wwot bhutan - chomolhari basecamp trek

Himalaya
wwot bhutan - chomolhari
basecamp trek
trip highligh­­­ts
Travelling with a unique group of Wild Women
Celebratory Banquet Dinner at Chomolhari Basecamp
Visits to Takstang Monastery, Drukyel Dzong and Paro Dzong
Experience the rich culture of Bhutan
Fully supported camping based trekking
with 3 hearty meals per day
Stunning scenery at Chomolhari base camp
Magnificent views of Chomolhari & Jichu Drake
Crossing 2 high passes on trek, Nye La and Yale La
Trip escorted by one of WWOT Coach
Trip Duration15 days
Trip Code: SOG1313
GradeModerate level
ActivitiesTrekking
Accommodation15 day trip, 9 day trek, 4 nights
hotel and 8 nights camping
welcome to
World Expeditions
Thank you for your interest in our Wild Women On Top Chomolhari
Base Camp Trek. At World Expeditions we are passionate about
our off the beaten track experiences as they provide our travellers
with the thrill of coming face to face with untouched cultures as well
as wilderness regions of great natural beauty. We are committed to
ensuring that our unique itineraries are well researched, affordable
and tailored for the enjoyment of small groups or individuals philosophies that have been at our core since 1975 when we began
operating adventure holidays. Our itineraries will give you the very
best travel experience, designed by people with incredible local
knowledge who share our vision of authentic exchange and real
exploration with a responsible tourism approach. Whether you like
your adventures to include trekking, touring, cycling, mountaineering,
kayaking or cruising World Expeditions can make it happen for you.
We hope you will join us for a life changing experience!!
1 – © 2012 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 1/11/2012 4:03:41 PM
why travel with World Expeditions?
When planning travel to a remote and challenging destination,
many factors need to be considered. World Expeditions have been
pioneering treks in the Himalaya since 1975. Our extra attention to
detail and seamless operations on the ground ensure that you will
have a memorable trekking experience. All our treks in Bhutan are
accompanied by an experienced local leader, as well as knowledgeable
crew that share a passion for the region in which they work, and a
desire to share it with you. We take every precaution to ensure smooth
logistics. We use comfortable 3 star accommodation in hand picked
hotels, and well maintained, good quality camping equipment on trek.
The highest standards of hygiene are strictly maintained, and our
cooks will surprise you with a varied menu that’s sure to please at the
conclusion of each trekking day. World Expeditions are also the only
company to provide food for our porters on trek. Most importantly, our
adventures have always sought to benefit the local peoples we interact
with, safeguard the ecosystems we explore and contribute to the
sustainability of travel in the regions we experience.
wwot bhutan - chomolhari
basecamp trek
Chomalhari
Drukyel Dzong
Join Wild Women on Top for the finest short trek
in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan
Paro
Thimphu
B H U T A N
I N D I A
trip dates
2013
12Apr - 26Apr
trip cost
Joining Sydney costs based on a minimum of 8-10
people in twin share:$6690
options & supplements
11-12 people in twin share:
Single Supplement:
$6490
$650
Flights from Sydney to Bangkok are based on TG Low Season
‘Q’ class airfare, subject to availability at the time of booking.
If we are not able to book your seat in the above class, a
higher class may be booked and a surcharge may be applied.
Flight schedules are also subject to change at any time.
VERY IMPORTANT NOTE
Flights with DRUK AIR from Bangkok to Paro (return)
are booked by our operator in Bhutan. Flight availability
is limited so it is essential to book early to avoid
disappointment. We cannot book and hold seats for these
flights. Therefore, once the group reaches minimum
numbers (8 people), these flights will be booked and will
need to be ticketed immediately. At this time you will be
invoiced for these with an immediate request for payment.
The cost of these flights will be approximately $1200.
If you would like to join this great adventure with
WWOT, please do not hesitate in booking. This
way, we can confirm our group early and ensure
we secure flights as needed. With thanks!
the trip
This trip has been selected exclusively for Wild Women who crave remote wilderness coupled
with a unique cultural experience. This trip, the finest short trek in Bhutan to Chomolhari
Base Camp, is unsurpassed. Commencing at Drugkyel Dzong in the picturesque Paro Valley
we enter the stunning rhododendron forests and weave our way up the valley crossing and
recrossing glistening glacial streams. Eventually the landscape opens up to grassy meadows
and leads us to Jangothang where we camp below the sacred peak of Chomolhari (7314m).
