94 Cathedral Street, Woolloomooloo, NSW, AUSTRALIA 2011PHONE: (02) 9357 6800 FAX: (02) 9357 6900

ATAS: A10482 ABN: 40 059 566 184 IATA 02-3-4302-5 email:travel@travelonq.com.au

‘INSPIRATIONAL BHUTAN’

(Springtime walking and the Paro Festival)

21 MARCH - 04 APRIL 2016 - Walking MatildaGroup Itinerary

Monday 21 March Arrival in Singapore

This evening meet your tour leader, Peter Kellett at the hotel bar – bar’75 at 7.00pm.Dinner is on your own account.

Overnight: Crowne Plaza Changi (Airport)75 Airport Boulevard, Singapore Ph: +65 6823-5300Hotel Email: SINCP@ihg.com

Day 1: Tuesday 22 March Singapore – ParoDruk Air - KB 501 - Departs: 06.00 am Arrive: 10.15 via Kolkotta

Check-in by 04.30 am at Terminal 1, Row 10 for the Druk Air flight to Paro.Peter will arrange a group check-in, so please have your passports and e-ticket handy.

https://www.drukair.com.sg/Travel-Tools/Check-In-And-Transfer-At-Changi-Airport-Terminal-1

Ask for seats on the left hand side of the aircraft, if available for the best view of theHimalayas. A spectacular descent through mountainous valleys brings you into theKingdom of Bhutan where the impressive airport terminal is your first glimpse of what’sahead. After completing the airport formalities, you will be met outside the terminalbuilding by your driver and English speaking guide who will be your hosts in Bhutan.

After hotel check-in and some morning tea, begin your Paro orientation andsightseeing. Visit the Kyichu Lhakang, built in 659 by King Songsten Gampo of Tibet. Itis believed that the Lhakang holds down the left foot of an ogress whose body coversthe whole of Bhutan and Tibet. Nowadays the Lhakang is a haven for elderly Bhutanesewho spend their days meditating, praying and spinning the prayer wheels around thegrounds. The inner sanctum is exquisitely decorated with murals and precious textiles.

After lunch you may drive past the exterior of the Ugyen Pelri Palace, residence of theformer Queen Mother. It is beautiful example of Bhutanese architecture. Depending ofthe festival schedule, you may also visit the Tshechu today.

Overnight: Metta Resort and Spa. Dinner at a local restaurant

Day 2: Wednesday 23 March - Paro sightseeing and a walk

After a leisurely breakfast visit the Ta Dzong, a 16th century watchtower perchedabove the Paro Dzong. Then visit the national museum housed in a new buildingadjacent to the Dzong. From this point commence a relatively easy 2 hour walk along aforested hillside to Zuri Dzong and then down to the Uma resort, where your driver willpick you up. The walk passes Gonsaka Lhakhang and then Zuri Dzong and provideswonderful views down over the valley and Dzong. Zuri Dzong dates from 1352 and ishome to the valley’s local protector.

This afternoon, visit the Festival grounds where the dancing will be in full swing.The religious relics will be transferred from Rinpung Dzong to the dancing ground thisafternoon in a ceremonial procession.

Overnight: Metta Resort and Spa: Dinner at the hotel

Day 3: Thursday 24 March - Paro TshechuUnfurling of the Tongdrel / Paro-Thimphu

You will be woken at a seriously early hour (approx 2am) to depart for the festivalgrounds to witness the unfurling of the Tongdrel, an enormous and intricatelyembroidered banner which is slowly lowered from the top of the building facing thecourtyard, to the accompaniment of clashing cymbals, horns and chanting (theculmination of the festival). This is preceded by a ceremony in which sacred objects aretaken by monks from the Dzong to the festival courtyard. The rest of the monk bodythen follows in procession. Don’t be surprised if you see young monks yawning anddesperately trying to stay awake while others are enthusiastically chanting. The wholescene is illuminated with butter lamps.

Locals press forward to touch the Tongdrel, give alms and receive a blessing from thehead monk. Be brave and join the press to receive a blessing!

The Tongdrel cannot be exposed to direct sunlight and is rolled up again before midmorning. This is an amazing and moving experience not to be missed!Return to the hotel around 6.00am for a mini sleep.NB: Be sure to wear your warmest clothing (hat, coat and gloves!)

