BHUTAN
BIKING AND CULTURAL TOUR

This past year Chuck and Judy Nichols traveled through most of western Bhutan and found the perfect route that was just begging to be ridden the road from Paro to Jakar. This uncrowded road wound past waving children and through small towns that seemed to be of another century. Pastoral valleys filled with rice fields and intriguing dzongs (Buddhist monasteries) led to forests of pine and rhododendron. The mountain passes were adorned with colorful prayer flags and provided fantastic views of the towering Himalayas.
 
Bhutan is a small kingdom nestled between Tibet and India and called Druk Yul, the land of the peaceful dragon. This is a magical region where prayer flags decorate breathtaking mountain landscapes and impressive monasteries cling to sheer cliff walls. Bhutan's peaceful folk and tradition-steeped way of life combined with its pristine forests and picturesque valleys makes this one of the Earth's most spectacular destinations.
 
For years Bhutan deliberately isolated itself from the outside world and has only recently opened its borders to visitors. In Bhutan the Buddhist culture is integrated into every aspect of daily life, and those fortunate enough to visit describe it as a unique, deeply spiritual and mystical experience. Here, success is measured by Gross National Happiness, an extraordinary concept that seeks to improve the quality of life in Bhutan by promoting economic self-reliance, preservation of the environment and maintaining Bhutan's unique culture.
 
On the ride, support vehicles will follow the group so you can ride as much as you like. The altitudes are moderate, with our highest pass at 11,300 and most towns around 7,000. Besides biking, we will have time for some wonderful hikes and visits to several monasteries. Bhutan is a remarkable visual pallet and this may be our most exotic bike tour ever! We hope you will join us on this ground breaking NEW TOUR!

 Our Bhutan Tour will be the perfect blend of cultural visits and cycling!

Day 1, April 6 or 17, 2010: Evening meeting and overnight in hotel near the airport in Bangkok.

Day 2: Morning flight - Bangkok to Paro Airport in Bhutan
The flight crosses the Himalayas and has spectacular views of Bhutan’s awesome peaks. Upon arrival in Paro, we will be greeted by our guide and transferred to our hotel. In the afternoon we will assemble our bikes and if time permits, go for a spin aroung Paro.
Overnight in Paro, (7,600 ft.)

Day 3: Paro After breakfast we hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, Bhutan's most famous monastery. Guru Rinpoche was said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. This picturesque monastery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff 3000 ft. above the Paro Valley. The hike tothe monastery makes for a perfect warm up hike before the trek. Overnight in Paro, (7,600 ft.)

Day 4: Paro - Thimpu
Todays ride is fairly level. Even though Thimpu is the capital of Bhutan, the population is under 50,000. Grab your camera and get ready for a smorgasbord of Bhutans sights and culture. Thimpu 7,600 ft. 

Day 5:Thimphu sightseeing
The day’s possibilities are many and your wishes will dictate the itinerary from a grand list of cultural, religious and governmental sights as well as a zoo! You can visit the Textile Museum, the Folk Heritage Museum and the weaving center in Changzamtok.
Overnight in Thimphu, (7,600 ft.)

Day 6: Thimpu to Punaka
We depart Thimpu in the morning and the choice is yours you can bike or ride in the van to the top of the Dochu La pass (900 meter climb in 23 km) where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. After lunch, the reward is a 58 km downhill to Punaka. Keep your eyes open for monkeys swinging in the trees! Hotel in Punaka 5,500 ft.

Day 7: Punaka - Wangduephodrang
Todays ride is short over rolling terrain (only 25km) with some very interesting things to see. Today we will visit the spectacular Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, a buddhist saint who unified Bhutan in the 17th century. We will stop at Metshina Village and take a walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lakhang, which is a fertility temple, where you may receive a special fertility blessing if you wish.
Overnight in Wangduephodrang -6,000 ft.
 
 Day 8: Wangduephodrang - Trongsa
This is a longer day and we will be using the support vehicle to transfer the group for a portion of the day. (The climb is 2,200 m in 49 km and the downhill is 51 km) If you want to do some climbing, you can begin riding from the hotel in the morning and if you would like a lift to the top of the pass, the van will get started a bit later. The route is along a spectacular winding road, crossing 3,300-meter-high Pele La, and it's possible to see yaks.
Overnight in Trongsa 6,950 ft.
 
