WanderTours

Santa Fe Women-only Culinary Tour – June, 2012

admin — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 15:58:08 +0000

Santa Fe Culinary Tour for Women

Number of days: 4

Itinerary dates: June 20 – 24, 2012

Tour Leader: Beth Whitman

* This tour is selling fast – act now to secure one of the last spots!

Join Beth Whitman on this 5-day culinary extravaganza to one of her very favorite destinations in the U.S., Santa Fe. You’ll be treated to cooking demonstrations, take a guided downtown tour, learn about the area’s Native American history, culture and cuisine. Each day includes chocolate-tasting at local specialty chocolate shops This tour is suitable for vegetarians and meat eaters alike.

The tour begins on Wednesday afternoon. Arriving via Albuquerque, participants will make their own way to the hotel in Santa Fe (airport shuttles available, a rental car is not necessary).

See Santa Fe Photo Gallery

Day 1
Wednesday, June 20, 2012 (Meals: D)
The group will begin this exciting long weekend with a 1.5-hour guided walking tour of the historic downtown Santa Fe Plaza, beginning at 3:30pm.

With a local expert leading the group, you’ll walk through more than 400 years of history, art and culture as this personal guide presents an extraordinary introduction to Santa Fe and provides an entertaining, humorous and accurate portrayal of the “City Different.” The group will visit both the historic Plaza and the Palace of the Governors while you learn about St. Francis Cathedral and explore the Loretto Chapel with its miraculous staircase.

You’ll end the tour at a local restaurant to enjoy an authentic New Mexican meal. Overnight at hotel.

Day 2
Thursday, June 21, 2012 (Meals: B, L, D)
Breakfast will be at a nearby bakery before the group heads to a local farm in Nambé to meet Erin Wade, owner of Vinaigrette Restaurant. You’ll tour the farm and learn about agriculture in the high desert before enjoying a healthy lunch.

On the return trip to Santa Fe, the group will stop at a winery for a tasting of the local delights.

You’ll have time for a short rest in the afternoon prior to dinner at a wonderful Spanish restaurant and for a sherry tasting with the chef. Overnight at hotel.

HIGHLIGHT! Seventy percent of the organic produce served at Vinaigrette during peak season is grown on this bucolic, 10-acre farm. The property includes a 1,200 square-foot greenhouse bursting with micro-greens, herbs and other cool-season delights in the winter and a jungle of tomatoes and hot house crops in the summer.

Day 3
Friday, June 22, 2012 (Meals: B, L, D)
Following breakfast at a wonderful French bakery, the group will take part in a 3-hour class at the Santa Fe Cooking School to learn the intricacies of making tamales. You’ll have a chance to try 3 different types (Red Chile and Pork, Southern Mexican Chicken and Sweet Anise Seed) that highlight techniques helpful in tamale-making. You’ll then make your own and receive some in-depth information from the chef while the tamales cook!

After a break for some rest time, the group will reconvene for a “Free Friday” walk (gallery entrance is free) to see several museums which, depending on time, will include the O’Keeffe Museum, History Museum and the Palace of the Governors. You’ll end the day at a local brewery that overlooks the historic Plaza and enjoy (if you like) beer and pizza. Overnight at hotel.

HIGHLIGHT! Tamales are an important part of New Mexican cooking. Today, not only will you get to enjoy a variety of these delicious treats, but you’ll take away detailed instructions so that you can prepare them at home.

Day 4
Saturday, June 23, 2012 (Meals: B, D)
This morning you’ll walk to the nearby Santa Fe Farmer’s Market for a guided tour by a local chef. You’ll be able to sample fresh breads, cheeses and produce and there will be plenty of free time for browsing and shopping for spices, food and souvenirs.

Today, you’ll have the afternoon free to explore!

In the evening, the group will enjoy a cooking demonstration and incredible dinner of Native American foods in the home of local chef and food photographer, Lois Ellen Frank. You’ll learn about the flavors of the real Southwest reflecting the unique cultural mix of Santa Fe. Overnight at hotel.

HIGHLIGHT! You’re in for a real treat on this evening. The food will be superb but you’ll also learn about the history of pre-contact food in the region and how the food has evolved. Lois is a Native foods historian and is a winner of the James Beard Award for her latest cookbook.

Day 5
Sunday, June 24, 2012 (Meals: B)
After a group breakfast at the hotel, you may have time to wander the Plaza and do any last minute shopping before departing on your own for the airport in Albuquerque.

___________________________________________

* This tour is selling fast – act now to secure one of the last spots!

Costs:
Price: $1,450
Single supplement: $450

Interested in sharing? We do our best to pair up same-sex travelers so as to avoid the single supplement. However, priority is given to the first deposits received. If you’re interested in sharing – PLEASE send in your deposit as soon as possible in order to take advantage of this benefit. (Why a single supplement charge? See this FAQ page for an explanation.)

Final payment due no later than April 20, 2012.

Price includes: 4 nights hotel accommodation in downtown Santa Fe, 4 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners, guides, transportation included in events above, all services and gratuities and local taxes.

Price does not include: airfare, airport transfer or alcoholic beverages.

We recommend MedEx Assist for travel and/or evacuation insurance.

This trip is limited to 15 women and requires a $300 deposit to secure your spot.
Minimum required: 8 people

Santa Fe Culinary Tour 2012 Registration Form (PDF)

For deposit and payments, please make payable and mail check to:

WanderTours
PO Box 16102
Seattle, WA 98116

For questions, please contact Beth at:
info (at) wandertours (dot) com
888-818-9918

It’s easy to make your deposit of $300! Simply click on the Buy Now button below and you’ll be taken to PayPal where you add your debit or credit card information. Subsequent payments may be made through PayPal by sending to: beth (at) wandertours (dot) com.

Santa Fe packing list: Provided upon registration

Santa Fe Culinary Tour 2012 Itinerary (PDF)

Tour Leader
About Beth
Though Beth has been a globetrotter for nearly 25 years, one of her very favorite destinations is Santa Fe (with New Orleans a close second). She’s pulled back to this city time and again and is delighted to be sharing her love of this region with a group! As a vegetarian, she is constantly amazed at the variety of options and the depth of flavor to be found in New Mexican cooking.

Rogue River Women-only Rafting Trip – Fall, 2012

admin — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 20:59:27 +0000

Rogue River Rafting Trip for Women

Number of days: 4

Itinerary dates: September 9 – 12, 2012

Tour leader: Joslin Fritz

* All skill levels welcome!

Join this women-only 4-day river rafting adventure down the beautiful Rogue River in Oregon. Whether it is your first rafting trip or you’re an experienced river runner, the class II and III whitewater of the Rogue is an ideal trip for all. Sit in a raft, relax and enjoy the scenery as your guide rows and shares her interpretive knowledge of the river valley. Or, if you are feeling adventurous, you can paddle down the rapids alone or with a friend in a single or double inflatable kayak. With plenty of opportunity to try both options, each provide an up-close and personal encounter with the rapids in a safe environment. Grandmothers and granddaughters alike will no doubt enjoy all that the Rogue has to offer.

The Rogue River is one of the first rivers to be protected by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968. The area stands still in time, as no new construction along this stretch has occurred in more than forty years. You’ll camp next to the river in spacious tents for two, and enjoy the clear, starry night sky while being serenaded by the rush of the passing river. You’ll be amazed at all of the gear the rafts can take down the river, from comfortable chairs and plush sleeping pads to delicious local wine and microbrews.

Meet-up is at Morrison’s Rogue River Lodge in Merlin, Oregon. Participants will make their own way to the lodge, preferably the night before, for a pre-trip briefing. This is also an opportunity to meet your fellow travelers and trip leader, Joslin. A Wanderluster and seasoned river guide through and through, she will give you your trip orientation and answer any last minute questions that you may have. Also at this meeting, she will provide waterproof bags to be used to pack your things for the river trip.

View River Rafting photo gallery

Day 1
Sunday, September 9, 2012 (Meals: L, D)
You will be transferred from Morrison’s Lodge to the put-in just a short drive down the road. Here you’ll meet the rest of your guides at the boat ramp and listen to a thorough safety talk on trip procedures. Soon after, you’ll board the rafts, push off from the shore and head downstream. The canyon walls rise up around you, heightening the sense of peacefulness and isolation from the outside world.

The going is easy early this day and after a few small rapids, the group will stop for lunch. Pulled pork or deli sandwiches with all the fixin’s might be on the menu, with a healthy selection of fruits, vegetables and dip to accompany the meal. The afternoon brings you to exciting Rainie Falls – the first of the larger white water rapids. The group will get out of their rafts and walk to the rapid, having time to take photos while the guide explains the hydrology of this rapid. You may even be lucky enough to see salmon swimming upstream, jumping the falls!

Soon after Rainie Falls, camp will be set up on a sandy beach. While the guides prepare dinner you’ll have time to explore the wooded terrain, go swimming, read a good book or just relax. For dinner you might feast on grilled wild Alaskan salmon, asparagus, spinach salad with fresh blueberries, and couscous, topped with fresh strawberry shortcake.

Day 2
Monday, September 10, 2012 (Meals: B, L, D)
For the early risers, hot coffee, tea, cocoa and a cold breakfast of cereal, yogurt, and fruit will be ready around 7 a.m. Shortly after, a hot breakfast will be served, perhaps french toast with sausages or blackberry pancakes with bacon. The gear is then packed up and the boats loaded for the day’s rafting. The more adventurous will take control of their own kayaks which are a blast to navigate even in the smallest rapids. In either craft, the fun, splashy rapids provide a cool down to the hot summer day.

This day has small, short, mostly class II rapids interspersed with calmer sections of the river, perfect for just the right amount of adrenaline pumping. Throughout the day the group will be making stops, perhaps to enjoy a dip in a crystal clear side creek, or a short hike up a lush side canyon. Similar to the previous day, you’ll arrive at camp in the afternoon and have time to relax or go for a swim before dinner. Your menu might be a lasagna made in a dutch oven and fresh corn on the cob, with chocolate fondue for dessert. Sit around the campfire and enjoy stories, jokes and perhaps some music from your river guides and fellow rafters.

Day 3

Tuesday, September 11, 2012 (Meals: B, L, D)
Wake-up call, breakfast and departure follow roughly the same schedule as the day before. This is the day you will stop at the Historic Rogue River Ranch. This Bureau of Land Management maintained museum of human history is a few minutes’ walk from the river, offering insights into the canyon’s past in a pastoral setting.

Next, you’ll raft Mule Creek Canyon with its moss-covered rock walls and swift currents. Make sure to look up and around as you pass through the canyon, as most consider this section the most beautiful of the Rogue River. After a lunch of perhaps chicken caesar salad wraps, the group will pull over and take a short hike to look at Blossom Bar, the Rogue’s most famous rapid. The afternoon then mellows out with a float through tranquil Huggin’s Canyon, giving an excellent opportunity for those that haven’t tried the inflatable kayak out yet a chance to do so.

Day 4
Wednesday, September 12, 2012 (Meals: B, L)
After breakfast, the group will depart for the last leg of the journey. Some of the group may practice their newfound rafting skills while the guides keep their eyes peeled for the elusive bald eagles that inhabit this section of the river canyon. After lunch, there’s a short float to your take-out point at Foster Bar where you’ll arrive in the early afternoon. You’’ll pack up the vans and then relax for the scenic mountain drive back to Morrison’s Rogue River Lodge where you’ll arrive around 6 pm.

___________________________________________________

* All skill levels welcome!

Costs:
Price: $960

Final payment due no later than July 9, 2012.

Price includes: 3 nights catered camping, 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners, guides, transfers from Morrison’s Rogue River Lodge to the river and back, skilled professional guide service, expedition equipment including 2-person shared tent and waterproof bags, high-quality inflatable rafts and kayaks and related river equipment including paddle and helmet and personal flotation device, gratuities and local taxes.

Price does not include: airfare, airport transfer, pre- and post-trip accommodations and meals, alcoholic beverages, sleeping bag & sleeping pad (these items may be rented on site for $40) or items of personal nature.

We recommend MedEx Assist for travel and/or evacuation insurance.

This trip is limited to 15 women and requires a $250 deposit to secure your spot.
Minimum required: 4 women

Registration Form River Rafting 2012 (PDF)

Please make payable and send check to:

WanderTours
PO Box 16102
Seattle, WA 98116

For questions, please contact Beth at:
beth (at) wandertours (dot)com
888-818-9918

It’s easy to make your deposit of $250! Simply click on the Buy Now button below and you’ll be taken to PayPal where you add your debit or credit card information. Subsequent payments may be made through PayPal by sending to: beth (at) wandertours (dot) com.

