Visit the breath-taking Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Spectacular mountain trek through unspoilt wilderness

Be immersed in the ancient culture of Paro, Punakha and Thimphu

Open and private treks available

Duration: 9 days Code: BDP

Summary: 9 day trip, 4 day trek, 5 hotel nights, 3 nights camping

Included: All breakfasts, lunches and dinners

Full service camping and porterage

Opengroup size:

Normally 4-12, plus leader and staff

Min age: 16 years old for open groups, 12 years old for private treks

The Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan lies along the lofty ridges of the eastern Himalayas, bordered by China (Tibet) to the north and northwest, and by India on

the east, south and west. With an area of 46,500 square km., Bhutan is comparable to Switzerland

both in its size and topography. The mighty Himalaya have protected Bhutan from the rest of the world and left it blissfully untouched through

the centuries. The Bhutanese people have protected this sacred heritage and unique identity for

centuries by choosing to remain shrouded in a jealously guarded isolation.

Everyone at Kandoo is passionate about adventure travel and we specialize in creating adventures to some

of the world's most iconic destinations.

Our aim is to help you create an adventure that will become a lifelong memory: an adventure that takes you

one step beyond your everyday, one step beyond your normal limits and one step beyond your dreams.

We understand that what makes an adventure really special is different for every one of us. But whatever it

takes, whether you are eight or eighty, we will work really hard to help you create your own life changing,

memory making adventure. The end result of all the effort our team put in to get your trip just right is that

we consistently get great reviews from our clients.

More than anything we love to talk to travellers so please do ask us anything about your planned trip.

Often referred to as the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’, this tiny Himalayan Kingdom, nestled between India and the

People’s Republic of China in the Eastern Himalayas, is one of the most isolated nations on earth. Each part of Bhutan has

its own historical, geographical, cultural and religious significance, and any visit to this beautiful and largely

unspoiled setting will combine spectacular mountain terrain, ancient monasteries, rich flora and fauna, and a vibrant

Buddhist culture.

The Druk Path trek is a four day trek, crossing the spectacular natural landscape between Paro and Thimphu. Our tour

begins with a visit to the stunning Tiger’s Nest Monastery, located high on the cliffside of the upper Paro valley. We then

start our trek, a journey through rhododendron forests and alongside glacial lakes, against a backdrop of snow-capped

mountains and dramatic valleys. Along the way you will discover more about the history of Bhutan through unspoilt

villages, ancient lhakhangs and dzongs.

After completing the trek, we will include city tours of Thimphu and Punakha before returning to Paro.

DAY 1 Hotel night in ParoDAY 2 Excursion to Taktshang Lhakhang DAY 3 Paro to JangchulakhaDAY 4 Jangchulakha to Lake Jimgelang TshoDAY 5 Lake Jimgelang Tsho to SimkotaDAY 6 Simkota to ThimphuDAY 7 Thimphu to PunakhaDAY 8 Punakha to ParoDAY 9 Depart

We offer the Druk Path trek as an open group or private trek. We run 2-3 open groups every month during the trekking seasons (March-May and September-November). Private treks can be arranged on any day that suits you.

Your hotel stay for the 2 nights before and 3 nights after the trek on a full board basis

All airport transfers

Entry visa to Bhutan

Government royalty fee

A fully supported trek with a qualified mountain guide

All food and drinking water on the trek

Monument and monastery entrance fees

International airfares and visas

Tips for your guides and porters

Personal items

Travel insurance (you must be insured, and specifically for treks up to 4500m)

Your personal trekking gear

Your personal medicines or prescriptions

Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)

DAY 1: ARRIVE IN PARO

The Kandoo team will meet you at Paro airport and transfer you to your pre-trek hotel. Later in the afternoon there is the option to join a tour of the city.Once a watchtower, built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars ofthe 17th century, Ta Dzong was inaugurated as Bhutan's National Museum in1968. It holds a fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintingsand Bhutan's exquisite postage stamps. The museum’s circular shape augmentsits varied collection which is displayed over several floors. Afterwards, we willtake a walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, which has a long andvery interesting history. Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the firstspiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body ofParo, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon(judge) of Paro district. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditionalcovered bridge called Nemi Zam, which offers a good view of the architecturalwonder of the Dzong as well as life around it. Later you will attend a pre-trekbriefing with your Lead Guide to prepare you for the journey ahead.