Day 9: Trongsa - Bumthang (Jakar)
After leaving Trongsa, the climb takes us to the hightest pass of the trip Yotong La at 3,425m. Well transfer to the top of the pass and there is a great downhill and then one more short uphill before our final downhill cruise into Jakar where we will spend the next 2 nights.
Jakar 8,500 ft.
 
Days 10: Bumthang sightseeing
Your choice to take the day off the bike seat and visit many of the cultural sights in this valley. For those of you who want to do some riding, you can take off in several directions.

Day 11: Bumthang - Wangduephodrang
Since this is the only road in Bhutan, we retrace our way back to Paro. Well get to enjoy the downhills in the opposite direction. Hotel in Wangduephodrang.

Day 12: Wangduephodrang Paro
In the morning we will return to Paro also getting the chance to cycle down the pass. Hotel in Paro
 
Day 13: Depart Paro to Bangkok, or other destinations Hotel lodging is not included.
 
ITINERARY CHANGES MAY BE MADE DUE TO LOCAL CONDITIONS BEYOND OUR CONTROL OR BY DISCRETION OF GROUP LEADERS. All the services described above are arranged weeks or months in advance of your trip. If airline schedule changes, unusual weather conditions or other circumstances beyond our control prevent us from operating the services according to the schedule described above, we will attempt to substitute services of equivalent value. If we are unable to do so, passengers may be responsible for additional costs due to circumstances beyond our control.

DATES: April 6 - 18 or April 17 - 29, 2010. Bhutan boasts more than 54 species of rhododendron from the valleys to the high passes. We have chosen this time of year to catch them in bloom. This is also the dry season.

PRICE: $3,000 US/double occupancy, $360 single supplement
 
TRIP COST INCLUDES: 12 nights hotel (1 in Bangkok and 11 in Bhutan) all meals in Bhutan, sightseeing, all ground transportation in Bhutan, entrance fees, English-speaking local guide and rental bikes. (If you bring your own bike, you can deduct $200 from the trip cost.)
 
TRIP COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: International flight to Asia, round trip flight Bangkok to Bhutan (approx. $780 US), travel Insurance, excess baggage charges, beverages (alcoholic, soft drinks, bottled water), optional gratuities for guide and drivers, Bhutan visa fee - $20, Paro airport tax - $20
 
RENTAL BIKES: The roads are mostly paved, but a bit rough in places. We will be supplying you with a new Trek mountain bike that has a front shock, road tires and adjustable handlebars. We will send the bike to you prior to the trip and you will need to bring it over with you on your flight to Bangkok. This will insure you that your bike will be the right size, in good working condition and it will have low gears. The bike will remain in Bhutan, so if you plan to do any additional travel in Asia, it would be best to do it after the bike trip.
 
IF YOU WANT TO BRING YOUR OWN BIKE: You can bring a Road, hybrid or mountain bike with new 32-35c tires, triple front chain rings suggested, 26 x 32 low gear recommended for the mountain passes. There are no bike shops that sell bike parts in the region where we will be riding, so you will need to be sure your bike is in excellent condition and that you bring any spare parts that might be needed.

THE GUIDES: Chuck and Judy Nichols will accompany this tour along with our Bhutan staff that includes an experienced bilingual guide who will be with the group throughout the tour.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY ON THE RIDE: You have the choice to make the ride as difficult or easy as you like. There will be opportunity to climb many of the passes and you may also choose to take a ride to the top of the passes and make this an ultimate downhill cruise.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT FROM THE USA TO BANGKOK:  You must arrive in Bangkok by the early evening the day prior to your flight to Bhutan Your lodging in Bangkok prior to your tour is included.  However, WE STRONGLY SUGGEST arriving a day early. This will give you time to get over jet lag and deal with any flight or baggage delays. PLEASE NOTE: You will be crossing the International Date Line and lose a day on your flight to Bangkok. (You may also choose to begin or end your tour in New Delhi, Calcutta or Kathmandu.