Rogue River packing list: Provided upon registration

Rouge River Rafting Trip 2012 Itinerary

Tour Leader
About Joslin

Joslin Fritz is thrilled to be leading the Rogue River rafting trip for WanderTours. She has run rivers all over the country and the world, but considers the Rogue to be her all-time favorite. Joslin has been a river guide for 5 years and has spent the majority of that time on the Rogue. After more than 50 trips down the Rogue, she still is held captive by the beauty of the river and all it has to offer. With a vast knowledge of interpretive natural history of the area, a full bag of river costumes, and plenty of wine for camp, she looks forward to sharing the Rogue with you. Whether it’s your first river trip or your 5th, she is certain this will be a river trip you don’t want to miss! Joslin is also the tour leader for the Vietnam and Cambodia WanderTours trip.

Related links:
River Rafting Photo Gallery

North India Women-only Cultural Tour – Fall, 2012

admin — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 04:04:09 +0000

North India Cultural Tour for Women

Number of days: 14

Itinerary dates: November 4 – 17, 2012

Tour Leader: Dianne Sharma-Winter

* Register by June 1 and receive a free copy of the book India: In Word and Image ($60 value). Also save on flights and be matched with another participant to avoid single supplement!

WanderTours Giving Program – A portion of your tour cost will go to supporting a non-profit program in North India. You will have a chance to visit and learn more about the program during the tour.

This 14-day women-only tour includes many of North India’s highlights as well as experiences for the woman interested in an unparalleled India experience.

You’ll visit the Taj Mahal, enjoy a spectacular evening of Diwali festivities and a take trip to the ancient temple complex at Bateshwar. You’ll also be actively involved in the local culture as you have lunch at the home of a Jodhpur family, watch a live Bollywood performance that will be a feast for the senses and visit handicraft workshops benefiting a village’s poor children.

Read India FAQs and learn about what to expect in India
See Hotels in North India
View North India Photo Gallery
See Beth’s recommended books on India

Itinerary
Day 1
November 4, 2012 – Arrive Delhi
Upon arrival at the airport (usually late evening), you will be met by a driver and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 2
November 5, 2012 – Delhi
On this, your first full day in India, the group will tour both Old and New Delhi. You’ll start by visiting Old Delhi which is filled with street markets and bazaars found among a maze of narrow lanes. You’ll visit the famous Red Fort, the Jama Masjid Mosque and bustling Chandni Chowk – an area known for its variety of street stalls and shops.

After lunch, the group will tour New Delhi with its wide tree-lined boulevards and upscale homes. You’ll see beautiful parks, the magnificent Parliament Building, Rashtrapati Bhawan (the official residence of the President of India) and India Gate. You’ll also visit some of New Delhi’s more interesting sites including Qutab Minar, the 72.5 meter tower that dates back to the 13th century, and Humanyunʹs Tomb (built in the 16th century).

This will be a full day and in the evening the group will go to the Kingdom of Dreams to see a Bollywood musical show. This theatrical performance is the ultimate in entertainment. Located across acres of land, this magnificent event distills India into one iconic destination and brings to life a blend of Indiaʹs art, culture, heritage, craft, cuisine and performing arts. Overnight in Delhi.

HIGHLIGHT! Today will be a fantastic introduction to not only the city of Delhi but also to India itself as you’ll see a wide cross-section of life and culture. While the Kingdom of Dreams is entertainment, it is an excellent overview of things to come during your journey.

Day 3
November 6, 2012 – Delhi‐ Jodhpur ‐ Rohet
After breakfast, the group will transfer to the airport to board a flight to Jodhpur. Upon arrival, you’ll tour the area, visiting Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada, a marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh. Some sections of the thin marble walls are translucent (often referred to as something of a miracle). You’ll also visit Umaid Bhawan Palace – the only Indian palace built in the mid-20th century and a good representation of Indo‐colonial style.

For lunch, you’ll be welcomed into the home of a local family, where you’ll get to experience the hospitality for which India is so famous. You’ll see what a typical Rajasthani home looks like and have the chance to learn about local culture and customs.

In the afternoon, you’ll drive to Rohetgarh. Overnight in Rohet.

HIGHLIGHT! You’ll marvel at Mehrangarh Fort which stands sentinel to the grandeur of the past. It houses a palace intricately adorned with long carved panels and latticed windows that are exquisitely created from red sandstone and include a rich collection of palanquins, howdas, royal cradels and miniature paintings.

Day 4
November 7, 2012 – Rohet
Today, you’ll spend the morning enjoying a cooking demonstration and tasting. You’ll learn to prepare some delightful traditional Indian cuisine and take home recipes, photos and memories of this amazing meal.

In the afternoon, you’ll take a jeep safari to the nearby Rabari and Bishnoi villages, where locals maintain quite traditional lifestyles. Overnight in Rohet.

HIGHLIGHT! The Bishnois are a community famous for their rich cultural Rajasthani life and their true love for nature and animals. They are protectorates of this area which is dominated by deer and antelope, often seen grazing in the fields.

Day 5
November 8, 2012 – Rohet ‐ Deogarh
After an early breakfast, the group will drive to Deogarh (approximately 6 hours away). Upon arrival, you’ll check in to your magnificent hotel, which is a castle that dates back to medieval Rajasthan, and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll have some leisure time to relax or perhaps hike in the hills or take a walk through the village.

In the evening there will be a cultural performance by local artists and musicians. Overnight in Deogarh.

Day 6
November 9, 2012 – Deogarh

This will be another day to fully enjoy the area and take advantage of a number of activities available. This might include a morning walk with breakfast served along the way, a Jeep drive into the peaceful countryside or a walk in the woods or village. If you’re interested, you may arrange (at your own expense) a relaxing massage by an expert Ayurvedic masseur from Kerala! Overnight in Deogarh.

Day 7
November 10, 2012 – Deogarh ‐ Jaipur
After breakfast, the group will drive to Jaipur (approximately 6 hours) and have lunch along the way. Upon arrival, you’ll check in to the hotel and have time to freshen up before some sightseeing.

In the afternoon, you’ll have time to explore the local colorful bazaar. Here you can souvenir shop and also sample some local vendor foods and sweet treats. You may also get your hands painted with henna from roadside mehandiwalas (ladies that specialize in painting hands with henna). Overnight in Jaipur.

HIGHLIGHT! Known as the Pink City, the origins of Jaipur can be traced back to the 18th century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Today it has grown into a bustling metropolis yet retains its character and charm. Jaipur is filled with massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite temples and lush gardens.

Day 8
November 11, 2012 – Jaipur
Today, you’ll take a full day-tour of Jaipur, starting with the Amber Fort. You may ride an elephant or choose to walk the short distance to the main palace. This is an extremely well-preserved building and delightful to explore. You’ll have a chance to visit the Hall of Victory (glittering with mirrors), Jai Mahal and the Temple of Kali.

In the afternoon, your city tour will continue with stops at the Jantar Mantar (Astronomical Observatory) and the Maharaja’s City Palace. Overnight in Jaipur.

Day 9
November 12, 2012 – Jaipur ‐ Karauli
In the morning, the group will drive about 4 hours to the ancient city of Karauli, in time for lunch.

In the afternoon, you’ll walk or go by camel cart to see this 600-year-old city where one can visit local handicraft shops such as those making laquerware, bangles, wooden toys, bamboo items, traditional sweets and more.

You’ll then visit the 500-year-old city palace which is full of frescos, fine stone carvings and paintings. Before returning to the hotel, you may also visit the famous Lord Krishna Temple (Madan Mohan ji) which is in the city palace campus. At night there is an evening Aarti (prayer). Overnight in Kaurali.

HIGHLIGHT! Karauli is somewhat off the beaten path, therefore not as touristy as many places in India. But it’s here you’ll get a sense of royal history and beauty. Known for its red sandstone, it is also considered a holy place to many Indians.

Day 10
November 13, 2012 – Karauli ‐ Chambal
In the early morning, you have the option to take a morning yoga class on the palace terrace (from where you can also view the sunrise!). For yoginis of all levels, this gentle routine will be a great way to start the day.

After breakfast, you’ll enjoy a tour of the area which includes an organic dairy and farm (including horses!). You will then have the chance to stop by a nearby school for poor children and a handicraft workshop that’s run by a local N.G.O.

In the evening, the group will celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, which is celebrated all over India by welcoming the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi.

You’ll join a family for a Puja (prayer) ceremony. There’ll be an offering of flowers, sweets and money and the evening will end in a fireworks display.

Overnight in Chambal.

HIGHLIGHT! Diwali celebrations will be a highlight of the tour. You’ll get to experience the local culture and religion during a very auspicious time. The night will be filled with a sumptuous variety of traditional Indian cuisine - home cooked Indian food and sweets!

Day 11
November 14, 2012 – Chambal
Before breakfast, the group will head out to the nearby Chambal River, where you’ll take a boat ride along this protected waterway. Trained naturalists will accompany the group and provide expert information on the local wildlife. This is a very relaxing and special experience.

After the boat ride, you’ll return to the lodge for breakfast and then have some leisure time to explore the beautiful surroundings, perhaps visiting the nearby village or simply relaxing in the peaceful garden.

In the late afternoon, the group will set out to visit the Bateshwar Temples, an ancient complex located on the Yamuna River. Overnight in Chambal.

HIGHLIGHT! The Bateshwar Temples, located just 10 kilometers away, consist of more than 100 temples dedicated to the Hindu God, Shiva. You’ll be visiting during the annual animal fair which coincides with the most auspicious period for praying at Bateshwar and is an important time for saints, sadhus, tradesmen and villagers.

Day 12
November 15, 2012 – Chambal ‐ Agra
In the morning, the group will depart for Agra. Your first stop is Agra Fort, a massive structure with a 70‐foot high, 1.5‐mile long wall encompassing an astounding collection of well preserved buildings, many of them completed during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan.

At sunset, you’ll visit Taj Mahal the most iconic of all sights in India. Overnight in Agra.

HIGHLIGHT! The Taj Mahal is a breathtaking memorial to Shah Jahan’s wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It took 22 years to complete and was designed and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. It’s recognized for its stunning design, perfect symmetry and its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever created.

Day 13
November 16, 2012 – Agra ‐ Delhi
In the morning, you’ll have another chance to visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise for a different perspective of this wonder. You’ll return to the hotel for breakfast and then drive to Delhi (approximately 4 hours).

Upon arrival in Delhi, you’ll check in to the hotel and will have some leisure time for either last minute shopping or relaxing. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 14
November 17, 2012 – Delhi ‐ Flight home
On this last full day in India, you’ll be taken on an hour-long guided walk of Delhi led by a young person well-acquainted with street life. While this is a look at India’s sadder side, it will be an enlightening way to leave the country as you’ll have a better understanding of how people learn to survive in the city. All proceeds go directly to helping the Trust that is behind putting together this tour. (Note that this is not a slum tour but a walk through neighborhoods.)

After lunch, you’ll have the rest of the day free for last minute souvenir shopping and relaxing. You’ll have access to the hotel until 7 p.m. and will be transferred to the airport in time for your late night flight home.

Add-on Option: Varanasi

Day 15
November 18, 2012 – Delhi ‐ Varanasi
In the morning, you’ll be transferred to the airport to board the short flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival at Varanasi, you’ll check in to your hotel.

After lunch, you’ll drive to Sarnath, one of the most sacred places for Buddhists. This is where Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. You’ll visit famous Dhamaekha Stupa, Moolgandha Kuti Vihar and the Sarnath Museum, which has a rich collection of antiques from Ancient India.

In the late afternoon, you’ll return to Varanasi and, in the evening, visit the Ganges where you’ll take an unforgettable sunset boat ride before witnessing the evening Aarti (prayer) ceremony. Overnight in Varanasi.

HIGHLIGHT! The Aarti is a Hindu devotional hymn normally sung at the conclusion of any religious ceremony or puja, or simply by itself at sunrise or sunset. This is an incredibly spiritual event and one you won’t forget.

Day 16
November 18, 2012 – Varanasi
In the early morning, you’ll drive to Daswamedh Ghat and take a boat ride on the Ganges again, this time to see the cremation Ghats to witness the long-held traditions of one of the worldʹs oldest and most important religions. You’ll enjoy sunrise while boating on the river.

Later in the morning, you’ll visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple which is on the way back to the hotel.

