Select Travelers will be First to Explore Valleys of Eastern Bhutan

Tour announced giving the opportunity for travelers to trek remote Eastern Bhutan, an area just opened to tourists

The Tourism Council of Bhutan announced on June 16, 2010, the opening of remote valleys of Eastern Bhutan – Merak and Sakten. A select group of travelers will be among the first to trek in this region by joining a tour with Wanderlust and Lipstick founder, Beth Whitman.

This co-ed 17-day journey in October begins in Northeast India, where participants will enjoy jungle safaris, by jeep and by elephant, before entering the tiny kingdom of Bhutan. The trek into Merak and Sakten will transport the travelers back in time as they explore an untouched land of tradition and mystery. This adventure to the Land of the Thunder Dragon also includes visits to traditional monasteries and temples, including iconic Tiger’s Nest, glimpses of some of the world’s highest peaks, and the opportunity to witness a traditional Bhutanese festival in Mongar.

Paro Valley, Bhutan

Bhutan is one of the last remaining frontiers of discovery. This trek will allow travelers to hike through villages populated with a unique cultural group of highlanders known as the Brokpa, and to experience firsthand the traditions and customs they have retained in this far-flung corner of Eastern Bhutan.
   
Says Whitman of this adventure, “We applied for permits to Merak and Sakten in 2009 and have been hoping the government would allow us entry. Now it appears that we really will be among the first to get a glimpse of this remote area.”

Whitman will be the tour leader and a Bhutanese guide will accompany the group, providing insight into the country’s culture, architecture and environment as well as sharing details on how Buddhism is integral in making Gross National Happiness the cornerstone of their daily life.
Whitman is the author of the Wanderlust and Lipstick guides for women travelers, the publisher of WanderlustAndLipstick and now leads tours to Bhutan, India, Vietnam and Cambodia.

We were lucky enough to sit down and chat with Beth about the tour. Here' s what she had to say...

WE – You’ve got this great trekking tour to Bhutan scheduled for the fall, but most people don’t even know where Bhutan is. Can you enlighten our readers?

Beth – I’ll admit that I didn’t know where Bhutan was located until about five years ago so I know how most people feel when I say I lead tours there. When someone asks me where my next trip is, I’ll say, “I’m leading a tour to Bhutan. Most people don’t know where that is but it’s a tiny Kingdom in the Himalayas nestled between Northeast India and Tibet.” Only a few people stop me mid-sentence to exclaim they know where it is and have always wanted to go.  Most appreciate the fact that they don’t have to ask the embarrassing question of, “WHERE?”

WE – Since we now know where, then why Bhutan?

Beth – I actually stumbled into the opportunity to lead a tour there with a friend a few years ago. After that first trip I was hooked. Without hesitation I can say that it is the most beautiful, friendliest and peaceful country I’ve ever been to. There are a lot of destinations that I love, but Bhutan is a country that a person can fall in love with. To the extent that it can break your heart when you’re not there. When I look over my photos – of the people, the food and the landscape – I could cry. It’s that amazing. A woman who was part of the last group I led to Bhutan recently sent me an email and said, “Bhutan is a difficult trip to explain to anyone who hasn’t been there.”

So, while I can answer “why” superficially, it is a place that has to be experienced to really know the answer.

Bhutan festival

WE – What makes your upcoming trek to Eastern Bhutan so unique?

Beth – The area where we will be trekking, specifically Merak and Sakten, has been closed to tourists until mid-June of 2010. Actually, the government opened it up for about two months in 2009 but then closed it. It was during that brief time that we applied for permits for our group. Now it’s official that this area is open and it looks as though we will literally be the first group to explore this area!

Like so much of Bhutan, the eastern region is culturally sensitive. The locals have had very little exposure to foreigners and it was only very recently that a groundbreaking ceremony took place for a paved road to be built. With so few services and a commitment to preserving the culture and religion, the government has been measured in their approach to opening the country to travelers.

WE – Is it true that they limit the number of people who can visit Bhutan?

Beth – I get that question a lot. I think it was true more than 10 years ago. But now they do not limit the number of visitors. They do, however, impose a high daily tariff that’s built into your tour cost. At present that’s $200 U.S. a day. That will be going up to $250 in 2012! So, it’s very expensive to travel to Bhutan but it is so worth it.

WE – Why do they make it such an exclusive destination?

Beth – Bhutan is an ancient culture with deep roots in Buddhism. The King (who is revered by every Bhutanese) is determined to preserve their culture and religion for as long as possible. He is concerned that what happened to Nepal (with hordes of backpackers – and I was one of them 20 years ago – and the ensuing stripping of the environment and culture) and Tibet (being overrun by China) will happen to them. Though they would be financially richer if they completely opened their doors, they see the downside to doing this through these other examples. The Bhutanese prefer to move into the 21st century slowly (TV was banned until 1999 – now satellite dishes , unfortunately, are everywhere) and to preserve their natural environment. All of this is part of their desire for Gross National Happiness.

WE – Gross National Happiness? Tell us about that!

Beth – Gross National Happiness is a term coined to measure how content the population is based on numerous factors including a person’s finances, environment, physical wellbeing and mental wellness. It’s fantastic to think that people in this developing country are actually cognizant of the fact that some things, like making a lot of money, may not bring happiness. As a Western society, we’re told this over and over. But do we really believe it? Not really. But this is the core value of the Bhutanese. 

Bhutan Punakha

WE – Since there is so little information available about Bhutan, can you provide us with some suggestions for resources?

Beth – Absolutely. The Lonely Planet guide to Bhutan is a great start. It’ll give you all the basics. If you’re interested in the cultural aspect of the country, Francoise Pommaret wrote a fabulous book called Himalayan Mountain Kingdom. She’s French but has been living in Bhutan for 20 something years and is an ethno-historian. She provides excellent insight into the culture. And if you’re interested in an overview of the country, I’ve written a series of Bhutan holiday and vacation tips based on my personal experiences there.

WE: Thanks so much, Beth! This sounds like an extraordinary trip, and one we highly recommend to our readers.

This co-ed tour is limited to twelve people and at press time is more than half full. The cost is $5,750 and includes in-country transportation, accommodation and all meals.

For the full itinerary please go to http://wanderlustandlipstick.com/wandertours/bhutan/bhutan-eastern-trekking/

Contact Information
Wanderlust and Lipstick               
Beth Whitman                       
206-937-6789                           
info[at]WanderlustAndLipstick.com

http://wanderlustandlipstick.com/

all photos courtesy and copyright of Beth Whitman