Day 3 continued: Paro - Thimphu

After a late breakfast, depart for Thimphu, a lovely drive of about 1.5 hours along thevalley floor. Immaculately tended rice terraces and traditional Bhutanese homes withtheir colourful woodwork and whitewashed walls decorated with Buddhist motifs clingto the hillsides. You will see spring flowers among the forested slopes. On arrival inThimphu visit the National Heritage Museum, the Textile Museum and the MemorialChorten to Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the third King of Bhutan. Lunch will be at a localrestaurant before hotel check-in and further sightseeing or independent explorationand shopping.

Overnight: Hotel Gakyil. Dinner at the Hotel or a local restaurant

Day 4: Friday 25 March - Thimphu and Tangbo Monastery

Visit the Buddha Dordemna Statue located on a hill in the Kuenselphodrang NaturePark at the southern entrance to Thimphu Valley. The statue fulfills an ancientprophecy dating back to the 8th century A.D that was discovered by Terton PemaLingpa (Religious Treasure Discoverer) and is said to emanate an aura of peace andhappiness to the entire world. This massive statue of Shakyamuni is 15.5 metres tallmaking it one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world. The statue is made ofbronze and is gilded in gold as are the 125,000 smaller Buddha statues which havebeen placed within the statue, each between 8 – 10 inches tall. The throne that theBuddha Dordenma sits upon is a large meditation hall.

Return to Thimphu via the Molithang Preserve for a quick look at the Takin, thenational animal of Bhutan, a rare and strange creature looking like a cross between acow and a yak. Also visit the Zilukha Nunnery, one of the few in Bhutan.

Afternoon excursion – OptionalDrive out of Thimphu to a another valley. The hike up to the Tangbo Monastery (asharp little muscle stretcher of about 1 hour) offers wonderful views of the distantsnow covered mountains. Return to Thimphu in the late afternoon.

Overnight: Hotel Gakyil. Dinner at the Royal Bhutan Golf Club - TBC

Day 5: Saturday 26 March - Thimphu – Punakha

Today, we set off early for a stunning day’s driving up and over the Docchu-La Passeast of Thimphu, at 3,140m, where on a clear day you can see the whole Himalayanrange. After morning tea, continue the journey through forested mountains and on tothe turn off to the Punakha Valley. The terrain is wild, mountainous and ever changing.En route, we stop to take a short hike of about 30 minutes to the temple of the DivineMadman. Then turn off the main road to enter the beautiful Punakha valley.

On arrival, check into our guesthouse hotel with commanding views over the valley.After lunch, visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong built at the confluence of the Mo Chhuand Po Chuu rivers.

This is perhaps the most architecturally impressive of the Dzongs that we will see.Dzongs perform the dual role of home to the monk body and are also theadministrative centre of the region, so you will see many well dressed lay peoplecoming and going. All men who enter the Dzong precinct must wear a ceremonial scarfover their gho and the colour of the scarf worn denotes a man’s rank.

Then cross the bridge spanning the river further up the valley and hike (or drive) to ahighly decorated temple, The Khamsum Yuelley Chorten; a modern temple in thetraditional style, built by the Queen mother and well worth the visit for its beautifulpaintings and fantastic view down the valley and over the Dzong.

Overnight: Hotel Meri Puensum. Dinner at the guesthouse.

Day 6: Sunday 27 March - Punakha – Samtengang Trek

The Samtengang Trek is one of the easier lower altitude treks in Bhutan. It traversesbeautiful forests, many remote historical and religious sites and isolated villages in andabove the Punakha & Wangdue valleys. Weather permitting, it also offers stunningviews of mountainous peaks including Jomolhari (7315m), Kang Bum Peak locatedabove Gaza (6300m) and Tiger Mountain (Gangcheta 6840m) north of Laya. Some ofthe climbs may be steep and challenging.

After breakfast, we will meet our crew and pack our essential gear into a waterproofzip up cabin bag or similar which you have brought with you. This will then be carriedon the ponies. You only need to take the bare minimum and a sleeping bag as theseare not provided.NB: The rest of your luggage remains with the driver.