In the afternoon, you’ll be treated to a city tour that includes a visit to Bharat Mata Mandir (Mother India Temple), Durga Temple and Benares Hindu University. Overnight in Varanasi.

Day 17
November 19, 2012 – Varanasi ‐ Delhi
In the morning, you’ll spend time along the Ghats and have one last chance to photograph the pilgrims and devotees as well as the bazaar, filled with food, religious items and souvenirs.

Today you’ll also have a chance to meet with an astrologer to see what your future holds!

In the afternoon, you’ll transfer to the airport to board your flight for Delhi.

Once in Delhi, you’ll check into a hotel to wash and change before transferring to the airport for your evening flight home OR stay the night (additional $50/$65 single) for a flight the following day.

___________________________________________________

* Register by June 1 and receive a free copy of the book India: In Word and Image ($60 value). Also save on flights and be matched with another participant to avoid single supplement!

Costs:
Price: $3,975

Additional costs:
In-country flight: approximately $145 (Cost increases closer to departure date.)
Single supplement: $1,100

Optional Varanasi add-on land costs: $745
Varanasi flights: $310 (minimum)

Interested in sharing? We do our best to pair up travelers so as to avoid the single supplement. However, priority is given to the first deposits received. If you’re interested in sharing – PLEASE send in deposit as soon as possible in order to take advantage of this benefit. (Why a single supplement charge? See this FAQ page for an explanation.)

Final payment due no later than September 4, 2012.

Price includes: 13 nights accommodation in 3-4 star hotels, all ground transportation within India, sightseeing entrance fees, English-speaking guides, all meals and bottled water.

Price does not include: Flights to and from Delhi, visas, evacuation insurance (highly recommended), souvenirs, personal purchases (such as snacks), beverages and tips (suggested for all guides and drivers).

We recommend MedEx Assist for travel and/or evacuation insurance.

This trip is limited to 15 women and requires an $800 deposit on a first come, first served basis.
Minimum required: 6 people

Registration Form North India 2012 (PDF)

For deposits and payments, please make payable and send check to:

WanderTours
PO Box 16102
Seattle, WA 98116

For questions, please contact Beth:
beth (at) wandertours (dot) com
888-818-9918

It’s easy to make your deposit of $800! Simply click on the Buy Now button below and you’ll be taken to PayPal where you add your debit or credit card information. Subsequent payments may be made through PayPal by sending to: beth (at) wandertours (dot) com.

North India Packing List: Provided upon registration

North India Cultural Tour 2012 Itinerary

Tour Leader:
About Dianne
Dianne has spent the last 17 years living life On the Road, mostly in India but with forays into Nepal, SE Asia and brief stopovers in Europe, the Middle East and her home country of New Zealand. Her deep love of India has become a lifetime romance as she has penetrated the deepest jungles, climbed to the source of the Goddess River Ganga and marched with a thousand naked saddhu in the famous Khumba Mela. A wordsmith and a writer, she has written two books on India and is working on a third.

She loves to pester the locals with questions, beg for stories and seek out recipes and has developed a unique insight into India and her amazing variety of life. She measures journeys not in miles but in friendships and loves to lead people directly to the heart of India through the heart connections she has made over the years. Travel for her is about living your passion so she will be asking you about yours and trying to match your deepest desires with the popular Indian phrase, “Sub kutch milega” (Everything is possible).

South India Culture and Temple Tour – January, 2013

admin — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 21:17:24 +0000

South India Tour for Women

Number of days: 15

Itinerary dates: January 27 – February 10, 2013

Tour leader: Dianne Sharma-Winter

* Register by June 1 and receive a free copy of the book India: In Word and Image ($60 value). Also save on flights and be matched with another participant to avoid single supplement!

WanderTours Giving Program – A portion of your tour cost will go to supporting a non-profit program in South India. You will have a chance to visit this and learn more about the program during the tour.

This 15-day women-only tour takes you through South India’s spectacular temples, tea and spice plantations, pristine beaches and the waterways of Kerala. Take a yoga class, overnight on a houseboat, learn the secrets of South Indian cuisine in a cooking demonstration and experience the music, culture and food for which South India is famous.

Read India FAQs and learn about what to expect in India
See Hotels in South India
View South India Photo Gallery
See Beth’s recommended books on India

Itinerary
Day 1
January 27, 2013 – Arrive in Chennai
Upon arrival in Chennai (usually at night), you will be met by a driver and taken to your hotel.

Day 2
January 28, 2013 – Chennai and Mahabalipuram (Meals: B, L, D)
After a welcome breakfast, the group will take a tour of Chennai, including Fort St. George, St. Mary’s Church, Indo Saracenic High Court building, Kapaleeswarar Temple and San Thome Cathedral.

After lunch, the group will drive about 3 hours to Mahabalipuram where you’ll check into your hotel. Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

Day 3
January 29, 2013 – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (Meals: B, L, D)
After breakfast, the group will visit a few of the spectacular sights in Mahabalipuram including the Shore Temple and the incredible temple chariots carved from granite. Afterward, you’ll driving about 2.5 hours to Pondicherry, where you’ll have lunch and check in to the hotel. Overnight in Pondicherry.

HIGHLIGHT! The complex at Mahabalipuram is a feast for the eyes with 14 cave-temples, nine monolithic rathas (chariots), three stone temples and two relief sculpted rock panels. The Shore Temple includes many bas-reliefs, including one 100 feet long and 45 feet high, carved out of granite.

Day 4
January 30, 2013 – Pondicherry (Meals: B, L, D)
After breakfast, the group will enjoy a half day of sightseeing around Pondicherry, including a visit to Auroville, the city of Dawan and the fascinating Aurobindo Ashram and Museum which is known for the originality of its architecture. In the afternoon, you’ll return to the hotel and have a chance for an evening walk along Promenade Beach. Overnight in Pondicherry.

HIGHLIGHT! Pondicherry is a former French colony and, as such, is a unique destination in India. It consists of four non-contiguous enclaves, or districts, and is named for the largest. It is also known as The French Riviera of the East. You’ll be able to wander along the city’s waterfront promenade and meander the streets, discovering the unique shops, markets and cafes, many of which are European-influenced.

Day 5
January 31, 2013 – Pondicherry – Thanjavur (Meals: B, L, D)

After breakfast, the group will drive to Thanjavur, about 4.5 hours away. Thanjavur is an important center for South Indian art and architecture. Most of the great Chola Temples are UNESCO World Heritage Monuments and are located in and around Thanjavur. This is also home of Tanjore painting, a style quite unique to the region, yet known nationwide. The city is also an important agricultural center and is often referred to as the Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu. Overnight in Thanjavur.

Day 6
February 1, 2013 – Thanjavur (Meals: B, L, D)
After breakfast, the group will head off to Trichy, about an hour away. This is a very famous Hindu pilgrimage site and the morning will be spent at Srirangam.

This area is surrounded by the waters of River Kaveri on one side and its tributary Kollidan on the other. It’s a 600-acre island town enclosed within seven walls of the gigantic Sri Ranganathaswami Temple. Originally, there was just a small shrine where the temple is today, but it was added on to by the local rulers and today stands as the biggest temple complex in the country.

After lunch, the group will then visit Sri Bragadeeswarar Temple, India’s largest temple and considered to be one of the greatest accomplishments of Indian architecture. Overnight in Thanjavur.

HIGHLIGHT! Sri Bragadeeswarar is one of India’s most prized architectural sites and the world’s first completely granite temple. The vimana – or temple tower – is 216 feet high and is among the tallest of its kind in the world.

Day 7
February 2, 2013 – Thanjavur – Chettinad (Meals: B, L, D)
After breakfast, the group will head off to Chettinad, about 3 hours away. Today, you’ll have a couple of options. You can take a bullock cart ride around the village or have your future predicted by a parrot – this is an unusual method in which a specially trained parrot selects a card from a Tarot-like deck and the card is then interpreted by a fortune teller.

The unique cuisine of Chettinad is a major focus for visitors here. The food is rich and includes more meat than most Tamil food (but there are plenty of options for vegetarians!) and is a style that is quite famous throughout India. You’ll be able to taste test this style yourself and try it in its purest form – spicy but not too hot, with a complex combination of flavors which makes every dish distinct and unforgettable. Overnight in Chettinad.

HIGHLIGHT! To shine a spotlight on this region’s phenomenal cuisine, a cooking demonstration will be organized where you will have the chance to partake in the preparations and then enjoy a wonderful meal.

Day 8
February 3, 2013 – Chettinad – Madurai (Meals: B, L, D)
After breakfast, you’ll drive to Madurai, about 1.5 hours away. Madurai is the third largest city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It served as the capital city of the Pandyan Kingdom and is the administrative headquarters of Madurai District, now famous for its temples. It is also one of India’s most prominent Hindu pilgrimage centers.

Upon arrival in Madurai, you’ll check in to the hotel and, after lunch, visit Thirumalai Nayak Palace and then Shree Meenakshi Temple. Overnight in Madurai.

HIGHLIGHT! Madurai is best know for the Meenakshi Temple. The complex is literally a city – one of the largest of its kind in India and undoubtedly one of the oldest. The area now flows over more than 65,000 square meters.

Day 9
February 4, 2013 – Madurai – Munnar (Meals: B, L, D)
After breakfast, the group will drive about 5.5 hours to Munnar, which has some of the world’s highest tea-growing estates. The drive through the tea estates and rolling mountains will take your breath away – you will hardly believe you are still in India! After lunch, you’ll tour a tea plantation and then overnight in Munnar.

HIGHLIGHT! Munnar is an idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns and exotic flora and fauna. Breathing in fresh, cool mountain air is a rare experience in India and you’ll have plenty of it here. This area is also home to large numbers of birds, many of them endemic, as well as plenty of wildlife.

Day 10
February 5, 2012 – Munnar (Meals: B, L, D)
After breakfast, the group will take a light hike near Munnar, which will include a leisure meandering walk through beautiful tea plantations to give you the chance to enjoy the natural surroundings of this pristine region. The day includes a packed lunch.

You’ll then return in the afternoon for spice and souvenir shopping in Munnar. Munnar’s many shops carry incense, food, spices, tea, carvings, jewelry, clothing and tapestries. Overnight in Munnar.

HIGHLIGHT! During today’s hike, you’ll see man-made lakes and mountains for miles. The tea plantations also stretch out far in front of you. It’s not unusual to see elephants (and remnants of the pachyderms) along this hiking route.

Day 11
February 6, 2013 – Munnar – Periyar (Meals: B, L, D)
Today, the group will head onward to Periyar, about 4.5 hours away. Periyar National Park is situated in the hills of the Western Ghats, the centerpiece of which is Periyar Lake – a rich habitat for large mammals.

After lunch, you’ll take a plantation tour (plantation is relative, these are usually quite small) where you’ll have a chance to see numerous spices growing including cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee and tea. Overnight in Periyar.

Day 12
February 7, 2013 – Periyar – Alleppey (backwaters) (Meals: B, L, D)
You’ll start this day with a yoga class (optional and appropriate for yoginis of all levels)! Enjoy the peaceful cool of morning while stretching your muscles.

After breakfast, you’ll drive to Alleppey (about 4 hours away) and board your private houseboat.

The embarkation point for the houseboat fringes on the coast of Kerala. Winding far inland is a vast network of lagoons, lakes, rivers and canals. Commonly called the backwaters, this region represents a unique geographical formation and is the basis of a distinct lifestyle. Overnight on houseboat.

HIGHLIGHT! These are no ordinary houseboats. You’ll have your own private room (unless you’re sharing) with air conditioning and a private bathroom. Food is prepared fresh on board by an excellent chef and you’ll enjoy the peace and quiet while listening to the water lapping against the boat.

Day 13
February 8, 2012 – Allepey – Kochi (Meals: B, L, D)
Today you’ll have breakfast on board the houseboat before you start cruising the waterways, passing through lush green spice plantation areas and local villages. You’ll disembark the houseboat in the morning and drive onward to Kochi, about 2 hours away.

In the evening, you’ll see a genuine Kathakali dance performance. Overnight in Kochi.

HIGHLIGHT! Kathakali is the traditional dance form from Kerala. The performers are known for their impressive array of facial expressions, hand gestures and dance movements – all integral to the storytelling.

Day 14
February 9, 2013 – Kochi (Meals: B, L, D)
Today, you’ll have another chance for an early morning yoga session (again, optional and appropriate for yoginis of all levels).

After breakfast, you’ll take a guided tour of Kochi, visiting Fort Cochin and Jew Town (yes, that is what it’s called), Dutch Palace (Mattancherry) and see how Chinese fishing nets are used.