DAY 2: EXCURSION TO TAKTSHANG LHAKHANG

Elevation: 2250m to 3110m to 2250m, Time: 5 hoursIn the morning we will take an excursion to Taktshang Lhakhang, commonlyknown as 'The Tiger’s Nest Monastery'. Undoubtedly one of the most famous ofBhutan’s monasteries, the Taktshang monastery is one of the most breath-taking temples in the world. This Buddhist place of worship is perched on a cliff-top at around 3,100m (10,000ft) above sea level. The main temple complex wasbuilt in 1692, and is considered to be one of the holiest for the Bhutanesepeople. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, an 8th-century Indian Buddhistmaster, arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery,thus the name ‘Tiger’s Nest’. The site has been recognized as a sacred place andis now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998,a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanesejewel has been restored to its original splendour.

After lunch we will visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The buildingof this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism to Bhutan. We will thendrive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors foughtTibetan invaders centuries ago. In the early 1950s, Drukgyel Dzong was almostcompletely destroyed by fire. It is now listed in Bhutan's Tentative List forUNESCO inclusion. In 2016, the Prime Minister Lyonchen Tshering Tobgay,announced that the Dzong will be rebuilt and reinstated to its former glory. Thesnowy dome of sacred Chomolhari (7326m), ‘the Bride of Kangchenjunga', canbe seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong. After our tours wewill return to our hotel in Paro.

Visa approval formalities should be straightforward. Please make sure you have the visa confirmation we email to

you in your hand luggage, as you will need to show this at Immigration.

When you collect your bags you need to make sure you have your airline

baggage tags handy as they check these off against the flight tags on your

luggage before you can leave. You will be given a baggage declaration form to complete, this is to ensure that you re-export all items that have arrived with

you. Once you have cleared immigration and collected your

luggage, make your way to the main doors. Your guide will be outside these

doors, holding a ‘Kandoo’ sign.

DAY 3: PARO TO JANGCHULAKHA

Elevation: 2250m to 3770m, Distance: 13km, Time: 5-7 hoursToday our trek begins with a short climb up to Jele Dzong on a trail that ascendsgradually up to the camp. If the weather is clear the Paro valley can be seen,with snow-capped mountains rising behind. Above the camp is the Jele-La Pass(3,540m) and Jele Dzong (mostly in ruins). There is also a lhakhang containing astatue of Buddha Sakyamuni. Women who come to the monastery to seekblessings of children get hit on the head by the presiding Lama with a 10 inchivory, wood and bone phallus, so be careful! After lunch we continue with a 1½hour climb onto a ridge which affords dramatic views of the valleys on bothsides and the Himalaya to the north. The trail takes us through thick alpineforests and rhododendrons. Weather permitting, we will have beautiful views ofChomolhari and other snow-capped peaks. Monsal pheasants can be heardcalling during the day and we may see yak herders moving along the trails.

DAY 4: JANGCHULAKHA TO LAKE JIMGELANG TSHO

Elevation: 3770m to 3870m, Distance: 20km, Time: 6-7 hoursThe trail continues to follow the ridge, and on a clear day the views of themountains and valley are sensational. There will be a lot of ascent and descenttoday as we climb up the main ridge again before dropping down to cross to theother side of the valley, making our way towards Thimphu. We will enjoy agreat view of Jichu Drake (6,989m), the peak representing the protective deityof Paro, before settling for the day at our camp, close to the Jimgelang Tsholake, famous for its giant trout. If we’re lucky we may get to see herds of yakscooling off.

DAY 5: LAKE JIMGELANG TSHO TO SIMKOTA

Elevation: 3870m to 4110m, Distance: 14km, Time: 4-6 hoursWe leave the campsite and the trail takes us through dwarf rhododendron treesas we follow a succession of ridges to reach the second lake, Janatsho. We maycome across a yak herder’s camp and will spend some time seeing how theylive. A final climb will bring us to our campsite, close to Simkota Lake, with thepossibility of catching a lake trout for dinner!

