The MTB trek is a brilliant way to interact with the country of Bhutan and its people whilst enjoying the infrastructure and unique culture and hospitality.
You can book dates that suit the travel plans of you and your group. The best seasons are from March - May and September - October.
| RATIOS |
|---|
| Price available on request |
The mysterious Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan is known colloquially as the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’.
While the bike trails of Bhutan are the inspiration, the essence of this journey is to experience a timeless insight into a refreshingly wholesome Himalayan Kingdom.
Because we want you to remember this trek for being so much more than just a hike, we at Adventure Consultants have taken enormous pleasure in planning a fusion of all the best components that we know make this a truly memorable experience.
We are renowned for our quality of service and the strategy applied to our treks. Our reputation is attributed to meticulous planning and experienced logistics coordination.
We have a philosophy of investing in every trip to offer our trekkers the best possible experience.
We employ strong and specialised trek leaders and Sherpa staff, who are some of the most pre-eminent in the industry. We pride ourselves on operating with small teams and the best back-up and support available. This includes nutritious and ample quantities of food, comfortable base camp facilities, reliable communications systems and the necessary medical back up. Our staff are the most affable western or Sherpa guides working in conjunction with our excellent cooking teams, to promise you an experience of a lifetime!
Many of our team members come to us because they have seen us in action on a previous trip and decide to opt for our level of service and proven experience. Others return because they know we do our very best to make our trips safe and successful.
Inclusions
The price of your trip includes the following:
Exclusions
The price of your trip does not include:
Account Information
All payments can be made by bank transfer to the following bank and account:
Bank of New Zealand
Offshore Branch
42 Willis Street
Spark Central
Wellington
New Zealand
For the account of: Adventure Consultants Limited
Account # 1000-594771-0000
Account Type: US Dollars
Swift Address: BKNZNZ22
Note: All bank transfer charges are for the remitters account.
We can also accept your deposit and balance payments by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) plus a 3% credit card transaction fee.
Deposit
A non-refundable deposit is payable to secure a place on the expedition.
Balance
The balance is payable 90 days prior to trip start date.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Once you have paid your deposit your trip is confirmed, subject to payment of the balance of fees owing 90 days prior to your trip commencement date. A team member may then cancel their participation on the following basis:
Trip Cancellation Insurance
We strongly recommend you take out trip cancellation insurance via your travel agent if you wish to be covered against cancellation due to medical or personal reasons.
The Trip Notes provide detailed information and background for Adventure Consultants' Bhutan Mountain Bike Trek.
You can view the trip notes online by clicking the image or download a pdf by clicking the following link:
Bhutan Mountain Bike Trek 2020 Trip Notes
Head Office Support Team
Running successful journeys and expeditions is more about experience, knowledge and strategic management than any other factors. As an organisation, we place a substantial amount of time and resources into ensuring our trips are well planned and supported. You can be assured that the AC staff will provide you with friendly advice and knowledgeable support throughout the planning stages of your trip and we will be there to provide backup while the trip is running.
Katie Topham
Katie has been with Adventure Consultants since 2019 in the role of Client Liaison. Having spent many years working in the outdoor industry, Katie brings a wealth of experience to her role.
Your Health
Trek team members will be provided with pre-trip medical advice and a medical questionnaire and asked to visit their family physician to receive a full medical examination. This information will be sighted only by the trek leader and our medical adviser and treated with full confidentiality.
Level of Experience Required
We are cycling in high and remote terrain at moderately high altitudes. It would be best to have a moderate level of fitness to enjoy the experience to its fullest. The trails are sometimes steep and a couple of the days are quite long but it is possible to ride in the accompanying tour bus when you run out of steam. Weather can deteriorate and rain, strong winds and even some snow are possible. However we are travelling at a mild time of the year in the fall to best appreciate the surroundings. See our Fitness Training Programs for information on how we can help you prepare for your trip.
Difficulty Rating
Each of our trips is individually rated according to its physical and technical difficulty, displayed in the icons towards the top of each trip page. You can click on the accompanying question mark for additional descriptions and the full run-down of our grading system is available on our Difficulty Ratings page.
Food
Food will be of the highest standard possible, given the remoteness of the situation. Breakfast and dinner will be buffet style meals in the Bhutanese lodges, and lunches will be taken in villages along the way or a daily packed lunch. Please inform us if you have any special dietary requirements.
