www.audleytravel.com/bhutan ?01993 838 320 ?Bhutan115TrekkingThough trekking in Bhutan can be strenuous,you will be rewarded by beautiful views,isolated valleys, high mountain passes andhidden Buddhist hermitages. Most of Bhutan'swilderness lies far from the one main road,which runs from the west to the east. It isaccessible only on foot, with a team of packponies or yaks, a cook and a knowledgeableguide to accompany you. As there are noinns or lodges away from the road, overnightstops are in tents, often set up for you nearsmall temples or shrines, where you may wellmeet monks who are spending a number ofyears in relatively isolated meditation. Yourmeals are cooked for you on portable gasstoves and tend to be a selection of localfare including nakey, which are fern frondsfound in the forest, and are especiallyThimphuAs the capital and home to approximately100,000 people, Thimphu is the largest and mostcosmopolitan city in Bhutan. It has retained afriendly feel and, with plenty of interesting littleshops and markets, it's a charming place toexplore. The impressive Tashichho Dzongdominates the city, however, one of the mostinteresting sites is the School of Traditional Artsestablished to help preserve Bhutan's 13traditional arts. You could also head out to seethe Takin, Bhutan's national animal. It is believedthat the Divine Madman created the beast byjoining a goat's head to a cow's body. At theweekend market, you will see people gather frommiles around to sell their goods, bargaining overeverything from dried chillies and yak butter tohand-woven textiles.PunakhaThe Punakha Dzong is perhaps the most strikingin Bhutan, situated on the confluence of twomajor rivers. The best way to approach is on footthrough scenic paddy fields, tranquil villages andpretty countryside to find yourself looking downonto the dzong. Punakha is reached from thewest by crossing the 3,116 metre Dochu La pass.This was the former winter capital built as adefensive stronghold in the 17th century. A largenumber of fruits and vegetables grow in the fertilevalley and it is unlike anywhere else in thecountry. Another must see is Chimi Lhakhang, thetemple of the Divine Madman, one of Bhutan'sfavourite saints. Here you can take a 20 minutestroll through local farmland and a smallsettlement of painted houses to the temple,which has lovely views of the surroundingcountryside.delicious eaten at your camp tableoverlooking the panoramic mountain views.Trekking in Bhutan requires a reasonablelevel of fitness as there is not much flat landand the walking is at altitude. We can tailor atrek to suit your requirements as there are alarge choice of routes. We specialise in shorttreks from one to four nights, though longertreks are also possible.Trekking above the Paro valleyGangtey Palace, ParoPunakha valleyThimphu weekend marketA takin, Bhutan's national animal

DEWACHEN, PHOBJIKHAVALLEYDewachen is a charming, traditional-style propertyon the edge of the stunning Black MountainsNational Park. The restaurant commands viewsover the black-necked cranes' breeding groundsand the property is surrounded by pine forests.The 16 large guest rooms are beautifully furnishedwith wooden furniture and flooring. You will alsofind a local bukhari stove in your room with aplentiful supply of firewood to keep you warm.The wonderful setting and relaxed atmospheremake this a lovely place to stay and an excellentchoice if you are looking for a simple propertyoffering good value accommodation.TrongsaIn the 16th century, an auspicious vision of abeam of light came to the Drukpa Lama while he was meditating. He believed that where it hitthe ground a temple must be built and this wasthe birth of Trongsa, meaning 'new village' inDzongkha, the Bhutanese language. Today it is asmall community dominated by the stunningfortress which sits perched on the steep-sidedgorge of the Mangde River. The interior is madeup of a series of temples. The watchtower,overlooking the town is now a museum and itoffers incredible views of the valley below, whichcan also be explored if you have time. Trongsacan be an overnight stay or be passed through en route to the Bumthang Valley.Bumthang ValleyArriving in Bumthang, you will notice how theglacial valleys open up into beautiful pastures andquaint farming villages. Here you will get a realinsight into Bhutanese culture. Bumthang is said tobe the home of Buddhism and as you enjoy someof the local walks, you will see how little life haschanged for centuries. The valley also claims to behome to some of the oldest temples in theKingdom and the birth place of the legendarySaint Pema Lingpa, from whom the Bhutaneseroyalty trace their descent. You can also visit thefuneral chortens of the first three kings at KurjeLhakhang. Not far away is the dramaticMebartsho gorge, known as 'the flaming lake',where it is believed that Pema Lingpa found thetreasures hidden by Guru Rinpoche.Phobjikha ValleyThe Phobjikha Valley is the winter home of therare black-necked cranes, which migrate from thehigh Tibetan plateau. A visit to the Royal Societyfor the Protection of Nature, commonly knownas the Crane Centre, is a great way to discovermore about these majestic birds and help protectthis fragile environment. The valley is easilyaccessed and the active can walk down from thehigh pass, a trip of around an hour, passingthrough lovely dwarf bamboo and rhododendronforests to the gompa (monastery), which sits atthe head of the valley. There are a number ofother walks, allowing you the chance toexperience the local community and admire theviews of the Black Mountains and the splendidisolation of the valley.116Monks with ceremonial drumsDewachen, Phobjikha ValleyTrongsa Dzong