Continuing toward the Nye La (4700m) we are treated to views of the startling Jichu Drake
(6794m) and Tshrim Khang, before making the gradual crossing of the Pass with views of the
Lingshi Dzong perched high on a hill top. The most difficult day of the trek sees us crossing
the 4950m Yale Pass before descending to the Thimphu River and the Bhutanese capital
of Thimphu. On this exclusive all women’s journey you will be treated to numerous “Wild
Women” magic moments including a specially prepared celebratory banquet dinner!
We hope you can join us on this truly special adventure!
wild women on top team benefits
When you join a WWOT trip, you become part of an incredible team, and the success
of your adventure will depend on the fitness, mental tuffness and emotional tuffness of
EVERY team member. The whole is much greater than the sum of the parts! Wild Women
On Top Adventures are unique mind, body, spirit experiences, which support women in the
wilderness and empower them to take on extraordinary challenges with groups
of likeminded women. You will be required to prepare for your adventure and we will show
you how, every step of the way. Before you book for a Wild Women On Top Trip, please note
the following:
1. You must be a current financial member of Wild Women On Top which connects you to our
community.
2. We will provide you with a complimentary copy of “How to Prepare for World Class Treks,”
by Di Westaway, when you book with us. Please read this as a part of your preparation to
ensure success.
3. We recommend you train at least 3 times a week, including one Trek Training session, plus
two other interval-training sessions, preferably with a WWOT group. Interstate or overseas
members should follow training recommendations from “How to Prepare for World Class
Treks”.
4. To help our current financial Trek Training members prepare for multi day Treks, we provide
additional complimentary trek training sessions during your trip term. This is subject to
availability and you must sms the coach in advance to confirm.
5. To ensure both individual and team success, we require you to participate in a customised
team assessment walk. This will enable you to meet your accompanying Coach and team
members, receive your embroidered WWOT team shirt and ensure that you are appropriately
prepared for your adventure. Your coach will give you tips and feedback during and after the
assessment as required. Cost: $147 to WWOT in addition to trip costs.
The assessment will be scheduled for no less than 70 days from the trip departure for an
international trip, and no less than 40 days from the trip departure for a domestic trip. If you
fail the assessment and a personalised supplementary assessment, you will not be eligible for
the trip and will be subject to the costs incurred according to World Expeditions cancellation
policy.
6. You must agree to uphold the Wild Women On Top Golden Rules (see www.
wildwomenontop.com) and take responsibility for providing feedback before and during
your adventure to ensure that you have the experience you seek. The more you prepare, the
greater your chances of success.
2 – © 2012 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 1/11/2012 4:03:41 PM
wwot bhutan - chomolhari
basecamp trek
Join Wild Women on Top for the finest short trek
in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan
7. All WWOT trips are accompanied by a WWOT Coach. The Coach is not a guide or
secondary guide, or a first aider. The Coach brings with her the WWOT culture and provides
a liaison between World Expeditions and you. She will make every effort to ensure that you
have a fabulous adventure.
8. Your accompanying coach strives to be an emotional and motivational support for you.
However, at altitude, your coach may not be able to provide the assistance you require at all
times. It is your responsibility to seek assistance from the World Expeditions guides in this
instance.
9. You must commit to the World Expeditions payment schedule.
10. Wild Women On Top reserves the right to amend these requirements at any time - WWW.
WILDWOMENONTOP
at a glance
Day 1Depart Sydney
Day 2Arrive Paro
Day 3Paro Valley, Takstang Monastery (3100m) & National Museum
Day 4Drive to Drukyel Dzong (2580m) & commence trek to Shana (2860m)
(16kms, approx 5/6 hrs)
Day 5Trek to Tsema Marpu (3300m) (approx 7-8hrs)
Day 6Trek to Soi Thangthangkha (3600m) (approx 45mins), and rest day
Day 7Trek to Jangothang & Celebratory Banquet Dinner(4100m) (12kms,
approx 4/5 hours)
Day 8At Jangothang (reserve day)
Day 9Cross Nye La (4870m) to Lingshi village (4025m) (18kms, approx 6/7 hrs)
Day 10Cross Yale La and trek to Shodu (3750m) (Walk approx 7/8 hrs)
Day 11To Barshong (3500m) (Walk approx. 5/6hrs)
Day 12Complete trek at Dodina (Walk approx. 7/8hrs). Transfer to Thimphu
(approx.1-2hrs)
Day 13In Thimphu, transfer to Paro (approx. 2hrs.)
