Bhutan walking vacation

COUNTRY:
Bhutan
HOLIDAY TYPE:
Moderate walking vacations
DEPARTURES:
This trip can be tailor made at a time to suit you and can be adapted to suit your interests, budget and requirements as necessary. 2012 departures: March to May and September to December
PRICE:
From US $2700 - US $3060 (13 days) excluding flights
MORE INFO:
Child prices from US $2100, Minimum age 12. Price include all meals, transfer including pick up and drop, government tax, English speaking guide, daily bottled water, route permit and entry fees.
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Bhutan walking vacation
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Bhutan walking vacation

How this vacation makes a difference

Environment

It will be a small group tour or tailor made program with minimum damage to the local environment. All the walking routes are designated trails used by the locals as well. Appropriate transport will be used to minimise carbon emission and save energy. Hotels and accommodations that use locally produced and organic products will be encouraged. Hotels and restaurants that have environmental policy will be preferred for their services. A visit to the crane information centre will educate the guests on the habitat of this rare bird and guests can contribute voluntarily towards the sustainability of the protection area of black necked cranes in Phobjikha valley. At the centre, a local representative will brief on plans and programs implemented to foster economic incentives to the locals and strengthen conservation awareness based on community tourism. Different programs initiated by the local committee, such as the crane festival, are geared towards generating income for the community and continuing conservation stewardship.

Community

Wherever possible local guest houses and restaurants will be used for accommodation. There will be a farmhouse visit and opportunity to sit down with the host family and share a cup of tea or locally brewed wine. Guests will get an opportunity to taste local cuisine and buy locally produced handicrafts. Local communities will be encouraged to come up with tourism related products to supplement their income. A visit to the traditional arts and crafts factories will contribute towards the sustainability of the indigenous craft and a visit to the monasteries and temples will give insight to the locals to appreciate the value of their heritage.

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How we choose providers
Bhutan walking vacation
Bhutan walking vacation
Bhutan walking vacation
Bhutan walking vacation

Bhutan walking vacation

Reviewed 04 May 2011 by Patricia Lawrence5 star rating

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?


The scenery was overwhelming, giving the feeling of being on top of the world. The forested mountains seemed to go on forever. The highlight had to be the hike up to the Tiger's Nest, an amazing experience. My guide and driver were so solicitous, anxious to do anything to enhance my vacation, as were all the hotel staff, extremely courteous and happy. What a contrast to service in a UK hotel.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?


Try to get fit to adapt to the altitude. Take plenty of layers to cope with different temperatures traveling across the country. Take plenty of memory cards and spare camera batteries.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?


It gave employment to the local people and the high tourist tax is hopefully funding health services and education as well as providing electricity to all areas. I was concerned about the amount of petrol being used for just one person but was assured that this was offset by the oxygen produced by all the trees.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?


Certainly the best I have ever had. The scenery was superb, it was really interesting to learn about the Buddhist culture and experience the effect this has on the Bhutan people. They were all charming and helpful.

Reviewed 15 Oct 2010 by Julie Puttgen5 star rating

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?


Climbing up to the Tiger's Nest on our last full day in Bhutan WAS pretty great - but I think my prize goes to seeing big pink orchids growing on the side of the road - and having the leisure to go photograph them, thanks to our wonderful driver.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?


Spend at least one week in Bhutan - you need time to get familiar with the way things work & to get to know people well. Don't be afraid of butter tea! It's quite delicious, and pink to boot.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?


I was very glad to see how well-treated and respected our guide and driver were - and felt hotel staff & shop-keepers enjoyed a high standard of working conditions. Definitely a better feeling about this than I have had in many other Asian countries. Also good to find out that Bhutan distributes tourism income equitably around the country. Cars a slightly less happy picture - ours was very comfortable, but I would love to see Bhutan get more hybrid vehicles to reduce fossil fuel use on long driving tours.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?


A truly memorable and problem-free trip to a wonderful part of the world!
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Vacation Reviews

We invite every traveler who books a vacation via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the vacations they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same vacation can have different views!

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Bhutan walking vacation
Bhutan walking vacation
Bhutan walking vacation
Bhutan walking vacation
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