Mount Chomolhari & Lingshi-KINGDOM OF BHUTAN

?KINGDOM OF BHUTAN

?Mount Chomolhari & Lingshi

·????????Grade:??Vigorous / Strenuous

·????????Duration:?17 days including International Flight travel journey

·????????On trek:?9 days?Walks on:?1 day

·????????Private Departures Available

Flight inclusive from?$9999, Land only from?$8995

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Magnificent high mountain trekking beneath snowy peaks, through remote valleys and across high passes.

Highlights

·????????A fully supported, well-paced trek with excellent acclimatisation

·????????Trek to the Base Camp of Mount Chomolhari and return via the high pass of the Yeli La

·????????Join the celebrations at the Chomolhari Mountain Festival (October departure)

·????????Walk to Taktsang Monastery and sightseeing in Thimphu

·????????Enjoy first-rate camping facilities on trek and good quality hotels in Bhutan and Kathmandu

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Whilst the government of Bhutan has recently announced the reopening of borders to foreign visitors, they have also made some big changes to their tourism policies, including a large increase in the Sustainable Development Fee for all new bookings. We will therefore be updating website prices for all Bhutan holidays in the near future. If you'd like to hold a place on one of our holidays in the meantime, or find out more about the changes, do please email at [email protected]

This magnificent circuit trek, takes you deep into the heart of some of Bhutan’s most spectacular Himalayan scenery, to the foot of the second highest mountain in the Thunder Dragon Kingdom and far beyond. The trek in to Mount Chomolhari’s base camp at Jangothang traverses beautiful and varied country, starting in the cultivated fields and villages of the upper Paro valley, and climbing through the pristine, indigenous forest of the Paro Chu Valley to the remote high mountain landscapes inhabited only by yak herders. You will have a full day at Chomolhari Base Camp with time to acclimatise and explore the mountain’s glacier and the scenic area above the camp.

You then trek further into the mountains, along pristine trails to cross the Nyelela Pass and reach the remote village of Lingshi. From Lingshi you trek out via the Yale La Pass, the highest point of your trek and through more wild and beautiful countryside to reach the road head, before driving to Thimphu.

As well as fabulous scenery along your trek there are good opportunities to see wildlife, large herds of blue sheep, eagles soaring on the thermals and, if you are extremely lucky, that the most elusive of mountain creatures, the snow leopard, or at least its footprints! You may also visit local farmhouses or the tents of yak herders for a privileged glimpse into rural Bhutanese life.

In addition to some superb trekking you will also enjoy some of Bhutan’s key cultural sights, including the walk up to the iconic Taktsang Monastery, known as the Tiger’s Nest, and a day of sightseeing in the capital Thimphu, famed for its many artisan workshops. The autumn departure may also visit the Chomolhari Mountain Festival which celebrates the culture, wildlife and natural beauty of the region (the festival dates are only provisional at present).

At a glance

Grade:?Vigorous / Strenuous

Duration:?17 days from the UK

On trek:?9 days?Walks on:?1 day

Max. Altitude:?4,930m/16,175ft, Yeli La, Day 11

Private Departures Available

Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 5 clients

Maximum group size:?12

Land only joining city:?Kathmandu

Accommodation types:?Hotels, Camping

Festival:October departures attend the Chomolhari Mountain Festival

Meal arrangements:?Bed and Breakfast in Kathmandu and all meals in Bhutan.

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Itinerary overview

Day

Activity

1-3

Arrive Kathmandu. Fly to Paro in Bhutan.

4

Sightseeing Paro Valley. Trek to Taktsang - 5-6 hours.

5

Trek and drive from Paro to Shana.

6-7

Trek to Soi Thangthanka. Trek to Chomolhari Base Camp (Jangothang).

8

Rest and acclimatisation day. October departure attends the Chomolhari Mountain Festival.

9

Trek to Lingshi

10

Trek to Jimthang just before reaching the Yeli La.