Day 14Trip concludes in Paro.
Day 15Arrive Sydney
what’s included
Return economy flights from Sydney to Paro with Thai Airways and Druk Air,
including taxes
12 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 12 dinners
Overnight accommodation at the Novotel Airport Hotel, Bangkok (room only)
Celebratory banquet dinner at Chomolhari Basecamp
arrival and departure transfers for group flights in Bhutan
expert bilingual guide
group medical kit
good quality accommodation in Paro
gear pack including kit bag, sleeping bag, down or fibre filled jacket and insulated
sleeping mat
all group camping equipment
private transportation
all park entrance fees and trekking permits
Porters/animals to carry 20kgs personal equipment
sightseeing and site entry fees as listed
Complimentary copy of ‘How To Prepare For World Class Treks’, by Di Westaway
3 – © 2012 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 1/11/2012 4:03:41 PM
wwot bhutan - chomolhari
basecamp trek
Join Wild Women on Top for the finest short trek
in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan
fast facts
Countries Visited:
Bhutan
Visas:
Please check visa requirements with
your reservations consultant*
Vaccinations:
Please consult a travel vaccination
specialist for up to date information
Private Groups:
Private group options are
available for this trip*
Singles:
A single supplement is available for this trip*
Leader:
Expert local leader
Brochure Reference:
Active Adventures
responsible travel
The environments we travel through are
fragile. It is our responsibility as visitors to
minimise the impact of our presence. World
Expeditions were the proud recipients of
the inaugural Australian National Travel
Industry’s Environmental Achievement award
for our Responsible Travel Guidebook. This
detailed guide to responsible & sustainable
travel is provided to all World Expeditions
clients before they travel. Please ask your
consultant if you have not received your copy
of our award winning book. Alternatively,
you may like to download a copy from our
website www.worldexpeditions.com
Trip escorted by WWOT Coach
No local payments policy: Local cash payments are becoming increasingly popular with
many operators. The policy seems to benefit the tour operators, more than the local
economies or travellers, as it avoids local taxes and transfers the cost and risk of cash
handling to travellers. In accordance with our Responsible Travel practices.
detailed itinerary
Day 1Depart Sydney
Today you will depart Sydney on Thai Airways TG476 at around 1000am and arrive into Bangkok at
1630. You will clear customs and transfer to the Novotel Airport Hotel for the evening (room only).
meals: NIL
Day 2Arrive Paro
We fly in to Paro with Druk Air, Bhutan’s national airline, and after clearing customs and
immigration, we’re met by our group leader and drive a short distance via the main street of Paro to
our accommodation at the Kichu Resort. At some stage of our visit, we have planned visits to the
main part of town, and a visit to the National Museum. It will depend on our time of arrival into Paro,
and when trek preparations are completed.
The touring program will take in the grand Paro Dzong which dominates the valley and is the most
important Dzong (fortress) in Bhutan. It is the model by which all other dzongs are constructed
and is not open to visitors. The watchtower above it, Ta Dzong, is also an impressive building that
houses the National Museum that is very informative. Old costumes and battle dress, together with
priceless jewellery and specimens of the kingdom’s unique flora and fauna are included within the
museum. Downtown, there is a mixed collection of shops selling basic goods, and also handicrafts
of wood, cloth and metalware. Archery is the national sport and practised throughout the kingdom.