FLIGHTS TO BHUTAN: PLEASE NOTE: THE FLIGHT FROM BANGKOK. We will make your airline reservations on Druk Air and invoice you after the current airfares are announced. (In 2009 the Bangkok – Bhutan roundtrip airfare was $788, and price increases in 2010 are not expected to exceed 10%.)

RETURN FLIGHT FROM BHUTAN: We will return to Bangkok in the late afternoon of the last day of the tour. We do not include hotels for this night. Do not schedule any afternoon or early evening flights.

THE SECRET TO STRESS FREE TRAVEL: Simply put, arrive at the starting point of your trip a day or two early. Many have told us this was one of the most important things they did to get ready for their trip. They felt rested and over their jet lag.

PASSPORT: You must have a current Passport and MAKE SURE IT DOES NOT EXPIRE WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF THE COMPLETION OF YOUR TRIP. If you need to renew your passport, please do so ASAP as delays happen.

VISAS: All travelers to Bhutan must have a Visa. We will provide you with a visa application which you will need to fill out and return to us. Once we receive your final trip payment we will submit your Visa Application to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. When we arrive in Paro the visa will be stamped in your passport and will be valid for 15 days. PLEASE NOTE: YOU WILL NEED TO PAY $20 US.

TRAVEL DELAYS: Nichols Expeditions is not responsible for any costs you may incur due to delays with transportation (airline or other), weather, road conditions, government intervention, sickness or other contingencies for which we are unable to control. For international flights, it is necessary to arrive 2-3 hours prior to departure (check with your carrier). If you miss your flight and we need to provide a special shuttle for you to meet up with the group, you will be responsible to pay for all extra costs.

BHUTAN INFORMATION

HOTELS: Hotels and guest houses in Bhutan are all approved by the Bhutan Department of Tourism. They are comfortable and clean, but not luxurious. Most hotels will have telephones and long distance services.

ELECTRICITY: In Bhutan, electricity runs on 220/240 volts, with round hole two-pin and three-pin power outlets. If you bring electrical appliances, also pack appropriate EU-style 2-pin adapter plugs or purchase them in Thimphu.

FOOD: The hotels and restaurants will serve a variety of dishes (Bhutanese, Indian, Chinese, and Continental). It is no problem if you are a vegetarian or have food allergies. Just let your guide know, and he will instruct the chefs on what type of food to prepare for you.

WEATHER: In the spring the skies are generally sunny and clear, and you can expect daytime temperatures between 40–80 F. Temperatures drop very quickly when the sun goes down, and nighttime temperatures at high altitudes often drop to around 40 F. Rain is always a possibility, so be sure to bring good raingear (both a jacket and pants).

GOVERNMENT: The government of Bhutan is a Constitutional Monarchy. Bhutan has taken the forward-thinking steps of banning tobacco, plastic shopping bags and billboards.

LANGUAGE: Dzongkha is the official language and there are a large number of local dialects. English is widely spoken, and our guide is bi-lingual.

SHOPPING: Markets are a good place to buy local clothing, handcrafts and jewelry. The Handicraft Emporium on the main street in Thimpu is open daily except Sunday.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

CURRENCY EXCHANGE AND TRAVELER’S CHECKS: Traveler’s checks or US dollars can be exchanged in any branch of the Bank of Bhutan and in most hotels. Be sure to bring NEW BILLS IN GOOD CONDITION with no rips in the bills. Contact your bank in advance so they will have new bills for you.

CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS AND ATM’S: Visa cards have limited acceptability and most places will not accept Mastercard or American Express.

EQUIPMENT INFORMATION

FOOTWEAR: Lightweight hiking shoes will work.