Accommodation
Rest assured that the standard of lodging in Bhutan is in fact very high. Rooms will be on a twin or dormitory share basis, and you will not need to bring a sleeping bag as linen is supplied.
Clothing & Equipment
A list detailing all the necessary clothing and equipment trip members need to bring will be sent to you upon receiving your booking confirmation. If you have any queries about items on the list please do ask, as we can help you source any items you are missing or needing to upgrade with our retail service.
Travel
There is only one national airline for Bhutan, Druk Air. The airline operates two BAe146-100 series aeroplanes. There are generally only a couple of flights per day out of Bangkok and they are very strict about baggage allowances. We will need to limit the amount of baggage we can take to Bhutan and ideally you should travel with one robust bike bag/box, and one smaller travel duffel containing your personal gear. The airline allows 20kg/40lbs of baggage per person, so expect to pay some excess baggage in order to get your bike on to the same flight. Mountain bikes weigh on average 15kg/33lbs, so the excess baggage charge has been about US$100 per person per flight in the past. Please keep in mind that the extra effort to travel internationally with your bike will be rewarded by being able to mountain bike in Bhutan!
Bikes
We recommend that you bring a mountain bike that you are familiar with, i.e. not too new. The bike should at least have front suspension, but full suspension is not a necessity either. As the trip crosses several high altitude passes, your bike should be suitable for sustained climbing. Tyres suitable for riding on hard packed, off road conditions, are recommended.
It is very important that your bike is in excellent running order before the trip. If you have servicing work done before leaving for Bhutan, make sure you have ridden your bike several times before departure, ensuring everything is working as it should be.
We will be carrying tools and some spare parts for roadside repairs. Do not expect to be able to purchase any bicycle products while in Bhutan. If you are bringing a mountain bike with 29 inch wheels, please let us know this when booking your trip.
There is only one main road in Bhutan, a paved single lane that traverses the country over several high passes. To travel anywhere else in Bhutan, you are restricted to travel on bumpy roads in vehicles or trekking on foot. Our trip will be unique as on mountain bikes, we will be able to explore off the beaten track and enjoy some world-class trail riding while we are at it!
The group will traverse Bhutan from West to East after arriving in Paro, and will explore two of the main valley systems – around the Paro / Thimphu area and the Bumthang region in the East of the country. Many villages that we come across will be operating in the same way they have done for centuries and unlike other Himalayan Kingdoms, Bhutan has most of its first growth forest intact.
The Bhutanese are immensely proud of their cultural history and no visit to Bhutan would be complete without exploring their impressive monasteries, and learning how Buddhism has shaped the kingdom as it is today. Our visits to various sacred sites will give us an insight into their beliefs, history, architecture and modern social structure.
Lodging along the way will be in Bhutanese guest houses and hotels, and a support vehicle able to accommodate everyone and their bikes will accompany the trip throughout Bhutan.
We have taken high altitude issues into account when developing our biking itinerary. We have included rest days at the relevant elevations to allow our bodies to adjust to the thinner air and we carry sufficient medication to deal with most altitude related problems. Experience has shown us that good hydration, rest days at significant elevations and good base fitness help avoid any significant problems when biking at altitude.
This unique departure to mountain bike the trails of Bhutan is a great opportunity to travel through a timeless Himalayan Kingdom. Early booking is essential to ensure that processing our permit goes smoothly. We also welcome non-cycling partners or travellers to join the expedition, as they will be able to accompany the trip throughout Bhutan.