11

Cross Yeli La and trek to Shodu

12

Trek to Barshong Gompa and continue to Domshesha.

13

Trek to road head and drive to Thimphu. At leisure in Thimphu.

14

Sightseeing in Thimphu. Drive to Paro.

15-17

Fly to Kathmandu. At leisure. Overnight flight home.

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Leader: Local leader, Bhutan

You will have an English speaking Bhutanese guide. Mountain Kingdoms have been working with the same partner in Bhutan since 1986. Their guides are some of the best in the Kingdom. They speak fluent English, as this is taught in all Bhutanese schools, and are fully qualified guides. The Tourism Authority of Bhutan insists that a Bhutanese trek or tour leader must pass his/her guiding exams in Thimphu before accompanying groups of foreign visitors. Guides receive regular ‘top-up’ training and 15 of our regular leaders have completed an extended training course run by Mountain Kingdoms in Bhutan.

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Holiday Itinerary

Day 1 - Fly to Kathmandu

Depart home on your overnight flight to Kathmandu.

?Overnight: In flight

Day 2 - Arrive Kathmandu.

You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. You might like to venture out to Thamel for your evening meal, or eat in the restaurant if you are tired from your journey.

?Overnight: Hotel Malla Or Shangri La, Kathmandu

Day 3 - Fly to Paro.

Transfer to the airport for the flight to Paro. On a clear day the panoramic views of the Himalaya are sensational, including Everest, but particularly exciting is the approach through the Bhutanese foothills and the landing, including a few steep turns, to land at the tiny airstrip at Paro. You are at the mercy of the Druk air-ticketing computer, but if there is an option, try to sit on the left-hand side of the plane. In Paro you will be transferred to your hotel. There may be time for a wander around the streets of the small township of Paro, take a look at the Queen Mother's Winter Palace and go for a walk up to look at the Dzong.

?Overnight: Hotel Khamsum Inn Or Similar, Paro

Day 4 - Sightseeing Paro Valley. Trek to Taktsang - 5-6 hours.

Today you visit the Paro Valley, site of the famous Tiger's nest, the Taktsang Monastery, which is perched some 600m/2,000ft up on a cliff overlooking the valley. Taktsang was said to be where the legendary Indian saint Guru Padma Sambhava flew from Tibet on the back of a tiger to defeat five demons who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan. There may also be time today to see some of the treasures from Bhutan's National Museum that has been fully renovated. There will also be a chance to wander around the small township of Paro itself and to visit the market.

?Overnight: Hotel Khamsum Inn Or Similar, Paro

Day 5 - Trek and drive from Paro to Shana, 2,788m/9,148ft - 5-6 hours.

You leave the hotel and walk up a hill to a village. You continue trekking along forested ridges until you reach Kyichu. You will visit the ancient temple of Kyichu Lhakang, one of the oldest in Bhutan, which was one of 108 temples built by Songtsen Gampo, an important early Tibetan king, to pin down the Bon demon that was thought to hover over the whole of Tibet.

From here it's an hour's drive to Gunitsawa from where it is a short walk through the small army checkpoint to cross the river on a small bridge and walk upstream to camp at Shana.

?Overnight: Camp

Day 6 - Shana to Soi Thangthanka, 3,519m/11,545ft - 7-8 hours.

Still following the river in heavily forested country, the route is dotted with isolated farmhouses and plenty of bird life. You may be advised by your Bhutanese guide to walk in pairs on this section as there are still bears in this area. You pass a junction en route, where another trail leads north over the Tremo La to Tibet. Spencer Chapman crossed the Tremo La in 1937 on his way to climb Chomolhari from Tibet.

?Overnight: Camp

Day 7 - Trek to Chomolhari Base Camp (Jangothang), 4,090m/13,416ft - 5-6 hours.

