (All Meals)

Thursday, March 20, 2008
Thimphu to Punakha

After breakfast this morning we have time to visit the National Library, stocked with ancient Buddhist manuscripts, and perhaps visit one more site of the group’s choosing. If you have acquired an extra duffel full of purchases by this point, you can check it securely at our hotel to be collected again at the end of our trek.
     After lunch we drive 3 hours to Punakha, crossing the 10,000-foot Dochula Pass, which commands a breathtaking view of the eastern Himalayan chain. We continue onwards to Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and spectacularly situated between Pho Chu (Male river) and Mo Chu (Female river). This evening we visit Chimi Lhakhang, built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley who is said to have subdued the demons with his “Magical Thunderbolt.” The Temple is also known as the “Temple of Fertility.”     (All Meals)

Friday, March 21, 2008
Trek:  Chazam to Khotokha

Today we begin our trek! We first drive from Punakha through Wangduephodrung and down to the river on the other side of the town. At this point we say farewell to motorized forms of transportation and continue on foot. From the bridge, climb up through ever-changing vegetation over Mulai La pass (9,200 feet) and then descend the other side to a tented camp situated in the wide valley of Khotokha, a summer place of the Sha people.     (All Meals)

Saturday, March 22, 2008
Trek:  Khotokha to Gogona

Continue upwards again today, eventually crossing the Shobju La pass (11,155 ft.) where we enjoy lunch with a view! The path leads down from the pass to Gogona Village.
     The people of Gogona were originally nomads, and they speak a language called “Jopkha” that is unique to this small ethnic group. Overnight in tented camp.     (All Meals)

Sunday, March 23, 2008
Trek: Gogona - Gangtey Gompa

On our final day of trekking takes us on a trail that ascends through mixed forests and finally, as we reach the Tsele La Pass summit, scrub vegetation. From here an easy descent brings us to Gangtey village and the monastery (gompa). We stay overnight in a local guesthouse.     (All Meals)

Monday, March 24, 2008
Gangtey – Trongsa

After breakfast, drive to Trongsa and visit Trongsa Dzong, the most impressive fortress in Bhutan. It was built in its present form in 1644 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, the official who was sent to unify eastern Bhutan. Trongsa Dzong is the ancestral home of the present royal family, and the first two hereditary kings ruled Bhutan from this dzong. We also visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower with a beautiful chapel inside. Dinner and overnight in a hotel.     (All Meals)

Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Trongsa – Bumthang

After breakfast, drive to Bumthang where we visit Jambay Lhakhang, built by King Srongsen Gampo of Tibet in the year 659. After lunch, tour Chakhar (Iron Castle) Lhakhang, the site of the palace of the Indian King Sindhu Raja. The original palace was made of iron, hence the name Chakhar. The saint Dorji Lingpa built the current building in the 14th century. Finally, we visit Tamshing Lhakhang (Temple of the Good Message), established in 1501, the most important Nyingmapa temple in the kingdom. Dinner and overnight in a hotel.     (All Meals)

Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Bumthang:  Free Day for Optional Adventures

Today is completely free for rest and relaxation or to take advantage of several optional excursions. You may choose to continue sightseeing in the area, take another day trek in the surrounding countryside or make the excursion to Ura, a community of 40 closely packed houses on cobblestone streets that has a medieval feel about it.     (All Meals)

Thursday, March 27, 2008
Bumthang – Thimphu

After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and begin the long drive back to Thimphu. We make plenty of stops along the way to stretch our legs, eat lunch and take advantage of many great photo opportunities. Overnight in Thimphu.     (All Meals)

Friday, March 28, 2008
Thimphu – Paro

Enjoy free time this morning to relax or do last-minute souviner shopping. We return to Paro after lunch to savor our last night in Bhutan.     (All Meals)

Saturday, March 29, 2008
Flight to Bangkok

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for our flight back to Bangkok. After check-in at our hotel, the afternoon is free for last minute souvenir shopping. This evening Toto Tours hosts a Farewell Dinner at beautiful restaurant to celebrate the successful conclusion of our adventures in Bhutan. Take advantage of your “one night in Bangkok” to enjoy some of the entertainment options near our hotel.     (Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

Sunday, March 30, 2008
Departure

The tour officially ends after breakfast this morning. Arrange your return flight home for any convenient time today. We provide one group transfer to the airport, timed to accommodate the greatest number of departing tour participants. We will be happy to extend your stay in Bangkok if you so desire.     (Breakfast)

ACCOMMODATIONS

Bangkok:  Sofitel Silom (3 nights / executive floors)

Bhutan:  Bhutan offers generally modest but clean hotels. There are none of the chain hotels in Bhutan although a couple of high end resorts have been opened in some districts. Visitors are advised not to expect luxury or five star hotel services. Bhutan’s local hospitality is, however, an insight into a society where tourism may be a new venture, but where visitors are greeted with true warmth and friendship. Specific hotels will be provided prior to departure, but they do not have websites where you can view them in advance. (9 nights)

Trek:  Tented camps (2 nights) and small guesthouse (1 night)

TOUR PREPARATION

Entry Requirements:  Passport (minimum validity of six months) and visa required, extendable. Tourists receive visas upon arrival at the Paro Airport. This is included in your tour cost.