Shooting ranges lined by willow trees can be seen during our travels, as well as some traditional
style bridges.
meals: L,D
Day 3Paro Valley, Takstang Monastery (3100m) & National Museum
A really exciting and informative day as an introduction to this wonderful country (described in part
above). The Paro valley is truly beautiful, being a location for various farming activities, including
commercial quantities of asparagus, strawberries and shitake mushrooms for export, plus various
grain and vegetable crops. It is a patchwork of colours delineated by well kept traditional design
farm houses that are ornately decorated. All of the slopes surrounding the valley are forested and
the hint of mountains beyond is alluring. Simply driving through the willow lined streets is relaxing
and uplifting – there is no clutter of people, or traffic or rubbish, (Plastic bags are banned). Our
morning is spent exploring and appreciating the Tigers Nest Monastery or Taktsang, as it is known
in Bhutan, a short drive from our resort. It takes us about one and a half hours to walk up the
winding trail steeply through chir pine forest to a tea house and excellent vantage point. Another half
hour walk takes us almost directly opposite the cliffs where the monastery is set. The monastery is
the divine resting place of the Guru Ringpoche, and although it was accidentally burnt down more
than a year ago, reconstruction is almost finished, with only the finer decorating and refurbishment
work to be done. We return back to our accommodation for lunch and then some touring in the
afternoon.
meals: B,L,D
Day 4Drive to Drukyel Dzong (2580m) & commence trek to Shana (2860m) (16kms, approx 5/6
hrs)
It is a short drive of approx 15 minutes up the Paro valley to the roadhead at Drukyel Dzong where
our trek commences. Drukyel Dzong was originally built as a fortress in 1647 to guard against
4 – © 2012 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 1/11/2012 4:03:41 PM
wwot bhutan - chomolhari
basecamp trek
Join Wild Women on Top for the finest short trek
in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan
trip grading
On a moderate trek physical activity will
generally not exceed eight hours in a day,
and altitudes generally not exceeding
5,500 metres.On a moderate adventure the
physical activity is sustained and travelers
should be comfortable with occasional rough
terrain. At any stage of a moderate trek you
can expect long steep climbs and descents
and a wide range of weather conditions. An
example of an average day on moderate trek
could include several ascents and descents
of 500 metres or more, level ground is rare
in the mountains.To prepare for a moderate
trek you should begin training at least four
to five months before your departure.As a
guideline, an hour of aerobic exercise three
to four times per week would be considered
a minimum requirement.The best preparation
is bushwalking involving relatively steep
ascents and descents.If you can manage
a couple of valley floor to ridgeline ascents
per bushwalk, albeit with stops along
the way, you will cope with a moderately
graded trek.Speed is not important,
stamina, confidence and continuity are.
adventure travel
By its very nature adventure travel involves
an element of the unexpected. In remote
and developing countries do not expect
standards you are used to at home. Remote
areas are sometimes unpredictable and
itineraries may be altered. To get the
most out of your adventure it is important
that you are flexible, positive and eager
to take on all the challenges that arise. If
you are uncertain about your suitability for
this trip we recommend that you speak
with your consultant of travel agent.
important note
“Expect The Unexpected”. Wild Women
On Top Itineraries can change at any
time, depending on local conditions,
group requirements and weather.
Tibetans invading the Paro Valley, although it was destroyed by fire in 1951. We also gain our first
views of the summit of Chomolhari (7314m) at the head of the valley, while horseman organise
their loads. We get under way straight away and take a break for lunch where it suits us, as we are
carrying a packed lunch. Initially the trail is wide and flat, passing through farm country made up of
fields of rice, wheat, barley, mustard, potato, and radish as well as herds of cows. The traditional
Bhutanese two storey, timber and stone houses form photogenic scenery for the beginning of our
trek. It is a reasonable day’s walk today, our first day’s trek, taking us past a couple of settlements
including a military post where our permits will be checked. Our camp at Shana is in a grassy
clearing among a forest of tall pines beside the river.
meals: B,L,D
Day 5Trek to Tsema Marpu (3300m) (approx 7-8hrs)
We are now trekking within Jigme Dorje National Park, the largest protected area in the country
(4350 sq kms.) which extends beyond Laya to Lunana in the east and all the territory to the south.
