Join us at our Work and Travel Talk by STA Travel!

Date: 27th August 2010

Time: 6 – 8 pm

Venue: NUS Lecture Theatre 3 (School of Engineering)

See you guys there!

1. Mount Rinjani 21-26 June
$600 for NUS students.
$625 for others

2. 14 day Himalayas Soft Trek (28th May – 10 June 2010)
The early bird price is $1975, with $10 off each when you sign up with a friend

3. Mauritius Trip – 26 June to 7 July
Early bird price $2290. —> Deadline for early bird registration is extended to 31th March!!

What is O-adventure?
O-adventure is a collective term for trips organised by NUS Make It Real club! It’s open to (in fact, it’s targeted towards) everyone in NUS, not just people experienced in outdoor activities.
O-adventure has been on-going during NUS vacations for years, and is a hassle-free way of experiencing “adventure holidays” with other students.

1. Mt Rinjani 21-26 June

What is Rinjani?
It is the peak of a volcanic island in Lombok, and the 3rd highest Indonesian mountain.

Is it nice?
It has been described to be one of the most panoramic views in SEA. Expect lush tropical rainforest, and highland shrubbery, then volcanic soil amidst clouds. Look at a very large crater lake containing an active volcano, exotic flora and fauna, such as the black ebony leaf monkey, wild pigs, long tailed grey macaque monkeys, orchids and edelweiss.
There is a lot to see, and Rinjani is unique because it spans a great range of altitudes and hence vegetation, and has volcanic origins, which alters the nature of the soil.

Oh no. Will the volcano explode when I’m there? I heard volcanoes are life-threatening. I’m scared.
Gunung Baru is an active volcano within the Segara Anak lake of the Rinjani crater. We will be passing by the lake and looking at Gunung Baru, but we will not be climbing the active volcano. It’s safe and relatively well-travelled (but not overly so )

What are we going to do?
Day 1: flight to lombok. 2h drive. stay in Pondok Indah Hotel.
Day 2: transfer to Rinjani Information Centre RIC. RIC staff briefing on route details, local culture, sights, rubbish management, safety protocol.The trek starts from Sembalum Lawang, with a gentle ascent up green pasture used for grazing. We will rest after 3h, at 1300m at Pos 1 Pemantauan. The next resting spot after that will be Pos 2 Pemantauan 1500m with a great view of the summit at 3726m. We’ll trek a few more hours to Pos 3 Pemantauan 1800m
After this, the gradient will be steeper and we’ll be trekking amongst pine-like casuarina species known as cemara. Here, we might spot wild pigs and long tailed grey macaque monkeys.
We will set up camp at the Plawangan II Sembalun crater rim 2639m
Day 3: We will wake up early at 3am in order to catch the sunrise at the summit We will trek a bit more strenuously along volcanic soil for 3h to the peak at 3726m, to reach the summit at 6am. At the summit we can look across the Wallace line to Bali, Mt Agung and Sumbawa. We can also feel very good about ourselves.
Then we will trek down a ridge lined by edelweiss to a well-deserved brunch at the crater rim base camp. Then we will descend to Lake Segara Anak (2000m) within the Rinjani crater. Gunung Baru is an active volcano island in lake Segara Anak, last exploding dramatically in 1994.
It will take 2 hours to reach Segara Anak where we’ll set up camp.
Day 4: R+R at the crater lake. You can swim, explore the caves and hot springs that are reputed to be beneficial to your health.
We’ll leave in the afternoon. We’ll climb 2.5hours to reach Plawangan I Senaru Crater Rim (2461m). There, we will relax, watch the sunset, explore the area and view the lake from another perspective. (It’s a very big lake)
Day 5: After breakfast we’ll make a long but scenic journey down to Senaru village (601m), through thick tropical rainforest filled with flora and fauna, notably butterflies, orchids and hopefully the rare black ebony leaf monkey (lutung). There will also be: the Batu Penyesalan stone, and a vaguely human-esque banyan tree.
There will be rest stops along the way, and with village stories and local legends recounted by the guides
We’ll reach the Rinjani Trek Centre at the Senaru road head in 7h, where there will be transport taking us back to Pondok Indah hotel.
Day 6: At 8am we’ll set out to explore the Singang Gile waterfall, and the Tiu Kelep waterfall. Then we’ll visit a Sasak village, where we’ll get to experience more traditional culture, and interact with the locals.
After lunch, we’ll return to the Lombok airport.
We’ll reach Singapore in the evening.