Immunizations:  None are required unless you have recently visited one of the handful of African or South American countries designated Yellow Fever countries. There are many immunizations possible - consult your doctor. Our observation is that most visitors do not get a raft of vaccinations before coming. Your ordinary things like tetanus should be up to date. The most likely "nasties" you would come in contact with in the Himalayas are waterborne, so ask your doctor about Gammaglobulin or the Hepatitis vaccine. Both give your system some boost against waterborne illness. Standards of dental care in Bhutan are poor. It would be a good idea to visit your dentist before leaving home.

Exit Requirements: Your departure tax has been included in the tour cost.

Conditioning: You definitely ought to undertake strength-building and conditioning exercises prior to departure. Start walking everywhere! Try to walk several miles at least twice a week for one month prior to departure. Climbing stairs or working out on a stairmaster is ideal for strengthening the muscles needed for this trek. Your enjoyment of this active adventure will increase proportionately with the amount of effort you put into your conditioning program. Condition your feet ahead of time. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Coat them with a thin layer of Vaseline after your shower, and slather on moisturizing lotions. Chapped, cracked feet will cause misery with every step in the dry mountain atmosphere!

Altitude Considerations: Many visitors to the Himalayas experience what is known as “mountain sickness”—a feeling of dizziness and nausea accompanied by a throbbing headache. It happens when your body isn’t getting all the oxygen it wants. People from Bhutan can’t relate because their bodies have adapted to the high altitude by producing more red blood cells. Unless you happen to live at 10,000-12,000 feet, you can expect to experience some degree of discomfort. It’ll be a male bonding thing!
     This tour has been designed to enable us to acclimate gradually to the ever-increasing altitudes. If you think you’ll have a serious problem with the altitude, consult your physician and ask him to prescribe Diamox. It greatly lessens the symptoms of “mountain sickness.” You should also plan on drinking large quantities of water as the high altitude causes rapid dehydration.

WHAT TO BRING

Suggested Packing List:

Alphabetical List of Recommended Equipment for Trekking in Bhutan

Address Book (for postcards back home) — Optional
Alarm clock or watch with alarm — Optional
Bandannas or handkerchiefs — Optional
Batteries (spares) for any electronic equipment — Optional
Binoculars — Optional
Book(s) — Optional
Boots which are sturdy and cover the ankle.— Required — Must be BROKEN IN!!!
Calculator (for currency transactions) — Optional
Camera (and lots of film if you haven't gone digital) — Optional
Candles — Optional
Cap or other warm-weather headgear — Required
Cotton pants (2), shirts(3), socks (3 pr) — Required
Clothespins (4) — Optional
Day pack or rucksack — Required
Duct Tape (fixes anything...) — Optional
Extra pair of glasses, if you wear them — Required
Flashlight (headlamp recommended) — Required
Games, playing cards, etc. — Optional
Gloves — Required *
High-energy foods (candy bars for example) — Optional
Knife — Required
Light jacket — Required
Lighter for candles, or if you smoke — Optional
Map of Bhutan — Optional
Medical kit — Required
     Good medicines are available in Bhutan, but few familiar brands
Pack or large duffel bag for your gear — Required
Parka — Optional
Photocopy of the first page of your passport — Recommended
Photos, passport size (2) — Recommended
Pictures of your family to show people you meet — Optional
Plastic bags (infinitely useful) — Optional
Safety pins — Optional
Sewing kit — Optional
Shell or windbreaking jacket — Required
Shoelaces - extras — Optional
Shorts — Optional
Short-wave radio — Optional
Sleeping bag (mattress pad provided) — Required
Small gifts or trinkets for people you meet — Optional
Sneakers / lightweight shoes for camp — Optional
Star charts or guide — Optional
String — Optional
Sunglasses and/or goggles — Required
Thermal underwear — Required *
Toilet paper — Required
Toiletries kit — Required
Towel — Required
Tripod for camera — Optional
Walking stick — Optional
Watch — Optional
Whiskey, cigarettes, or any other "vices" — Optional
Wool or fleece hat — Required *
Wool or fleece pants (2), shirts (2), sweater/jumper (1), socks (3) — Required *

* Items are for cold weather trekking. On any trek you should have one or two warm things, but a lot of trekking in Bhutan is in temperate weather. Above 3,000 m / 10,000 feet and November to February, bring cold-weather gear for most treks.