It is worth getting up early to photograph the dawn colours on Bhutan's second highest mountain, Chomolhari, which is framed at the end of the valley. After about an hour's walk you slowly leave the forest line and gradually climb into a beautiful valley, passing Tengethang, a winter home of yak herdsmen. You should see lots of yaks today before you arrive at a row of small chortens and stone huts, which is the base camp for the mountain. At 7,314m/ 23,997ft Chomolhari overlooks the camp and nearby there are ruins of the old fortress which used to guard Bhutan against Tibetan invasion.

?Overnight: Camp

Day 8 - Rest and acclimatisation day. Attend Chomolhari Mountain Festival (October departure).

It is highly advisable that you do some sort of walk today involving height gain in order to help with acclimatisation. There are several excellent walks to choose from today. You may walk up to the Chomolhari glacier, climb the grassy ridge just north of the base camp to reach a small peak at 4,760m/15,617ft for great views, or for an easier option walk up the valley towards Jitchu Drake base camp.

If travelling on our autumn departure, you may have the opportunity to join the celebrations at the Chomolhari Mountain Festival. This festival celebrates the culture of the high mountain communities living in this area and the natural wonders that surround them - the mountains and the wild life, especially the snow leopard. Please note that the festival dates are currently provisional and we cannot guarantee this visit.

?Overnight: Camp

Day 9 - Trek to Lingshi, 4,149m/13,612ft, via the Nyelela Pass, 4,890m/16,043ft - 6-7 hours.

You will have a good day's walking today with spectacular views of several stunning Himalayan peaks, including Jitchu Drake, 6,850m/22,470ft, and Tsering Kang, 6,994m/22,946ft. You start climbing straight away and after some 3-4 hours reach the windy Nyelela Pass, 4,890m/16,043ft. Along the way you may well pass yak herders' 'jhas' (tents) where you may be invited in to sample tea, yoghurt or cheese - all three are acquired tastes! It is a very special experience to meet these lovely people. Coming down from the pass to Lingshi you will have your first views of its mystical 17th century dzong, atop a 600ft high hill. The dzong is (just) standing despite being badly damaged by an earthquake, and renovation may be ongoing. Depending on its current state of repair you may be able to visit the dzong. In addition to a very special atmosphere of mystic tranquillity, Lingshi Dzong offers a great view over the valley.

Your camp will be in the valley below.

?Overnight: Camp

Day 10 - Trek to Jimthang (just below the Yeli La) - 4-5 hours.

Before setting off for today's walk you have time to explore the village and perhaps walk up to the dzong if you have not already done so. The school here serves several local villages.

Leaving Lingshi behind you climb towards a white chorten on a ridge above the camp, then turn south up the deep Mo Chhu valley. The trail stays on the west side of this largely treeless valley, crossing numerous side streams and climbing steeply to Jimthang, situated just below the Yeli La.

(Trekking Lingshi to Shodu with the crossing the Yeli La Pass would make a very long day, so we split this day into two, camping before the pass crossing).

?Overnight: Camp

Day 11 - Cross the Yele La Pass 4,930m/16,175ft and trek to Shodu, 3,900m/12,795ft - 4-5 hours.

From camp you climb for about two hours, finally zigzagging through rocks to a large cairn at the Yele La Pass. This pass is the highest and most remote point on your trek. The views from the top are breath taking - on a clear day you may see among others Chomolhari, Tserim Gang and Masagang.

From the pass it is a long, steep descent down the valley alongside a stream to a rock shelter in the cliff face, and then continuing on downstream to your camp at Shodu. Look out for Blue sheep as you descend.

?Overnight: Camp

Day 12 - Trek to Barshong Gompa and on to Domshesha, 3,449m/11,316ft - 6-7 hours.

This is quite a long day. The path follows the Thimphu Chu River down through rhododendron, juniper, blue pine and mixed alpine forests with tremendous views of rocky cliff faces and waterfalls along the way. You descend a steep stone staircase to the river, possibly stopping at the riverside for lunch. You descend further alongside the river, crossing it several times, and then finally climb in one hour to regain 300m to reach the ruined gompa at Barshong, 3,710m. Your trail now descends gradually through dense forest of rhododendron, birch and conifers (Langur monkeys may be seen along the way) and then drops steeply to on a rocky trail to join the river. Thirty further minutes of walking through larch forest leads to a clearing at 3,370m and then in 15 minutes to Domshesha. This will be your last night of camping.