DAY 6: SIMKOTA TO THIMPHU

Elevation: 4110m to 4210m to 2350m, Distance: 14km, Time: 6-7 hoursToday begins with a gradual climb up to the Phume La Pass, the highest point ofour trek at 4210m. From here we can enjoy majestic views of Mt. GangkarPuensum (7570m), the highest peak in Bhutan and the highest unclimbed peakin the world. The trail descends, winding through juniper trees to a campsitebeside a community hall near Phajoding monastery. From Phajoding it isdownhill all the way to Thimphu, passing through a forested area of mostly bluepine. Taking a leisurely pace, we will reach Thimphu with sufficient time toenjoy an afternoon city tour.

The Bhutanese Ngultrum (Nu) is the local currency of Bhutan and equal in

value to the Indian Rupee. It is a closed currency so you will not be able to buy

this before you arrive. All major currencies, such as US Dollars, Sterling

Pounds and Euros, and traveller’s cheques can be exchanged at Paro

Airport, banks and hotels. Hotels in the towns will accept foreign currency but

we recommend that you take local currency on the actual trek with you for

incidentals and souvenirs.

Bhutan is a cash economy and credit cards are not commonly accepted.

Mastercard may be accepted in larger shops and hotels, but Amex is rarely

accepted. If you are relying on a credit or debit card for emergency funds

while you travel, make sure you tell your card issuer that you will be using it

abroad, or you may find that it won't work when you really need it.

Our city tour will visit King's Memorial Chorten, continuously circumambulatedby people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Constructionof this landmark was the idea of Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme DorjiWangchuk. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as amemorial to the late King and as a monument to peace. We will also visitTrashichhoe Dzong. This is the centre of government and religion, site of themonarch’s throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641, itwas reconstructed in the 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nailsor architectural plans. We will stay overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

DAY 7: DRIVE THIMPHU TO PUNAKHA

Elevation: 2350m to 3088m to 1310m, Distance: 75km, Time: 3-4 hoursWe start this morning in Bhutan’s capital city with a visit to the National Library,which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts. We willalso visit the nearby Institute for Zorig Chusum, an Arts & Crafts School wherewe may see the students being taught the 13 traditional arts and crafts ofBhutan. We will follow on to the Textile Museum, providing a fascinating insightinto Bhutanese material culture and way of life, followed by a visit to SimplyBhutan, a living Museum and Studio encapsulating the cultural heritage of theBhutanese people. (Please note both the National Library and the Institute forZorig Chusum are closed at weekends and public holidays, and the TextileMuseum is closed on Sundays and public holidays). After lunch we will leaveThimphu and drive up a series of zigzags to Dochu-La Pass (3,088m) stoppingbriefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayerflags which decorate the highest point on the road. Magnificent vistas are allaround including the following 7000m peaks: Masagang, Tsendagang, Terigang,Jejegangphugang, Kangphugang, Zongphugang, and finally Gangkar Puensum,the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,570m. After crossing the pass, the roaddescends into the Punakha Valley, where we will spend the night in a hotel.

DAY 8: PUNAKHA TO PARO

Elevation: 1310m to 2250m, Distance: 125km, Time: 4-5 hoursBefore we leave Punakha we will visit the majestic Punakha Dzong. Builtstrategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637, it servesas the religious and administrative centre of the region. Later we will drive backto Paro, taking a short excursion to Chimi Lhakhang, dedicated to the LamaDrukpa Kuenley, also known as the 'Divine Madman' for his humourous andoften outrageous methods of teaching Buddhism. The temple is well known as atemple of fertility, and women will come here to pray for children. Upon arrivalin Paro, we will check in at the hotel, before taking an evening stroll around themarket streets of Paro.

DAY 9: DEPARTURE FROM PARO

We will collect you from your hotel and transfer you to Paro Airport for yourflight.

Please avoid body hugging, sleeveless t-shirts, jeans, mini-skirts or shorts while visiting temples and dzongs, and when

attending festivals. Please take off your hat when entering religious sites. You will need to take off your shoes when

entering the monasteries and temples. We recommend taking some thick

socks with you to wear, as the floors are often made of rock or marble and

can be incredibly cold!