TREK DAY 1: Punakha – Limbukha (9km, 4 hours. 940m ascent)

The trek starts upstream from the Punakha Dzong, near the suspension bridge. Wecross over the Pho Chhu and climb gently on the left side of the river through terracedfields of mustard and winter wheat. After some 2-3 hours of uphill walking throughforests of oak, pine and rhododendron, stop for lunch in an area of prayer flags with abeautiful view over the valley. In the distance the huge chorten, Khamsum YuelleyNamgyal, which we visited yesterday can be seen. To the west the snow peaks maybevisible: Jomolhari, Kang Bum and Tiger Mountain.

A chorten and some prayer flags on the skyline at 2200m indicate the end of today’sclimb. From the chorten you can see towards Wangdue and Limbukha where ourcampsite is located is located just behind the village (1.5 hours. 2220m).

Limbukha, formerly a King’s residence, has several large old houses. Legend has it thatthat this was once the site of an upland lake. The villagers perform an annualceremony in connection with the lake prior to irrigating their fields.Overnight: Camp

Day 7: Monday 28 MarchTREK DAY 02: Limbuhkha – CHunsakha (10km, 4 hours. 375m ascent, 745m decent)

Leaving camp, the trail climbs steeply up to a small ridge (2370m) through a denseforest, from which today’s climb is visible. Cross this ridge, and descend steeply into asmall side valley and cross a small stream. After about 2 hours of uphill walking wereach a small pass, Dochen La (2645) marked by prayer flags. From here there shouldbe a good view towards Dochu La, and the three other peaks, as well as views of TaloLhakhang and Nobgang Lhakhang down in the valley.

After crossing the pass we descend steadily along a forest trail. The forest opens upafter reaching Dagegon marked by a beautiful traditional farmhouse. From here we seethe ridge with Samtengang village and Chhuni Gompa. We pass alongside the DargyelGompa, an old monastery of Drukpa Kinley, the`Divine Mad Madman’, whose teachingmethods often shocked monks and lay people alike. On the hillside above themonastery are several small meditations cells.We then reach the village of Chungsakha (1850m). The village has one Lhakhang witha simple but charming chapel on the first floor. The monastery has a festival everythree years with masked dances and singing. The campsite is in front of the Lhakhang.Overnight: Camp

Day 8: Tuesday 29 MarchTREK DAY 03: Chunsakha–Samtengang(4km, 2.5-3 hours, 550m ascent, 350m decent)

Descending to the road in (approx 45min) we cross a suspension bridge over the BaeChhu (river) 1500m. The trail from here is well marked and moderately steep and wepass through several villages. The trail continues through some eroded gorges, whichmay be slippery if there has been rain. The climb is over for the day when we reachSamtengang High School (established 1952). We continue through a narrow gorge tothe other side at (2000m) and look down upon a holy lake, Lutshokha (Tsho Shokha).Our campsite (2050m) is located on the other side of the lake about 20 minutes furtheron and lies below the village of Samtengang.

After lunch there will be plenty of time either to visit Samtengang or stay in camp ifpreferred. There is a picturesque trail climbing up to Samtengang Village and the localLhakhang, Gonjo Lhakhang.Overnight: Camp

Day 9: Wednesday 30 MarchTREK DAY 04: Samtengang– Bridge at Tika Zam/Chhuzomsa (2km, 3 hours, 495mdecent)

Starting near camp, the trail today is steep and challenging. It passes throughnumerous fields dissecting the valley of the Dang Chhu (river). The trail meets the roadnear a bridge at Tika Zam (1555m) where our vehicle awaits. Transfer from there tothe Kyichu resort, situated alongside the roaring river.

Overnight: Kyichhu Resort. Dinner at the Resort (Vegetarian)

Day 10: Thursday 31 March – Wangdue – Phobjikha Valley / Gangtey

Refreshed, we continue through the Black Mountains to the Phobjikha Valley through aseries of spectacular switchbacks climbing to a height of 3,300m. The scenery changesdramatically on entering this high glacial valley, from vast lichen covered forests topastures of dwarf bamboo. A wide marshland valley opens up before us as we descendto the valley floor, home to the migratory Black Necked Crane, which winters in thevalley between October and March, so you may just be lucky to see a few remainingstragglers. To preserve the birds’ habitat, there are no electricity wires in the valley, allhomes operating on solar power.