Here, you’ll see wholesale shops where owners sit behind scales surrounded by sacks of spices. The architecture of the quiet streets in this enclave is most definitely European, with fine houses built by wealthy British traders and Dutch cottages with split farmhouse doors. Overnight in Kochi.

Day 15
February 10, 2013 – Kochi – Departure home (Meals: B)
After breakfast, transfer to Kochi International airport for your onward flight.

Add-on Option: Delhi and Agra – details coming soon

___________________________________________________

* Register by June 1 and receive a free copy of the book India: In Word and Image ($60 value). Also save on flights and be matched with another participant to avoid single supplement!

Costs:
Price: $4,295

Additional cost:
Single supplement: $1,700

Final payment due no later than November 27, 2012.

Price includes: 14 nights accommodation in 3-4 star hotels, all ground transportation within India, sightseeing entrance fees, English-speaking guides and meals as noted.

Price does not include: Flights to and from India, visas, evacuation insurance (highly recommended), souvenirs, personal purchases (such as snacks), beverages and tips (suggested for all guides and drivers).

We recommend MedEx Assist for travel and/or evacuation insurance.

This trip is limited to 15 women and requires an $800 deposit on a first come, first served basis.
Minimum required: 6 people

Registration Form South India 2013 (PDF)

For deposits and payments, please make payable and send check to:

WanderTours
PO Box 16102
Seattle, WA 98116

For questions, please contact Beth:
beth (at) wandertours (dot) com
888-818-9918

South India Packing List: Provided upon registration

Registration form South India 2013 (PDF)

Papua New Guinea Mt. Hagen Show Cultural Tour – August 2012

admin — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 17:20:20 +0000

Mt. Hagen Show Cultural Tour to Papua New Guinea (includes Sepik and Tari) Co-ed

Number of days: 14

2012 Itinerary dates: August 4 – 17

Tour Leader: Beth Whitman

* Only a few spots left, register now to grab one of the last spots.

WanderTours Giving Program – A portion of your tour cost will go toward the building of a water tank for a village near the Sepik River whose water supply is polluted due to mining.

Highlights:
* Experience the Hagen SingSing which attracts approximately 75 tribes from around the country
* Watch a pre-show event where a small number of tribes prepare for the Hagen Show
* Boat down the impressive Sepik River, known for its bird life
* Experience a homestay in a small village along the Sepik River
* Visit the Tari area, the famed home of the Huli Wigmen

Read FAQ’s about Papua New Guinea
Read Best Books about Papua New Guinea
View the Papua New Guinea Photo Gallery

The adventure starts in Port Moresby on August 4, 2012. Nearly all flights arrive via Brisbane, Cairns or Tokyo.
___________________________________________________

Itinerary
Day 1
August 4, 2012 (Meals: D)
On this day of the trip, you’ll be welcomed upon landing at the Port Moresby Airport and head to the hotel. Depending on arrival times, there may be a chance for the group to have a brief tour of Port Moresby including the Botanical Gardens, a village on stilts and local galleries. Overnight in Port Moresby.

Day 2
August 5, 2012 (Meals: B, L, D)
Following breakfast, the group will go to the airport for the flight to Wewak, where you will be met by a local guide and taken to the hotel. This is going to be the starting point for the tour of the Sepik region. Overnight in Wewak.

Day 3
August 6, 2012 (Meals: B, L, D)
Today you’ll enjoy an early breakfast and travel around 4 hours to Pagwi by road. You’ll then go by motorized canoe to a nearby village where you will enjoy a welcome singsing by the the local tribespeople. The group will then continue onward to Kanganamun where there may be another another singsing as well as a visit to the village’s haus tambaran (spirit house). Overnight in Kanganamun.

NOTE - This accommodation is quite basic and likely will consist of a thin mattress on bare floors, an outside pit toilet and bucket baths. Meals will also be simple (taro, sago and chicken) and there is no electricity in this community. Bring a mosquito net.

HIGHLIGHT! Arriving in the rural Sepik region and meandering through the many waterways will be a highlight in and of itself. Numerous tribes reside in this region and while canoeing along the Sepik River and its tributaries you’ll see many of the local people who still maintain a traditional lifestyle including crocodile hunting.

Day 4
August 7, 2012 (Meals: B, L, D)
On this day, you’ll have a half day together with the community at Kanganamun Village where we’ll visit their haus tambaran. Following lunch, the group will proceed to Yajaim Village and on to Palimbe, while experiencing the peacefulness of the Sepik River. During the journey, you’ll witness an authentic singsing and also see how the locals cook sago, carve wood, paint with typical materials and weave baskets. Watching these kinds of activities will provide you with insight into exactly how the people in this area live. You’ll also see many different kinds of birds that inhabit the area. Overnight at Kanganamun.

HIGHLIGHT! These villages located on the banks of the river are known for their wide variety of carvings and crafts. You’ll have a chance to meet and visit with the carvers and bring home some authentic souvenirs from this very remote area.

Day 5
August 8, 2012 (Meals: B, L, D)
On this day, you will have an early breakfast and then set out to Terence, Urther Maringe and Aibom villages. As you head down the river, you’ll see locals fishing in dugout canoes. You’ll also see more bird and wildlife (possibly crocodiles) alongside the riverbank. You will continue on along the waterway passing Kambige Village, where you’ll stop for a brief time prior to continuing on to Chambri Lake and back to Pagwi. Here you’ll meet the vehicle and return to Wewak. Overnight in Wewak.

Day 6
August 9, 2012 (Meals: B, L, D)
In the early morning, the group will go to the airport for the flight to Port Moresby and then onward to Mt. Hagen. The group will be met by a local guide and taken to a beautiful lodge in the mountains. In the evening, there will be a special courting ceremony demonstration with young men and women. Overnight in Mt. Hagen area.

HIGHLIGHT! You’ll be staying outside the city of Hagen and in the verdant and tropical mountain range of PNG. Here, you will be welcomed by fresh air, wild flowers and vast greenery.

Day 7
August 10, 2012 (Meals: B, L, D)
The group will depart in the morning to a local village for an extraordinary mini-singsing. This private event includes roughly 10 tribal groups who will also be taking part in the Mt. Hagen show. Viewing them in a smaller venue is a very special opportunity to photograph them up close.

The performers will be donning typical (yet completely different) outfits that will include plumes of birds of paradise, pigs’ tusks, shells and spectacular body paintings. During this mini-show, you will see a courting ceremony, a demonstration of traditional fighting utilizing bows and arrows, a marriage ceremony and you will get to taste traditionally prepared food baked in an underground oven (mumu).

The group will also visit a cultural center where ancient objects including skeletons and spirit stones are exhibited. These are maintained by the tribal chief and his 5 wives.

HIGHLIGHT! The mini-show is an extraordinary chance to observe the tribes practicing for the Mt. Hagen singsing. You will see them painting their bodies and faces, donning their feathers and adding various adornments to their outfits. You’ll then watch the actual performance in the main showgrounds. The tribespeople are really friendly and encourage you to take photographs. You will have the opportunity to observe the show up close, mix with the performers and take plenty of photos.

Day 8
August 11, 2012 (Meals: B, L, D)
Following breakfast, the group will leave for the Mt. Hagen Show. Weather depending, the group will depart early enough to see the singsing from the beginning (performers preparing for the show) to finish (final singing and dancing).

This day will be a full one as you watch performers from throughout the country. It will provide you with the opportunity to learn about the various practices and customs of PNG. Be prepared to see about 75 very different tribes. Late in the day, the group will return to the lodge. Dinner and overnight near Mt. Hagen.

HIGHLIGHT! This particular show is unlike anything you will ever experience. Ever. You’ll have the opportunity to wander among these 75 tribes while they are singing and dancing (all tribes simultaneously) and while each group tries to outshine the others.

Day 9
August 12, 2012 (Meals: B, L, D)
Following breakfast, the group will either return to the Mt. Hagen singsing for an additional half-day of performances or, if the show is during this same weekend, attend the Enga show. In either case, there will be lots of things to see on this day. In the afternoon, the group returns to the lodge to take it easy and recover from a lively couple of festival days. Overnight near Mt. Hagen.

Day 10
August 13, 2012 (Meals: B, L, D)
After breakfast, the group will make the drive to Kutubu and Tari, home to the famous Huli Wigmen. The drive may take about 8 hours along rough terrain. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by a local guide and and have dinner. Overnight near Tari.

Day 11
August 14, 2012 (Meals: B, L, D)
After breakfast, the group will head off to the Wasi waterfalls. This is a huge and beautiful waterfall in Lake Kutubu. Here, you’ll also tour villages and get to see the local culture. Overnight in Tari.

Day 12
August 15, 2012 (Meals: B, L, D)
Today will be an amazing day that includes a full day tour of Tari and some local villages. This area is still relatively untouched and the people here practice a very traditional lifestyle. You’ll get to witness their rich cultures, ceremonies and courtships. Overnight in Tari.

Day 13
August 16, 2012 (Meals: B, L, D)
After breakfast, the group will transfer to the Tari airport to fly onward to Port Moresby. There we’ll be met by a local guide. If there’s time, you’ll do some final touring of Port Moresby. Dinner and overnight in Port Moresby.

Day 14
August 17, 2012 (Meals: B)
Following breakfast, the group will transfer back to the airport to catch your international flights.

________________________________________________________________

* Only a few spots left, register now to grab one of the last spots.

Costs:
Price: $7,825

Additional Costs:
Air Niugini and/or charter flights: TBD (approximately $900 – $1100)
Single supplement: $1,300

Interested in sharing? We do our best to pair up same-sex travelers so as to avoid the single supplement. However, priority is given to the first deposits received. If you’re interested in sharing – PLEASE send in deposit as soon as possible in order to take advantage of this benefit. (Why a single supplement charge? See this FAQ page for an explanation.)

Final payment due no later than June 4, 2012.

Price includes: Accommodation, all meals, land transportation, entry into all singsings and local guides.

Price does not include: Flights to and from Papua New Guinea, evacuation insurance (highly recommended), purchases of personal nature such as artifacts, souvenirs, tips and beverages.

We recommend MedEx Assist for travel and/or evacuation insurance.

NOTE: Roundtrip flights from the U.S. start at about $1,800. A search on the major travel search engines may be up to 4 times that cost. For best pricing, please contact us for the name of our travel agent.

This unique journey is restricted to 10 people because of the limited availability of lodging.

In Mt. Hagen, tour participants will have to share a room because there are just 5 rooms available.

The tour requires a $1,000 deposit.
Minimum required: 5 people

Registration Form Papua New Guinea Mt. Hagen 2012 (PDF)

For deposit and payments, please make payable and mail check to:

WanderTours
PO Box 16102
Seattle, WA 98116

For questions, please contact Beth at:
info (at) wandertours (dot) com
888-818-9918

It’s easy to make your deposit of $1,000! Simply click on the Buy Now button below and you’ll be taken to PayPal where you add your debit or credit card information. Subsequent payments may be made through PayPal by sending to: beth (at) wandertours (dot) com.

Papua New Guinea Packing List: Provided upon registration.

Papua New Guinea Mt Hagen Tour 2012 Itinerary (PDF)

Tour Leader
About Beth
Beth Whitman imagined visiting Papua New Guinea for 30 years. Soon after exploring the country herself, she was certain that others were eager to discover this amazing country but, like her, weren’t sure how to do it on their own. So, she organized these tours so that others could realize their desire to visit this fascinating island nation.

Beth is the author of the Wanderlust and Lipstick guides including The Essential Guide for Women Traveling Solo, For Women Traveling to India and is the publisher of Traveling with Kids. She is also the publisher and founder of Wanderlust and Lipstick and WanderTours.

Papua New Guinea Goroka Show – September 2012

admin — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 12:04:42 +0000

Goroka Show Cultural Tour to Papua New Guinea (includes Sepik and Mt. Hagen) Co-ed

Number of days: 12

2012 Itinerary dates: September 9 – 21

Tour Leader: Beth Whitman

* Register early to save on flights and to be matched with another participant to avoid single supplement!

WanderTours Giving Program – A portion of your tour cost will go toward the building of a water tank for a village near the Sepik River whose water supply is polluted due to mining.