|
Day |
|
|
1 |
Meet in Bangkok for trip orientation |
|
2 |
Fly from Bangkok to Paro. Transfer to Hotel. Explore Paro Valley. |
|
3 |
Transfer to Thimphu via road. Explore Thimphu. |
|
4 |
Ride to Punakha via the Dochu La. |
|
5 |
Ride to Phojikha in the Gangtey Valley. |
|
6 |
Ride to Bumthang region via the Pele La & Trongsa. Overnight Jakar. |
|
7 |
Touring Bumthang Chokor Valley. Overnight Jakar. |
|
8 |
Visit and explore Ura in Bumthang region. Overnight Jakar. |
|
9 |
Explore Tang Valley to Ugyencholing Palace and back to Jakar. |
|
10 |
Return over Pele La to Chuzom. |
|
11 |
Explore Punakha, Dochu La to Thimphu, explore Thimphu. |
|
12 |
Transfer to Paro and visit Taktsang Monastery. |
|
13 |
Fly Paro to Bangkok. Depart Bangkok for home or onward travel or overnight Bangkok. |
| Day | |
| 1 | Bangkok - We meet in Bangkok at the Novotel Airport Hotel for an orientation and bike check at 7.00pm today. We will go over packaging of your bike and sort out any gear problems you may have. |
| 2 |
Paro - Depart from Bangkok this morning on the Druk Air flight to Paro, Bhutan. If the weather is clear, you may see Kanchenjunga, Mt. Everest and Chomolhari, Bhutan’s sacred mountain. Upon arrival in Paro and completing visa formalities, we will be met at the airport by our local tour guides and accompanied to our hotel, the beautifully crafted new Zhiwa Ling Hotel. After assembling our bikes we can spend half a day biking to places of interest in the Paro Valley, starting with the Ta Dzong, a 17th century monument, which now houses the National Museum and then the Ugyen Pelri, a small jewel like palace belonging to the Royal Family of Bhutan. Along the way we’ll pass one of the innumerable archery grounds. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan and most men grow up learning the sport. If we are lucky, we may catch a match in action. |
| 3 |
Thimphu - We leave Paro this morning on our bikes and follow the winding road beside the Pa Chu (chu means river or water) to its confluence with the Thimphu River and onto the Nation’s capital, Thimphu and our hotel. After checking in and refreshing ourselves, we will head out to do some sightseeing and there is the chance to do a ride into the upper reaches of the valley also. Because a dress code is necessary to be observed in some of the areas in Thimphu, we will continue with our sightseeing programme by vehicle. The first stop will be a visit to the Dechenphodrang Monastic School, which was the original site of the Thimphu Dzong and is now the State Monastic School. The National Library will also prove to be an interesting stop, as will the Jigmie Dorji Memorial Chorten; a beautiful monument erected in memory of the late King. Many religious ceremonies and gatherings take place here throughout the year. The evening is free to explore the streets of Thimphu. |
| 4 | Punakha - We will have an early start today for a full day biking to the ancient winter capital of Punakha. The full distance covered biking on the highway will be approximately 80 kms/50 miles. It is about 25 kms/15.5 miles to reach the pass of Dochu La (La means pass) at an altitude of 3,048m/10,000ft. In good weather many of the Bhutanese Himalayan summits are in view. Until the pass it is uphill all the way. After stopping for lunch and the view, we continue travelling down to the Punakha Valley below at an altitude of 1,372m/4,500ft. It is downhill all the way from the pass with amazing scenery as the valley is the richest agricultural region of Bhutan. The Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung is situated at the confluence of the ‘Po’ and ‘Mo’ chus (Father and Mother rivers) guarding the Southern end of the Punakha valley. This huge fortress/Monastery was the capital of Bhutan until 1966. |
| 5 |
Gangtey - The 21 kms/13 miles between Punakha to Wangdhi is a relatively flat cycle. The impressive Wangdhi Dzong reaches skyward from a strategic spur at the confluence of the Tang and Po Chus, and has a commanding view of the valley below. Like all Dzongs, it has a section for the monks and another for the secular authorities. After Wangdhi, the road climbs steadily passing through semi tropical vegetation – banana plants and cactus to pine forests, and then to an alpine environment home to rhododendrons and dwarf bamboo. As we near the Pele La, we will take a detour onto a side road (‘completed’ in the late 80’s) which leads us to the valley of Phobjikha. With a combination of biking and riding on the tour bus, we will plan on reaching our destination before dark. Considered one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan, it is encircled by pine forests. In the centre of the valley, rising from a small ridge stands one of the oldest private monasteries in Bhutan – Gangtey Gompa. We will have the opportunity to visit the courtyard of the monastery. The head lama of Gangtey Gompa is the ninth incarnation of the body of Pemalingpa - the famous 14th century black smith from Bumthang who is one of Bhutan’s most famous Buddhist saints and teachers. The area is equally famous as the winter home to the very rare Black Necked Crane. Experts estimate that fewer than 800 cranes exist in the wild. The Cranes arrive in November and stay through March. A short bike ride from the monastery will take us down valley to our accommodation for the evening, which is the rather plush Dewachen Hotel. |