?Overnight: Camp

Day 13 - Trek to the road head and drive to Thimphu, 2,334m/7,657ft.

After breakfast you trek just a short way to reach a forest road where you will meet your transport. Here you will say farewell to your trek team and drive to Thimphu (1 hour), the capital of Bhutan.

Thimphu has an attractive valley location and is relatively small for a capital city although it has expanded greatly in recent years. You'll have the afternoon to relax and enjoy the comforts of your hotel with a shower and a beer.

?Overnight: Khamsum Inn Hotel or Similar, Thimphu

Day 14 - Sightseeing in Thimphu. Drive to Paro.

Thimphu has been the permanent capital since 1955 and has two cinemas and a radio station. This is the least visited of all the Himalayan capitals with a population of around 100,000, has wide streets and a rather relaxed air. Its sights include the Late King's Memorial Chorten, the Textile Museum, the Heritage Museum, the silversmiths and pottery workshops, the indigenous hospital specialising in herbal medicine, the thangkha painting school, the Bhutanese paper factory, the recently built Changlingmithang Lhakhang temple, and the National Library. After a day's sightseeing, you will be driven back to Paro.

?Overnight: Hotel Khamsum Inn Or Similar, Paro

Day 15 - Fly to Kathmandu.

This is normally an early morning flight which takes you out and over the Bhutanese Mountains and past Kangchenjunga, Makalu and Everest, finally dropping down into the Kathmandu Valley. You will be met and transferred to your hotel, after which there will be plenty of time to relax and gather your thoughts.

?Overnight: Hotel Malla Or Shangri La, Kathmandu

Day 16 - At leisure. Afternoon transfer to airport. Depart Kathmandu.

You will have time at leisure in Kathmandu today when you may do some sightseeing or shopping, or simply relax at your hotel. Later there will be a group transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home.

?Overnight: In flight

Day 17 - Arrive home.

Optional supplements

·????????Single Room Supplement

$415

·????????Single Tent Supplement

$540

No Surcharge Guarantee

No surcharges will be applied to your holiday after you book. Prices on this website are updated regularly. The Flight Inclusive holiday price, or Land Only holiday price, will be confirmed to you at the time you make your booking. There will be no surcharges after your booking has been confirmed.

Flight inclusive holidays

The 'flight inclusive' holiday prices shown on this website are based upon our preferred airlines and the best priced economy class fares we are able to secure at the time of publication.

We will be able to advise on fares with alternative airlines, upgrades to Business Class, and the options for flights from regional UK airports, please contact us for more details.

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Booking your holiday

·????????Deposit

From $ 900

For the majority of our holidays, a deposit payment of $ 900 per person is required to secure your place(s), however a small number of holidays require a higher deposit - please refer to the holiday itinerary for more details. If the holiday departs within 60 days, a deposit of $1,600.00 per person is required.

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Private Departures

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Mount Chomolhari & Lingshi - Private Departures

If you would prefer to travel just with your partner, friends or family, we can arrange a private departure of this holiday. You follow the same itinerary, but travel on dates that suit you. Alternatively we can include elements of this holiday in a bespoke?custom made?itinerary. Contact our friendly team for details and prices, and to make a booking at [email protected]

Best time to Travel : Spring and Autumn

Extend your holiday

Bardia National Park extension

·????????Jungle activities including an elephant experience, bird watching, rafting and nature walks

·????????See wild elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, deer, wild boar and if you are lucky, the famous Royal Bengal Tiger

·????????Stay at the delightful Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge situated on the edge of the park

