Friday, June 17, 2011

Wk 3: Hiking around Bhutan

The past two weeks have been a blur. I interviewed CFOs, researched comparative data, summarized project findings, and created preliminary cost profiles. The government-owned for-profit companies are so interesting that I could not help but ask numerous questions about the organization and business drivers. My project deals with finding opportunities for cash savings. The saved capital will allow the companies to carry out more investments and business expansion. I am excited and humbled with the chance to contribute to Bhutan’s development. As you might know, Bhutan is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. I am still waiting for more internal and external data to complete my analysis. I have nine more weeks to recommend remarkable cost strategies to Druk Holdings & Investments (DHI).

I am extremely proud to represent the University of Michigan and the Stephen M. Ross School of Business in Bhutan. Many top universities also send interns here. There are two other interns at DHI, a Stanford Law student and a Columbia Masters in Sustainable Development student. The three of us are sharing the large and homey office attic. J Besides my co-DHI interns, there are two Harvard Public Policy students in another government agency, the Gross National Happiness Commission. Three Berkeley MBA students also did a class project for DHI a couple of months ago. Yale also regularly sends graduate students to undertake diverse projects for the government. I am happy that the William Davidson Institute (WDI) at U-M was able to arrange my internship here so Michigan is also represented. Go Blue!

The arrival of my co-DHI interns signaled the start of my exploration of Bhutan. Last week, I hiked around Thimphu for seven hours! We climbed a mountain to visit the Motithang Takin Preserve. Takin is a goat-antelope and is the national animal of Bhutan.

We also visited the Thimphu Dzong (The Trashichodzong), which is the seat of the government and the headquarters of the clergy in the capital city. Beside the Dzong is the King’s Royal Residence. Unfortunately, pictures are not allowed to be taken of the place. I shot this picture while walking down a mountain. The Dzong is on the left while the Royal Residence is on the middle-right, covered by trees.


We also went to the world’s tallest Buddha, standing tall at 169ft. The site is still under construction.

And, we saw an archery competition in Paro, another town. Yes, they need to wear ghos, traditional Bhutanese dresses, when competing.

This weekend, we are trekking to the Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s most spectacular sacred site, and going to Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan. I heard the climb up the Tiger’s Nest is rigorous. I hope my lethargic body can handle the exercise. J

22 comments:

  1. Trekking in Nepal http://www.trekshimalaya.com is part of world adventure trekking tourism and Adventure Trekking in Nepal. Natures to renew one’s own self regard, to relive oneself, to realize Nepal beauty, to interact with its generous, friendly peoples are highlights of trekking in Nepal. Trekking is one long term activity that draws repeat visitors. http://www.adventurestrekking.com So, Nepal is final purpose for trekking. Trekking is one long term activity that draws repeat visitors.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Trekking in Nepal -The word came into existence when the term was first used by British mountaineers to insinuate one walking at one’s own pace at a relaxed trot through well-established village trails enjoying close contact with people in remote mountain villages where lifestyles remain unchanged since time immemorial.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Trekking in Nepal is a massive chance to determine roughly Nepal’s Himalaya’s various grouping, enjoyable bordering and theatrical mountain series with finest unite cultures. Nepal Trekking and trip suggests gigantic landscape for venture lovers who are evermore as trekker around Nepal Himalayas. Known as a major Adventure trekking purpose in the world, Nepal has eight tallest mountains higher than 8000 meters among the complete earth out of fourteen....Read More..

    http://www.adventurediscoverytreks.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Trekking in Nepal We immensely feel proud and pleased to be recognized to you all that Trekking Guide team Adventure is one of the most trusted trekking companies in tourism sphere of Nepal.As Nepal is known as the heavenly everlasting mine of natural and cultural beauties, in order to enhance the mosaic of diversities to all over the world, Trekking Guide Team Adventure has risen with novel and lively spirit to satisfy and make your precious time a memorable in sustainable way. To satisfy our guests in ecstatic way is our motto. As it has the team of highly experienced professionals , the entire team is enthusiastic, committed and optimistic. Each and every member of our team keeps no stone un-turned to make your holiday the most enjoyable.Trekking Guide Team Adventure will let you an opportunity to experience and to explore the hidden mystery of the flora and fauna of Nepal. We will lead you from the the top of the to the lowland successfully in comfortable way. As the entire team is well equipped with tremendous experience in tourism, we assure you that we will handle each and every circumstances during your stay here in Nepal. http:Trekking Guide Team Adventure offers you various programs such as trekking, hiking, mountaineering, river-rafting, climbing, jungle safari, mountain flight and many more. To Let you get well familiar with naturally and culturally enriching landscape, flora and fauna is our mission. As it has employed professional team members, it has resulted out to be a peculiar from other counterparts.

