Bhutan Trek Experience with Bhutan Majestic Travel

Jigme Tenzin Guide October 5-24, 2008  

Our trip to Bhutan was extraordinary. Our group of five came from Canada (3) and Switzerland (2). Namgay set up a specialized itinerary for us including a cultural tour and the 9-day Jhomolhari Trek. The equipment provided by BMT was not the latest or the best but the service was excellent.

 Our guide Jigme was very attentive and flexible. Although we had a full itinerary, he willingly led us on unplanned activities like hiking an unknown trail into the Ura Valley, accepting an invitation to rice beer at a farm above the Bumthang and another to butter tea at the Trashigang festival.  We felt privileged to be included in a tourist reception line and be addressed by the King at Jakar Dzong.

The Jhomolhari Trek was incredible. Our cook Leki was a marvel; he made excellent 6 and 7 course meals on a 2-burner propane stove. Our gradual assent with two days acclimatization at base camp worked: no negative effects with the high altitude. In fact, we felt so good at Shodu Pass (4970 meters), we all scrambled to the 5000 meter mark. The superb weather – was it luck? blessings? or a result of prayers from Jigme, our devoted guide?  

Team Members: Claire Festel, Ed Festel, Lynn Briand, Manuela Kuenzi and Ralph Meierhans

Check out the write up on Bhutan by Claire Festival; Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon, Visiting an isolated land that keeps its ancient religious festival alive. http://www.optimyz.ca