Chitwan National Park extension

·????????Activities include; bird watching, elephant washing, canoe ride, elephant experience, landrover safari and jungle walks

·????????Choice of accommodation from budget to luxury

·????????Suitable to add to any holiday flying in/out of Kathmandu

Shivapuri Heights Cottage extension

·????????Escape the crowds and hustle and bustle of Kathmandu

·????????Walks available from the cottage - explore the nearby countryside

·????????Single and double rooms available, or exclusive hire of the entire cottage

·????????Breakfast and dinner included, plus unlimited tea and coffee

Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge - Extension

·????????Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara in the Annapurna range of Nepal

·????????The lodge is an ideal base for you to relax in a rural mountain setting

·????????Beautiful outdoor swimming pool reflecting view of the Annapurna range

·????????Delicious Nepali dishes & continental specialities made from local fresh ingredients, home-grown herbs & garden salads

Bumthang Extension

·????????Extend your Bhutan visit to Bumthang, often thought of as the cultural heartland of the country.

·????????Home to some of Bhutan's most important and spectacular temples and fortresses

Tibet Extension

·????????Visit some of Tibet's most important historical and cultural sites and monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism.

·????????Offers a scenery completely different to that of Bhutan and Nepal.

·????????Suitable to add to any holiday flying in/out of Kathmandu.

Koshi Tappu, Nepal

·????????Koshi Tappu is home to over 500 species of birds

·????????Look out for exciting wildlife like jungle cats, crocodiles and rare water buffalo

·????????Explore the park by foot, raft and jeep

·????????Stay in the pleasantly located Koshi Camp

Kathmandu Valley sightseeing, Nepal

·????????Observe traditional crafts such as pottery, woodcarving and thangka painting

·????????Choose from a selection of full and half day guided tours

·????????Travel in a private car with a driver and an English-speaking guide

The Pavilions Himalayas, Nepal

·????????Spend two or more tranquil nights in rural Pokhara

·????????Sample the organic and locally sourced Nepali cuisine

·????????Idyllic setting with mountain views

·????????The resorts offers a swimming pool, spa and gym

·????????Eco-friendly

Royal Manas National Park, Bhutan

·????????Three full days at Royal Manas National Park - a birder's paradise

·????????Accommodation in a comfortable hotel close to the park, plus hotel nights en route

·????????Accompanied by an expert wildlife guide throughout

·????????Private transport, driver and all meals included

Bhutan Hotel Upgrades

·????????Upgrade your accommodation for your trip in Bhutan.

·????????Choose from boutique and spa hotels in various destinations.

·????????Stay in luxurious properties with first rate service and facilities

·????????Enjoy fine dining and indulgent rooms

Book now! By sending mail to [email protected]

Bhutan Holidays - Walks, Treks & Cycling Tours

BHUTAN SUSTAINABLE RESPONSIBLE TOURISM

Timeless traditions, unique architecture and stunning Himalayan scenery combine to make Bhutan the most fascinating of all the Himalayan kingdoms.

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The tiny Kingdom of Bhutan in the eastern Himalaya, has successfully remained isolated from the outside world for many centuries. It is a land of supernatural legends, ancient monastery fortresses and, even today, the Bhutanese people live their lives according to time-honoured cultural traditions and deeply held Buddhist beliefs.

Our?culture tours?will take you 'under the skin' of Bhutanese society into the interior of the Thunder Dragon kingdom. You’ll have the chance to visit villages, monasteries and any festivals that may be taking place. Or take advantage of Bhutan’s superb accommodation on our stylish?Highlights of Kingdom of Bhutan. You can also discover the Kingdom on two wheels on our?Cycling Tour of Bhutan

The hills and valleys of Bhutan offer a superlative range of walking and trekking tours with paths that will take you to hidden villages, past crumbling temples and through deep forested valleys. For stunning views combined with visits to the key cultural sights