Apart from the courtyards, guests are not allowed to take pictures inside any

monastery, temple or dzong. Always walk in a clockwise direction while

visiting religious places or sites such as stupas, temples, monasteries, prayer

flags etc. Please do not point a finger at a sacred object or place - it is

considered disrespectful.

Smokers have to declare cigarettes at the airport and pay 200% tax, for which

they will be given a receipt which permits them to smoke. Smoking

without a receipt is illegal in Bhutan and smoking is not allowed in public

areas, only designated smoking areas. Please refrain from smoking while you

are visiting the dzongs and monasteries.

We operate a strict limit of 15kg for your main equipment bag. This is more

than sufficient for your needs on the trek. Your bag will be weighed before

you leave the hotel to start the trek and if it is overweight you will have to take items out and leave them at the hotel.

On the trek all items must be packed in your main equipment bag. They should

not be attached to the outside, as we are not responsible if items fall off

when the bags are being carried by the pack animals.

During the booking process we will direct you to the Equipment List on our website. There is virtually no opportunity to rent equipment in Paro or Thimphu, so you will need to source all of your trekking equipment before you leave home. Please double check that you have everything that you need before beginning your trek. If you think you have forgotten a vital piece of equipment, please let our team in Paro know as soon possible so they can help you source a replacement.

Here is a summary equipment checklist:

HEADGEAR

Warm beanie style hat – knitted or fleece

Neck gaiter or scarf. It can get dusty in Bhutan and the air very cold. A scarf or balaclava comes in useful for keeping dust out and can double as a warm layer for your neck / face!

Sun hat – preferably wide-brimmed for protection

Sunglasses – high UV protection

Headlamp (plus extra batteries)

UPPER BODY

Thermal or fleece base layer (x1)

Long sleeve shirt/tshirt – light or medium weight, moisture wicking (x1)

Short sleeved shirt/tshirt – lightweight, moisture wicking (x2)

Fleece or soft shell jacket (x1)

Insulated jacket – down or primaloft

Lightweight water/windproof hard shell outer jacket

Gloves – lightweight, fleece or quick drying fabric

Gloves or mittens – heavyweight, insulated, preferably water resistant

LEGS

Leggings – thermal or fleece base layer (x1)

Trekking trousers – light or medium weight (x2) – convertible trousers work well

Waterproof hard shell trousers – ski pants work fine (x1)

FEET

Trekking boots – mid weight with good ankle support

Training shoe or similar – to wear around camp

Mid-weight trekking socks (x3 pairs)

Breathable, high-wicking liner socks (x2 pairs)

Thermal trekking socks for upper reaches of your trek (x1 pair)

GEAR

Small Rucksack or Daypack (30-40 litres) to carry water and personal items

Waterproof duffle bag (approx 80-100 litres) – max weight when full should be 15kg. This weight restriction includes your sleeping bag. Your duffle will be carried by a porter

Sleeping bag (4 season or -10 Deg C) and compression sack

Insulated sleeping mat

Trekking poles

Water bottle or hydration bag – must be able to carry 1.5-2L of water

OTHER ACCESSORIES

Sunscreen high SPF

Toiletries, including wet wipes and hand sanitiser – please carry all rubbish back off the trail

Camera and spare batteries

Plug adapter, for charging devices in hotels

Personal medication and first aid kit

Personal snacks and energy bars – dried fruit and nuts are also a good source of energy

Isotonic drink powder / energy drink powder to mix in with your water. This improves flavour and helps replace electrolytes

Microfibre towel for wiping hands and face each day

Ear plugs, if you are a light sleeper

Pee bottle, useful for late night toilet needs

Dry bag (only required if your main duffle bag is not waterproof)

Your guide team will meet you at your hotel the evening before your trek

begins, where we’ll review the plans for the trek with you, make sure you have

all the right gear and answer any questions you may have. In order to set

a base line for your daily health check, your resting pulse rate will be tested

and if it is above 100 you will be required to see a doctor before starting

your trek. If you are arriving on a late evening flight, then the guide will

arrange to brief you in the morning before you set off for the trek.