Highlights:
* Be immersed among 75 tribes at the Goroka Show
* Experience a homestay in a small village along the Sepik River
* Visit sacred spirit houses (haus tambarans) and be welcomed by tribal chiefs at village singsings
* Enjoy the tranquility and beauty of The Highlands

View the Papua New Guinea Photo Gallery
Read FAQ’s about Papua New Guinea
Best Books about Papua New Guinea

The adventure starts in Port Moresby on September 9, 2012. Nearly all flights arrive via Brisbane, Cairns or Tokyo.
___________________________________________________

Itinerary
Day 1
September 9, 2012 (Meals: D)
On this day of the trip, you’ll be welcomed upon landing at the Port Moresby Airport and head to the hotel. Depending on arrival times, there may be a chance for the group to have a brief tour of Port Moresby including the Botanical Gardens, a village on stilts and local galleries. Overnight in Port Moresby.

Day 2
September 10, 2012 (Meals: B, L, D)
Following breakfast, the group will head to the airport for the flight to Wewak, where you’ll be met by a local guide and taken to the hotel. This is going to be the starting point for the tour of the Sepik region. Overnight in Wewak.

Day 3
September 11, 2012 (Meals: B, L, D)
Today the group will enjoy an early breakfast and travel around 4 hours to Pagwi. You’ll then go by motorized canoe to a nearby village where you will enjoy a welcome singsing by the tribespeople. You’ll then continue onward to Kanganamun where there may be another singsing as you’ll have a chance to visit the village’s sacred haus tambaran. Overnight in Kanganamun.

Day 4
September 12, 2012 (Meals: B, L, D)
On this day, you’ll have a half day together with the community at Kanganamun Village where you’ll visit their haus tambaran and see traditional artifacts and carvings. Following lunch, the group will proceed to Yajaim Village and on to Palimbe, while experiencing the peacefulness of the Sepik River. During the journey, you’ll witness an authentic singsing and also see how the locals cook sago, carve wood, paint with typical materials and weave baskets. Watching these kinds of activities will provide you with insight into exactly how the people in this area live. You’ll also see many different kinds of birds that inhabit the area. Overnight at Kanganamun.

Day 5
September 13, 2012 (Meals: B, L, D)
On this day, you will have an early breakfast and then set out to Terence, Urther Maringe and Aibom villages. As you head down the river, you’ll see locals fishing in dugout canoes. You’ll also see more bird and wildlife (possibly crocodiles) alongside the riverbank. You will continue on along the waterway passing Kambige Village, where you’ll stop for a brief time prior to continuing on to Chambri Lake and back to Pagwi. Here you’ll meet the vehicle and return to Wewak. Overnight in Wewak.

Day 6
September 14, 2012 (Meals: B, L, D)
After breakfast, the group will head to the airport for a flight to Port Moresby and then onward to Goroka. Upon arrival in Goroka, the group will be met by a local guide and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Goroka.

HIGHLIGHT! Goroka is located in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea. This region is located in a verdant and tropical mountain range. You will be welcomed by fresh air, wild flowers and vast greenery.

Day 7
September 15, 2012 (Meals: B, L, D)
After breakfast, you”ll go to the Goroka showgrounds for a full day of the Goroka Singing. Weather depending, the group will depart early enough to see the singsing from the beginning (performers preparing for the show) to finish (final singing and dancing).

Day 8
September 16, 2012 (Meals: B, L, D)
After breakfast, you’ll head back to the show grounds for another half day at the singsing. In the afternoon, there’ll be time for a scenic tour of Goroka and the Asaro valley as well as Daulo Pass (which overlooks the valleys). You’ll also see the Asaro mudman show at Asaro Village. Overnight in Goroka.

HIGHLIGHT! This particular show is a spectacular event and source of pride in the region. You’ll be able to wander among about 75 tribes while they are singing and dancing (all tribes simultaneously) and while each group tries to outshine the others.

Day 9
September 17, 2012 (Meals: B, L, D)
After breakfast, the group will drive to Mt. Hagen via Kundiawa. Along the way, expect to see beautiful gardens, small villages, fast flowing rivers, lovely landscape, local markets and very friendly people. You’ll stay in the nearby mountains at a lodge and in the evening, you’ll be treated to a traditional courting ceremony. Overnight near Mt. Hagen.

Day 10
September 18, 2012 (Meals: B, L, D)
Today, the group will go to a small village where you’ll get to meet the locals and visit a cultural center that includes a village museum with spirit bones believed to be over 200 years old. These are worshiped as gods and are the skeletons of chiefs who died many years ago. You’ll also meet the local chief and his 5 wives who dress in traditional attire and wear their wealth as body ornaments.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Mt. Hagen market (said to be the largest in the South Pacific), the Waghi Valley for a coffee and tea plantation tour, orchid gardens and you’ll have a chance to watch for the Regiana Bird of Paradise at a local lodge specializing in birdwatching. Overnight near Mt. Hagen.

Day 11
September 19, 2012 (Meals: B, L, D)
After breakfast, the group will transfer to the airport for the morning flight back to Port Moresby. There, you’ll be met by a local guide and transferred to your hotel. If there’s time, the group will have a chance to do a bit of sightseeing in Port Moresby. Overnight in Port Moresby.

Day 12
September 20, 2012 (Meals: B)
Following breakfast, the group will transfer back to the airport to catch your international flights.

________________________________________________________________

* Register early to save on flights and to be matched with another participant to avoid single supplement!

Costs:
Land costs: $6,775
Additional costs: Air Niugini and/or charter flights: TBD (approximately $900 – $1100)
Single supplement: $995

Interested in sharing? We do our best to pair up same-sex travelers so as to avoid the single supplement. However, priority is given to the first deposits received. If you’re interested in sharing – PLEASE send in deposit as soon as possible in order to take advantage of this benefit. (Why a single supplement charge? See this FAQ page for an explanation.)

Final payment due no later than July 9, 2012.

Price includes: Accommodation, all meals, land transportation, entry into all singsings and local guides.

Price does not include: Flights to and from Papua New Guinea, evacuation insurance (highly recommended), purchases of personal nature such as artifacts, souvenirs, tips and beverages.

We recommend MedEx Assist for travel and/or evacuation insurance.

This unique journey is restricted to 10 people because of the limited availability of lodging.

In the Mt. Hagen region, rooms are on a share basis only.

The tour requires a $1,000 deposit.
Minimum required: 5 people

Registration Form Goroka PNG 2012 (PDF)

For deposit and payments, please make payable and mail check to:

WanderTours
PO Box 16102
Seattle, WA 98116

For questions, please contact Beth at:
info (at) wandertours (dot) com
888-818-9918

It’s easy to make your deposit of $1,000! Simply click on the Buy Now button below and you’ll be taken to PayPal where you add your debit or credit card information. Subsequent payments may be made through PayPal by sending to: beth (at) wandertours (dot) com.

Papua New Guinea Packing List: Provided upon registration.

PNG Goroka Tour 2012 Itinerary (PDF)

Tour Leader
About Beth
Beth Whitman imagined visiting Papua New Guinea for 30 years. Soon after exploring the country herself, she was certain that others were eager to discover this amazing country but, like her, weren’t sure how to do it on their own. So, she organized this tour so that others could realize their desire to visit this fascinating island nation.

Vietnam & Cambodia Women-only Tour – February, 2011

admin — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 00:09:07 +0000

Vietnam & Cambodia Tour for Women

Sorry you missed this tour! Why not join another tour to Vietnam and Cambodia? See other trips in Southeast Asia.

17-day Tour of Vietnam & Cambodia

Itinerary dates: February 10 – 26, 2011

Tour leader: Joslin Fritz

This 17-day women-only journey to Vietnam and Cambodia will be an opportunity to discover these Southeast Asian countries through their culture, cuisine, history, scenery and people.

The group will enjoy light hikes through tribal communities in the northern mountains, take part in a cooking class, experience a boat ride along the Mekong Delta and visit a number of the nation’s most fascinating temples and museums. The group will then leave for Cambodia to visit marvelous Angkor Wat along with other temples.

It’s best to arrive in Hanoi a minimum of one day prior to the tour in the event of flight delays.

Read these Vietnam Holiday and Vacation Tips
Read Vietnam FAQs
See a sample list of hotels
View Beth’s Vietnam photo gallery

Itinerary
Day 1
February 10, 2011 – Arrive in Hanoi (D)
Upon landing in Hanoi, you’ll be greeted by a driver and taken to your hotel. In the evening, the in-country guide will get together with the group at the hotel for a briefing and then dinner at a wonderful nearby restaurant for the chance to taste specialty dishes of Hanoi.

Day 2
February 11, 2011 – Hanoi (B, L)
On this day, the group will explore Hanoi and to glimpse what this dynamic and cosmopolitan city is all about. In the morning, the group will pay a visit to Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, his former home on stilts, the One Pillar Pagoda as well as the beautiful Temple of Literature.

After a delicious lunch, you’ll take a one-hour rickshaw ride around the 36 streets that comprise the “Old Quarter” of Hanoi.

Day 3
February 12,2011 – Hanoi – Mai Chau (B, L, D)
Following breakfast, the group will leave for Mai Chau, stopping at a Thai ethnic community where you’ll see how these tribal families live. Lunch will be provided at a traditional home and later you’ll take a 2.5 hour walk through the villages. Overnight in a house on stilts in Mai Chau.

HIGHLIGHT! The drive to Mai Chau is really a beautiful ride. You will be traveling through mountain ranges and abundant rice fields that are breathtaking. You will then be received as an honored visitor at the homestay.

Day 4
February 13, 2011 – Mai Chau Hike (B, L, D)
After breakfast, the group will travel to Sa Linh, part of the H’mong community. You will take a relatively easy 2-hour walk through the mountains to Hang Kia Valley. After that, you’ll have a picnic lunch in a local H’mong home and continue walking to Pa Co Village. You will then visit a tea plantation, meet up with the driver and be transferred to the magnificent Mai Chau Lodge.

Day 5
February 14, 2011 – Return to Hanoi (B, L)
Following breakfast, the group will head to Co Luong, where you will enjoy another 2-hour walk that includes 2 minority villages. You’ll then return to Mai Chau Lodge for lunch and afterward drive back to Hanoi.

HIGHLIGHT! On this day, you’ll enjoy the tranquility of the walks to the ethnic villages as well as the beautiful scenery along the way.

Day 6
February 15, 2011 – Hanoi – Overnight train to Hue (B, L)
Early in the morning, the group may join the local people around Hoan Kiem Lake for their daily exercises including Tai Chi. After breakfast, you will learn tips for cooking wonderful Vietnamese dishes during a half-day hands-on cooking class at the Hanoi Cooking Centre. This is a real treat!

In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to enjoy Hanoi prior to going to the train station for the overnight to Hue.

HIGHLIGHT! Before the cooking class, you will go to a local market to learn out about the fresh ingredients you will be using. You will then make your very own flavorful lunch. You’ll also take home recipes!

Day 7
February 16, 2011 – Hue (B, L)
The group arrives in Hue early morning. After breakfast, you’ll take a guided tour to the Citadel, the Imperial City and the Forbidden Purple City. Midday, you’ll go to a pagoda where you might have the opportunity to observe monks chanting and then join nuns for a vegetarian lunch (subject to availability and festivals).

Following lunch, the group boards a dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River, stopping at Thien Mu Pagoda and the Royal Tombs.

HIGHLIGHT! Hue is famous for its historic architecture. A trip here will give you the chance to find out about Vietnam’s fascinating history and to see several of the most incredible sights in the nation.

Day 8
February 17, 2011 – Hue to Hoi An (B)
Today the group will drive over the Hai Van Pass to Danang, stopping to visit the Cham Museum on the way. After arriving in Hoi An, you will go to the hotel and take an afternoon walking tour of this ancient town. This might include a visit to former merchants’ homes, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, the vibrant covered market and a dancing and singing performance.

HIGHLIGHT! The Cham Museum has artifacts dating back to the 7th century and gives great insight into the Cham people by means of their sculptures and architecture.

Day 9
February 18, 2011 – Hoi An (B)
Following breakfast, the group will boat across the river to pay a visit to nearby handicraft villages where wine is made and special crafts and souvenirs are carved. Nearby is the active boat building yard along the river bank. You will then return to Hoi An and have the afternoon free for shopping, a massage, pedicure or for relaxing poolside.

HIGHLIGHT! Hoi An is the most enchanting of all of Vietnam’s communities. There won’t be any scarcity of things you can do, such as having clothes hand-tailored.