For more energetic exertions, Bhutan offers a full range of trekking experiences. The?Druk Path Trek makes a superb first Bhutan trekking holiday taking you through magnificent mountain country between Paro and Thimphu. For the serious trekker, the high mountains of Bhutan provide a magnificent and rewarding challenge. The base camp at?Mount Chomolhari?makes a superb first objective, but push on over high passes and you will reach remote Lingshi where you’re sure to get a warm welcome. And, if you’re feeling exceedingly adventurous then the?Lunana Snowman High Altitude Trek is undoubtedly the ultimate trekking challenge. The highest of all Bhutan’s mountains is Gangkar Punsum and you can now embark on a unique exploration of the southern side on our?Gankhar Punsum exploratory Trek.

From gentle walking and easy-paced tours to a challenging trek, Bhutan rewards all visitors with a wonderful holiday.

• Capital city: Thimphu
• Arrival airport: Paro
• Population: 819,000 (approx. 2018)
• Area of country: 38,394 sq km, 14,824,006 sq mi
• Currency: Bhutanese Ngultrum
• Time difference: GMT plus 6 hours
• Popular dishe/s: Ema Datsi (Chillies and cheese)
• Popular drink/s: tea (ngad-ja), bang chhang (homebrew beer), arra (rice spirit)
• Power supply: 220 – 240 volts
• Sockets: Mainly 2-pin round although you may also find 3-pin round or UK style sockets
• Official language: Dzongkha
• Religion: Buddhist 75%, Hinduism 25%
• Did you know? The strange looking takin is the national animal of Bhutan.
• Visa: British visitors to Bhutan require a visa. IMC Travel Worldwide obtains visas on behalf of their clients travelling to Bhutan.
• FCDO advice:?FCDO travel advice

·????????The best time to visit Bhutan is in the spring and autumn. In the?spring?months of March, April and May you are likely to see blue skies and warm sunshine in the mornings with a build-up of cloud in the afternoon. During the spring months the beautiful rhododendron and magnolia will be in full bloom bringing a wealth of colour to many walking trails. Temperatures can be hot when the sun is out so we would advise wearing sunscreen and a sunhat – especially at higher altitudes. The Paro festival is also held in the spring at Paro Dzong and many of our group holidays include a visit to the festival.

·????????Autumn?is considered to be the very best time to visit Bhutan. At this time of the year skies are generally clear with little cloud and rain and the temperatures are lovely and warm; ideal weather for walking or trekking in Bhutan. With the passing of the summer rains, the valleys are lush and verdant and many of Bhutan’s unique species of flora can be seen at their best. Autumn is also the season when the impressive Thimphu tsechu is held.

·????????For more information about Bhutan’s festivals, and when they are held see our?festival blog Some of our group holidays are timed to festivals and we can also organise a?custom made holiday?to include time at a tsechu.

·????????In?winter?in Bhutan, the days are generally dry, clear and bright, though the evenings will be cold, and high passes can be blocked by snow. Although a high-altitude trek may not be possible, winter can be a great time to visit Bhutan on Culture Tour or Gentle Walking holidays , as there are fewer tourists. Bhutan is also a great option for those looking to book a Christmas getaway.

It is possible to travel to Bhutan throughout much of the year, but as our climate charts indicate, the?summer?months are the monsoon season so the weather is hot and humid with heavy rainfall. We therefore don’t organise any of our group holidays to depart in June, July or August.

·????????It should be noted that the great variations in elevation in Bhutan have a significant impact on temperature and rainfall. The lower altitudes in the south of the country bring a more tropical climate with the greatest precipitation. Whilst the Himalayan north is colder all year round and the highest peaks permanently covered in snow. Even in the central region of Bhutan, where most tourists visit, the higher you are the cooler it will feel. We therefore recommend carrying a couple of additional layers with you, including a good waterproof, windproof jacket, especially if you are out walking.

·????????Whatever time of year you choose to travel to Bhutan we have a comprehensive range of small group tours, treks, walking and cycling holidays, or we can create the perfect?Tailor-made holiday?for you.

