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Expedition Guide

Karma

For the past five years, Karma has led mountain biking groups throughout his native Bhutan. In addition to being an avid mountain biker, Karma also specializes in Buddhism, deriving from a long lineage of great Buddhist masters. Ever the adventurer, Karma recently travelled to India several times to practice meditation.

Travel Facts

Country Name

Bhutan

Capital

Thimphu

Coordinates

27.466667, 89.641667

Area

• Total: 38,394 sq km
• Land: 38,394 sq km
• Water: 0 sq km

Elevation Extremes

• Low: Drangme Chhu 97 m
• High: Kula Kangri 7,553 m

Population

699,847

Demonym

Bhutanese

Climate

Month	High	Low	Rain
Jan	54	28	02
Feb	58	33	03
Mar	62	39	06
Apr	68	45	11
May	73	56	17
Jun	76	59	47
Jul	66	56	53
Aug	77	60	34
Sep	74	59	32
Oct	71	51	11
Nov	64	41	01
Dec	58	30	.50

Time Zone

UTC+6

Currency

Ngultrum (BTN)

Voltage

220/240

Calling Code

975

Bhutan: Land of the Dragon

• Expedition Type [ Multi-sport ]
• Difficulty [ Moderate ]
• Activities [ Camping, Hiking, Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Whitewater Rafting ]
• Duration [ 6 Days ]

Expedition Timeline

Challenge mind and body on this invigorating journey to Bhutan, where you bike, hike, walk and climb through remote valleys and mountain plateaus of the Himalaya. For thousands of years, Bhutan's culture flourished, yet it remained isolated from the outside world. This expedition brings the opportunity to experience the culture while testing your stamina every day with physical challenges. Visit some of the Buddhist dzongs and chortens when you cycle through tiny villages and meet some of the local yak herders. Climb 3,000 feet above the valley to explore a sacred pilgrimage site and look down over the spectacular countryside below. Bike winding roads, viewing the beautiful fauna that grows along the path, and test yourself on a downward hike at a 70- to 80-degree slope.

Day 1-2

Arrive Paro, Bhutan

Arrive in Paro today, and set out for a visit of Rinpung Dzong (Fortress of the Heap of Jewels) that houses a community of lamas and a school for novice monks. Walk to the cantilevered bridge that links to the village. See some of the chortens (Buddhist monuments) and the royal palace of Ugyen Pelri decorated in traditional Bhutanese style with ornately painted wood.

On your second day, start off by mountain biking to Ta Dzong, once a multi-storied watchtower built in 1651 to look out for Rinpung Dzong and now the National Museum. This afternoon, you have a three and a half hour round-trip hike covering 2,500 vertical feet to the sacred pilgrimage site of Taktsang. Clinging to a cliff 3,000 feet above the valley, Taktsang is known for where the legendary tantric mystic Padma Sambhava flew on the back of a tiger to bring the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan. Hang prayer flags, a Buddhist tradition, to remember people who are hungry and in pain. The downward journey, on paths known by guides as the “Cheating Trails,” is more difficult, as you navigate an 80 degree slope. When you arrive at your hotel, enjoy a hot-stone bath to nurse your sore muscles.

Uma Paro [ Day 2: B L D ]

Day 3

Paro/Haa/Thimphu

This morning, take to the hills with a 3,000 vertical foot hike via Kila Gompa to Chelila Pass at 12,400 feet for views of the many snow-clad peaks. At the peak celebrate the ascent by hanging prayer flags. Later, bike the winding roads to Haa Valley Thimphu.

Taj Tashi [ B L D ]

Day 4

Thimphu/Punakha

Explore the National Library in Thimphu, housing an extensive collection of Buddhist literature; the textile museum; and a traditional paper factory. Drive the high mountain roads toward Dochula Pass, with a chance to see the takin, the national animal (a goat-antelope) and a rare species found in the Himalaya, some parts of China and northern Burma. You spend the night in a sub-tropical campground.

Punakha Campground [ B L D ]

Day 5

Punakha/Paro

Spend the day hiking, biking, rafting and kayaking through this mountainous region. Begin with a bike ride via Yebisa village, cross a suspension bridge, and then leave the bikes to hike briskly uphill to the Temple of Khamsum Yuelling, which commands a 360-degree view of Yebisa and Kebisa. Drive to the banks of the Mochhu River where you can raft or kayak. Afterward, pause for a picnic lunch amid the lush scenery, and then visit the grand dzong of Punakha.

Uma Paro [ B L D ]

Day 6

Depart Bhutan

Board your homebound flight.

[ B ]

Departure Dates & Pricing

Various Departure Dates can be arranged. Please tell us your preferred travel dates on the reservation form.