Day 10
February 19, 2011 – Flight to Saigon (B)
In the early morning, the group will head to Danang and go to the airport for your morning flight to Saigon. Upon arrival, you’ll have lunch and check into your hotel. In the afternoon, you will sightsee around this energetic city. Depending on the time, you may check out: the Reunification Palace, the architecture at the Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral, Lam Son Square, Ben Thanh Market, Thien Hau Pagoda and the Museum of Ho Chi Minh.

Day 11
February 20, 2011 – Saigon (B, L)
Today, the group will drive west toward Cambodia and go to the unique Cao Dai Temple to experience noon prayers. Following lunch, you will go to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an amazing underground system where more than 10,000 Vietcong soldiers resided and fought during the Vietnam-America war.

HIGHLIGHT! Cao Dai religious beliefs are a fascinating blend of Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Christianity and Islam. The temple and the prayer service are unlike anything you’ve seen before.

Day 12
February 21, 2011 – Mekong Delta (B, L)
On this day, the group will enjoy time on the delightful Cai Be Princess boat observing life on the Mekong River. Go to a floating market, stop at a lovely tropical island and then enjoy lunch at an exceptional Indochine restaurant. This is the perfect way to enjoy time on the Mekong Delta.

Day 13
February 22, 2011 – Saigon (B)
This is a free day for you to enjoy the many things Saigon has to offer.

HIGHLIGHT! Saigon is a vibrant city full of dynamic entrepreneurs. Today is free for you to experience exactly what makes Saigon so bustling. You can go shopping, check out galleries, outdoor markets, high end shops or simply unwind by the river or at a cafe.

Day 14
February 23, 2011 – Flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia (B)
Today the group will head to the airport for the flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. On arrival, an English-speaking tour guide will meet you and you’ll be transferred to the hotel. You’ll have the afternoon free.

HIGHLIGHT! Siem Reap, however small, is a favorite for expats. Consequently, you will find a large number of cafes, eateries, bars, stores and massage parlors centered “downtown.” You may opt to people-watch at a coffee shop, walk around the quiet streets or enjoy time to yourself at the hotel.

Day 15
February 24, 2011 – Angkor Wat (B)
Today’s highlight is the fortified city of Angkor Thom. Probably one of the most interesting sights at Angkor, it includes 200 smiling faces. In the afternoon, you will have the chance to discover the sights of Angkor Wat. (As of this writing, remodeling may not allow for the very best of photos). On this day, you may even have the opportunity to go to some of the other temples including Banteay Srei, Preah Khan, Preah Neah Pean and Ta Som.

HIGHLIGHT! Angkor Wat will clearly be a highlight of this day, however, do not discount the wonder and subtlety of the many temples and wats situated throughout the region. You might leave having found a surprising favorite!

Day 16
February 25, 2011 – Siem Reap (B)
In the morning, the group will set off on a boat to see floating communities on the Tonle Sap River. Returning to Siem Reap, you may go to Banteay Srei temple in addition to the Landmine Museum with the latter part of the day free.

Day 17
February 26, 2011 – Siem Reap (B)
Based on your flight’s departure time, you might have one last chance to investigate the small town of Siem Reap and do some final souvenir shopping before going to the airport.

__________________________________________________________________

Price includes: 16 nights accommodation in 3-star hotels, all ground transportation, flight and train within Vietnam, flight from Saigon to Siem Reap, sightseeing entrance fees, English-speaking guides, and 27 meals.

Price does not include: flights to Hanoi, evacuation insurance (highly recommended), some meals, souvenirs, personal purchases (such as books and snacks), beverages, tips (suggested for all guides and drivers) and departure flight from Cambodia.

We recommend MedEx Assist for travel and/or evacuation insurance.

Please check back for 2012 dates!

Please make payable and send check with registration form to:
Beth Whitman
PO Box 16102
Seattle, WA 98116

For questions, please contact Beth:
beth (at) wanderlustandlipstick (dot) com
206-937-6789

Vietnam and Cambodia Packing List (PDF)

Vietnam and Cambodia Itinerary 2011 (PDF)

Tour Leader
About Joslin
Joslin Fritz has a substantial track record in adventure travel as well as leading tours. Often searching for her next challenge, she’s had her nerves and muscles tested in a variety of ways; Treking Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, white water rafting in Chile, backpacking in Patagonia, maneuvering through Djemaa el-Fna market in Morocco, enduring public transportation in Nepal, volunteering at a children’s home in India and bungee jumping over Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

As a tour guide, she loves to get acquainted with the participants as well as share the beauty of the location with them.

Her favorite tune to sing at Karaoke is Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen, favorite poem is Song of the Open Road by Walt Whitman, favorite flavor ice cream is mint chocolate chip and her favorite podcast is “Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me” on NPR.

Codes:
B – Breakfast
L – Lunch
D – Dinner

Bhutan Women-only Sacred Sites Tour – April, 2011

admin — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 23:54:00 +0000

Women-only Sacred Sites Tour to Bhutan

12-day tour to Bhutan for women-only

Sorry you missed this tour! Why not join another tour to Bhutan? See other small-group tours to Bhutan.

Itinerary dates: April 19 – 30, 2011

Tour leader: Susan Weis-Bohlen

The Sacred Sites journey to Bhutan has been exclusively designed for women in order to enjoy the extraordinary spiritual qualities of this Buddhist Kingdom located in the heart of the breathtaking Himalayas. The tour incorporates gentle yoga (suitable for yoginis of all levels) as well as Ayurvedic classes. Learn about the Kingdom’s approach to Gross National Happiness, meditate alongside a monk, revel in the Ura Valley tsechu (festival) and finish the trip with a hike to Tiger’s Nest!

Note: Yoga classes are completely optional

The group will meet in Bangkok for the trip to Paro, Bhutan. Flights leave Bangkok early in the morning. It’s best to arrive one day prior to departure to Bhutan in the event of flight delays.

Read these Bhutan Holiday and Vacation Tips
Read Bhutan FAQs and learn what to expect in Bhutan
See Recommended Books about Bhutan
View Bhutan Photo Gallery

Itinerary
Day 1
April 19, 2011 – Arrive from Bangkok – Paro
The plane flight into Paro is a spectacular introduction to the breathtaking Himalayas. In clear conditions, you’ll have impressive views of the highest peaks in the world before landing in the Paro Valley, where you’re struck with verdant green mountains. Your first experience will be breathing in the fresh, clean air. Once you’ve cleared customs and visa control, the group will be met by the in-country guide and taken to your hotel.

Following lunch, you’ll go to Rinpung Dzong and also spend some time strolling along Paro’s main shopping street lined with cafes and small stores. Later, if there is time, you’ll see Ta Dzong. This monastery was converted into the National Museum in 1967. You’ll see traditional thangkas, fabrics, weaponry, armor, household objects as well as historic items. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

HIGHLIGHT! On your first night in Bhutan, you’ll have an introductory program on Ayurvedic practices which will include a dosha analysis and an introduction to yoga.

Day 2
April 20, 2011 – Paro – Thimphu
Following the first morning yoga session and breakfast, you’ll depart for the capital, Thimphu (population 86,000; 7,520 feet), which is located approximately one hour away.

After lunch, you’ll visit sights in Thimphu. Depending on the time, that might include the nunnery, the handicraft emporium, the handmade paper factory, the National Memorial Chorten, the National Zoo (more like a preserve, the only animal there is the national animal, the extraordinary Takin) and Trashi Chhoe Dzong (monastery). Dinner and overnight at hotel.

HIGHLIGHT! Though Thimphu is considered a bustling city compared to the rest of Bhutan, it is the world’s only capital without a traffic light! It is also a great place to find out about the nation’s thriving arts and crafts.

Day 3
April 21, 2011 – Thimphu – Punakha
Following breakfast, you will leave for Dochu La Pass (10,000 feet), ascending steeply through pine and cedar forests with hanging lichen. The group will then take a short downhill hike through the woods, boarding the van when you meet up with it along the road. You’ll then drive onward to the Punakha Valley. Lunch will be served at the hotel.

In the afternoon, the group will head to nearby Punakha Dzong.

HIGHLIGHT! Punakha Dzong is likely the most beautiful of all the dzongs in Bhutan. You will have a chance to browse this complex of architectural structures which is home to hundreds of monks throughout the winter months. You’ll see the magnificent main temple that contains massive Buddhas at the altar as well as thousands more small statues placed in the walls.

Overnight at hotel overlooking the Punakha Valley and river.

Day 4
April 22, 2011 – Punakha – Trongsa
Today, you will start early with another yoga session prior to the 5-hour ride to Trongsa. Along the way, you will cut through the Black Mountains on Bhutan’s “Central Road”, completed just about 30 years ago. This highway essentially opened central Bhutan to the rest of world.

On this day, you’ll first stop in Wangdue, a small village and the district headquarters of Western Bhutan. If there’s time, you will stop at Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, which is situated on a ridge overlooking the two rivers. The road then climbs through tropical vegetation to Pele La Pass (10,900 feet) that is surrounded by towering rhododendron and dwarf bamboo. You’ll likely see yak, which often graze in this area and, if clear, you might see the impressive Mt. Jhomulhari (24,140 feet) to the west. Coming down from the pass, you will go through an amazing gorge and then on to Trongsa, where you will visit the striking Trongsa Dzong.

Overnight at hotel, where you’ll enjoy the spectacular views.

Day 5
April 23, 2011 – Trongsa – Bumthang Valley
Following breakfast, you will proceed eastward to the Bumthang Valley, where you will have time to see a number of sights including: Kurjey Lhakhang and Jambay monasteries, the Tamshing Gompa, the Jakar Dzong and possibly the Swiss Farm, where they make cheese, honey, beer and local fruit spirits.

HIGHLIGHT! It’s believed that Buddhism in Bhutan started in Bumthang. This valley is great for spending a few days and experiencing the abundant cultural and spiritual environment.

Day 6
April 24, 2011 – Bumthang – Hike to Tang Valley
This morning you’ll have another yoga class and then the group will leave for the Tang Valley along 15 miles of unpaved road that provides access to this area. You’ll make the hour-long hike up to Ogyen Choling Museum, where you’ll tour this special building that provides an amazing look into traditional life in Bhutan. Following the walk back down to the road, you’ll have a picnic lunch in a quiet spot along the river.

If there’s time, you may go to the Pema Choling Nunnery and see how the women live there. This is a very special chance to observe how the nuns reside in and run the nunnery, which is quite different than the monasteries where the monks live.

HIGHLIGHT! The road to the Tang Valley is quite rough but the landscape, views and walk through the area are all beautiful and a visit to the museum is a special opportunity to find out how the Bhutanese continue to live.

Day 7
April 25, 2011 – Bumthang – Ura – Bumthang
After a morning yoga class and breakfast, you’ll head to the Ura Valley, located approximately 25 miles away. This is an exciting day as you’ll attend the Ura Yakchoe Tsechu (festival) and watch typical Bhutanese singing and dancing. The festival is a crucial opportunity for the local people to maintain their traditions and way of life.

Dinner and overnight at same hotel in Bumthang.

HIGHLIGHT! Families will be wearing their finest clothing when they come from around the region to take part in and enjoy this tsechu.

Day 8
April 26, 2011 – Bumthang – Gangtey
Following breakfast, you will start the drive back toward Paro. You’ll have a chance to stop at Yotong La Pass and continue on via Trongsa, to Pele La Pass, and then onward to the Phoblika Valley (10’000 feet), deemed the most beautiful valley in the Himalayas. There will be a lunch break along the way. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

HIGHLIGHT! The Phoblika Valley is the winter home to the endangered black-necked cranes which migrate from the Tibetan Plateau. While they are usually only here from November through March, sometimes you will find stragglers as late as April.

Day 9
April 27, 2011 – Gangtey – Wangdue
Today you’ll have another early yoga class as you enjoy the spectacular valley below the hotel. Following breakfast, you’ll visit Gangtey Gompa, which was built in the 17th century but was renovated just 2 years ago. From the gompa, you’ll walk back to the hotel along a path that cuts through a beautiful forest and then across the valley floor. Lunch will be served at the hotel.

In the afternoon, you’ll drive 2 hours to a riverside hotel near Wangdue (4,000 feet). Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

HIGHLIGHT! You’ll enjoy the morning’s walk in the Phoblika Valley which is one of the easiest and most beautiful on the tour. This region is breathtaking and you’ll likely see horses and cows meandering around the valley floor which is ringed by low mountain ranges.