New enhanced security checks were implemented in July 2014 at a number of international airports, including the

UK and USA. In addition to existing security measures, passengers may be

required to show that electronic devices in their hand luggage are charged up,

and you may therefore be asked to turn on devices such as mobile phones,

tablets, laptops and e-books in front of the security team. If the device does not have power, then it may be retained by

airport security, or you would need to book onto a later flight once the device

has been fully charged. You should ensure that all electronic devices in your

hand luggage are fully charged prior to travel. If you are transferring between

flights, make sure that you do not deplete the power on your devices on the first part of the journey, as it may

not be possible to recharge the device at the transfer airport before boarding

your next flight.

In March 2017, certain electronic devices were banned from being carried

in the cabin from several countries in the Middle East and Africa on flights into

the USA and UK. If your return flight from Bhutan is routing through this

region, check with your airline if your flight will be affected. If your luggage is

being checked right through to your final destination from the transit airport, any

items that are not allowed in the cabin will need to be in your hold luggage when you check in again at Delhi or

Kathmandu airport.

When travelling on long-haul flights (especially over 8 hours) there are a

number of recommendations that are believed to reduce the risk of DVT.

These include keeping well hydrated and avoiding alcohol, stretching and moving

around the aircraft, and wearing compression stockings.

FLYING TO BHUTAN

Getting to Bhutan is difficult as there are no direct flights, and most routings from Europe go via one of the hubs in India or Nepal. This means flying via Kathmandu, Delhi or Kolkata. Other options are Bangkok or Singapore. Things are also complicated by the fact that none of the Bhutanese airlines are integrated into the online flight search engines so the last leg of the flight has to be booked directly with one of only two operators, Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines. If you need help booking your flight into Bhutan, speak to one of our sales agents and we can book this segment for you.

TRANSIT VISAS

As your final flight into Bhutan will be on a separate ticket, your luggage will not be checked right through to the final destination and you will need to clear immigration at your transit airport in order to collect your bag and check it back in for your Bhutan connection. Double check with your airline what the immigration and visa requirements are for the airport you are to transit through, and whether they are able to re-check your bags for you. Otherwise, you will need to arrange transit visas. For Nepal these can be done on arrival, but for India you will need to arrange a multiple entry transit visas in advance to cover you for your outbound and inbound journeys.

FLIGHT DELAYS

All of our trekking itineraries in Bhutan require you to fly in and out of Paro airport. The airfield at Paro is subject to Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and as such can be affected by poor visibility when clouded in. It is not uncommon for bad weather to cause delays, as the airport will be closed if the cloud cover is too great. However, it is rare for flights to be cancelled altogether.

If there should be any flight issues which cause your trek itinerary to be delayed or shortened, any additional expenses are your responsibility and need to be paid locally.

If possible you could allow some extra days in Delhi or Kathmandu at the end of your trip so that you have some leeway if your flight out of Paro is delayed and you cannot meet your connecting flight.

Our procedure for lost or delayed luggage is as follows:

Establish what items are missing and a contingency plan

for each critical item

If it reaches 6pm on the evening before starting the

trek and your luggage has not arrived we recommend buying

and/or hiring items immediately as a precaution

We will arrange for the hire of wet weather gear, t-shirts,

fleeces and sleeping bags for you, to be paid locally

We will take you to a shop where you can buy toiletry

items, e.g. toothbrush

We will do everything we can to help if your luggage is lost or delayed but all additional out of pocket costs have to be paid locally and should be charged

back to the airline or your insurers. This includes the cost of taxis for shopping

and/or repeat trips to the airport to collect bags.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fully and adequately insured for the duration of your trip. Please ensure that all activities, excursions and destinations in your itinerary are included in your travel insurance policy, in addition to your regular cover for cancellation and medical expenses. For the Druk Path trek, this means that you must be covered for trekking to 4500m.

We ask that you keep a copy of your policy summary (containing policy number and the emergency contact number for your insurer) in your day sack at all times, so that we can access this information should we need to contact the insurer on your behalf.

PASSPORT & VISAS

Please double check that your passport is valid for 6 months beyond the date of arrival in Bhutan. We recommend that you take a photocopy of your passport and keep it separate from the original, and this will be useful if the original is lost while you are travelling.