Whilst it is a protected wilderness, the park management which is based at Gasa, has to cope with
the needs of lowland farmers and semi-nomadic yak herders. There is an amazing variety of species
of plants and animals in the park at both high and low altitudes. The forests are tall and thick,
comprising a variety of oaks, maple, birch, larch pine and allders that will be replaced by more
and more rhododendron and pines as we trek higher. There are numerous different varieties of the
former, and depending on the onset of warmer temperatures after winter, flowers will be in bloom,
or past bloom, as the lower altitudes flower earliest. As we climb higher the rhododendron species
change from the common rhododendron arboreum (Nepal’s national flower) to griffithianum and
cinnabarinum. Our camp site is close by the river.
meals: B,L,D
Day 6Trek to Soi Thangthangkha (3600m) (approx 45mins), and rest day
Today is a short day to benefit acclimatisation to the higher altitudes. We make a short walk to Soi
Thangthangkha through the forest. Many of the camps we stop at are not settlements as might be
implied by them having a place name. Most are merely clearings beside a water source that is
suitable for seasonal yak herders. On this rest day there is the option of a side walk to Soi Yaksa
village, which is approximately a 6 hour return trip. Activities this day will depend on the groups
acclimatisation and some members may prefer to rest in camp.
meals: B,L,D
Day 7Trek to Jangothang & Celebratory Banquet Dinner(4100m) (12kms, approx 4/5 hours)
We continue higher to the camp at the base of Chomolhari, a superb alpine setting. Jichu Drake
(6794m) rises to our right, with a fine, elegant ridge running down toward the pass that we will
cross on our next trekking day. We camp in the vicinity of yak herders from the Paro Valley, who,
like their counterparts in Southern Tibet, live in woven yak wool tents throughout the summer
months. By now we are above the treeline and the area is characterised by low tundra of juniper and
rhododendron setosum, while blue sheep have also been spotted in the higher rocky outcrops. While
at this stunning campsite we will enjoy a special WWOT celebratory banquet dinner prepared by our
wonderful chefs!
meals: B,L,D
Day 8At Jangothang (reserve day)
At Jangothang. A reserve day for acclimatisation. A side trip up the small valley towards Chomolhari
takes us to a dramatic viewpoint and onto the glacier beneath. Alternatively we may make a scenic
excursion up to Sopu lake set adjacent to Nye La pass, both will be worthy photo excursions. As far
as mountaineering is concerned, these two peaks, like the rest of Bhutan, have seen little expedition
5 – © 2012 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 1/11/2012 4:03:41 PM
wwot bhutan - chomolhari
basecamp trek
Join Wild Women on Top for the finest short trek
in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan
activity from outsiders. Doug Scott successfully climbed Jichu Drake in 1988 on his third attempt,
demonstrating that conditions are not so easy on this far east location of the Himalaya being first in
line geographically for monsoonal influences.
meals: B,L,D
Day 9Cross Nye La (4870m) to Lingshi village (4025m) (18kms, approx 6/7 hrs)
From camp we commence our ascent over rolling slopes of grassland and small brush to the Nye La
(4850 metres). This stage is not unduly demanding and if this is your first Himalayan pass just take
your time, particularly on the final steeper stages just below the pass, where grasses give way to scree
and sand. The views enroute to Jichu Drake will inspire you.From the Nye La we leave Chomolhari and
Jichu Drake behind and make a steep descent through stands of pure rhododendron to Lingshi village.
Of particular note is the Lingshi Dzong, built to protect this and the other outlying villages of Bhutan
from the periodic raids from Tibet.
meals: B,L,D
Day 10Cross Yale La and trek to Shodu (3750m) (Walk approx 7/8 hrs)
Today is the most difficult day so an early start is essential. We begin our walk opposite the dzong
and ascend gradually through the valley until the stiff climb to Yale la pass at 4950 metres the highest
point of the trip. The panoramic view of Mt.Chomolhari (7314m), Jichu Drake (6794m) and Tshrim
Gang is breathtaking. After the pass it is a long descent to our camp at Shodu (3750m).
meals: B,L,D
Day 11To Barshong (3500m) (Walk approx. 5/6hrs)
The path follows the Thimchu River descending through rhododendron, Juniper and pine forests. The
view of the cliff facing rocks and water falls are stunning. The trail gradually ascends after 3 to 4 hours
to the ruins of Barshong Dzong and our camp for the night.
meals: B,L,D
Day 12Complete trek at Dodina (Walk approx. 7/8hrs). Transfer to Thimphu (approx.1-2hrs)
The path descends for a while joining the Thimchu river and gradually ascending and descending
through thick bamboo and pine forests. From Dolemkencho the trail descends all the way to Dodina,
and the end of our trek. Transfer to Thimphu. Overnight hotel.
meals: B,L,D
Day 13In Thimphu, transfer to Paro (approx. 2hrs.)