Day 10
April 28, 2011 – Wangdue – Thimphu – Paro
From Wangdue, you’ll drive to Thimphu where you’ll have lunch and one last opportunity for sightseeing and shopping in the capital. You will then head to Paro where you will enjoy dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 11
April 29, 2011 – Paro
On this last full day in Bhutan, you’ll get an early start in order to hike the 2+ hours to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest), the country’s most photographed and well-known monastery. You’ll have a chance to spend time enjoying the views as well as going to the temples located here. You will then start to head back down, stopping at the tea shop/cafe, located midway, where you can enjoy exceptional views of Tiger’s Nest. You will then proceed down and have a picnic lunch at the bottom.

Upon returning to Paro, you may have time for relaxing or going to town for last-minute souvenir shopping. Final overnight and dinner at hotel.

HIGHLIGHT! The hike up to and visiting Tiger’s Nest could quite possibly be the highlight of your time in Bhutan!

Day 12
April 30, 2011 – Paro – Bangkok
Following breakfast, you’ll leave for the airport for the sad farewell to the Kingdom of Bhutan and your flight to Bangkok. Though you can connect with an international flight on the same day, you might consider staying in Bangkok for one night in case flights out of Paro are delayed (not uncommon).

________________________________________________________________

Price includes: Roundtrip flights from Bangkok to Paro, transportation in Bhutan, all meals, hotels, bottled water, visa, airport tax and tourist development fund charge. Also includes cost of yoga classes, meditation session, Ayurvedic workshop and entrance to monasteries and festivals.

Price does not include: Flights to and hotel in Bangkok, evacuation insurance (highly recommended), souvenirs, personal purchases (such as books and snacks), beverages other than water, and tips.

We recommend MedEx Assist for travel and/or evacuation insurance.

This trip is limited to 15 people and requires an $800 deposit (to cover airfare from Bangkok to Paro) on a first come, first served basis.

Registration Form Sacred Sites Bhutan 2011 (PDF)

Please make payable and send check to:

Beth Whitman
PO Box 16102
Seattle, WA 98116

For questions, please contact Beth at:
beth (at) wanderlustandlipstick (dot) com
206-937-6789

Deposits and full payment may also be made with a credit/debit card through PayPal. Simply send payment to: beth (at) wanderlustandlipstick (dot) com.

Bhutan Sacred Sites Packing List: Provided upon registration

Bhutan Sacred Sites Tour 2011 Itinerary (PDF)

Tour Leader
About Susan
Susan Weis-Bohlen is your tour leader and is the owner of breathe books, a new age bookstore in Baltimore, Maryland. Susan has been able to deeply explore and instruct in areas of great interest to her, including yoga, Ayurveda and meditation through her bookstore. It’s also provided her with the chance to guide groups to sacred sites around the globe.

Susan began her travels in her teens and has lived overseas for nearly a decade. She’s visited a wide array of countries including Bhutan, Costa Rica, Egypt, France, Iceland, Turkey, Jordan, Peru, Cuba, Cyprus, England, Greece, India and Israel.

She has been studying yoga since 1995 and has studied Hatha yoga in the Iyengar style. She’s also trained through the Chopra Center for Well Being in the Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga. Susan is a Chopra Center certified teacher of Ayurveda, the 5,000 year-old Indian system of health and nutrition.

At breathe books Susan regularly teaches Ayurveda, which includes yoga and meditation and pranayama.

About Yoga in Bhutan
During the tour, the group will learn not only yoga asanas (poses), but also learn about the yogic philosophy of life. Through gentle yoga poses, you will deepen your connection to your body, and through breath work, your connection to the earth. There’s no more suitable location than the Himalayas to discover this connection. Being at altitude, the yoga exercises will focus on exploring the breath in conjunction with movement. This will help the group more thoroughly benefit from the experience of being at over 8,500 feet!

Classes are optional and if you choose to participate, you’ll find that your practice will incorporate a number of yogic practices including Iyengar, Sivananda and Kundalini. Gentle movements will wake up the body if you enjoy moving deeper into poses to strengthen and enliven your body and spirit. Yoga sessions are suitable for all levels of practitioners, from beginners to those with more experience. Meditation may also be integrated into the practice.

Though yoga is not usually practiced as a way of life among the Bhutanese, this is a great opportunity for you to do so in a special way to connect with the natural world.

About Bhutan
Few travelers go to Bhutan because of the country’s insufficient infrastructure and the government’s desire that the country sustain its extraordinary culture. While accommodations are usually quite comfortable, they can sometimes be considered basic. Meals are usually served buffet-style at the hotel and include plenty of cooked vegetables, rice and occasionally meat. Vegetarians will have no issues finding enough to eat.

Bhutan is situated high in the Himalayas. The altitude shouldn’t be a problem for most, but sometimes people react to it with minor headaches or stomachaches. Participants should be fairly fit and expect to do light hiking throughout the journey.

For those vulnerable to motion sickness, please bring medication or natural remedies in the event the twisty roads get to you.

Vietnam Tour with Ainslie MacLeod – September, 2011

admin — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 05:35:56 +0000

SORRY! This trip is being rescheduled for 2012. Please give us a shout if you’d like to be kept on the list and updated when we’ve chosen some new dates.

info (at) WanderTours (dot) com

Vietnam Transformation Tour with Ainslie MacLeod

11-day tour through Vietnam (co-ed)

Spiritual and workshop leader: Ainslie MacLeod
Tour leader: Beatrice Crouch

“Ainslie MacLeod is at the frontier of exploration into the soul and its profound influence on our physical selves.”

-Dr. Mehmet C. Oz
Author of You: The Owner’s Manual

Ainslie MacLeod currently has a 2-year wait list for new sessions. Book this tour today and you’ll be given preferred placement for a session with Ainslie prior to the tour!

This 11-day tour is more than a travel experience through Vietnam. This is a transformational journey with renowned spiritual guide, Ainslie MacLeod. In addition to touring some of the most popular sights in Saigon, Danang and Hanoi, participants will be led through intensive daily workshops with Ainslie who is the author of The Instruction and The Transformation. Ainslie has been interviewed by Oprah on her Soul Series, and Dr. Mehmet C. Oz is quoted as saying, “Ainslie MacLeod is at the frontier of exploration into the soul and its profound influence on our physical selves.” This tour is sure to be a journey of a life time!

Your trip begins in Saigon, where the group will take part in workshops, and tour this vibrant, growing city as well as the Mekong Delta. The group will then fly to Hue and be based in this central region of the country for more workshops and sightseeing. The journey finishes up in Hanoi with workshops, a tour of Hanoi’s highlights as well as an overnight on a traditional junk boat in Ha Long Bay!

Read these Vietnam Holiday and Vacation Tips
Read Vietnam FAQs
View Beth’s Vietnam photo gallery

Itinerary
Arrival – Saigon
Upon arrival in Saigon, a guide will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. During the first evening, there will be a welcome dinner and overview of your time in Vietnam given by Ainslie. Overnight at the Majestic Hotel in Saigon.

Day 1
September 14, 2011 – Saigon
In the morning, the group will have a half-day workshop at the hotel. This will be followed by lunch and then, in the afternoon, the group will enjoy a half-day city tour of Saigon. Depending on the timing, this will include the following:

* Reunification Palace which is preserved almost exactly as it was in April 1975, when its gates were stormed and the war ended.
* Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Post Office which are built in classic French architecture.
* Ben Thanh Market where you can find an extensive selection of goods ranging from shoes to beautiful silk ao dais (traditional Vietnamese dress).

Dinner will be at a local restaurant. The group will then transfer back to the hotel for a one-hour workshop. Overnight in Saigon at the Majestic Hotel.

HIGHLIGHT! You’ll be invigorated by the exciting pace of Saigon, a city filled with shops, restaurants and cafes. Wander the bustling streets and you’ll understand why it’s the commercial center of the country.

Day 2
September 15, 2011 – Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta
On this day, the group will drive to My Tho (pronounced “me taw”) and then travel by traditional boat along a vast network of canals and channels along the Mekong Delta and visit the local floating markets. Lunch will be served in an orchard and the group will visit a bonsai garden before returning to Saigon in the late afternoon. After dinner, the group will return to the hotel for a one-hour workshop. Overnight in Saigon at the Majestic Hotel

HIGHLIGHT! The South’s Mekong Delta is known as the ‘rice bowl’ of the country. Vietnam relies heavily on the production of the region’s rice harvest. The area is also famous for its wide range of flowers, vegetables and delicious tropical fruits.

Day 3
September 16, 2011 – Ho Chi Minh City – Flight to Hue
The group will leave early in the morning and fly to Hue. Your bags will be left at the hotel (it will be too early to check in, your luggage will be sent on by the tour operator). On arrival, you will depart for a tour of Hue. This will include the walled Citadel containing the spectacular former Imperial Palace. The group will also see the final resting place of the Emperors at one of the most impressive Royal Tombs. Lunch will be provided in the afternoon followed by a half-day workshop.

After dinner, there will be one-hour workshop at the hotel. Overnight at La Residence in Hue.

HIGHLIGHT! Hue is famous for being the capital of imperial Vietnam. It’s where the Nguyen dynasty ruled from the early 1800′s to about 1950. The architecture and history are quite unique compared to the rest of the country.

Day 4
September 17, 2011 – Hue – Danang
After breakfast, the group will transfer to nearby Danang. After checking into the hotel, you’ll enjoy lunch and then a half-day workshop. There will be a short break before dinner at a local restaurant, then back to the hotel for a one-hour workshop. Overnight at Furama Resort in Danang.

Day 5
September 18, 2011 – Danang – Hoi An – Danang
After breakfast, the group will drive to Hoi An. There will be a half-day workshop at a local hotel and then a lunch break. In the afternoon, the group will enjoy a half-day walking tour through the narrow winding streets of the Ancient Quarter visiting Chua Ong Pagoda, Assembly Hall, 200-year-old Tam Ky house and the Japanese Covered Bridge.

The group will then return to Danang and, after dinner, have a one-hour workshop at night. Overnight at Furama Resort in Danang.

HIGHLIGHT! Situated along the Perfume River, Hoi An boasts a wide variety of cafes and tourist shops selling hand-tailored clothes. This village is slow-paced and charming.

Day 6
September 19, 2011 – Danang
After breakfast, the group will enjoy a visit to Marble Mountain, a famous location during the Vietnam-American war. The group will return to the hotel for a half-day workshop with a lunch break. This afternoon you are free until dinner with another one-hour workshop at night. Overnight at Furama Resort in Danang.

HIGHLIGHT! The Vietcong secretly kept a hospital in the caves of Marble Mountain which stands very near to China Beach. It was this area where the U.S. military came for R&R during the Vietnam-American war.

Day 7
September 20, 2011 – Danang
In the morning, the group will visit the nearby Cham Museum and then return to the hotel for lunch and an afternoon half-day workshop.

Following dinner, the group will have another one-hour workshop. Overnight at Furama Resort in Danang.

Day 8
September 21, 2011 – Danang – Flight to Hanoi
On this day, the group will fly to Hanoi. Upon arrival, you’ll transfer to your hotel and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, there will be a half-day city tour that may include:

* The Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university dating back to 1070.
* Ngoc Son Temple set on a tiny island on Hoan Kiem Lake. This temple dates back to the 13th century.
* A one-hour cyclo tour through the tiny, chaotic streets of the Old Quarter, this is a must for any visitor to Hanoi!
* A traditional performance of the famous Vietnamese water puppets.

In the evening, there will be dinner at local restaurant, then a one-hour workshop. Overnight at The Intercontinental Hotel in Hanoi.

HIGHLIGHT! Hanoi has become a mecca for artists and has a thriving cafe and restaurant culture. The tree-lined streets and relative peace and quiet here are vastly different from Saigon.

Day 9
September 22, 2011 – Hanoi – Ha Long – Overnight on private Indochina Junk boat
In the morning, the group will transfer from the hotel in Hanoi to Ha Long City, about 4 hours away, with a refreshment break en-route. You will meet the crew upon boarding the traditional wooden junk, then relax and enjoy lunch while the boat heads towards the secluded Bai Tu Long Bay.

You’ll visit ancient limestone caves and go sea kayaking and swimming if the weather permits. Return to the junk refreshed and invigorated and enjoy time on deck with a drink and a view of the sunset. Enjoy a freshly prepared seafood dinner under the stars. Overnight aboard the Dragon’s Pearl.

HIGHLIGHT! You’ll enjoy a lovely overnight stay on a houseboat on Ha Long Bay. This waterway is surrounded by limestone karsts and is well known for being a destination for adventurers seeking climbing and watersport activities.