Okay I’m sold! How do I make it happen?
We’ll be off to Rinjani from 21-26 June 2010.
$600 for NUS students and $625 for non-NUS students.
This will cover:
Return air tickets, Singapore airport tax
Transport costs
Singapore travel insurance with AXA
2 nights at the Pondok Indah Hotel
Mountain guide
Porters
Tents
Sleeping bag and mat
All meals except last day at airport
Cooking gear
National Park fees Rp 150 000 per person

This does not cover: Lombok airport tax, airport porters

1. Himalayas Soft Trek

14 day Himalayas Soft Trek (28th May – 10 June 2010)
Have the only mountains you’ve seen lately been stacks of readings or molehills formed by paper you crumpled? Or the last time you climbed really hard was a few weary steps up a lecture theatre? We’ve got the remedy for that monotony. Or anyway, adventure trekking in the historically and culturally rich Himalayas.

Himalayas? What’s that? Is that a country?!
The Himalayas is a mountain range that separates India from the Tibetan Plateau. It’s a land of yaks and yetis, stupas and Sherpas, and some of the best trekking on earth, according to Lonely Planet.

The Himalayas is an extended area; we’ll cover 800 km of it. We’ll first head to the Shivalik Himalayas between Kiratpur to Mandi, then the Lower Himalayan hills along beautiful Beas river between Mandi (760m) to Manali (2000m), then the High Himalayas at Rohtang Pass (3978m), Baralachala Pass (4890m), Nikee La (5050m), Lochulangla Pass (5100m) and Tanglangla Pass (5400m).

Er. Ok! Won’t that be really tiring?!?! I’m already so tired from mugging!
It’s an adventure trek, but also a ‘soft trek’. We’ll go at a reasonable pace so that we’ll be able to really take in the rugged beauty of glaciers, salt lakes and Beas Kund Glacier, a lake at the base of 6 peaks.

There will also be ancient birch tree forests, Tibet-influenced monasteries (gompas), a salt lake, rivers and even desert. Oh, and a lot of snow to make snowmen with.

Which is why Himalayas is Sanskrit for ‘abode of snow’.

You can also opt to switch to an easier path after discussing with our local guide.

ITINERARY

Day 01 ARRIVE DELHI – MANALI
Arrive Delhi airport by Air India flight at 1325 hour. On arrival transfer to bus station to board on night bus to Manali leaving 1830 hour for overnight journey. Bus would stop for dinner along the way.

Day 02 ARRIVE MANALI ( B )
Arrive Manali around 1000 am. On arrival transfer to Hotel. Free day to relax or walk around the town.

Day 03 ACCLIMATIZATION TREK (BL)
After breakfast 4-5 hours of acclimatization trek to get use to walking in the Himalayas. Afternoon walk about Manali to shop some nice woolen socks, muffler and woolen caps. You can also shop some nice Kullu design woolen shawls and Kullu hats.

Day 04 MANALI – SOLANG (BLD)
After breakfast trek 4 hour to Solang passing through old Manali, Gushal, Shanag and Burua villages on the way. We will also visit Manu temple on the way. Manali is named after Manu Temple, which was traditionally called as Manu-Alaya which means “House of Manu”. So later it was pronounced as Manali. According to Hindu mythology, human and nature have cycle of development and when it reaches its peak it is destroyed by some natural calamity and only very few people survive in this cycle. In the last destruction of the world, Manu was leader of the people who survived and he started the world from Manali. O/N Guest House.

