I am leading this trip to Bhutan for
Wandertours, which is owned by
Beth Whitman, who has hand-tailored our tour to ensure unique experiences that cannot be found on mass-marketed, large-group tours.
The women-only adventures
are created to provide
rich cultural experiences
and
unique programs
while participants travel in comfort.
This tour feature activities that allow the group to get to know the locals while taking part in one-of-a-kind experiences.
Beth has asked me to lead this trip with optional yoga and meditation included. Bhutan (north of India, south of Tibet) is an incredibly beautiful country that I had the immense joy of traveling to in 2006.
The addition of yoga and meditation will integrate us deeper into the country -- yoga will  help our bodies adjust during and after plane rides and bus travel, breathwork will keep us centered and adjusted to the altitude, meditation will help us to connect to this magical Buddhist country. (Yoga, meditation, etc. is optional. Sessions will be suitable for all levels. Bring a travel yoga mat along if you have one.)
Tour Details
Bhutan Yoga and Cultural Tour for Women
Type: Women-only Tour
Dates: March 13 - March 24, 2016
Number of Days: 12
Cost: $5,300 + air
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Susan meets up with school children
in Bhutan
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WanderTours Giving Program - A portion of your tour cost will support RENEW, a women's program based in Thimphu dedicated to the relief and empowerment of women in Bhutan. The group will visit RENEW's offices to present the donation and to learn more about the organization.
HIGHLIGHTS
of the Bhutan Tour
* Take optional daily yoga classes
* Hike to Tiger's Nest, the country's most photographed monastery
* Attend the Paro Festival - the country's most popular event featuring the unfurling of the country's largest thongdrel (banner) * Drive over Himalayan mountain passes (11,000+ feet) * Take light hikes in the peaceful beauty of the Himalayan foothills
* Visit Punakha Dzong - considered the most beautiful monastery in Bhutan
* Experience Bumthang, believed to be the birthplace of Buddhism in Bhutan
* Learn about the Kingdom's approach to Gross National Happiness
* Returning WanderTours participants receive a 5% discount on land costs
* New for 2016 - tips for in-country guides and drivers included in price - See more: HERE
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Monks drying robes by a riverbed
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The group will meet in Bangkok for the flight to Paro, Bhutan. For all who can attend, there will be a welcome dinner in Bangkok the night prior to departure, Saturday evening, March 12. Flights leave Bangkok very early on the morning of March 13 (usually 5:30 a.m.) so it's best to arrive in Bangkok at least 24 hours prior to departure to Bhutan in the event of flight delays.
Bhutan Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Sunday March 13, 2016 - Arrive in Paro, Bhutan - Thimphu
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
The flight into Paro on Bhutan's national carrier, Druk Air, is a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of the country. In clear weather, magnificent views of the world's highest peaks give way to the lush green Paro Valley as we land. Your first experience will be that of breathing in the cool, clean fresh air. After clearing customs and visa control, the group will be met by the local guide and driven to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital (population 86,000; elevation 7,520 feet) about 90 minutes away.
After lunch, we'll visit sights around Thimphu that may include a nunnery, the National Memorial Chorten, the National Zoo (more like a preserve, the only animal present is the national animal, the unique Takin), the handicraft emporium, the handmade paper factory and Tashichho Dzong.
Dinner and overnight at Hotel Riverview or similar in Thimphu.
HIGHLIGHT! Though Thimphu is considered a bustling city compared to the rest of
 Bhutan, it is the world's only capital without a traffic light! It is also a great place to find out about the nation's thriving arts and crafts scene.
Day 2
Monday, March 14, 2016 - Thimphu - Punakha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following breakfast, we'll leave for Dochu La Pass (10,000 feet) where we'll have time to
 meander through the 108 chortens (small temples) and, on a clear day, take in views of the Himalayas. The drive climbs up through a forest of cedar and pine, their boughs dripping with lichen. From the pass, we'll take a downhill walk through the woods, intersecting with the road where we'll board the bus and drive farther east to the Punakha Valley.
If there's time today, we'll visit nearby Punakha Dzong, otherwise the visit will happen tomorrow.
Dinner and overnight at Meri Puensum Hotel or similar in Punakha.
HIGHLIGHT! Punakha Dzong is considered the most beautiful of all the dzongs in Bhutan. You'll have time to look around the compound of buildings that house hundreds of monks in the winter months. You'll tour the impressive main temple that contains huge Buddhas at the altar as well as thousands of small Buddha statues along the walls. The Bhutanese guide will provide detailed information about the dzong's storied past and about the interior artwork.
Day 3
Tuesday, March 15, 2016 - Punakha - Trongsa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we'll head out on the approximately five-hour ride (bring your iPod) to Trongsa. Along the way, we will cut through the Black Mountains on Bhutan's Central Road, completed just over 30 years ago. This highway essentially opened central Bhutan to the world.