| 6 |
Bumthang - Again with a combination of partly biking and riding on the tour bus, we head for Bumthang. Distance covered will be approximately 160 km. We return to the main road and then climb up Pele La (3300m/10,825ft). On the way to Tongsa, we will stop for lunch at the Chendibji Chorten, an ancient shrine built on the old walking path across the country. The first sight of Tongsa Dzong, the largest in Bhutan, appears across the valley, but the road winds another 20 kms/12.4 miles before reaching Tongsa. We will have a chance to explore the shops of Tongsa, before continuing onto Jakar in Bumthang. |
| 7 | Bumthang - A full day’s biking tour of the Bumthang Chokor Valley, noted as one of the most beautiful and sacred in Bhutan. This valley has a history hallowed by the frequent visits of Padmasambhava when he was bringing the Buddha’s message to Bhutan. He meditated in caves around the valley which now have temples and shrines associated with them. The valley is wide, filled with fields and village folk busy with their day’s work. We will visit Kurje, a 17th century temple next to which a spectacular new monastery is being built in traditional style. In the late afternoon, there will be time to visit the shops which line the single main street here, famous for some of the fabrics singular to the Bumthang District. |
| 8 | Ura - Today we will bike to the highest of the four valleys which make up the Bumthang Valley. From the Tang Valley, the road gradually climbs through the scenic country side to Ura La (3,408m/11,180ft) which is marked by a chorten and mani wall. Just before the pass, if the weather is clear, magnificent views of Bhutan’s highest peaks, Gangkhar Punsum (7,239m/23,750ft) can be seen.
The village of Ura, unlike most Bhutanese villages is made up of closely clustered houses centred around a new temple recently dedicated to Guru Rimpoche. From Ura we will bike on the recently constructed road leading up to the neighbouring village of Shingkhar. This beautiful village is entered around an old temple and manor house that hosts the annual Shingkhar festival. After a packed lunch and a walk through the village, we can visit the manor house to observe rural Bhutanese life. By late afternoon, we will head back to Jakar by a combination of riding and travel on our accompanying bus. |
| 9 |
Ugyencholing - The aim is to make a full day’s biking tour of the Tang Valley. We will stop at several important religious pilgrimage sites including Mebartsho, -‘the burning lake’ and Tang Rimochen Lhakhang. One track leads up to the base of Ugyencholing Dzong. The valley is named after this lordly residence, which dominates the valley and is one of the most important ancestral manor houses in Bhutan. It is a short walk up to the Dzong from the point we can bike to. After a picnic lunch and a walk through the surrounding village, we will bike back to our guesthouse in Jakar. The distance from Jakar to Ugyen Choling is approximately 35 kms/21.7 miles. |
| 10 |
Return over the Pele La - Today again we will be partly biking and riding on the tour bus. Distance covered will be 190 kms/118 miles approximately. We return over the Pele La (for the longest downhill of the trip!) and stay at the Chuzom Sa Resort. |
| 11 |
Thimphu - We are planning on an early morning departure to visit the Punakha Dzong and then travel over the Dochu La for a chance to view the Bhutanese Himalayas. In the early afternoon, we will return to Thimphu. The rest of the day is free to roam Thimphu for sightseeing, shopping or more riding, or we can visit at the Thimphu Dzong. |
| 12 |
Explore Taktsang - Today we transfer back to Paro and then drive the winding road beside the Pa Chu to Satsam Chorten. From this point, we begin the challenging hike to Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest. A vantage point directly across a gorge from the temple can be reached in about four hours. This magical monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 61m/200ft above the valley floor. Legend says that Guru Padmasambhava flew here on the back of a tiger to meditate. The tiger was actually his favourite consort, Yeshe Tshogyel, whom he transformed in to a flying tiger for the purposes of this journey. They meditated in the cave and when the Guru left he instructed that the monastery be built. With a relaxing of the restrictions, which were in effect until January of 1991, we may be allowed to enter Taktsang. If so, it must be noted that it is one of the most holy and revered pilgrimage sites in Bhutan. Our behaviour within the temple complex will have a direct impact on future permissions to enter the area. The temple tour guide will notify us of the appropriate behaviour. Tonight we will have a farewell dinner together as we enjoy our last evening in Bhutan. |
| 13 |
Departure - After breakfast, we return to the airport for our departure from the land of the Thunder Dragon for Bangkok on Druk Air, and then onward travel home. |
The dates for festivals in Bhutan change every year. You may wish to overlap your trip with one of the following main festivals, or alternatively smaller festivals are held almost every month – contact us for details. Please note that the Thimpu Tsechu is the busiest festival in Bhutan so it can be very busy around Paro and Thimphu at this time, but other areas of Bhutan further east where we travel remain relatively quiet.