This morning there is ample time to get a feel for the country’s capital or do some shopping in the
bazaar.The main Secretariat building, the Tashichho Dzong is the most prominent building consisting
of the main Secretariat, the National Assembly Hall, the Office of the King and the Throne Room. Its
remarkable construction is in traditional Bhutanese style completed without the use of nails or metal
of any kind. There is a large Stupa dedicated to the late King HM. Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, regarded
as the founder of modern day Bhutan. Then there is the Handicraft Emporium with famous weaving,
woodcarvings and paintings and also the Post Office - Bhutan’s exquisite stamps are world-renowned.
Our last night in Bhutan is spent at the comfortable and relaxing environs of Kichu resort.
meals: B,L,D
Day 14Trip concludes in Paro.
Our trip officially ends after breakfast with a transfer to the airport. We will fly from Paro to Bangkok
and connect with our Thai Airways TG475 departing Bangkok at 1915.
meals: B
6 – © 2012 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 1/11/2012 4:03:41 PM
wwot bhutan - chomolhari
basecamp trek
Join Wild Women on Top for the finest short trek
in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan
Day 15Arrive Sydney
and arriving into Sydney at 0720 the following morning
meals: NIL
This itinerary is subject to change with any change in Community regulations as well as Governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control.
suggested extensions
Bhutan Retreat
country information
Bhutan is a small, independent Buddhist kingdom situated on the eastern side of the Himalaya
about 300km long by 150kms wide. It is bordered with India, (Sikkim, Assam, West Bengal,
Arunachal Pradesh), China (Tibet) and Bangladesh. Virtually the entire country is mountainous,
ranging in elevation from 100m in the south to the 7544m Kulha Gangri peak on the northern
border. It receives more rainfall than any other Himalayan region, and on average half to two
metres of precipitation falls annually in the foothills and mountains. This ensures a lush and
diverse flora from small orchids to enormous conifers and rhododendrons, and the country’s
small population (approx 600,000), their religious beliefs as practising Buddhists, and a
protective government has allowed the wilderness to be well preserved. There are hundreds of
unique species of plants and animals to be found here. Most of the people of Bhutan originate
from the north (Tibet) and practise a Buddhism similar to that region yet it has it’s own unique
beliefs and practises. It is officially called Drukpa Kagyu, and includes practising their faith and
traditions of art, dance, drama and various crafts including weaving, carpentry, metalwork and
painting. It is obvious that the culture and history is rich in Bhutan, and the foresight of the late
King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck who is succeeded by his son, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck to
develop and maintain a program that is for the betterment of the people and the land rather than
a quick financial return, is an encouraging sign to a sound future.
climate
Bhutan, like Eastern Nepal, comes under the influence of the Indian monsoon which precludes
trekking throughout the summer months from the end of May till the middle of September. The
ideal time to trek in Bhutan is therefore either pre-monsoon from mid March when the snow
begins to melt off the high passes until the end of May. Temperatures on the treks can vary
considerably. On any one trek the temperature may vary from 20 - 30C during the day to -10C
when the occasional storm breaks over the high passes. You will be pleased that you have been
provided with good down jackets, sleeping bags and two-person tents that we send to Bhutan
from our operational base in Kathmandu.
a typical day
You will be woken with a cup of tea brought to your tent (around 6:30am), followed by a small
bowl of warm water for washing. After a wholesome breakfast we are usually on the trail by
around 7.30 - 7.45 am and walk for around 3-4 hours. Lunch is usually a 1-2 hour break to allow
for the group meal followed by the staff meal. This also enables you to do your washing in the
warmest part of the day and catch up on your diary or reading. The afternoon walk is generally
a little shorter and camp is usually reached by around 3.30 - 4.30 pm. Once we have reached
camp and the kitchen is set up, afternoon tea will be prepared (tea, coffee, hot chocolate and
biscuits or popcorn) and from then until dinner there is time to rest, explore the surrounding
area and villages or sit and chat with staff and local people. Dinner is usually served between
6-7 pm. This period of your trekking day is a nice time to relax and enjoy your surroundings, the
wilderness, mountains and people among it, group members, crew and people you have met
along the way. Much of the enjoyment of an expedition is in the journey itself.