Day 05 SOLANG – BAKAR THACH (BLD)
Today we walk along the Solang river toward Beas Kund Glacier. Beas Kund Glacier is located at the base of number of peaks above 5000m offering great opportunity to experienced climbers and to the novice who wish to learn the techniques of mountain climbing

Day 06 BAKAR THACH – SOLANG GLACIER – BAKAR THACH (BLD)
Bakar Thach is full of Bhoj Patra (Birch) Trees. Before the invention of paper by Chinese, the bark of birch tree was used as paper and some of ancient holy books of Hindus like Ramalyana and Mahabharata were originally written on the bark of birch tree (Bhoj Patra). The trekkers can also collect some of natural papers from the forest. We will walk here to enjoy the beauty of Beas Kund Lake at the base of number of peaks above 5000m, which we view on the day we climb Patalsu Peak.

Day 07 BAKAR THACH – SOLANG – MANALI (BLD)
Today we trek along the Solang river back to Solang and enjoy different scenery as when we walk towards the lake we will see high peaks and on our way back we view more greenery coming to us and the mountain are less higher. A transport will be waiting for you to drive back to Manali. On arrival, transfer to Hotel.

Day 08 MANALI – KEYLONG (BLD)
Early morning drive 2 hours to Marhi and trek from Marhi to Rohtang Pass (3978m) and your vehicle would take the longer route by road and meet you on top of the pass. Rohtang Pass provides fantastic views of the neighboring Chandra Bhaga mountain range. Here, the landscape changes drastically from the lush green forests of the Kullu Valley to the stark, dry high-altitude desert of the Himalayan ‘rain shadow’. We walk another further down and meet our bus at designated location and continue our journey to Keylong, the administrative capital of Lahul & Spiti district for the night.

Day 09 SHISHIR MONASTRY & KORA TREK (BLD)
We take a break from traveling to acclimate to the altitude, hoping to avoid altitude sickness as the road winds ever higher. Here in Keylong, the Tibetan influence grows increasingly apparent with the presence of Buddhist monasteries (gompas). Trace the steps of the traditional route taken by pilgrims, beginning with an easy morning trek to Shishur Monastery, located just above Keylong, then continue to Kardang Monastery and cross the pass above the monastery, ending in Gondla and drive back to Keylong.

Day 10 KEYLONG – TSOKAR LAKE (BLD)
Today we drive 2.30 hours to Baralachala and trek around Baralachala Pass (4890m) for one hour to enjoy the spectacular views of Baralachala and peaks and passes around Baralachala. Three rivers viz. Chandra, Bhaga and Yanum originates here. After completion we will drive 4-5 hours to Tsokar Lake. known as “white lake” due to its high concentration of salt deposit around the lake

Tonight, we camp out next to the lake which is also frequented by a variety of birds, including bar-headed goose, the great crested grebe, the brahmin duck and the brown headed gull. Sunset and sunrise over the lake is magnificent.

Day 11 TSOKAR LAKE – LEH (BL)
Early morning, walk around lake till 1200 noon. After lunch drive 4 hours to Leh, the capital of Ladakh. We will drive over two high passes Lochulangla and Tanglangla. Tanglangla is the second highest motor able pass in the World. Tanglangla offers good scenery of high mountains and peaks of Great Himalayas. After descending from the pass, we will enter in Ladakhi civilization at Ramse. O/N Hotel.

Day 12 LEH (B)
Free day for own activities and sightseeing. You can either visit Alchi to see 11th century frescoes and sculptures or you can enjoy river rafting in Indus river.

Day 13 LEH – STOK – HEMIS – LEH (B)
Morning drive to visit Stok Palace and museum. Continue to Hemis monastery. Visit to Ladakh is not complete without seeing Hemis monastery. It is one of the largest and most important monasteries with excellent library, well preserved wall paintings and good Buddha figures.

Day 14 LEH – DELHI – FLY HOME
Early morning, transfer to the airport for our flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, we embark on a half day city tour of Delhi. The rest of the afternoon is free at leisure for last minute shopping for souvenirs. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight home.

Nice right?
Make it Happen
We’ll be there from 28 May to 10 June 2010. The early bird price is $1975, with $10 off each when you sign up with a friend.

