Nestled between India, Tibet and Nepal, this remote Himalayan mountain Kingdom is a jewel of Buddhism, protected by impenetrable jungle in the south and daunting ranges of Snow-capped Mountains in the North. Independent since the 8th century and with its age old traditions very much alive, Bhutan is a unique example of original Himalayan culture, a priceless asset in the modern world.

Bhutan jealously guards its lifestyle and ancient traditions, opening its doors only with caution and wisdom. The visitor who is admitted will then discover its valleys and mountains, its fortresses and villages – an unending symphony of light, shapes and colors.

The beauty of the pastoral landscape can seem unreal to travelers from the industrialized world: Houses with brightly decorated window frames and shingled roofs, patchworks or green paddy fields, plots of tawny buckwheat, oak forests, a covered bridge, fences of intricately woven bamboo, a man leaning on a wooden rail trampling its harvest, a woman weaving in the open air, a baby laced into a horse’s saddlebag, yaks browsing in a grove of giant rhododendrons.

Such scenes remain in the memory forever. But it is the symbols of Bhutan’s religion which leave the deepest impression: the chortens (commemorative monuments) dotting the landscape, fluttering prayer flags, prayer wheels turned by the water of swift mountain streams, the monasteries. Buddhism is everywhere, determining attitudes, molding thoughts. Red-robed monks, high lamas, the religious men in the villages. All part of a country that remains one of the Asia’s deepest mysteries.

Bhutan Is located just below Tibet

Please refer to this map when reviewing the itinerary

Visit Our 2005 Bhutan Photo Gallery
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Trip Itinerary
October 5 – 18, 2008

This itinerary was prepared by Claus Claussen and his Bhutanese and Nepalese agents. Claus Claussen, owner of Des Peres Travel and bicycle lover, will accompany the group. Claus has organized bike trips to Nepal (Mountain Bike) in 1999 and Bhutan in October 2005.

Bike Bhutan
(Descriptions below are in the words of the Bhutan operator.)

A vital overview of the Himalayan Kingdom, organized to include spectacular mountain biking opportunities. Bhutan is particularly remarkable for its essentially undisturbed ecology and traditional way of life. The tranquil atmosphere is a perfect setting for such gentle and understated exploration. The Tour instills you with a subtle appreciation of the country’s natural and cultural landscapes. They provide a sense of being transported back to a previous age.

We journey through the cultural heartland of Western and Central Bhutan.

From the modernizing capital of Thiumphu, through the birthplace of the Monarchy of Trongsa and the 17^th Century center of Phunakha. From the sacred temples of Paro, the seat of a high reincarnate lama at Gangteng, and into the spiritual sanctuary of Bumthang. We will experience broader social, cultural and ecological aspects, passing through distant village settlements and the untainted surrounding countryside, visiting some of the most venerable monasteries, and observing a rich variety of animal and plant life in its natural habitat.

The trip centers on the valley of Bumthang. These combine immense natural beauty with the mystique of historically being that part of Bhutan that has played host to the greatest collection of eminent spiritual practitioners. Traveling through the gentle terrain you will witness the delicate and charming conditions that for many visitors appear close to being in an earthly paradise.

A word from Claus Claussen

After mountain biking in Nepal in 1999 with a group, I heard about Bhutan and its unspoiled natural beauty. After researching and finding the book of Robert Dompnier’s Bhutan–Kingdom of the Dragon, my mind was set. Although we were only a small group, we headed for Bhutan on October 5–21, 2005.

It is a long voyage from the U.S. to Bhutan, but it was worth it. The country is beautiful, clean, unspoiled by civilization, and rich with a 2,500-year old history and culture. The hotels are of a surprisingly high quality and the food is good. And most of all, we were impressed with the Bhutanese people who are very welcoming, polite, helpful, down to earth and honest. We felt safe in Bhutan.

The government requires that you travel with an official guide at all times, which I think is beneficial for tourists. Going around the country on your own is not the best way to see Bhutan—you could miss seeing or doing a lot of things. In our case, a 15-passenger bus followed us at all times with a driver, a guide and our luggage. Since there are incredibly long uphills to master, if you feel tired or need a break, just climb in the bus and the rest is easy. Traffic is very light on the narrow roads, due to an average of 20 turns per mile. Cars travel at an average speed of only 20 mph and drivers give way immediately to bikers.

I have traveled to numerous places in the world (Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America), but shortly after my return, I felt the urge to go back to Bhutan again. I think Bhutan is one of the best places to visit. My travel companions stated that they enjoyed every second of our stay in Bhutan and would like to go back any time.

Come and join me this time, you will not regret it. Bhutan is a world of its own. It is truly a trip of a lifetime!

Trip Itinerary October 5 – 18, 2008
Oct. 5		From your hometown, connect to your flights on Japan Air Lines 10/5 JL69 Los Angeles – Osaka 11.55 pm – 5.50 pm (+1) 10/6 JL 727 Osaka – Bangkok 7.20 pm – 11.00 pm

Oct. 6		Overnight at the First Class Amari Bangkok Airport Hotel

Oct 7		Relax and recover from the long flight. Visit Bangkok.

Oct 8		Embark on flight Druk Air Bangkok – Paro (2,280 m) 5.50 am – 9.00 am We stay at the Kichu Resort, assemble our bikes, bike in direction of Tiger’s Nest and hike up to the viewing point and Taktsang Monastery (3/4 h)

Oct 9		After Breakfast, we drive 1 1/2h to Thimphu (2,320 m) to check-in the Riverview Hotel. We bike to Tangu and Cheri to visit the Monastery glued on a mountain side 900 Ft above the Monastery entrance, which makes an interesting little hike.. Total Biking distance on paved roads 40 km. At our return, we visit Thimphu.