All visitors (except Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian passport holders) require a visa to enter Bhutan, which can only be arranged by a licenced tour operator. To process your visa we require a clear, readable colour copy of your passport (JPEG or PDF format) containing the passport number and photograph. This must be received at least 40 days prior to your date of entry into Bhutan. The visa fee is included in our trek cost.

We will email you confirmation of your visa prior to departure. Please ensure that you take this confirmation with you, as you will need to show it when you check in for your flight into Bhutan.

TRAVELLING TO BHUTAN

Our number one tip when travelling to Bhutan is to wear your walking boots and pack as many essential items as possible in your carry-on luggage. If your luggage is delayed we can do our best to kit you out to start the trek on time, but your worn-in boots are the one thing we cannot replace.

If you choose to eat outside your hotel, use your common sense when selecting

where and what to eat, and drink bottled water.

Please keep all money, passport and valuables on your person at all times.

Make sure your hotel room is kept locked, even if you just pop out for a

few minutes.

Any items you don’t wish to take on the trek with you can be left securely at your Paro hotel and

collected when you return. Please make sure you have a spare bag for any

items you are storing.

There are 2 types of electrical sockets in Bhutan – type D which are old UK

style (3 round pins) and type C which are standard European style (2 round pins) – and are 220v, same as the UK.

The type D socket is commonly found in India, so any adapter that is suitable for

India will be the right size, and a European adaptor will be fine for the

type C socket.

Your full day by day itinerary shows what is included in terms of hotel accommodation and meal basis. All of our itineraries include pre- and post-trek accommodation in Paro, Thimphu, Punakha or Bumthang, depending on your trekking route. Where appropriate your hotel is booked on a full board basis. You can usually purchase additional snacks at the hotel, which can be paid in local currency or Indian rupees.

HOTEL SAFETY

When you arrive at the hotel, take a moment to familiarise yourself with the layout and the procedures in the event of a fire, especially your escape routes and fire exits.

GETTING AROUND

Take care when crossing roads as the traffic may be coming from an unfamiliar direction, and may not stop as expected at pedestrian crossings. When travelling by taxi, make sure it is licensed; ideally ask your hotel to book one for you.

VEHICLES AND DRIVING STANDARDS

We insist on using a high standard of vehicle and driver for all of our transfers. In Bhutan it is not a legal requirement to have seatbelts fitted in the back of vehicles, and while we try to use vehicles that do have rear seatbelts fitted, this cannot always be guaranteed. If you are unhappy about any aspect of the vehicle or the standard of driving, please speak to the driver or our local office immediately.

STRAY DOGS

Bhutan has an unusual approach to stray dogs, as the Buddhist belief is that they should be cared for. However, they are not looked after in homes as pets, but live in the community where they are fed. Unfortunately the downside of this is that the noise of barking dogs is a problem in the towns, especially at night. Where possible, we use hotels that are located outside of town, but it is almost impossible to avoid this issue completely. You may wish to consider bringing ear plugs if you are a light sleeper. The dogs you will see in the street are generally in very good health and will not bother you.

The standard vaccinations required for Bhutan are diphtheria, tetanus, typhoid

and hepatitis A, but you should always consult your doctor or travel clinic for

the most up to date advice. You are required to have a Yellow Fever

certificate if you are arriving from a country that is considered to have a risk

of Yellow Fever by the World Health Organisation.

You can easily become dehydrated at high altitudes. The lower air pressure

forces you to breathe more quickly and deeply, and you lose a lot of water

through your lungs. You will also be exerting yourself, and sweating, and

may even suffer from diarrhoea. As a result, you’ll have to drink much more

water than you normally would and you should drink at least 3 litres of fluids every day while trekking. Even when

you don’t feel thirsty you have to drink this amount as a minimum – preferably more. Stay on the look-out for signs of

dehydration in yourself and your fellow trekkers. The most common symptoms include thirst, dry lips, nose or mouth,

headache and feeling fatigued or lethargic.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS

Altitude sickness, also called Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), hypobaropathyand soroche, is an illness caused by exposure to low air pressure, especially low partial pressure of oxygen, which many trekkers experience at high altitudes. AMS is caused by exerting yourself at high altitudes, especially if you have not been properly acclimatised. It is most common at altitudes above 2400 metres. Your route on the Druk Path trek has been designed to aid your acclimatisation wherever possible, but the following will also help your body adjust:

Slow and steady: You need to keep your respiration rate low enough to maintain a normal conversation. If you are panting or breathing hard, you must slow down. There is no pressure on you to keep up with other members of your group.