Overnight: Dewachen Lodge. Dinner at the Lodge

Day 11: Friday 01 April Phobjikha

Today it’s time for a walk around the valley, skirting the marshlands, and visiting thelocal villages. This is a mainly flat walk and its length can be altered to suit (2-3hours). You may visit a school here or in Yantong. There are two small local schools,one at either end of the valley and the children are always delighted to see you. If youhave any spare books, crayons, koala bears, etc, they will find grateful recipients here.(A visit has been arranged). After lunch, visit the recently restored Gangtey Gompa,one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan.

Overnight: Dewachen Logde. Dinner at the Lodge

Day 12: Saturday 02 April Phobjikha - Wangdue – Thimphu - Paro

Today is a long travelling day as we retrace our steps westwards. After breakfastascend out of the valley and head for Wangdue where we may stop to see the villagemarkets and have some butter (or regular) tea in a local tea house. We then continuetowards Thimphu (2-3 hours), stopping at the Botanical Gardens on the way. Thimphuis the last place to purchase books and good quality antiques, Thankas and otherartifacts. A good government run emporium accepts credit cards. Most other shops donot accept cards and some will only accept cards with a high surcharge. It is best tohave enough USD or Euros for all your purchases. 500 USD should be enough.

In the late afternoon we continue to Paro in readiness for Tiger’s Nest tomorrow.

Overnight: Metta Resort and Spa: Dinner at the hotel

Day 13: Sunday 03 April Paro – Tiger’s Nest walk

After breakfast, we will hike up to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), the mostphotographed monastery in Bhutan, perched 900m above the valley floor. It is sonamed because Bhutan’s most famous saint, Guru Rimpoche flew here on the back of atigress from Pakistan and is credited with bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. The first halfof the walk can be done on pony back but otherwise the walk itself takes about 2 hourseach way at an easy pace. A teahouse marks the halfway point, which is the lunch stopon the return journey and offers fabulous views of this man made wonder which seemsto hang in mid air. The footprint of the Guru can be seen in the small rock cave wherehe meditated for 3 months. This is a strenuous uphill climb and you may experiencesome shortness of breath at the top, so adequate water, a hat and sunscreen areessential.

On the way back into Paro, we will also visit the Drukygel ruined Dzong and the villageof painted houses, nestled at the base of the Dzong. There may be an opportunity towitness or participate in some archery – the National sport of Bhutan. There will alsobe the opportunity to visit a local family in their traditional farmhouse (this may occurat another time during your stay)

On your return you may wish to treat yourselves to a spa, massage or hot stone bathat the hotel. (It may be a good idea to book in advance).

Overnight: Metta Resort and Spa: Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 14: Monday 04 April Depart Bhutan

After an early breakfast depart for the airport (about 15 mins) to check in for thehomeward flight. Here you will bid goodbye to your guide and driver and the Kingdomof Bhutan.

DRUK AIRKB 500 Paro / Singapore Departs: 07.55 Arrives: 16.05

END OF ARRANGEMENTS

NOTE: The itinerary and hotels are subject to change at the discretion of the operator,due to local conditions. Druk Air Schedules are also subject to change.

PRICING AND BOOKING CONDITIONS

PRICE: $8335Single supplement in Bhutan: $650

The tour price is based on a minimum of 8 participants and surcharges may apply if theminimum number is not reached. The tour maximum is 16.

The tour is priced in Australian dollars converted from the prevailing exchange rate tothe USD, so significant changes may affect the tour price.

INCLUSIONS: Airfares on Singapore Airlines ex main state capitals. 1 night accommodation in Singapore• Fully escorted locally by English speaking guide+ Australian tour escort• Local transport and driver• “A” class hotels & lodges wherever possible, subject to availability• All camping equipment except for a sleeping bag (needed for the Trek)• Visa issue and processing• All meals, and snacks en route including bottled water in the mini-coach• All entrance fees, permits and Tourist Development Tax

NOT INCLUDED:• Alcoholic beverages (except with special dinners)• Tips to local guides, drivers and porters (suggested amount $10 - $15 USD perday)• Items of a personal nature purchased locally• Internet and phone charges• SLEEPING BAG (see above)• Travel insurance (compulsory)

BOOKING NOTES:• A $300 per person non refundable booking deposit is required with the signedbooking form. The tour balance is required 65 days prior to departure. Creditcard fees apply.• Participants must be walk fit, able to walk 5-6 hours per day• Any pre-existing conditions must be declared