Suggested Medical Kit for Trekking in Bhutan

We are not doctors, and don't prescribe medications. This list is only for your convenience in discussing your trip with your doctor. When you consult him or her about immunizations and other trip related issues, take this list with you to get your doctor's input.

Prescription Medications:
Cephlosporin antibiotic - wound or skin infection
Septra DS antibiotic - broad spectrum
Ciprofloxacin antibiotic - bad diarrhea
Penicillin antibiotic - mouth infection
Immodium for diarrhea (or something stronger)
Tylenol #3 moderate pain, e.g. toothache
Oxycodone severe pain, e.g. bad sprain
Diamox altitude sickness (only above 3,000 m / 10,000 ft for most people

Non-Prescription Items:
iodine tablets or drops for water purification
antacid
antihistamine
aspirin or paracetamol
anti-fungal cream
antibacterial ointment
sunscreen
Blistex or Chap-Stick
blister pads or moleskin
cough drops
eye drops
bandages, band-aids
ace (elastic) bandage
thermometer
scissors or nail clippers
tweezers

MONEY MATTERS

The currency unit of Bhutan is the Ngultrum (BNT), which is pegged to the Indian Rupee (also acccepted as legal tender). Locals abbreviate the currency as “Nu” and most visitors call them “noos.”
     Notes are in denominations of BTN500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of BTN1, and 100, 50, 25, 10 and 5 chetrum. U.S. Dollars are also widely accepted throughout the kingdom. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but you will need cash at local shops. There are NO ATM’s anywhere in Bhutan, so plan on bringing plenty of spending money with you. The Bhutanese textiles are beautiful and even hardened, frequent world travelers end up buying much more than they expected. As of May 14, 2007, the interbank rate of exchange was 44.4 BTN to the US$1.00. But that is the favored rate one bank charges another. You are more likely to get just 40 ngultrum for a dollar.

Tipping:  As you will likely be with the same guide for your stay, you should tip a few dollars per day, with a little less for the driver, and about $5 or $6 USD per day for trekking guides. For restaurants, tipping isn’t common but it is appreciated, so 5% or a few dollars for your meal will suffice.

RESERVATIONS

To reserve a place on this tour, click on the “Reservations” link above. Type in the information requested in each field, print the form, then sign and mail it to Toto Tours with your $1,000 deposit check. The initial deposit and cancelation penalty are higher than usual for this tour due to the fact that we will be booking your non-refundable flight to Paro the moment we receive your reservation. Seats are very scarce during the Paro Festival, and we probably won’t be able to book you on the tour if you have not reserved by September 15, 2007 (six months before departure).
     You have the option to pay for half of your tour deposit ($500) with a Visa or MasterCard. The remaining $500 must accompany your reservation in the form of a check. The remaining tour balance is due 90 days prior to departure (by December 15, 2007). Due to the difficulty of obtaining additional hotel and airline space, we will not be able to accept reservations after December 15, 2007. Tour registration is not complete until we have received both the signed reservation form and your deposit check and/or credit card authorization.
     Toto Tours does not accept credit cards as a form of payment except towards the tour deposit ($500 maximum can be charged per tour). An installment plan is possible. Our mailing address is: Toto Tours, 1326 W. Albion Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60626-4753. Make checks payable to: Toto Tours, Ltd.

LIABILITIES / DISCLAIMERS

Making a reservation with a deposit shall be deemed to be consent to these conditions: Toto Tours does not accept responsibility in whole or in part for any delay, loss, accidents, personal injury, sickness, medical expenses, or property damage occasioned by fault of any person from whatever cause. All participants are required to sign a standard liability form.
     We strongly encourage you purchase Travel Insurance to cover all aspects of your travel in Bhutan, especially since the non-refundable portion of your deposit and the cancellation penalties are stricter for this tour than for most other destinations! We will provide the necessary forms upon receipt of your deposit, or you can apply online by following the link at the bottom of this page. You can also book your travel insurance with a phone call to Toto Tours. Please be sure to read the details of the Refund Policy for this specific tour!
     The tour operators reserve the right to accept or decline any person as a member of the tour at any time and to make whatever changes become necessary with or without notice. This tour is a Guaranteed Departure!

• fun-loving optimists who have a sense of humor and accentuate the positive;
• good natured realists who are willing to accept situations as they exist;
• undaunted by the unexpected, like occasional delays or bad weather;
• willing to forego some of the amenities we normally take for granted;
• eager to try new things & test limits;
• punctual;
• not whiners!