Drink much more water than you think you need: Proper hydration helps acclimatisation dramatically. You need to drink at least three litres each day.

Diamox: There has been a lot of research on Diamox that shows is that it has been reasonably well proven to be helpful in avoiding AMS by speeding up the acclimatisation process. In the UK it is a prescription drug which must be prescribed by a doctor, but some doctors are reluctant to prescribe it. The concern is that by taking Diamox, people believe that they are immune from AMS and can ignore the symptoms. In reality, although Diamox can help prevent the symptoms, should symptoms still develop it means that you are not acclimatising and you have to take notice. Diamox is taken before you start trekking to prevent altitude sickness, not once you are on the trek and symptoms have developed.

MALARIA

There is little risk of malaria on any of the Bhutan treks that we operate, due to the altitude. We would still recommend you take every precaution to prevent mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved trousers and shirts at dusk and dawn when the mosquitos are active, and by using a DEET based mosquito repellent.

THE GUIDE’S WORD IS FINAL

Once you set foot on the trail, your Lead Guide has overall responsibility for your health and welfare. You must listen carefully to all his instructions and follow them carefully. The Guide’s ruling on any matter is final, especially in relation to an early descent.

TEMPERATURE

Throughout the trek, temperatures vary considerably with the altitude and time of day. A mountain range the size of the Himalaya creates its own local weather, which can be extremely variable and impossible to predict. Therefore, regardless of when you trek, you should always be prepared for wet days and cold nights.

DESCENT PROTOCOL

Your guides will do everything they can to help you complete your trek, but their number one priority is your health. If you are showing signs of ill-health they will monitor the situation to see if things improve, before they make the decision for you to descend.

For trekkers whose condition is mild we will bring you down on foot with a team member. For more serious conditions, an emergency evacuation by helicopter will be required. Helicopter evacuation must be covered by your travel insurance, so make sure you are aware of the procedure required by your insurance company, or you may end up liable for the cost of the helicopter.

Any additional costs incurred as a result of descending early, including hotel accommodation, must be paid locally.

CREW TIPS

It has become customary practice to tip the guides, cooks and porters who have assisted you throughout your trek. The decision on how much to tip should be determined by how well the team served you while you were on the trek. Tips are always discretionary and if you are not happy with the service you have received you do not have to pay tips

We say goodbye to our crew at the end of the trail before we head to Thimphu. Any tips that you wish to give to the porters will need to be carried on the trek with you.

You will have a twice daily health check with your guides in which we fill out a

Lake Louise AMS scoresheet, a well-tested method for assessing the

symptoms of altitude sickness. This is supplemented by a pulse oxymeter test

to measure your pulse and blood oxygen saturation. It is imperative that you answer all of the guide’s questions

honestly and report any changes in your health that may affect your ability

to continue with the trek.

On the trek we boil all the water that we give to you for drinking. You may

wish to bring purification tablets as an extra precaution but they are not

essential. Every morning we will fill up your water bottles or hydration bladder

with at least 2 litres of water.

It is important to maintain a high standard of hygiene in what is a

very difficult environment, to try to reduce stomach upsets.

We provide anti-bacterial hand gel in the toilet tents that we erect at each

camp, but it is worth carrying your own supply in case you are caught short

during the day’s trekking.

Many people like to leave a contact number with their families should they

need to get a message to you while you are trekking. We would only relay

messages up to you in an emergency; please do not expect us to pass on

good luck messages. For most enquiries, it is best if they can contact our office during working hours listed

above. If the matter occurs out of hours and is deemed urgent, they should contact the office in Paro directly.

It is in the nature of a trip of this kind that arrangements and participants have to be flexible. While we use all

reasonable endeavours to ensure a trip runs according to your itinerary, the

day-to-day agenda and ultimate goal of the trip are taken as aims and not as

contractual obligations. It is a necessary condition of your joining any of our trips that you accept this flexibility. Occasionally, we may have to make

changes and we reserve the right to do so at any time.