This will pay for:
1. Airport and bus station transfers.
2. Seats in overnight Volvo coach from Delhi to Manali.
3. Transport costs in chartered transport from Solang to Leh as per the itinerary.
4. Accommodation in guest houses with attached toilet with hotel as indicated in the itinerary with meal plan as mentioned in the itinerary.
5. One night stay at Fixed Camp at Sarchu with proper cots and bed with toilet facilities provided.
6. Trekking arrangement with one night trekking camp and rest of the nights in guest houses as proposed in itinerary above with all meals.
7. English speaking Indian Odyssey Manager from Delhi airport to Leh traveling with the group all the time.

This excludes:
1. All expenses of personal nature like drinks, tips, telephone calls etc.
2. Any other expenses paid due to any change in itinerary.
3. Insurance, medical and evacuation expenses if any.

1. Mauritius Trip

NUS Mountaineering club is proud to bring to you back the MAURITIUS trip with much more fun at the same unbeatable price!…Adventure, fun, escapism are the keywords this time. Make sure you don’t miss this trip…Embark on this fantastic 12 day journey to the exotic island of Mauritius found in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Get the chance to swim in the crystal clear water or catch a tan on the white beach. Snorkel with Dolphins, fish and watch whales!

Indulge in adrenaline packed activities such as Parasailing, buoys and even more during the Catamaran Cruise. Several sightseeing tours are on the agenda so that you can catch the breath taking sceneries of Mauritius. At night, participate in the specially designed activities such as clubbing, casino, stargazing or board games.

Hike on one of the highest Mountain in Mauritius to have a panoramic view of the whole island. Also, try the various Mauritian foods, sugar cane and be entitled to a unique home visit! Allow yourself to be taught the famous Sega dance (dance of the slaves) by professional dancers!

And all this, just to make sure you have the time of your life at the lowest lowest price around!! Still hesitating? Go through the itinerary for more details or see what others said about last trip by scrolling down and browse through their pictures here and the villa you going to stay here!

What are you still waiting for? Quickly sign up for the trip before no more place left! First come first serve basis! Grab this opportunity while you are still entitled to student price; non student pay $200 more. Quickly sign up before the 31^th of March 2010 to enjoy the early bird price of SGD 2,290…Normal price is SGD 2,400

Return airfare and airport tax
Catamaran Cruise, Parasailing, snorkelling trip,buoys.
All land transport according to itinerary
Most Meals, Home visit, Night Activities(casino, clubbing, star gazing)
Accomodation in self catering and shared bungalow near the beach
All land tours according to itinerary
Introduction to Mauritian Dance
and much more…

1. What Others said about this trip!

“damn fun I want more!! gimmi more!!” – Xiao Xiuyun, 21 yrs old, year 3 science, NUS student

“i had so much fun and laughter like never before and it is the most magical n wonderful time in my life ever =)” – Yan Zhen, 19 yrs old, year 1 medicine, NUS student

“Choosing not to go would be one of the biggest mistakes of life.” – Chow Minyang, 20 yrold, year 1 medicine, NUS student

“beautiful! haha it really is the no job no money no girl no worries go mauritius kind of feeling haha!” - Nick Ng Zhi Peng, 21yrs old, year 3 medicine, NUS student

“Great to have a spontaneous and thoughtful tour guide as well as wonderful fellow companies” – Koh Ming Jun, 23 years old, year 2 social science, NUS student

“Unforgettable” – Xavier, 25 yrs old, NIE student

“ Crazily Awesome” – Usha Pillai, 20 yrs old, year 4 electrical engine, NTU student

“a unique ADVENTURE!!!!” – Foo Kai Juan, 22 yrs old, year 3 business, NUS student

“Fantastic experience – time of my life!” – Grace Lum, 19 years old, year 1 medicine,NUS student

1. ITINERARY

1^st day (Saturday): rest. Check in at Flic en Flac

After a long and tiring flight, drop your bags in the bungalow. You will be served snacks and a good night sleep will be enough to keep you going for tomorrow’s activities.

2^nd day (Sunday): Trou aux Cerfs Volcano, Sept Cascade viewpoint, Grand Bassin, Alexandra Falls Viewpoint, Gorge View Point, Chamarel View Point,

Adventure Park, Baie Du Cap/Machondee, Le Morne

Wake up early !:)…A long and exciting day ahead JGrab a good breakfast before we head up towards Curepipe, where the colonial building act as testimony for the british occupation. Not far from these buildings, you can enjoy the panoramic view at the now dormant volcano at Trou aux Cerfs.