    Our willingness to provide you an excellent and prompt service no bounds, so that we are enhancing the tourism possibilities of Nepal in an unharmed way. Travel with Trekking Guide Team Adventure your each and every dreams into reality in ecstatic way.......

    http://www.nepalguidetrekking.com/Nepal-Trekking/kathmandu-valley-trekking.php

    ReplyDelete

  5. Trekking in Nepal

    http//:www.nepalguidetrekking.com Trekking in Nepal is one of the most popular trekking routes among them such as Annapurna region , Annapurna circuit, Annapurna base camp trek , Annapurna view trek , Everest region trek, Everest base camp trek, Everest view trek, Everest Gokyo trek , Everest Cho- La pass trekking , Langtang region , mustang trekking , Dolpo trek, Manaslu trek, kanchanjunga trek, villages tour trekking , home stay trekking, long trek & short trek also possible here , like Kathmandu valley trekking for one or two days .

    The best time trek is from September to May . The first two month of the dry season ( October & November ) is the ideal period for trekking in Nepal. The mountain scenery is superb and the weather is still comfortably warm. December , January and February are still good months for trekking the cold can be bitter at high altitudes . March and May also offer better weather trekking in Nepal .

    When trekkers can see superb wild flowers , particularly in Nepal’s beautifully rhododendron forests . During the monsoon ( June to August ) trekking is possible in the rainy season – shadow areas of north in the Himalayan like Annapurna circuit ,Manang valley , Dolpo, Mustang etc. these regions are out of reach of the rain clouds because of the high mountains and are unaffected by the monsoon as well as Restricted area trek is also possible .

    Choosing your trekking there are two main styles of trek common in Nepal , Tea house trek and other one is camping treks.

    Tea House trek : the popular routes for tea house including Annapurna Region , Langtang region and Everest region . These involve meals and overnight stays in modest accommodation at the tea house and Lodge during the trips . you are accompanied by a guide who leads the trek and porters who carry baggage and equipments.

    The Camping trek: All food and camping equipment is taken with us, along with guides cooks and porters to take care of all the logistical details, set up camp and prepare delicious meals.

    However, we arrange the adventure trips for group and individual clients too .

    ReplyDelete
  6. We offer the cheapest and most wonderful trips throughout Nepal culture and sightseeing tours,trekking,hiking and adventure travels programs, discounted trekking and tour innovative customized, special interest trips Himalaya


    For more information please click link below.
    where is Nepal?
    Nepal trekking and tour
    how is Nepal trekking ?
    Evererest Trek

    ReplyDelete
  7. Annapurna base camp Trekking, hiking
    The Annapurna Sanctuary is “high glacial basin lying forty km directly north of Pokhara. This oval-shaped plateau sits at an altitude of over 4000 metres, and is surrounded by a ring of mountains, the Annapurna range, most of which are over 7000 metres.With the only entrance a narrow pass between the peaks of Hiunchuli and Machapuchare, where run-off from glaciers drain into Modi Khola River, the Sanctuary was not penetrated by outsiders until 1956. Because of high mountains on all sides, the Annapurna Sanctuary receives only 7 hours of sunlight a day at the height of summer. The unique combination of heights and depths in the Annapurna Sanctuary give rise to an extraordinary variety of ecosystems. The south-facing slopes are “covered in dense tropical jungles of rhododendron and bamboo”, while the north-facing slopes, in the rain shadow, have “a drier colder climate similar to that of the near-by Tibetan Plateau.”
    The entire sanctuary was held as sacred to the Gurung people, one of the many native people to inhabit the area. They believed it was the repository of gold and various treasures left by the Nāgas, the serpent-gods known in India. The sanctuary was believed to be the home of several deities, from Hinduism and Buddhism as well the older animistic gods. The peak of Machapuchare at the entrance was believed to be the home of the god Shiva, and the daily plumes of snow were thought the smoke of his divine incense. Until recently, the local Gurung people forbade anyone from bringing eggs or meat into the Annapurna Sanctuary, and women and untouchables were prohibited from going there as well.
    In recent years, the number of trekkers to the Sanctuary has increased substantially, in part because the Sanctuary forms the base of one of the major routes to the peaks of the Annapurna range. The Annapurna Sanctuary is now part of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, which places restrictions on number of outside travelers, gathering of firewood, and domestic animal grazing.
    Annapurna base camp Itinerary:
    Day 01: Fly/ drive Kathmandu to Pokhara.
    Day 02:Drive to Nayapul,Trek to Tikhedhunga (1540)
    Day 03: Trek to Ghorepani (2855m)
    Day 04: Trek to Tadapani.(2590m)
    Day 05: Trek to Chomrong (2170m)
    Day 06: Trek to Himalaya Hotel (2900m)
    Day 07: Himalaya Hotel to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) (3700m)
    Day 08: MBC -Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) & back to MBC or Deurali.
    Day 09: MBC/Deurali to Bamboo (2500m)
    Day 10: Bamboo to Chomorong. (2170m)
    Day 11: Chomorong to Ghandruk (1940m)
    Day 12: Ghandruk to Tolkha. (1710m)
    Day 13: Tolkha to Dhampus. (1510m)
    Day 14: Dhampus to Pokhara. (820m)
    http://www.nepalguideinfo.com/
    http://www.hikehimalayas.com/
    Email-:sanjib-adhikari@hotmail.com
    http://www.nepalguideinfo.com/Annapurna-circuit-Trek.php
    http://www.nepalguideinfo.com/Annapurna-Sanctuary-Trek.php
    http://www.nepalguideinfo.com/Ghorepani-Poonhill-Trek.php
    http://www.nepalguideinfo.com/Mardi-Himal-Trek.php
    http://www.nepalguideinfo.com/Ghandruk-Panorami-Trek.php