While the vast majority of our treks are trouble-free, you may occasionally encounter a problem that can be resolved quickly and easily by following these steps:

LOCAL OFFICE

Our office in Paro is your first point of contact for any issues that arise once you are on your way to Bhutan, and for the duration of your time in country. Whether you have booked an airport transfer and your flight is delayed, or you need assistance exchanging money, we have English-speaking representatives who will be able to help you with any query, and they have the advantage of being in the same time zone. These contact details can also be found on your itinerary.

The below number includes the international dialling code, which you will need to add if you are calling from your mobile phone. If you are using a landline within the country, just omit the international code.

Contact telephone: +975 17111692 or +975 77149999

LEAD GUIDE

Once you are on your trek, you should speak to your lead guide about any problems, whether it relate to food, equipment or health. We would much prefer you to sort out any problems with them on the spot, rather than allow them to spoil your trek. Your guide is in contact with the office if further assistance is required.

If the lead guide is the source of your concern, you will have the opportunity to speak to one of the office representatives when you return to your post-trek hotel.

CONTACT KANDOO ADVENTURES

If your problem cannot be resolved locally, please either phone or email our UK office and we will do all we can to help you. It is best if you can call within our office hours when we are best equipped to deal with the situation. Our office hours are as follows (local UK time):

09:00 – 17:00 Monday to Thursday09:00 – 16:00 Friday

Contact telephone: +44 (0)1283 499980Contact email: sales@kandooadventures.com

Currency:Bhutanese Ngultrum

Official languages:Dzongkha

English

Time difference:GMT + 6 hrsEST + 11 hrs

Electricity:220-250V / 50Hz

International dialling code:+975

The Tshechu is a religious event celebrated on the tenth day of a month of the lunar calendar corresponding to

the birthday of Guru Rimpoche. The exact month of the Tshechu varies from

place to place and year on year

Punakha Tshechu: Feb / March

Paro Tshechu : March / April

Rhododendron Festival: April

Thimphu Tshechu: September

Jomolhari Mountain Festival: October

Druk Wangyel Tshechu: December

The last Buddhist Kingdom in the world, this beautiful, largely unspoiled country nestles in the foothills of the Himalaya between two of the most powerful countries in Asia – India and China. With tourism not starting until 1974, Bhutan remains one of the most isolated countries in the world, and its culture and traditions remain very much intact.

With one of the world’s greatest concentrations of mountains, the experience begins with the flight into Paro offering close up views of Mt Everest, Mt Kanchenjunga and other great Himalayan peaks. Once on the ground, this is a country of high rugged mountains and deep shadowy gorges, cloaked in dense primeval forest, resplendent with rhododendron blossom in the spring and offering ecosystems that are both rich and diverse. The full glory of this ancient land is discovered through majestic fortress-like dzongs, numerous ancient temples, monasteries and stupas which take prime position in this picturebooklandscape. This unique architecture embodies Buddhist culture and sets the scene for the spectacular tsechus (dance festivals) that take place throughout the year. The tsechus are a rich and happy expression of the ancient Buddhist culture; an important social occasion for the community and a period of deep prayer and meditation for the monks who perform the masked dances.

The true charm of this tiny kingdom must surely lie in its use of Gross National Happiness as a measure of development, placing real value on such things as heritage, health, education, good governance, psychological wellbeing and community spirit. The people of Bhutan are warm and welcoming, and you will easily become immersed in their traditional way of life.

Check availability Contact us by phone, email or through our website to check availability

Choose a date and routeChoose a date and route and we will send you a detailed quote and itinerary. Our destination specialists are on-hand to answer any of your questions

Compete booking and paymentWhen you are ready to book we will send you our booking forms and participation agreements. We accept all major credit and debit cards, cheque or you can pay by bank transfer. Our standard terms are 20% deposit to secure and booking and full and final payment 8 weeks before departure. Kandoo Adventures is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold an Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 10957 issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and are ABTA members. This means you can book your Kandoo holiday with confidence, as all monies paid to us for your trip are fully protected.