Paro Tshechu Festival
17-21 March, 2019
4-8 April, 2020
Wangduephodrang Tshechu Festival
5-7 October, 2019
24-26 September, 2020
Thimphu Tsechu Festival
8-10 October, 2019
26-28 September, 2020
Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival
13-16 November, 2019
31 October to 3 November, 2020
Adventure Consultants recommends the following travel insurance insurance options for trekkers, although this is only just a start! Once you book on a trip with AC, your Client Liaison will help you by sending through advice on travel insurance including trip interruption and cancellation cover.
COVERMORE INSURANCE
Indulge your spirit of adventure, but protect yourself against all of those unforeseen events that can occur prior to or whilst on your trek with Adventure Consultants. Together with Cover-More Insurance, Adventure Consultants are now offering advice and assistance in purchasing Cover-More policies. With quality travel insurance cover, comes peace of mind and the freedom to venture around the world with confidence, in the knowledge that you will have the support and assistance of Cover-More, if you need it.
Adventure Consultants highly recommends the YourCover Plan as this gives you the highest level of cover and benefits available. This includes cover benefits for trip cancellation and amendment which protects your travel investment, medical and dental emergencies, lost luggage/personal belongings and travel delay, amongst other things.
You can tailor your cover further by adding choosing your own excess amount and additional benefits such as ‘cancel for any reason’, adventure activities and snow sports cover, increased luggage limits, annual multi-trip cover, scooter riding and working holidays to name a few.
Why Cover-More?
Who and what trips is the policy suitable for?
For more information or assistance, please contact your Client Liaison at Adventure Consultants. Policies can also be purchased directly at Cover-More.
Please note you will be mailed a set of Team Reference Notes upon registration. This extensive booklet includes detailed information to assist in the planning of your trip, from travel and medical advice to equipment lists and photography tips.
The following is to serve as a helpful guideline on our Bhutan Mountain Bike Trek. Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions. Our team is here to help!
info@adventure.co.nz
US: +1 866 757 8722 (Freephone from North America)
NZ: +64 3 443 8711 (Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm PST + 19 hours)
How long has Adventure Consultants been in operation?
Adventure Consultants started in 1990 and we have been guiding internationally ever since. You can read more on the history of Adventure Consultants here.
A few outfitters claim to have the same level of experience and prestige as Adventure Consultants. In this league, what makes you the first choice?
We are renowned for the quality of service and strategy applied to our trips. Our reputation is attributed to the meticulous planning and logistics coordination done by our head office. Once on the ground in Bhutan, you can expect to be well looked after by our guides so that you can relax and enjoy this amazing country.
What showers and laundry facilities will be available on the trek?
The hotels in Thimpu and Paro have rooms with attached bathrooms, however in other villages bathrooms are shared. It is possible to do a little laundry whilst in Jakar, where we spend 3 nights.
Would you let us know what food will be available?
If you have any special treats you like, we encourage you to bring some along. You’ll get breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as snacks, plus ample hot and cold drinks. We can cater for vegetarians as well as many other special diets as long as we are informed of this prior to the trip. All of our treks provide excellent local and Western food!
What is the food like?
Hotels and restaurants generally serve Indian, Chinese, Continental and Bhutanese food. You can expect cereal and fruit, along with some cooked options for breakfast. Lunch consists of sandwiches or meat and potato dishes. Dinners are generally rice or noodle dishes with a selection of meats and vegetables. Traditional Bhutanese cuisine is very rich and renowned for the plentiful use of chilies but there are plenty of mild dishes available for those that prefer. Please indicate any specific dietary requirements you may have on your application form as we are happy to accommodate those with specific diets.