Oct 10		After Breakfast, we bike for 22 km uphill (900 m altitude gain) to Dochu La And then downhill (1,900 m altitude loss) into the Punakha Valley. Punakha used to be the capital of Bhutan, the first inhabitants come here as early as 2,000 BC The Punakha Dzong (Monastery) witnesses of history. We continue to Wangdue Phodrang on a dirt road along a river and then to our hotel, the Wangdue Kichu Resort, along a raging river. Total biking distance today (80/90 km)

Oct 11		After Breakfast, we bike from the Kichu Resort (1,250 m) to Gangtey (3,140 m) With a tough 70 km climb.

Oct 12		We finish the Pelela Pass climb before enjoying the downhill to Chendebji for lunch. Then on to Trongsa.(2,120 m) 80 km for the day.

Oct 13		After Breakfast, we visit the impressive Trongsa Dzong with it’s observation Towers overlooking the valley. In this Dzong, the Royal family originated. We climb the Yotongla Pass (3,425 m) and descend through dwarf bamboo forest and enter Chumey valley and then a short climb up Kiki La Pass, before reaching Jakar. Distance 70 km

Oct 14		Bhumthang sightseeing. Today we have the opportunity to explore the Jakar Valley with it’s incredible cultural treasures. Distance about 30 km

Oct 15		Bike from Jakar to Chendebji for about 90 km to have lunch.. We do the remaining distance to the Kichu resort in Wangdue by bus.

Oct 16		We bike from the resort up the Pass to Dochu La (60 km) where we have Lunch. We bike down to Thimphu or take the bus to Paro. Depending how you feel after the 40 km climb…. (2,000 m). Upon arrival at the Kichu Resort in Paro, we pack our bikes.

Oct 17		Morning transfer to the airport. For a flight to Bangkok at 11.00 am, Arriving in Bangkok at 4.10 pm. We check-in the Amari Airport Hotel for a farewell Dinner and a good night sleep.

Oct 18		Departure on Japan Air Lines: JL 728 Bangkok – Osaka 9.10 am – 4.35 pm JL 60 Osaka – Los Angeles 5.30 pm – 11.55 am (all same day) Connect to your hometown.

A TRIP OF A LIFETIME!!!

» Booking Deadline

July 1, 2008

» Price

$ 4,815.00 per person based on double room occupancy
$ 5,365.00 based on single occupancy

» Bhutan Travel Rules

Bhutan government rules require tourists to spend at least $ 200 per night/day in Bhutan; a portion will be attributed to the Government and the Bhutan Health services. Individual travel is not allowed, only group travel. A maximum of 3,000 tourists a year is admitted. More information available on www.kingdomofbhutan.com
**The cost of the trip is calculated based on the above requirement.**
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» Includes

R Roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles to Bangkok and Paro
R 3 nights at the Amari Bangkok Airport Hotel incl. breakfast
R All lodging in Bhutan, all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
R Entrance fees and permits, guide(s), support vehicle

» Not Included

T Add-on airfare to/from hometown to Los Angeles
T Bhutan Visa Fee $ 20, Tourism development fee $ 10, entrance fees $ 10
T Beverages and personal expenses
T Airport tax (only in Bangkok and Paro – about $ 8)
T Meals and sightseeing in Bangkok
T Excess luggage expense on Druk Air (limit 20 kg)
T Trip and medical insurance

» Payment Conditions

$ 500 deposit at time of booking
$ 1,000 on or before July 1 for purchase of the Bangkok/Paro ticket
Balance on or before August 20, 2008

» Penalties

For cancellations before July 1, a penalty of $100 applies.
All further payments are non-refundable after July 1, 2008

» Trip Insurance

Optional but highly recommended
Covering cancellation (see insurance conditions), trip-interruption, medical, and luggage. We will offer you the Travelex Insurance.

» Responsibility

Des Peres Travel requires all participants to sign the following waiver:

Assumption of risk of personal injury

Participants release form

I acknowledge that by signing this document, I am releasing Des Peres Travel

And it’s Bhutanes operator, it’s employees and guides (releases) from liability, losses of property, personal injuries, death, mental or physical deterioration, no matter how incurred, suffered by me on this tour under its management. I understand that my agreement is binding on my heirs, executors and administrators.

I hereby waive, release, discharge, hold harmless and promise not to sue and indemnify

The Releases of this event.

I understand, that the releases highly recommend to purchase an accident, life, medial and baggage insurance.

“Signature of participant”

» Group Size

A minimum 10 participants are required, maximum 20.
If the minimum number is not reached, all payments will be refunded.

» Travel Documents

Valid passport required with validity until at least April 5, 2009

» Bike

Although roads are paved (with one exception on our trip), it is highly recommended to use a mountain bike with street tires or a cyclocross bike.

The roads are in good condition but often rough and occasional interruptions due to repairs. This is to avoid any possible breakdowns, as repairs are difficult if not impossible

» Vaccinations

The following vaccinations are required:

Hepatitis A

» Climate

October is the best month to tour Bhutan. The visibility is clear and it is not raining. The monsoon season ends in September. Average temperatures vary depending on elevation: 60–70 F.

» More Bhutan Details

Please view www.kingdomofbhutan.com for more information.
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Publications

Bhutan
by Stan Armington
Published by Lonely Planet ($13.50)

Bhutan–Kingdom of the Dragon
by Robert Dompnier
Published by Shambhala Publications ($50.00)

Contact Information
	Des Peres Travel Attn: Claus Claussen 236 Brougham Drive O'Fallon, MO 63368 Tel (636) 300-1562 Fax (636) 329-8177

Email: dptravel@primary.net

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