It goes without saying that while on your Bhutan trek you'll want to experience as much of the local culture as possible. However to the strait-laced Westerner, some of Bhutan's ancient beliefs and customs can come across as slightly bizarre. Nevertheless they are fascinating to behold and if you come along with an open-mind then you're certain to have an incredible time. These three unusual experiences simply must be experienced on your Bhutan trek...
Expert Author: Jude Limburn Turner | Category: Vacations Let's face it; no one goes to Turkey just to buy a carpet. However, thousands of holidaymakers returning from Istanbul and Ankara do so with a rolled up Turkish carpet in their suitcase. There's something wonderful about travelling to an exotic destination and returning with a suitcase of assorted souvenirs that range from ceremonial hunting knives, to bags of the local sweets to hand out to your friends. Bhutan tours are simply perfect for souvenir shopping and if you want to buy an unusual and lasting memento of your holiday in the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon, keep your eyes peeled for these rare keepsakes...
Everyone has their own favourite part of the Annapurna Circuit, but for many people their favourite part of the trek is the charming 'apple capital' of Nepal - Marpha. Known worldwide for its delicious apples, you're likely to find trekkers in this part of the circuit tucking into delicious apple pies and drinking the local liqueur made from fermented apples. Of course, Marpha isn't just about the delicious food and drink; this part of the Annapurna Circuit is steeped in history and was once an important part of the old salt route.
'The Annapurna Circuit' is the popular name for a 300 kilometre trek in Nepal, and one of the best-known treks around the Annapurna mountain range in the Himalaya. Reaching an altitude of 5,300 metres on the 'Thorong La' pass, the trek touches the edge of the Himalayan plateau. 'Thorong La' is the highest point on the trail, and can cause acute mountain sickness in unwary trekkers who have not acclimatised themselves to the altitude - it is very important to follow the advice of local guides.
So you've arrived safely at Everest Base Camp, and are wondering what it would be like to ascend all the way and reach the pinnacle that is the dream of so many - to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Though treks to Everest Base Camp don't require as much time or effort as a three-month ascent to the top, not all of the preparations you can make are physical ones: a good attitude and mental preparation can be just as important as physical fitness. If you are thinking about an attempt to scale the mountain, here are a few things to keep in mind before you set out on your journey to the summit.
The challenge of conquering the highest peak in the world is a common childhood dream. But only an elite and determined few actually carry that dream through to fruition to plant a flag atop the majestic Mt Everest. It takes more than just a yearning for adventure to summit a mountain as tough as Everest. Many months, if not years, of training and preparation are behind a successful climb of the mighty mountain. But for the rest of us mere mortals who perhaps do not have the time or physical attributes to aim for the top, there is another way to experience the exhilaration of success amidst the breath-taking scenery of the Himalaya - trekking to Everest Base Camp.
Simply the mention of the word, Bhutan, conjures up visions of a remote and exotic destination with a spectacular landscape and a rich, magical history. Bhutan is all of this and more but, perhaps surprisingly to some, it is also an accessible and welcoming place to visit. Although tourism numbers are limited in order to preserve both the cultural and physical integrity of Bhutan, treks through this fascinating country will open your eyes to an authentic land, unspoilt by modern western ideals.
As with any visit to a country abroad, when planning to visit the Kingdom of Bhutan it is important to consider the best time of the year to go. This varies greatly between individuals and, depending on what sort of traveller you are, the weather may be your priority, or on the other hand you may be more concerned about how busy or quiet the region will be. Bhutan treks and tours in the months during spring and autumn are more comfortable because of the even temperatures and reduced chance of inclement weather; however, these peak times are naturally much busier as well.
One thing you are definitely likely to do while you're in Bhutan? Trek! But if you need a bit of time to rest your legs in between your various explorations, you might want to do something a little different instead. Why not try a spot of archery?
An Everest Base Camp trek is, for many, the challenge of a lifetime and the culmination of much time spent in training and preparation. Scientists maintain however, that Everest is changing - better get that climb in quick before the mountain melts away...
The Annapurna circuit takes you to the foot of one of the 14 highest peaks in the world - Mount Annapurna - and on April 26th 2010 one young woman made history by becoming the first female climber ever to conquer all 14 of those peaks, saving Mount Annapurna, the highest point of the Annapurna Massif, until last.
By now, most people have heard of Bonita Norris who climbed her way into the record books by becoming the youngest Briton ever to summit the world's highest peak - Mount Everest. She made headlines around the world and her remarkable feat, coupled with her model good looks, have made her a household name - at least in her native United Kingdom.
Before you head off on your Bhutan trek you'll want to make sure that you've had the correct inoculations, packed the right supplies and have your paperwork in order. However, if you also want some idea of what to expect when you're in Bhutan, the following books are perfect for a spot of pre-trip reading...
In the Bhutanese language of Dzongkha, the country is known as Druk Yul, which means 'the land of the thunder dragon'. The elusive dragon has been a symbol of the country since 1200 AD when a monastery was set up called the Druk (dragon) by a religious sect, the Drukphas. Today, the dragon is synonymous with the country and even appears on the country's flag as a symbol of purity.
As a visitor to Bhutan, trek 'over and under' the mountains and valleys of a thousand lakes and you will come face-to-face with one of the highest mountains in the Dagala range, as well as some of the largest lakes. This remote and unpopulated path is by far the best way to see the authentic face of Bhutan.
If you visit Laos, you may well struggle to believe that the peaceful and pristine environment you see was once at the centre of a violent and revolutionary war. Today, tranquil village life, the fascinating culture and the impressive natural scenery of the country makes it high up on many people's list of must-see holiday destinations. But if history is one of the main things pulling you towards Laos, trekking under the ground rather than over it might prove to be of extra interest to you.
On the 17th of May 2010, Bonita Norris returned to the safety of Everest Base Camp, trekking down to meet her team and earn a place in history as the youngest Briton ever to summit the world's highest peak. At the age of 22, Bonita (from Berkshire, Great Britain) has eclipsed the record of Victoria James, who was 25 when she climbed Everest.
"Hello Mum. I'm calling from the top of the world." These were the words of 13-year- old Jordan Romero. He was calling home via a satellite phone before descending to the Chinese Everest Base Camp, trekking down the treacherous North Col route, and into the history books as the youngest climber ever to have successfully climbed Mount Everest (8,848 metres).
Trekking the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal is, for some, the culmination of a life's dream and for others, simply the opportunity to explore one of the most remote mountain regions of the world. Passing through four provinces, the lower regions of Lamjung and Myagdi, and Manang and Mustang in the higher elevations, the Annapurna Circuit will take you on a journey not only of miles and mountains but of fascinating flora, fauna, and culture. The Annapurna circuit stretches for over 300km and circumnavigates the majestic Annapurna Massif comprising six mighty peaks and many smaller ones.
In April 2010, every commuter in London knew the face of Bonita Norris after she made the papers by becoming the youngest woman to summit Mount Manaslu. Later that month, with her sights on the British Everest youth record, she began a series of training climbs from Everest Base Camp. Trekking progressively higher up the world's highest mountain, Bonita dreamt of trekking her way into the history books.
