| Into Tribal Laos and Wild Bhutan
| Days: |
17 days |
| Location: |
Laos, Bhutan |
| Activities: |
Kayaking Class 2 Lao rivers, rafting Class 4 Bhutanese rivers, hiking. |
| Total days: |
17 days |
| Skill level: |
Laos: Class 2 (Novice); two days of hard paddling in inflatable kayaks,
Bhutan: Rafting on Class 4 rivers. |
| Activities: |
Kayaking, rafting, cycling, hiking, exploring tribal villages |
| Dates: |
Nov 20-Dec. 6, 2010 |
BRIEFLY
This trip combines the beauty and excitement of two of Asia’s most fascinating countries: Laos and Bhutan. From Vientiane, we fly to Luang Nam Tha to cycle and explore tribal villages. We then paddle inflatables down the Nam Ha and into the Nam Tha river, through a pristine forest and a variety of tribal villages. A motorboat carries us into and across the Mekong to catch a flight from Chiang Rai to Bangkok where we overnight. The next morning, we fly to Paro, Bhutan to begin an adventure of hiking to remote villages and monasteries, and rafting the Mo Chhu, the Upper Pho Chhu, and the Puna Tsang Chhu rivers. At the end of 15 days, we end the trip back in Bangkok.
You can choice your level of accommodation-luxury and standard-for the towns of Vientiane, Bangkok, and Paro. The difference is reflected in the two different trip prices.
ITINERARY
Day 1 (Nov. 20, Saturday)
Arrive in Bangkok
Day 2 (Nov. 21, Sunday)
You’ll reach Vientiane, Laos on your own, then check in at the hotel (included) and dine with us (included).
Day 3 (Nov. 22, Monday)
Early morning, fly to Luang Namtha. After lunch, we cycle through Thai Dam and Lu tribal villages. Dinner and overnight at the famed Boat Landing Resort.
Day 4 (Nov. 23, Tuesday)
We kayak the Nam Ha River through old growth forest, picnic on a small beach, then paddle to the Khmu village of Ban Nalan Tai, to dine and sleep in the village lodge.
Day 5 (Nov. 24, Wednesday)
After exploring the village, we trek in a tropical forest to look for medicinal plants and forest foods like cardammon, berries, mushrooms and edible leaves and discuss gathering techniques and uses with an indigenous guide. We end in the Lanten village of Ban Nam Khoy and sleep in a Lanten lodge. The Lanten, of which only 25 villages exist, are known as “stream Lao”. We plan to accompany tribal men to learn how to throw circular fishing nets.
Day 6 (Nov. 25, Thursday)
Kayak to the confluence with the Nam Tha, passing through remote forest and challenging rapids, stopping on pristine beaches to look for animal tracks. After a picnic lunch, we continue to Ban Hat Na Leng which comprises Khmu, Lao Loum, Lao Thung, and Thai Lu tribal people, an unusual juxtaposition for hill people. We sleep in a village house.
Day 7 (Nov. 26, Friday)
We have a long, leisurely day on the Nam Tha, paddling along the eastern flank of the Nam Ha protected forest before transferring to a motorboat to cruise to the lively village of Ban Khone Kham Ban known for its hand-woven fabrics.
Day 8 (Nov. 27, Saturday)
Long travel day. We cruise by motorboat to Pak Tha, where the Tha meets the Mekong. Lunch here, then up the Mekong to Ban Huai Xai. Cross to Thailand, drive to Chiang Rai, fly to Bangkok where we overnight.
Day 9 (Nov. 28, Sunday)
Having arrived so late the previous evening, and having to depart so early the next morning, we’ll have a down day in Bangkok, exploring the city and its waterways. We overnight in a hotel.
Day 10 (Nov. 29, Monday)
Our flight to Bhutan’s only airport at Paro, offers spectacular views of the majestic eastern Himalayas. The steep descent to the runway is mind-boggling with the mountain walls hemming a beautiful valley. We drive one hour to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. Wander in Thimphu, dine at a local restaurant, and sleep in a lovely hotel.
Day 11 (Nov. 30, Tuesday)
Explore more of Thimphu, then drive to Punakha over the Dochu La Pass (10,000 ft) where, weather permitting, one gets a picturesque view of the Eastern Himalaya. After lunch, we descend into the valleys of Punakha and Wangdue. Along the way, we’ll do a short hike to the Chhimi Lhakang popularly known as the “Temple of the Divine Madman”. We then drive to our base camp for the next couple of days. Night in camp.
Day 12 (Dec. 1, Wednesday)
Our Bhutanese whitewater experience begins today. We’ll head up the Mo Chhu valley to “Sonam’s Put-in”, then raft the class III to class IV Mo Chhu. After a late lunch, we visit Punakha Dzong, a fortress built in 1637-8. One of Bhutan’s lovliest landmarks, it is now the winter abode of the Je Khenpo (Bhutan’s religious leader) and the nation’s central monastic body. The October 31st 2008 coronation of His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck as the 5th King of Bhutan was held there. Night at Base Camp.
Day 13 (Dec. 2, Thursday)
After short drive, we’ll do a short hike to the put-in of the Upper Pho Chhu, a class III to class IV river of emerald green glacial meltwater. We can end the rafting at Samdenkha or continue on a class II stretch to finish at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and the Pho Chhu just past the Punkha Dzong... a perfect photo opportunity. From the take out we drive to a local lodge for a hot shower and a rest before we head out towards central Bhutan. Night at a local lodge.
Day 14 (Dec. 3, Friday)
We have a choice here. We can re-run the Puna Tsang Chhu and then drive to Thimphu or after a casual breakfast drive straight back to Paro. We’ll spend the night at a hotel in Thimphu or Paro.
Day 15 (Dec. 4, Saturday)
We’ll explore Paro Valley, and hike to Taktsang (aka “Tiger’s Lair”) perched on the face of a 3,000-foot-high cliff overlooking Paro valley. Myth has it that this was the birthplace of Bhutanese Buddhism. We hike 45 minutes to the view point and another 40 minutes to the monastery itself. Farewell dinner and overnight in a Paro hotel.
Day 16 (Dec. 5, Sunday)
Morning flight to Bangkok.
Day 17 (Dec. 6, Monday)
Fly home from Bangkok.
For more information and prices, e-mail stonewater.est2005@gmail.com
noting your country of departure.
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