Beyond the town of Wangdue, the road climbs through tropical vegetation to Pele La Pass at
 10,900 feet, which is surrounded by towering rhododendrons and dwarf bamboo. You'll likely see yak, which often graze in this area and, if it's clear, you might see impressive Mt. Jomolhari (24,140 feet) to the west. Coming down from the pass, we will travel through an amazing gorge and then on to Trongsa, where we'll visit the striking Trongsa Dzong. This is one of the largest and most impressive dzongs in Bhutan, built high on a mountain spur next to a sheer drop overlooking the gorge of the Mangde Chhu (river).
Dinner and overnight at Hotel Yangkhil Resort or similar in Trongsa.
Day 4
 Wednesday, March 16, 2016 - Trongsa - Bumthang Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, we'll journey eastward to the Bumthang Valley, an area rich with fantastic sights to see. We'll visit Kurjey Lhakhang and Jambay monasteries, the Tamshing Gompa, the Jakar Dzong and possibly the Swiss Farm, which produces cheese, honey, beer and local fruit spirits.
Overnight at Rinchhenling Lodge or similar in Jakar (Bumthang Valley).
HIGHLIGHT! It's believed that Buddhism in Bhutan started in Bumthang. The valley is home to the two oldest temples in the Kingdom and a number of sacred sites, creating a spiritual vibe that pervades the entire valley.
Day 5
Thursday, March 17, 2016 - Bumthang Valley - Tang Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
 After breakfast, we'll set off for the Tang Valley about an hour and a half away. From there, we'll make the hour-long hike through small villages up to Ogyen Choling Museum, where we'll tour this remarkable building that provides rare insight into traditional life in Bhutan. After walking back down to the road, we'll enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch in a quiet spot along the river.
In the afternoon, we'll pay a visit to the Pema Choling Nunnery to see how the women there
 live. This is a very special opportunity to see where the nuns reside and how they run the nunnery, which is quite different than the monasteries where the monks live.
Dinner and overnight at Rinchhenling Lodge or similar in Jakar (Bumthang Valley).
HIGHLIGHT! The road to the Tang Valley is quite stunning with wonderful views at the top. A visit to the museum is a unique opportunity to see how the Bhutanese have lived for centuries.
Day 6
Friday, March 18, 2016 - Bumthang - Ura Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
 Our next destination is the Ura Valley, located approximately 25 miles outside of Jakar. The road reaches the Shelthang La Pass, where, on clear days, there is a magnificent view of Bhutan's highest peak, Gangkar Puensum, stretching 24,600 feet into the sky. From there, we'll hike down through a lush forest and through a village of traditional homes to meet the bus.
Dinner and overnight at Rinchhenling Lodge or similar in Jakar (Bumthang Valley).
HIGHLIGHT! Ura Valley's main occupation is raising sheep and yaks, but the introduction of potato farming has brought a certain degree of prosperity to the people. You'll have a chance to wander through the streets and alleys of this village to see their homes.
Day 7
Saturday, March 19, 2016 - Bumthang - Gangtey
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following breakfast, we will start the drive back to Paro. Along the way, we'll stop at Yotong
 La Pass and continue on via Trongsa to Pele La Pass, and then to the Phobjika Valley (10,000 feet), considered to be the most beautiful valley in the Himalayas. There will be a lunch break along the way.
HIGHLIGHT! The Phobjika Valley is the winter home to the endangered black-necked cranes that migrate from the Tibetan Plateau. While they are usually only here from November through March, sometimes you'll spot stragglers as late as April.
Day 8
Sunday, March 20, 2016 - Gangtey - Wangdue
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
 We'll visit Gangtey Gompa, which was built in the 17th century and renovated just a few years ago. From the Gompa, we'll walk back to the hotel along a path that cuts through a forest and then across the valley floor. Lunch will be served back at the hotel.
In the afternoon, we'll take a two-hour drive to a riverside hotel near Wangdue (4,000 feet).
HIGHLIGHT! We'll enjoy a morning walk in the Phobjika Valley, which is one of the easiest on the tour. This region is breathtaking and you'll likely see horses and cows - and maybe even a crane or two! - along the valley floor, which is ringed by low mountain ranges.
Day 9
 Monday, March 21, 2016 - Wangdue - Thimphu - Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
From Wangdue, we'll drive to Thimphu for lunch and one last opportunity for sightseeing and souvenir shopping in the capital.
Then we'll head to Paro for dinner and overnight at the Metta Resort or similar in Paro.
Day 10
Tuesday March 22, 2016 - Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We'll get an early start in order to hike the two+ hours to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest), the country's most photographed and well-known monastery. On most days, there are monks
 here who will be happy to bless items that you've carried with you (mala beads, prayers flags or other sacred items).