IF YOU BRING YOUR OWN BIKE: YOUR BIKE MUST BE IN GOOD REPAIR! Have it checked by a qualified shop and all worn parts replaced. Install NEW tires & tubes! We only carry tools for minor adjustments, & parts may be hard to find.
__ Road or hybrid bike - NEW 28-35c tires, triple front chain rings suggested, 26 x 32 low gear recommended for the hills
__ Pad & pack bike securely in a bike case (with help from your bike shop if it is your first time), you can pack clothing & shoes in the case along with the bike
__ Rear carrier with bike bag, handlebar bag, pannier or small daypack to carry snacks, rain gear, camera and sunscreen as needed during the day
__ 2 spare inner tubes to fit your tire & wheel size
__ Bike tools to build up your bike
__ Small rag for cleaning bike parts & chain
__ Tire pump & patch kit
__ Correct bike shoes for your pedals (if clipless pedals, install cleats on your shoes)

NOTES ON YOUR PERSONAL BICYCLE EQUIPMENT:
BIKE HELMET – The pros wear them and so should you! A good helmet, along with your own common sense, is your best protection against the lifelong debilitation a head injury can cause. Replace your old helmet with a new one at the first sign of cracks, frayed straps or broken buckles. During the tour, all riders are required to wear a helmet.

SUNGLASSES – A good pair of sunglasses is all it takes to prevent an eye injury from road debris or an insect. Make sure they fit properly with your helmet. Consider replaceable or photochromatic lenses for different light levels, and bring a spare pair just in case.

TOE CLIPS & STRAPS – (optional) Rental bikes come with flat pedals. If you want toe clips and straps, please bring your own pedals with the toe clips and straps.  Also, shoes with flat soles are safer than lugged soles for pulling your foot out of the pedal.

CLIPLESS PEDALS – (optional) Clipless pedals are great for control and pedal power, but trying them for the first time on a tour may not be the best idea. For your personal safety, you must be comfortable riding, stopping and starting in traffic and on hills. If you bring clipless pedals, make sure to bring bike shoes with the correct cleats. For bike touring, we suggest Shimano SPD pedals. The release is adjustable and the recessed cleat makes walking safer and easier.

BIKE SHOES – (optional) Simply put, a properly fit bike shoe will increase your pedaling efficiency and reduce foot fatigue. For bicycle touring, we recommend either a mountain bike or touring style shoe rather than a racing shoe. These styles flex a bit to make walking easier, and if you use clipless pedals, your cleat will be recessed for safer walking. If you have custom footbeds or orthotics, consider trying them in your bike shoes.

CAMERA GEAR: Unless you are a pro photographer, we suggest bringing a small, compact digital camera that fits in the palm of your hand. If you shoot a lot of photos (and you will!), consider bringing extra data cards (1-4gb) or a portable hard drive to download your photos from the day. Other useful items are lens cleaner, lens tissue, soft lens brush, a mini tabletop tripod and a clean toothbrush to remove grit from the body of your camera.

FILM WARNING FROM TSA: If you shoot a film camera, the equipment used for screening checked and carry-on baggage will damage undeveloped film. Make sure to REMOVE IT AND HAVE IT HAND INSPECTED. To expedite the screening process, carry all film in clear canisters or take the film out of solid colored canisters and put it in a clear plastic ziploc bag. DIGITAL CAMERAS AND DIGITAL MEDIA ARE NOT AFFECTED. See the TSA website for complete details - http://www.tsa.gov

CELL PHONES: Bhutan has GSM 900MHz cell phone service in the urban areas but not on most of the trek. If you have a multi-band GSM phone from the USA, check with your cell phone provider about using it in Bhutan. If you have an unlocked phone, you can purchase a SIM card and phone credit in Paro.

HEALTH INFORMATION

COLDS & FLU: Check with your doctor so see if any of your current medications lower your immunity. Airplane flights, different cities or your neighbor’s kids could all be a source of germs, and no one wants to be sick on vacation! To keep yourself healthy WASH YOUR HANDS. We also recommend carrying a small hand sanitizer gel in your pack and using it.

HIGH ALTITUDE: From our experience leading many high altitude tours and from information gathered from medical experts, we can help you understand more about the affects of traveling at high altitude and how to lessen or prevent AMS (acute mountain sickness). High altitude begins at 8,000 ft. On the first part of the tour we will spend several days acclimatizing at 7-8000 ft. During the trip we will have 5 days that we go over passes above 10,000 ft. The good news is that we never sleep above 8,500 ft.