Then, proceed to the pilgrimage point at Grand-Bassin where one of the biggest statues of Shiva can be seen. From Alexandra Falls and Gorge, you will be able to have a breath taking view on the National park with its big waterfall. Proceeding towards le Morne, you will have a unique view on the coastal lands still untouched by man.

On our way back, we will pass by Baie Du Cap and la prairie, where the view is simply magnificent.

3^rd day (Monday): Sea Activities (Parasailing and buoys) at Pereybere. Stop at Cap Malheureux and Grand Baie.

We are heading to the North (pereybere), where you can witness one of Mauritius best beach. Feel the adrenaline flowing through you when you go for parasailing and buoys.

4^th day (Tuesday): Home Visit + Hike Le Pouce Mountain + try sugar cane

In the morning, we going for home visit where you can see a typical Mauritian house (not HDBJ)

After which, we go for a hike to one of the highest Mountains in Mauritius. Starting from the village of St Pierre, we will walk for 5hours before reaching the summit where you can have a 360 degree view of the island. At the summit, you can even experience helicopters flying only a few metres above your head. Heading down, we will take a ride through some scenic region towards La Nicoliere reservoir. We will stop at one place to try some sugar cane.

5^th day (Wednesday): Shopping in main town area, visit of Market Place + trying of Mauritian food .

Walk through the main towns and bargain the Mauritian way for nice souvenir and gifts. Try the various typical Mauritian foods such as dal pouri, alouda and gato pimentsJ it’s also the only time that you will be allowed to shop the whole day. Walk through Mauritius biggest shopping complex to grab your souvenirs or witness the buildings that were here since the French and British colony.

6^th day (Thursday): Natural Bridge, the Whistler, the crying rock, Picnic at Gris Gris, Rochester falls

Another road trip on the Agenda. Embark on this breath taking trip to the southern part of the island. From the famous seven coloured earth to the natural water spring, everything is beautiful. We will stop at Gris Gris for a picnic the Mauritian way;)

7^th day (Friday): -Mahebourg waterfront, Snorkelling, South East Coast

Enjoy one of the best snorkelling places in Mauritius lagoon; the only preserve marine park!….Then drive along the scenic south east coast before heading back to the bungalow.

8^th day (Saturday): Hike in Le Gorge National Park from Petrin to Tamarind

Starting at Le Petrin, we will descend around 800m in altitude along a 10km trail to reach the Gorge national Park entrance. All along the way, you will get to see endemic plants and animals as well as beautiful scenery. When reaching down, you can relax yourself in the cool water and the most adventurous one can go for a jump.

9^th day (Sunday): Catamaran trip, See and swim with Dolphins, see Whales!

The must do activity! Board on a catamaran to one of the islet of Mauritius…Experience the thrill of being on a deserted island where the water is crystal clear and the beach is pure white…Be served with a bbq lunch on the island and snorkel with the fish. If you are lucky, you can even swim with the dolphins and see whales!

10^th day (Monday): Free and Easy

This is a free and easy day. It is suggested that you enjoy the beach at Flic en Flac, play some beach volley and try some quad biking where you can see deer crossing right in front of you.

11^th day (Tuesday): Port Louis

Still got some souvenirs to buy or some last minute shopping to do? Take this opportunity to go out and look for all the nice souvenirs you will bring back for your relatives and friends. Make sure you try the Mauritian food.

11 days already? Everything went so fast and it’s now time to pack up to go back. Make sure you make the most of your last day here by staying on the beach and watch the sunset. Time to say good bye and catch your flight back to Singapore, full of beautiful memories of your trip to Mauritius…

12th day:

Home, sweet home

*Some activities might be cancelled if there is bad weather. But they will be replaced by something equally excitingJ

Mount Everest

Mount Everest.

To the Nepalese it is simply called Sagarmatha, the “sky head”.

To the Tibetans it is Chomolungma, the mother goddess of the earth.

To the rest of the world it is the most renowned mountain of all.