We'll tour the temples located at the top and you'll have time to simply enjoy the views from this perch.
On our way back down, we'll stop at the tea shop/cafe located midway, where we'll enjoy a few more exceptional views of Tiger's Nest. To cap it all off, we will then have a picnic lunch at the bottom of the hill.
Once we're back in Paro, you may have time for relaxing or going to town for some souvenir shopping.
Dinner and overnight at the Metta Resort or similar in Paro.
HIGHLIGHT! The hike and visit to Tiger's Nest could quite possibly be the highlight of your time in Bhutan. It might even be the highlight of your life! It's that amazing.
Day 11
Wednesday, March 23, 2016 - Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
 We'll get up very early (VERY early) to attend the Paro Festival. Sometime in the wee morning hours (perhaps 3 a.m.) we'll depart for the Paro Dzong to watch the unfurling of the thongdrel, which takes a few hours time. After the unfurling, we'll head back to the hotel to catch up on sleep or have breakfast, depending on the time.
The festival continues until the late morning and you may return to enjoy the day's festivities. You never know what you'll see - the King was spotted during several of of our visits to this festival. Alternately, you may choose to
 peruse the streets of Paro, visiting sights that you might have missed previously.
A special final night's dinner will be organized and then overnight at the Metta Resort or similar in Paro.
HIGHLIGHT! It's considered good karma to attend the Paro Festival - be prepared to have a lifetime of sins disappear as you watch this event in the middle of the night.
Day 12
Thursday, March 24, 2016 - Paro - Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast
 Following breakfast, you'll leave for the airport and bid farewell to the Kingdom of Bhutan. Your flight should arrive into Bangkok around 4:30 p.m. Though you may connect with an international flight that night, consider staying in Bangkok for one night in case flights out of Paro are delayed, which is not uncommon.
** Itinerary subject to change without notice.
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* Register early to secure your spot on this tour and save on flight costs.
Costs:
Land only: $5,300
Single supplement: $600
Interested in sharing the cost with another traveler? We do our best to pair up travelers so as to avoid the single supplement. However, priority is given to the first deposits received. If you're interested in sharing, please send in your deposit as soon as possible in order to take advantage of this benefit.
Final payment due no later than January 25, 2016.
Price includes: All transportation in Bhutan, all meals, hotels, bottled water, visa, airport tax, tips for guides and drivers (excluding yoga teacher/guide), and tourist development fund charge. Also includes entrance to monasteries and festivals.
Price does not include: Flights to and hotel in Bangkok, evacuation insurance (highly recommended), souvenirs, personal purchases (such as books and snacks), beverages other than water, and tip for your yoga teacher/guide.
We recommend
World Nomads for travel and/or evacuation insurance.
This trip is limited to 15 women and requires an $800 deposit on a first come, first served basis.
Minimum bookings required have been reached.
Please note - Throughout the tour, Susan will lead yoga classes appropriate for all levels of practitioners - from beginners to the most advanced. Keeping in mind the altitude and time of day, she will gear classes to match the group's needs - restorative, invigorating, gentle, meditative, energizing. We will also practice breathing exercises and end each class with a few minutes of mindfulness meditation. Come prepared with comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and your own travel yoga mat.
Please make payable and send check to:
WanderTours
PO Box 16102
Seattle, WA 98116
Tour Leader:
Susan Weis-Bohlen
Susan began traveling in her teens and lived overseas for almost a decade. She has visited a wide variety of countries including Bhutan, Bolivia, Cuba, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Egypt, England, France, Greece, Iceland, India, Israel, Jordan and Peru and probably a few more!
Susan has been practicing yoga since 1995 and has studied Hatha in the Iyengar style and was trained through the Chopra Center for Well-Being in the Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga. She is a Chopra Center certified teacher of Ayurveda, the 5,000-year-old Indian system of health and nutrition.
Susan lives in Reisterstown, Maryland with her husband, Larry, and their two dogs, Ella and Shadow.
She runs a vegetarian cooking school, Susan's Kitchen, and is an
Ayurvedic health consultant
and also teaches meditation.
About Bhutan
Few travelers go to Bhutan because of the country's insufficient infrastructure and the government's desire that the country sustain its extraordinary culture. Accommodations are quite comfortable, usually in the 3 - 4 star range (5-star hotels can be upwards of an additional $1,000/night!), and have private bathrooms, heat and hot water. Meals are usually served buffet-style at the hotel and include plenty of cooked vegetables, rice and meat. Vegetarians will have no issues finding enough to eat though you might want to bring some protein bars.
Bhutan is situated high in the Himalayas. The altitude shouldn't be a problem for most, but sometimes people react to it with minor headaches or stomachaches. Participants should be fairly fit and expect to do light hiking throughout the journey.
For those vulnerable to motion sickness, please bring medication or natural remedies in the event the twisty roads get to you.
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