RECOGNIZING AMS: Above 8,000 ft., many people experience some type of mild, short-lived reaction to the altitude. The most common reactions are shortness of breath, a mild headache, fatigue, dizziness, a change in breathing, loss of appetite, nausea and insomnia. These symptoms usually go away within a day or two, and when they do, this is what "being acclimatized" means. However, if after a few days you are still bothered by these symptoms, or if the symptoms become worse (vomiting, a headache that will not go away with Ibuprofen or aspirin, or decreased coordination) you have AMS. 

PREVENTING AMS: To aid in your acclimatization, drink plenty of fluids, eat mostly carbohydrates, limit strenuous exercise the first day, do not smoke, do not use depressant-type prescription sleeping pills (Melatonin is OK) and initially avoid alcoholic beverages. In addition to these precautions, and especially if you are prone to AMS, we suggest bringing Acetazolamide and Dexamethasone so you have the medications if you need them. Both are prescription medications used to prevent and treat AMS.

TREATING AMS: Treating AMS starts with recognizing and personally acknowledging the symptoms, and then assessing the severity of the symptoms and acting to reduce the affects. Treatment may require rest, prescription medications, oxygen or descent to a lower altitude.

MEDICATIONS FOR PREVENTING & TREATING AMS:
ACETAZOLAMIDE (DIAMOX) – IMPORTANT NOTE: PEOPLE WITH A SULFA ALLERGY SHOULD NOT USE ACETAZOLAMIDE. This prescription medication is the most widely used AMS preventative, and it has been shown to shorten the acclimatization process by increasing the rate and depth of breathing. Acetazolamide is a mild diuretic and common side effects are increased urination and a tingling sensation in the fingers (the tingling can be lessened by taking a potassium supplement). If there is any question about your tolerance for this medication, consider trying it at home before the tour. Suggested dose is 125 mg (cut a 250 mg dose in half) twice per day for persons below 220 lbs., and 250 mg twice per day for persons over 220 lbs. Begin taking the medication the day prior to the trek on Day 6, and continue using it twice per day until reaching the tour's maximum altitude on Day 8. Keep a few days extra in case you have trouble breathing later in the tour.

DEXAMETHASONE (DECADRON) – IMPORTANT NOTE: DEXAMETHASONE SHOULD NOT BE GIVEN TO DIABETICS OR ANYONE FOR WHOM STEROIDS ARE CONTRAINDICATED. This prescription medication is a steroidal anti-inflammatory used primarily to treat AMS. The medical community is split on its use as a prophylactic to aid acclimatization, but it may be a reasonable alternative for those with a sulfa allergy who cannot tolerate Acetazolamide. They do agree that Dexamethasone is effective for treating AMS. As a prophylactic, dosage is 4 mg twice per day starting the first day of the trek (Day 7), and continuing for a few days until no symptoms occur, then taper off gradually. As a treatment for AMS, take two 4 mg doses 6 hours apart. Do not ascend until at least 12 hours after the last dose, and then only if there are no symptoms of AMS.

GINKGO BILOBA EXTRACT – This dietary supplement is available over the counter and it has been shown to be effective in preventing or lessening the symptoms of AMS. It has yet to be determined exactly how Ginkgo Biloba works at altitude, but it may act as an antioxidant, reducing stress on tissues that have been injured by low oxygen levels. The recommended dose of Ginkgo Biloba extract (24% flavonoid glycosides, 6% terpenoids) is 80 - 120 mg twice a day, starting 5 days before the tour and continuing while at altitude.

IF YOU HAVE A SULFA ALLERGY - For those who are allergic to Sulfa drugs, here are two other prescription medications to discuss with your doctor: oral NIFEDIPINE and SALMETEROL (SEREVENT).