The Everest Base Camp Trek (or “EBC Trek”) is unmatched when it comes to spectacular breathtaking mountain panoramas, The walk to Everest Base Camp from Lukla takes you through lush valleys with abundant flora and fauna, past friendly Sherpa villages and Buddhist monastaries, and far above the tree line towards the earth’s highest mountains. The Eastern Himalayan Range including Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse and Mt. Everest tower above you on this challenging but very rewarding trek.

Route to EBC

Lukla Town

After exploring exotic Kathmandu, you’ll fly in to the remote mountain town of Lukla and begin your trek, following an ancient Sherpa trade route to the area’s famous Namche Bazaar.  Beyond it, you will find traditional villages, rhododendron forests, terraced fields, and summer pastures for yak grazing–before moving into the stark landscape of glaciers and ice.

Namche Bazaar

Our route will enable you to visit monasteries in the heart of Sherpa country, where you can observe the monks in their daily prayers.

Tengbuche Monastery

Our itinerary ensures proper acclimatization, allowing you to fully enjoy one of the world’s most stunning treks and the easy walk up Kala Pattar. On this journey of a lifetime, you’ll experience the trek route of Everest climbers, marvel at the stunning views from Kala Pattar, and engage yourself with the friendly Sherpa people.

View of Everest from Kala Pattar

You’ll be overtaken by Nepal, a country of hospitable people, beautiful scenery, and a large variety of cultural traditions. This blend of outdoor adventure and cultural exploration is a great way to experience the Himalayan Mountains – the world’s most impressive mountains.

Cooking in Sherpa kitchen

A joyous moment at sherpa lodge

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

Trekking above 4000m towards Dingbuche

Acute mountain sickness is an illness that can affect mountain climbers and trekkers at high altitude, typically above 3000m.

It is brought on by the combination of reduced air pressure and lower oxygen concentration that occur at high altitudes.  You may experience difficulty in breathing, slowing down in motion, loss of appetite and extreme tiredness. The chance of getting acute mountain sickness increases the faster a person climbs to a high altitude.

It is possible to overcome by having sufficient acclimatization and drinking plenty of water. Try to get plenty of fresh air when the symptoms appear. Most of the time, we drink plenty of the yummy garlic soup served at the lodges as a preventive measure.

Can I do it?

Achievement at Kala Pattar

Of course you can!

The trek into Everest Base Camp is strenuous but does not require that you have any previous trekking or mountaineering experience. It does not require any technical experience; only that you be in good physical conditioning and be able to hike for 4-6 hours over hilly terrain with a light day pack.

And know what, something that may seem impossible to you may turn out to be achievable when you really get down to do it!

Travel Tips

1) Trek Extension

You can extend your EBC trek to include a diversion to Gokyo Lake. You can also adjourn to climb Island Peak – one of the famous non-technical peak in the Everest Region, as part of the trekking route. It is possible to do all three at the same time if you intend to do a 1 month trekking trip with your friends. As usual, general fitness and regular training prior to the trip is compulsory.

2) Photo Opportunity

If you are a photography buff, this trek is definitely for you. Although it can be tough lugging all that equipment and lenses, the result is always rewarding if you trek in Spring (March – May) or Autumn (Oct – Dec)!

3) Expedition Camps

Spring is the season to trek to EBC if you wish to witness various base camps set up by international expedition teams. Else, it is mostly sufficient to gasp at the mesmerizing sunrise over the majestic Eastern Himalayan Range from Kala Pattar.

Planning a trip of your lifetime?

Come talk to us!

———————————————————–

About Divine International Explore & Treks

Divine Team – Deepak & Alice

Divine International Explore & Treks is a Singapore-based Travel Specialist. Headquartered in Nepal, we specialise in exotic destination travel with a strong focus in outdoor adventure in Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan and Tibet. Our clientale ranges from travel savvy individuals and groups in search of the less-travelled routes and adventure thrills. At Divine, we are constantly moving in tandem with the latest travel trends in order to provide you with fun and innovative itineraries.

For more info, please visit www.nepalexplore.com or email us at admin@nepalexplore.com.

Visit http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=343707242226&index=1 for more details!

WE ARE ONE WEEK AWAY FROM THE NTS-CONTIKI SUMMER & GRAD TRIP FAIR 2010!