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Sustainable Responsible Tourism

Our Sustainable Responsible Tourism Pledge

We now offer trips to all corners of the world, and whilst this growth is welcomed, we are conscious that inevitably our holidays have a detrimental impact on the world around us, and we want to do all we can to reduce our carbon emissions.

To this end we have become a signatory to Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency, along with a growing number of like-minded reputable tour operators, and have pledged to do the following:

In 2023 we will be focusing on:

• How we can reduce the carbon emissions that our holidays produce.
• and how to counter balance this carbon by supporting carbon offset measures.

Here are some of our current and future plans we have to minimise the impact of our business as a whole:

Carbon Offsetting

Already doing:

• We have been offsetting carbon since 2007, but will be continuing our donations to tree planting in Peru this year. This is with a trusted partner where the funds generated go directly to a project where the community plants trees on its own land.

Will do:

• Although we already donate to a carbon offsetting charity, and have been doing so continuously since 2007, we are currently investigating contributing to a local tree-planting project in South Gloucestershire, and another in Scotland.
• From 2021, we will increase our person carbon offset contribution to help cover carbon produced by hotels, local road travel, trains and internal flights.
• Carbon offsetting will be included in the prices of our Flight Inclusive holidays.
• For every person booking a long haul flight inclusive holiday with us we will plant 20 trees in Peru, and for every person booking a short haul flight inclusive holiday with us we will plant 7 trees in Peru.

Reducing Carbon Emissions

Already doing:

• We already offer the majority of our customers a free filtered water bottle which means they can instantly cut down on their single-use plastic consumption. This will be an ongoing project.
• We already predominantly use local hotels and restaurants but will continue to ensure that, where possible, we always use these rather than multinational chains.
• We have joined the Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency initiative to stand alongside like-minded travel companies, to work together to initiate best practices to make tourism as sustainable as possible.

Will do:

• We will re-evaluate our flights to make sure we are using the most fuel efficient airlines with the youngest fleets and, where possible, direct flights for each trip.
• We will eliminate unnecessary staff flights wherever possible.
• We will endeavour to minimise internal flights.
• We will be asking all our worldwide agents and suppliers to look at their own carbon footprint and encourage them to reduce it.
• We will promote our more low impact trips to give customers an informed choice.

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Within our office

Already doing:

• All the electricity used to power our office comes from an energy supplier who generates their power entirely from renewable sources.
• All our office waste either already goes to be recycled or if it is non-recyclable it does not go to landfill. Our waste is recycled at one of the country’s most efficient recycling centres. Our non-recyclable waste is guaranteed not to end up in landfill and goes to a site that creates energy from waste. Any leftover ferrous deposits from this process are recycled, and the remaining residue is converted into aggregate which is used to resurface roads or made into carbon negative building blocks.
• We will not be issuing our annual glossy brochure in 2021 and perhaps beyond, saving lots of trees! All the latest information for our trips can be found on our comprehensive website.
• As part of our Responsible Tourism initiative, we will continue to support our favourite charities, such as the Shiva Charity in Nepal (Ginette Harrison School), Community Action Nepal (porter welfare) and Simien Mountains Mobile Medical Service, as well as setting aside a sum for disaster emergency relief. We will also support other charities with whom we have historical links on an ad hoc basis.
• We have stopped offering unnecessary optional flights – for example our Everest sightseeing trip.
• We have joined our town’s Plastic Free Pledge initiative, meaning that Wotton-Under-Edge will be the first town in the country to commit to coming together to reduce the town’s plastic consumption as a whole, and to offer each other ways to collaboratively find alternatives.
• We have signed up to become a Surfers Against Sewage Plastic Free Business Champion.