WEB SOURCES FOR ADDITIONAL AMS INFORMATION:
Base Camp MD - http://www.basecampmd.com/expguide/amspremed.shtml
International Society For Mountain Medicine -http://www.ismmed.org/np_altitude_tutorial.htm#AMS
MD Travel Health - http://www.mdtravelhealth.com/illness/altitude_sickness.html
CIWEC Clinic Travel Medicine Center In Katmandu, Nepal - http://ciwec-clinic.com/

PUBLISHED SOURCES FOR ADDITIONAL AMS INFORMATION:
Wilderness Medicine: Management of Wilderness and Environmental Emergencies, by Paul S. Auerbach, Mosby – Year Book Publication, 3rd edition, 1995.
High Altitude Medicine and Physiology, by John B. West, Robert B. Schoene & James S. Milledge, A Hodder Arnold Publication, 4th edition, 2007.
High Altitude Medicine, written & published by Herb Hultgren, 1997.

SUGGESTED SUPPLIERS OF OUTDOOR GEAR:
The following are suggested suppliers of quality outdoor gear:
Patagonia - the top source for camp clothing, www.patagonia.com
Campmor - all your camping gear needs, www.campmor.com
REI - lots of travel clothing & camping gear, www.rei.com
L. L. Bean - for travel clothing & camping gear, www.llbean.com
Sierra Trading Post - good deals on outdoor clothing & camping gear, www.sierratradingpost.com
Travel Smith - ventilated & sun blocking clothing, www.travelsmith.com
Zeal Optics - great fitting polarized sunglasses, www.zealoptics.com

The key to having the right clothing is purchasing quality items that you test at home before the tour, and layering your clothing to create the right balance of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. AVOID ALL COTTON CLOTHING on this tour! If it gets wet it can become a hypothermia hazard, and it is hard to dry after you wash it by hand. Please follow the equipment list and only bring what is necessary.

Weather in Bhutan is generally sunny and clear, and you can expect daytime temperatures between 40–70F. Temperatures drop very quickly when the sun goes down, and nighttime temperatures at higher altitudes can drop into the 40’sF. Rain is always a possibility.

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
__ PASSPORT - MAKE SURE YOUR PASSPORT DOES NOT EXPIRE WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF THE     COMPLETION OF YOUR TOUR! Make a copy of the first 2 pages of your Passport and carry     it separate form your Passport in case your documents are lost or stolen.
__ Airlines tickets
__ Travelers checks &/or cash
__ Pouch for carrying passport and money around your neck or on a belt

CLOTHING
For Travel:
__ Comfortable travel clothing - for flights to/from Asia, these clothes can be left in your small     duffel in Paro so you will have clean clothes for traveling back home
For Tour:
__ Sunglasses with strap - if prescription, bring a spare pair
__ Prescription glasses or contacts - bring spares
__ Brimmed hat or baseball cap - for sun protection
__ Wool or synthetic ski hat - thin enough to fit under bike helmet
__ Bike jerseys - 2, bright colors for visibility
__ Short sleeved t-shirts - 4 quick drying synthetic, for hiking/biking
__ Long-sleeved shirt - quick drying synthetic, for evenings
__ Long-sleeved t-neck or bike jersey - 2, mid-weight synthetic for layering
__ Pile shirt or wool sweater - windproof pile works great
__ Warm jacket - down is light and can pack small into a stuff sack
__ Underwear, sports bras
__ Bike shorts - 2 padded lycra cycling shorts to prevent chafing
__ Bike tights or long underwear - synthetic, for sleeping on cold nights and cold descents on the bike
__ Long pants - 2 quick drying synthetic, zip-off leg convertible pants double as shorts
__ Shorts for hiking - quick drying synthetic, or zip-off the legs of your convertible pants
__ Rain suit - BOTH JACKET W/ HOOD & PANTS, Gore-Tex recommended, good wind-proofing for riding, hood keeps you drier and warmer
__ Socks - 2-3 pr ea. cycling & walking
__ Comfortable shoes for walking/hiking - good fit & support for walking, avoid using toe clips & straps with heavily lugged shoes
__ Bike shoes - STRONGLY RECOMMENDED to increase pedaling efficiency & reduce foot fatigue
__ Long finger gloves - windproof, size to fit over bike gloves, for cold descents
__ Underwear
__ Socks
__ Hiking boots – lightweight, broken in, good fitting support
__ Tennis shoes - for evenings (these could also work for hiking)
__ Bike shoes
__ Bandanas – many uses (washcloth, cover a bad hair day, etc.)