What are the hotels like? Can I have my own room?
We book tidy, clean, but simple hotels through our local agents. We can book private rooms for you if you like, at an added cost. Our standard trips are based on shared rooms, usually twin share and sometimes triple share.
Where do we meet? Will I be picked up?
We meet in Bangkok where an Adventure Consultants guide or representative will pick you up off your flight. If you are arriving before the scheduled trip start date, we can often make arrangements for a pick up, though taking a taxi is generally the easiest form of transport before your trip starts.
Do I need to arrive the day before the trip starts? And when should I book my flight to leave?
No, our trip programmes all have an arrival day and a departure day built into them. You are welcome, and encouraged, to arrive a bit earlier to explore Bangkok if you have the time. Before your expedition you will receive a “final details” letter. This will let you know the time and place to meet your guides. An AC representative will meet you at the airport and the first of many team briefings will take place on the evening of Day One. Please do not book to depart before the final scheduled trip day.
When should I book my ticket?
Generally, we ask you to wait until 90 days prior to your trip start date to ensure your trip has met the minimum numbers and will operate. If you see a good deal and want to book your flights then ensure you can make changes to your tickets or you run the risk of losing your ticket if we do have to cancel the trip. In such situations, we are usually able to help you book on to an alternate departure.
Can I get a cheap ticket online?
The problem with these tickets is that you usually end up having to pay quite a lot more if you have to make any changes to your ticket. Some of the places we go to aren't straightforward, and we highly recommend using a travel agent for such travel as there are many intricacies that they can help you with. In the long run they save you money! We use professional travel agents for all our staff and guides' travel bookings to our expedition and trek destinations.
What if I am arriving early or departing late?
Adventure Consultants can make reservations for you and can often make recommendations for attractions you can enjoy while waiting for your trip to begin. Please let our office know your specific plans as we love to pass on sightseeing tips.
Do you have a recommended list of clothing we should bring?
Once we have received your application we will email out a set of Team Reference Notes which includes an assortment of information including detailed equipment lists. Any questions you have after reading through this will be directed to our Equipment Coordinator. They can assist you in preparing for the trip as well as recommend and source a range of clothing and equipment suitable for the trip via our gear retail service.
Do I really need all the equipment on the equipment list?
Yes, these lists have been carefully prepared. Please bring everything on the list!
How much weight can we carry on the trek?
You will carry your day pack with your jacket, water, snacks, sun block, camera and whatever else you need for the day. Generally it will be light, 5 to 10kgs (10 to 20 pounds).
What altitude medication will be available on the trek? Do we need to take tablets before/during the trek?
The Bhutan Mountain Bike Trek crosses some high passes at moderate altitude so you may feel the effects of high altitude. All our guides carry extensive medical kits which include altitude medication. If you have a previous history of altitude illness then discuss this with your physician, and us, but generally there is no need to take preventative medication before or during your trek.
You need to bring any medications you regularly use (don’t forget to tell us about them), plus extras. Also bring a small first aid kit including a blister kit and mild headache medication for the normal altitude headaches.
How many guides will be assigned to our group?
The number of Western and local guides will be determined by your group size.
Who goes on your trips?
Our trekkers come from a wide variety of backgrounds, interests, countries and skill levels. We provide courses, expeditions, treks and guided ascents for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts.
I would like to arrange a private trip, is this possible?
Yes! The Bhutan Mountain Bike is operated on request for private groups and we are also happy to arrange a private group trip to the destination of your choice. We have run many successful private trips and expeditions including summits of 8,000m peaks such as Manaslu and Kanchenjunga, all Seven Summits and remote destinations such as Antarctica. There is no specific group size, but obviously larger groups are more cost-effective. Please contact the office for more information or visit our Private Customised Expeditions page.
What kind of physical condition should I be in for the trek?
Being fit prior to the trek will make all the difference to enjoyment of the trip. As a minimum you should be comfortable riding for 2-3 hours per day on steady incline. There are options for riders to extend their rides if they wish, or to ride in the accompanying tour bus if they run out of steam. Most of the riding is on sealed roads but there are some exciting 4WD tracks and even a little single-track to explore once we get to Bumthang.