7 – © 2012 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 1/11/2012 4:03:41 PM
wwot bhutan - chomolhari
basecamp trek
Join Wild Women on Top for the finest short trek
in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan
pre and post tour accommodation
In Bhutan a group is considered to be three (3) people or more travelling together. If you
are arriving early and travelling with fewer than three people, the cost of your additional
accommodation in Bhutan will be as follows:Single room with all meals and airport transfers:
A$472 pp per night Twin share room with all meals and airport transfers A$392 pp per night.To
avoid this additional cost, it is recommended that you arrive in Bhutan with the rest of the group,
on the flights arranged by us.
what you carry
In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location
and weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, film and camera gear, valuables and personal items
such as sunscreen, lip-eze etc. Porters and mules carry all group gear and your trek pack.
equipment required
Specialist gear required include walking boots and day pack (a comprehensive gear list is
provided in the pre-departure information provided on booking).
acute mountain sickness
When we ascend above 2500 meters our bodies have to acclimatise to the decreasing amount
of the oxygen available. To allow our bodies to adjust we have structured our treks so that you
ascend slowly, allowing acclimatisation to occur. However, during the acclimatisation process,
you may experience some of the following symptoms.
• Headache
• Tiredness
• Disturbed sleep
• Loss of appetite/nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Cough
• Palpitation
• Swelling of the hands and face
Individuals acclimatise at different rates. Your best strategy is to take your time and drink plenty
of water. These symptoms may not indicate the onset of A.M.S. and if you experience them it
does not necessarily mean that you should not continue. All our group leaders have extensive
first aid training and we urge you to communicate with the group leader at all times should you
believe you have any symptoms in order that we can effectively monitor your symptoms. The
only cure for Acute Mountain Sickness is to descend.
Please note that your group leader has ultimate responsibility and may ask you to descend if
symptoms persist.
special visa requirements
The visa process for Bhutan requires you to provide us with a scanned colour copy of your
passport as we require your full passport details (full name as it appears in your passport,
nationality, date of birth, passport number, date of issue and expiry date, and occupation) at
least 30 days before your arrival in Bhutan. Following the processing of your visa clearance we
will provide you with a clearance number to enable you to board the plane from your respective
airport; you will then receive a stamped visa upon arrival at Paro airport. You must carry the visa
approval letter issued to you before your departure, along with 2 passport sized photos. The
cost of your Bhutan visa is included in the cost of your trip.
8 – © 2012 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 1/11/2012 4:03:41 PM
wwot bhutan - chomolhari
basecamp trek
Join Wild Women on Top for the finest short trek
in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan
what’s not included
Bottled water
Aerated & alcoholic drinks
Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry etc
Tips
Airport & departure taxes
Travel insurance
private groups
WWOT Golden Rules
1. Stay positive at ALL times
2. T.E.A.M. Together Everyone Achieves More
3. Expect the unexpected
4. If you have a gripe, handle it discretely, or air it politely [Don’t let it fester!]
5. Set challenging adventure goals, write them down, train hard and you will achieve them [No
excuses!]
6. Buy quality gear [This will save you money and could save your life]
7. Don’t come home from training or trips tired. Be energized & happy.
8. Leave no trace (The wilderness is sacred!)
9. Bring MORE than you take away. [Including chocolate!]
10. Happy endings guarantee the next leave pass!
[this one is secret!]
subscribe to our e-newsletter
Subscribe to our enewsletter! To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure
opportunities, special promotions and adventure news, subscribe to our monthly enewsletter!
You can do this online through our website, www.worldexpeditions.com or contact our office.
how to book
Please note that all reservations are subject to availability at the time of booking. Your
booking will be held for seven days pending receipt of a non-refundable deposit per person
and the completed booking form. The deposit is payable by cheque (made payable to World
Expeditions),credit card or direct deposit. Please fax or post your completed booking form to:
World Expeditions
Level 5, 71 York St
Sydney 2000
Ph: (02) 8270 8400
Fax: (02) 8270 8401
Important: You must be a financial member of Wild Women On Top to join this tour. Please go
to WWW.WILDWOMENONTOP.COM, ring 0434 027 912 or email admin@wildwomenontop.com
for more details on training and memberships.
9 – © 2012 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 1/11/2012 4:03:41 PM