TOILETRIES & PERSONAL ITEMS
__ Toilet kit - sample sizes of biodegradable soap, shampoo, skin lotion, toothpaste, put
     all liquids in a quart ziploc to prevent spills and for TSA security
__ Waterless gel hand cleaner - 4 oz. bottle for quick hand washing before eating
__ Sun & lip screen - essential for the high altitude, waterproof, SPF 30 minimum
__ Small insect repellent  
__ Headlamp or flashlight – install new batteries & bring spare batteries
__ Roll of toilet paper & a few extra ziplocs (for used paper) packed in qt. ziploc bag
__ Travel alarm
__ Earplugs - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, all foreign hotels

CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR DRESS IN BHUTAN: In general, the Bhutanese dress modestly, so anything too revealing is discouraged and men should not go shirtless. On the bike ride, it is OK for men and women to wear bike shorts and T-shirts. In the towns, you should wear long pants and shorts are not appropriate for anyone. In the dzongs and temples, the legs and arms must be covered, and even three-quarter-length capri pants are not acceptable for women.
 
PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT
__ for altitude - Acetazolamide, Ginkgo Biloba, Dexamethasone, tampons (cycles may be
    erratic at altitude)
__ for travelers diarrhea – Immodium, Ciprofloxacin antibiotic, anti-acid, Pepto-Bismol tablets
__ for pain relief - aspirin/ibuprofen/Tylenol
__ for colds & allergy - cold-symptom relief tablets, antihistamines, cough drops
__ for motion sickness - Dramamine,
__ for wounds & blisters - antibiotic cream, Hydrocortisone cream, cloth band-aids, first aid
    tape, moleskin, sm. roll of duct tape for blister prevention, 2nd skin, small scissors
NOTE: MAKE SURE ALL PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS ARE IN THEIR ORIGINAL CONTAINERS WITH YOUR NAME ON THEM!

BAGS & PACKS
__ Daypack - use as carry-on for flying
__ 2 Water bottles or 2 qt. hydration system
__ Medium duffel or suitcase
__ TSA approved padlocks - to lock zippers on all duffels
__ Ziploc bags - assorted sizes, for small items like liquids, books, camera, film, etc.
PLEASE NOTE: Baggage weight limits for the flight from Bangkok to Bhutan - checked baggage 44 lbs., and carry-on baggage 11 lbs. 

 OPTIONAL ITEMS:
__ Camera with new batteries, spare batteries, extra memory cards (see CAMERA GEAR)
__ Binoculars, book, journal, pocket knife (pack properly for airport security)
__ Energy bars/snacks – 1-2 per day, WE SUGGEST bring your favorites from home
__ Laundry kit - small amt. of powdered laundry detergent in a ziploc, 8-10 clothespins & 25
    ft. of 1/8 in. nylon rope for a clothesline, pack in a 1 qt. ziploc bag or sm. zipper mesh bag

Packing Hint #1: Limit your luggage to a carry-on daypack and a checked duffel bag with a sm. duffel packed inside. The small duffel can be used for any souvenirs that you buy in Bhutan.
Packing Hint #2: Freezer-weight Ziploc plastic bags are lightweight, inexpensive, and see-through. They are indispensable for packing items like clothing, books, toilet kits, and lotions in your baggage.
Packing Hint #3: Travel-size samples save space and weight! Visit the "samples section" of your drugstore or supermarket and see if your favorite shampoo, conditioner, hand lotion, toothpaste and deodorant are available in travel-size samples. If not, transfer some to smaller plastic bottles in the size you need. Remember to plastic bag all lotions!
Packing Hint #4: Think multiple use garments. Convertible pants with zip-off legs save bringing an extra pair of shorts. Be creative and keep that baggage light!
Packing Hint #5: Packing Hint #5: Do your own laundry. If you bring synthetic clothing, you can easily wash it and hang it to dry.

RESERVATIONS: For complete reservation information click here.