How do I know this is the right trip for me?
We offer trips to suit all levels of ability and ambition, from your first mountain experience to extreme ascents and everything in between. To help you navigate the choices available, our trips are graded by both the level of physical exertion and the level of skill required, allowing you to find your perfect expedition match. These ratings are displayed in the icons at the top of each expedition page, with a further explanation available by clicking on the accompanying question mark. A full run-down of the categories can be found on our Difficulty Ratings page and our team is more than happy to discuss your experience to find the right trip for you.
Will there be any access to a satellite phone? If yes then what would be the charges for usage?
Yes, your expedition guide will carry a satellite phone and you are welcome to use it at a cost of US$3 per minute. Your guide will also post daily dispatches on the AC website in which your friends and family can follow your progress.
I want to contact my friend or relative, who is on one of your trips, how can I reach them?
The expedition will send daily internet dispatches, and we receive updates from our guides while they are in the field. The best place to reach a loved one is through our office.
Will there be any power source for charging batteries, etc. available throughout the trek? What voltage requirements?
Most of the hotels have power available with typical Asian plugs (two horizontal prongs) at 230V for you to recharge your gadgets in the evenings.
What insurance do we need to get?
In addition to evacuation and medical insurance, we recommend that our expedition members buy trip cancellation insurance upon sign up for the trek. AC also highly recommends purchasing a comprehensive travel insurance policy to provide cover for trip interruption, baggage loss, damage or theft, delayed flights or other such incidents that may occur during your trip. Contact us or see our page on expedition insurance for more information.
Do I need evacuation insurance?
Yes, it is very important. Many of our expeditions are in remote places with no roads and developing medical services. In the unlikely event that you get sick, you want to get to good medical care ASAP.
Who do you recommend for insurance?
You will be sent information specific to your trek as part of your welcome package. Requirements differ depending on where you are travelling and your home location, so be sure to discuss cover with your Client Liaison before purchasing a policy.
What is trip cancellation insurance?
Trip cancellation insurance is an option that may allow you to cancel your trip without losing the total cost of the trip. Adventure Consultants highly recommends cancellation insurance for all expeditions. If circumstances cause us to cancel a trip (e.g. minimum numbers are not reached) then we refund your fees paid but trip cancellation insurance covers your airfare and any other costs you may have incurred.
Can I pay by credit card?
We can accept both the trip deposit and balance payment on credit card. Please note there is a 3% fee for all card transactions. Please contact our office or visit our secure online payment system page to send us your credit card details.
What is included in the cost of my trip? Does it include airfare?
Please see the 'Payment Conditions' section above for the inclusions and exclusions for this particular trip. There is also a downloadable pdf document in the 'Trip Notes' section above. International airfares are not included in the trip price. We can however recommend excellent travel agents with whom we have worked should you require help with arranging your international airfare.
Why are you sometimes more expensive than other operators?
Many of our trips are very similar in price to our competitors. Some companies even wait for us to set our prices and use ours as a guideline!! Some of our main selling points, which sometimes do cost more, are; internationally qualified Western guides, proven dependable local operators, small group sizes and safe client-to-guide ratios, quality equipment and high summit success rates, among other things. You do get what you pay for which is why we stand out from the rest. Many clients come to us after failing on one of our competitors ‘cheaper’ trips.
How do I sign up for a trip?
The best way to reserve your space on the trek is to contact our office or complete our online booking form (click 'Book Now' below). Your deposit can be submitted by bank transfer (please see 'Payment Details' in the 'Payment Conditions' section above) or via our secure online payment system.
info@adventure.co.nz
US: +1 866 757 8722 (Freephone from North America)
NZ: +64 3 443 8711 (Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm PST + 19 hours)
I love the photographs in your brochure and on your website, are they for sale?
Yes, our images are available for licensing or purchase. Please contact our office for more information.
I want to become a mountain guide, where do I start?
Those with limited experience generally start by taking an alpine climbing course and then go out and climb for a few years. You generally should have at least 5 years of climbing and/or teaching/guiding experience. You need avalanche and medical training and then you can apply to do an NZ Mountain Guides Course or the equivalent in your country, aligned with the IFMGA.
Please see Adventure Consultants Mountain Guide Scholarships on our Career Opportunities page and check the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association for more information.