Get ready to book your graduation and summer trips @ our annual NTS-Contiki Summer & Grad Trip Travel Fair this 24 – 26 March @ NUS Central Forum!

Expect huge discounts from our travel partners:-

1) Contiki Holidays
2) STA Travel
3) Adventure Quests
4) AIA
5) Chan Brothers
6) Divine International Explore and Treks
7) PriceBreaker
RX Travel Planners
9) Safe2Travel
10) Speedwing
11) Standard Chartered
12) WTS Travel

Do grab all ur travel buddies and RSVP @ http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=297740421152&ref=ts today!

And oh oh, we have lucky draws and special cash vouchers giveaways for those of you who will be there at the fair! Watch this space!

PLUS, guess what? Milo truck will be coming down too! And we have NewUrbanMale apparels selling at the fair to prepare you for your summerrrrr trips!

For more updates on the fair, please check back www.nussutravel.org often

Bhutanese farmhouses dotting the Himalayan landscape

The majesty of the snow-laden Himalayan mountains, rising abruptly from the plains of the Indian subcontinent is a sight beyond comparison.

Bhutan is situated in the Eastern Himalayas to the east of Nepal and the Indian state of Sikkim and to the south of the autonomous region of Tibet. When you fly into Bhutan on a clear day from Delhi and Kathmandu, you will see 8 of the 14 highest mountains of the world, including Mt Everest, as well as a range of impressive Bhutanese peaks to the east. Silence besets the passengers on the Druk Air flight as they experience the awe-inspiring approach to Paro airport.

On a Bhutan trek, views of mountain ranges soaring to above 7000m are enjoyed in all their splendor – the lofty Jumolhari (7314m), the pointed Jichu Drakey (6794m), Thsering-Gang (6789m), Masang-Gang (7149m), Gangkhar Puensum (7239m) and many others.

Most of the trekking routes in Bhutan are in the central and northern areas, known as the Higher Himalaya. Trekkers start from altitudes of around 2400m and cross passes as high as 6000m. The lower altitude winter trekking routes that range between 1300m and 1800m enable the less hardy trekker to enjoy the beauty of a semi-tropical and tropical climate.

All the treks are a paradise for lovers of flora, fauna and photography. Bhutan has close to 700 species of birds. Of these, 24 are registered as endangered species. There are 46 species of rhododendron with at least 4 found only in Bhutan. The Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep, Golden Langur and Takin are some of the rare animals that can be found in Bhutan.

The trekker will often feel transported a hundred years or more back into the past. The way of life in the countryside has changed little: subsistence farming is the norm in Bhutan and the culture is strongly influenced by Mahayana Buddhism and the rigours of living in the mountains. However, there are many anachronisms that pleasantly remind us of the present, one of them being the eloquent English skills of even the smallest primary school children who will greet you with “Hello sir, hello madam” as you approach their village.

Trekking Experience in Bhutan

A yak herder’s camp against Mt Jumolhari

Greener pastures at lower altitude

Trekking in Bhutan is a unique experience. The beautiful landscape, combined with a traditional way of life and a Buddhist culture is a wonderful discovery.

The amount of forest is striking. More than 70% of the country is blanketed in forest.  Trek in Bhutan takes you through dense mixed forests of oak, wild peach, bamboo, rhododendron, Magnolia, Azalea, blue pine, chir pine, cypress and fir. Bhutan has been known by a variety of names that evoke images of the landscape: the Tibetans had many names for Bhutan, such as “Lho Menjong” (Southern Land of Medicinal Herbs) suggesting the richness of the flora.

On your trek you will pass through small communities several days’ walk away from the nearest road, where life has changed little over the generations. Bhutanese tend to live in isolated farmhouses, surrounded by their land, rather than grouped together in villages and these farmhouses dot the landscape. There are few exceptions to this such as Ura, in Bumthang.

However, the very low population density in Bhutan means that treks often take you far from any habitation at all. The treks, therefore, are all organized camping expeditions. Government-designated and maintained campsites are to be found along every route.