Will do:

• Identify projects where we can support local trekking and touring staff who have lost their income through travel restrictions due to Covid-19.
• Recently we commissioned an ‘energy survey’ of our office and hope to install instant water heaters and secondary glazing in the near future.
• We will investigate installing solar panels to provide our electrical needs and possibly replace our gas-fired central heating.
• We commit to using environmentally friendly cleaning products in the office in, if possible, reusable containers.
• We will cut down on paper in the office.
• We will buy recycled and refillable office stationery supplies.
• We will very shortly have an online portal where clients will complete their personal information, instead of filling out paper forms.
• We intend to have a fully online filing system, and dispense with virtually all of our paper filing system.

We feel strongly that all our holidays should benefit the local communities, protect the environment by minimising pollution, and respect local traditions, religion and heritage. We tread lightly - low volume, low impact holidays are the best way of preserving the beautiful and fragile places we visit.

Responsible Tourism Initiatives

We have supported many charities over the years and we will continue to support some of our favourites, but we will be focussing primarily on carbon offsetting initiatives with our trusted partner, Ecoan, who are based in Peru.

Contact: [email protected]

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Getting a Place on the Happiness Index - Why Life is so Good in Bhutan

There are several different indices that measure happiness in different countries throughout the world. One of these is the Happy Planet Index (HPI), which has been in existence since 2006, and has seen Bhutan feature in a prominent place on many occasions. Coming within the top 20 repeatedly may seem good, but Bhutan takes happiness very seriously.

In fact it is the only country in the world that has its own Gross Happiness Commission in an attempt to measure quality of life and improve it. It is seen as a more holistic way to assess the progress of a nation than the more widely used gross national product (GDP).

Gross national happiness

The term gross national happiness originated in Bhutan, when in 1972 Jigme Singye Wangchuk became the fourth Dragon King of the country. It exemplified his dedication to building an economy based on culture and Buddhist principles and despite starting as a casual remark was turned into a guiding philosophy.

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Indicators

While the philosophy of gross national happiness is seen as a guiding principle to many, there are also a number of indicators used to measure it. These are: economic, environmental, physical, mental, workplace, social and political wellness. It is only by taking all of these into consideration that the overall health happiness of the country can be decided.

Bhutan does all of this internally, but many of the happiness indices worldwide use similar indicators, which is why the country performs so well. This all seems very technical, but translates in reality into a fantastic place to live and also to visit.

The happiest place on earth

The reputation for being a happy nation has spread far and wide from Bhutan and this can be seen by visitors from the smiling faces of its citizens. Healthcare and education are both free to the Bhutanese and life expectancy has increased by a staggering 20 years since 1980. Add to this the 450 per cent uptick in per capita income and things are looking positive. This exemplifies a move forward for a country that is continuing to develop.

Tapping into Bhutan's happiness

It is up to you how you spend your time in Bhutan, but there are lots of ways in which you can enjoy this beautiful and happy country for yourself. Seeing how things are done differently in this corner of the eastern Himalayas may even change your outlook when you return home.

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Incredible landscapes

It is not surprising that a country situated in the Himalayas and consisting of 60% untouched wilderness is a stunning place to visit. The majesty of the scenery and the peacefulness of the landscape will help to boost your own feeling of well-being.

Relatively few people travel to Bhutan to go trekking, which means many of the routes are quiet and you can take in the beauty uninterrupted. Camping overnight and emerging into wooded valleys and isolated plateau is the type of experience you will never forget.

Bhutan as a whole creates a very low level of pollution compared to most other countries, so the air, water and earth are naturally clean. Breathing in such purity will help to clear your mind of any troubles and make everyday working life feel a long way away.

Living by Buddhist principles

The majority of Bhutan is Buddhist and living by the karma principle of this religion means that many people are happier and calmer. This can be seen in the friendly and relaxed way they approach visitors to their country and something that many travellers find welcoming.

To understand more about this religion and its importance in Bhutan, a visit to one of several monasteries in the nation is recommended. The much-photographed Taktsang Monastery sits high up in the mountains on the site of a cave once occupied by Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Buddhism in Bhutan and its views of the surrounding mountains and valleys will help you contemplate your place in the world.

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