Day 10
September 23, 2011 – Ha Long – Hanoi
After a refreshing sleep on the boat, you’ll wake up to coffee and enjoy breakfast on beautiful Ha Long Bay. The boat will cruise through Bai Tu Long and visit the floating fishing village of Vung Vieng. You’ll meet the locals and learn about daily life here. You’ll then return to the main dock around noon where the bus will be waiting to depart for Hanoi, arriving at the hotel in the late afternoon. Overnight at the Intercontinental Hotel in Hanoi.

Day 11
September 24, 2011 – Depart Hanoi
After breakfast, you’ll check out of the hotel and be transferred to the airport for flights out of Vietnam. You may choose to stay longer, in which case additional nights and/or tours can be arranged.

________________________________________

Costs:
Interested in sharing? We do our best to pair up same-sex travelers so as to avoid the single supplement. However, priority is given to the first deposits received. If you’re interested in sharing – PLEASE send in deposit as soon as possible in order to take advantage of this benefit. (Why a single supplement charge? See this FAQ page for an explanation.)

Price includes: Hotel transfer to and from airport at beginning and end of trip. All in-country transportation, hotels and meals. Includes daily workshops with Ainslie MacLeod.

Price does not include: International flights to and from Vietnam, Vietnam visa (available separately), souvenirs, travel or evacuation insurance, personal purchases (such as books and snacks), beverages and tips.

We recommend MedEx Assist for travel and/or evacuation insurance.

This tour is limited to 25 people and requires a $1,000 deposit on a first come, first served basis.

Registration Form Transformation Tour 2011 (PDF)

Please make payable and send check with registration form to:

Beth Whitman
PO Box 16102
Seattle, WA 98116

For questions, please contact Beth:
beth (at) wandertours (dot) com
206-937-6789

Deposits and full payment may also be made with a credit/debit card through PayPal. Simply send payment to: beth (at) wandertours (dot) com.

Ainslie MacLeod currently has a 2-year wait list for new sessions. Book this tour today and you’ll be given preferred placement for a session with Ainslie prior to the tour!

Vietnam Transformation Tour Packing List (PDF)

Vietnam Transformation Tour 2011 Itinerary (PDF)

Workshop and Psychic Leader
About Ainslie MacLeod
Ainslie MacLeod is an internationally acclaimed psychic, and author of The Transformation: Healing Your Past-Life Fears to Realize Your Soul’s Potential (Sounds True, 2010) and The Instruction: Living the Life Your Soul Intended (Sounds True, 2007).

For more than a decade he has used his psychic abilities to explore the influence of the soul on human beliefs and behavior. More recently, his investigations have led him to focus on uncovering past-life trauma to heal unexplained fears, phobias and other blocks to happiness in the present.

Ainslie has been a featured guest on Oprah’s Soul Series, and is a faculty member at the Omega Institute and Kripalu. He was the recipient of a gold medal for his first book, The Instruction, from the Independent Publisher Association.

He currently lives on a tranquil island in the Pacific Northwest with his wife and two children.

Tour Guide
About Beatrice Crouch
In the early 90′s, Beatrice moved to Seattle to start a tour company specializing in trips to Vietnam and Southeast Asia. From her first visit to Vietnam it was love at first sight!

Going to Vietnam as an American in 1995 held mixed emotions for her, as she was not sure how she would be greeted. What she found was a country that held much beauty not only in the countryside, but in the gracious hospitality of the people.

Beatrice has traveled to Vietnam many times, and on each trip it always leaves her wanting more. She considers the country to be truly one of the most beautiful and diverse, with a rich culture, abundant natural beauty and some of the most charming, gracious people she has met through her travels.

Vietnam is a country where she found a life she loves, as well as the love of her life. In 2001, she met her husband while she was doing business in Vietnam and he was backpacking through Southeast Asia. They now live on a island in the Northwest with their lovely daughter. She looks forward to taking you on a journey to Vietnam, a place she holds dear in her heart!

Bhutan Laya Trek – October, 2011

admin — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 00:03:27 +0000

Sorry you missed this tour! Please consider joining another small-group tour to Bhutan.

12-day tour of Bhutan including trekking through Laya

Itinerary dates: October 11 – 22, 2011

Tour leader: Beth Whitman

This trek through the Laya region of Bhutan goes over high passes (16,100 feet) and through wilderness above than the tree line – you’ll see snow-covered peaks, glacial waters, blue sheep, alpine flowers and meet the welcoming Layap people. The group will delight in the fresh air, the restorative hot springs of Gasa as well as visit temples and other sights along the way.

The group will meet in Bangkok before leaving for Bhutan. Flights leave Bangkok early in the day – arrive at least one day prior to departure for Bhutan in the event of flight delays.

Read these Bhutan Holiday and Vacation Tips
Read Bhutan FAQs and learn what to expect in Bhutan
See Beth’s Recommended Books about Bhutan
View Bhutan Trek Photo Gallery

Itinerary
Day 1
October 11, 2011 – Arrive from Bangkok – Paro
The descent into the valley of Paro on Bhutan’s national carrier, Druk Air, is a perfect introduction to the breathtaking beauty of the kingdom. On a clear day, impressive views of the earth’s highest mountain range give way to the green Paro Valley. When you step out of the plane, you’ll immediately notice the crisp, clean air. The group will be greeted by our Bhutanese guide and taken to the hotel.

Following lunch, we’ll see Rinpung Dzong and after that spend some time strolling Paro’s one main street lined with shops. In the afternoon, if time permits, we will go to Ta Dzong, which is now the National Museum. We’ll see traditional thangkas, fabrics, weaponry, armor, household objects along with other artifacts. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Paro.

Day 2
October 12, 2011 – Hike to Taktsang – Thimphu
After an early breakfast, we’ll head out to hike 2+ hours up to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest), Bhutan’s most iconic monastery, perched on the side of a hill. We will enjoy the views and go to the temples at the top. We’ll then start the walk back down, stopping at the tea shop/cafe, situated at the halfway point. Here, you will find an amazing view of Tiger’s Nest. We will then proceed down and have lunch in the forest.

Later in the day, the group will drive to Thimphu, the capital, about 1.5 hours away. There could possibly be time for exploring the town prior to dinner. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 3
October 13, 2011 – Thimphu – Punakha
Following breakfast, the group will leave for Dochu La Pass (10,000 feet). The drive climbs up through a forest of cedar and pine, dripping with lichen. From the pass, we will take a downhill walk through the woods, intersecting with the road where we will board the van and drive further east to the Punakha Valley in time for lunch at the hotel.

After lunch, we will then go to nearby Punakha Dzong.

HIGHLIGHT! Punakha Dzong is likely the most gorgeous of all the dzongs in Bhutan. We will look around the compound of buildings that house the monks in the winter months. We will tour the impressive main temple that contains huge Buddhas at the altar as well as thousands of small statues along the walls.

Day 4
October 14, 2011 – Punakha – Gasa (beginning of trek)
Following breakfast, we will drive to Tashithang where we’ll begin the trek through the subtropical woods. The path is a fairly easy ascent to Damji Village (7,800 feet).

Lunch will be served at Damji. We’ll then continue the hike until we get to the Gasa Hot Springs.

Dinner and overnight at camp.

Approximate trekking distance: 11 miles
Approximate trekking time: 7-8 hours.

HIGHLIGHT! The Gasa Hot Springs, well-known for their healing powers, attract Bhutanese from around the country.

Note – on trekking days, you’ll be carrying your own daybag. The majority of your things will be transported by horses and/or yaks. It’s best to have your things packed in a duffel or soft-sided bag so that the porters can more easily pack these on the horses/yaks.

Day 5
October 15, 2011 – Gasa – Chamsa
Following breakfast, we’ll trek a steep climb of about 2 hours up to Gasa Dzong. It is then another difficult climb to Bele-la Pass (12,000 feet). This will bring us through rhododendron, juniper, bamboo and fir forests. We’ll then descend for approximately a half hour down from the pass to Chamsa where we will spend the night inside the forest.

Approximate trekking distance: 8.5 miles
Approximate trekking time: 6-7 hours.

Day 6
October 16, 2011 – Chamsa – Laya
Today, the trail will descend to the bank of Mo-chu (chu is Bhutanese for river) where we will traverse a suspension bridge. We will then have a picnic lunch close by. After the bridge, there’s a climb up to Laya (12,500 feet) which passes an army camp.

Approximate trekking distance: 13.5 miles
Approximate trekking time: 8-9 hours.

Day 7
October 17, 2011 – Laya
We’ll take advantage of a much-deserved rest day today. The group will be able to meander around the village of Laya, going to local homes and visiting with the Layap people. We’ll be entertained with a nighttime cultural program by campfire that will include traditional dancing and singing by the Layaps. Dinner and overnight at camp.

HIGHLIGHT! The Layaps are really warm and friendly and will gladly pose for photos. The women wear a unique dress and traditional bamboo hats that are pointy on top and embellished with silver and turquoise ornaments.

Day 8
October 18, 2011 – Laya – Chamsa
Following breakfast, we will start the journey with a hike back down until we reach Chamsa. Dinner and overnight at camp.

Day 9
October 19, 2011 – Chamsa – Gasa
After breakfast, it will be another moderate ascent before we get to Bele La Pass and then continue down until we get to the Gasa Hot Springs once again for an additional night of heated baths. Dinner and overnight at camp.

Day 10
October 20, 2011 – Gasa – Tashithang – Wangdue
On this day, the trail will lead us steadily back to Damji Village. From there, we will head down through the forest until we get to the motorable road where we will have refreshments prior to meeting the van and driving onward to Wangdue. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Wangdue.

Day 11
October 21, 2011 – Wangdue – Thimphu – Paro
After breakfast, we’ll travel back to Thimphu for lunch and a final opportunity to shop and sightsee. We will then head to Paro where we will enjoy dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 12
October 22, 2011 – Paro – Departure (by Druk Air)
Following an early breakfast, the group will leave for the airport for a sad goodbye to Bhutan. Though it is feasible to connect with your international flight home on the same day, think about overnighting in Bangkok in the event flights out of Paro are delayed (not unusual).

________________________________________________________________

Costs:
Price: Contact us for 2012 pricing: info (at) WanderTours (dot) com

Interested in sharing? We do our best to pair up same-sex travelers so as to avoid the single supplement. However, priority is given to the first deposits received. If you’re interested in sharing – PLEASE send in deposit as soon as possible in order to take advantage of this benefit. (Why a single supplement charge? See this FAQ page for an explanation.)

Payment due as soon as possible in order to secure flights into Bhutan.

Price includes: Roundtrip flights from Bangkok to Paro, transportation in Bhutan, all meals, hotels, bottled water, visa, airport tax and tourist development fund charge.

Price does not include: International flights to and hotel in Bangkok, evacuation or travel insurance (highly recommended), souvenirs, personal purchases (such as books and snacks), beverages other than water and tips.

We recommend MedEx Assist for travel and/or evacuation insurance.

Because of the remote nature of this journey, it is limited to 15 people and requires an $800 deposit on a first come, first served basis. Please register early to ensure your spot!

Bhutan Laya Trek 2011 Registration Form (PDF)

Please make payable and send check with registration form to:

WanderTours
PO Box 16102
Seattle, WA 98116

For questions, please contact Beth:
beth (at) wandertours (dot) com
206-937-6789

Deposits and full payment may also be made with a credit/debit card through PayPal. Simply send payment to: beth (at) wandertours (dot) com or by using the form below:

Bhutan Packing List Trek: Provided upon registration

Bhutan Laya Trek Itinerary 2011 (PDF)

Tour Leader
About Beth
Beth Whitman has traveled the world for more than twenty-three years and has a deep respect for cultures and the environment. She is the author of the Wanderlust and Lipstick series of guides and the editor of www.WanderlustAndLipstick.com and www.WanderTours. This will be her 6th trip to Bhutan but the first to this region.

About Bhutan and the Trek
Few visitors have discovered Bhutan and one reason is the country’s insufficient infrastructure and the government’s desire to preserve the local culture. Although hotel lodgings are usually very comfortable, they may be basic. Meals are generally served buffet-style at the hotel and include plenty of cooked vegetables, rice and sometimes meat. Vegetarians will have no issues finding lots to consume.

Bhutan is situated in the Himalayas between Northeast India and Tibet. The elevation shouldn’t be a problem for many but sometimes people respond to it with minor headaches or abdominal problems. Carry prescribed medications if this is a concern to you. Individuals must be fit and capable of carrying their own daybags throughout the trek.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, carry medicine or natural remedies to help offset the twisty roads that we’ll be encountering through the trip.

Related links:
Bhutan Trek Photo Gallery