Ponies and yaks are used to carry the loads and trekkers only need to carry a day pack and a water bottle with them. In addition, the ponies carry a large load of camping and cooking equipment. The government has a clear policy on responsible tourism which required, amongst others, that trekking operators carry gas cylinders for cooking so that wood is not taken from the forest. Usually treks are quite comfortable affairs despite images of hardship conjured.

All the treks in Bhutan follow traditional routes, well-trodden by men and ponies before the days of the road. Daily distances vary from trek to trek but the longer, higher altitude treks usually cover an average distance of 10 -17km per day.

The time spent trekking ranges from 3 – 8 hours but averages 5 -6 hours per day. Treks start early in the morning and usually finishes around three or four in the afternoon, allowing time to relax in the camp before supper.

Bhutan being the only kingdom with Mahayana Buddhism as its national religion, ancient Buddhist stapes known as “chorten” and prayer walls, as well as temples and monasteries will be encountered along the routes. Buddhism has a strong influence on the every-day life of Bhutanese and you may meet people carrying prayer wheels or lay monks in red robes.

Prayer flags will be seen fluttering on high mountain passes and images of Guru Rimpoche often decorate rocks. Even the designs on many of the houses my not appear to be linked to Buddhism but, in fact, they reflect the influence of Drukpa Kuenley’s teaching of Buddhist principles back in the 13^th century.

Services provided on a Trek

Backpacks and loads carried by mules

The support team usually consists of a qualified trekking guide, a cook and a number of assistants.  A variety of Bhutanese and international dishes are served on treks. The ponies and yaks used on treks are accompanied by their owners, who go ahead of the group so that camp is already set up by the time you arrive. Provisions include a dining tent, toilet tent, dome or A-frame sleeping tents (twin sharing), mattresses, sleeping bags, foldable tables & chairs, plates & cutlery and a washing bowl with hot water for a morning wash.

Flying into Bhutan

Druk Air – Bhutan’s national carrier

Bhutan’s national carrier, Druk Air, operates flights from Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata and Kathmandu to Paro. The modern Airbus A-319 jets carry passengers through one of the most spectacular flight paths in the world. A particular highlight if the stretch between Kathmandu and Bhutan, where one passes 4 of the 5 highest mountains in the world.

Weather permitting; passengers will be treated to magnificent views of Mt Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Kangchenjunga. Landing in the Paro Valley, surrounded by 4000m high mountains stretching across the west of Bhutan, means a visual landing is the order of the day.

Cost of Travel & Visa

• The Royal Government of Bhutan sets minimum selling prices for packages at USD200/person/day to Bhutan and this must be paid prior to arrival in Bhutan.

• Bhutan visa must be applied minimum of 30 days before travel. All visas must be approved by Bhutan Foreign Ministry, from where a clearance number will be issued. License travel agent will submit the visa application form to Bhutan Foreign Ministry. Recruited four copies of original passport size photographs. The actual visa is stamped on arrival in Bhutan while visa is cleared in advance and a visa clearance number issued.

• For all travelers, entering Bhutan by Druk Air, the visa clearance number is forwarded to concerned overseas Druk Air stations and without the Clearance Number; passengers are not allowed to board the flight. Visa Clearance Number is also required while issuing Druk Air tickets.

• For all travelers, entering into the country by surface through Phuntsholing (the border town south of Bhutan), the visa is stamped on arrival and Clearance Number is forwarded to Foreign Ministry’s office for references and record.

Come check out our STUDENT RATE PACKAGES!

1. 8 Days Bhutan Cultural Tour

2. 10 Days Bumdrak Trek & Cultural Tour

3. 12 Days Druk Path Trek & Cultural Tour

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About Divine International Explore & Treks

Divine Team – Deepak & Alice

Divine International Explore & Treks is a Singapore-based Travel Specialist. Headquartered in Nepal, we specialise in exotic destination travel with a strong focus in outdoor adventure in Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan and Tibet. Our clientale ranges from travel savvy individuals and groups in search of the less-travelled routes and adventure thrills. At Divine, we are constantly moving in tandem with the latest travel trends in order to provide you with fun and innovative itineraries.

For more info, please visit www.nepalexplore.com or email us at admin@nepalexplore.com.