    ReplyDelete
  8. Everest base camp Offer 14 days Trekking only 1097$ Per Person
    http://www.nepalguideinfo.com/Everest-Base-Camp.php
    http://www.hikehimalayas.com/trekking-in-nepal/trekking-region/everest-region/everest-base-camp.htm
    http://www.nepalguideinfo.com/
    Email-:sanjib-adhikari@hotmail.com
    https://www.facebook.com/sanjib.adhikari

    ReplyDelete
  9. During the 1960s, after the Dalai Lama had fled to India and Chinese armies established control over the Tibet, Mustang was a centre for guerrilla operations against the Chinese. The soldiers were the Khampas, Tibet’s most fearsome warriors, who were backed by the CIA (Some Khampas were secretly trained in the USA).At the height of the fighting there were at least 6000khampas in Mustang and neighboring border areas. The CI A’ support ended in the ear’s 1970s when the USA under Kissinger and Nixon, initiated new and Better relations with the Chines. The government of Nepal was pressed to take action against the guerrillas and, making use of internal divisions within the Khampa leadership, a bit of treachery and the Dalai Lama’s taped advice for his citizens to lay down their arms, it managed to disband the resistance without committing to action the 10,000 Nepali troops that had been sent to the area.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Annapurna Base camp Trekking - 15 Days
    The combination of easy walking and majestic scenery makes the trek commonly known as Annapurna Sanctuary.
    The Annapurna Base camp trekking is one of the popular trekking destinations in Nepal. It is the moderate and classic trek to the Annapurna Base Camp (4200m) within the beautiful lush of the Annapurna Sanctuary.
    Annapurna Base camp trekking is well known for the beautiful scenery of the high peaks as well as the traditionally and culturally rich Gurungs and Magar dominated villages. The trek starts from the Nayapul after the exploration of the beautiful valley of Pokhara. The trekking to the Annapurna base camp gives you an opportunity to have the panoramic views of the Mt Annapurna I, Annapurna III (7555m), Gangapurna (7454m) and Machhapuchchhre (6999m), Lamjung himals(6986m), Dhaulagiri (8167m), Nilgiri(7041m), and many more peaks circling around the route. To be noted Annapurna I is one of the tenth highest peak of the world. This isolated cirque of peaks can only be approached by one route, a deep gorge that carves into the fortress of mountains between Machhapuchhre and Hiunchuli. The trail climbs gently through traditional villages, terraced fields on the bank of Modi river, waterfalls and lush rhododendron forests. Not only this you will find the diversity of the flora and fauna in the protected regions of Annapurna. The trek gives the experience of the blend of the splendid beauty of nature, precise cultural hospitality along with the wilderness journey to face that you will rarely get elsewhere.

    http://www.nepaltrekkingtour.com/annapurna-base-camp-trekking-15-days.html
    http://www.nepaltrekkingtour.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Wel come to Mountain Mart Treks & Expedition (P) Ltd. for best trekking & Tour operator into the mysterious culture tours & adventures trip including Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan & India.
    Please if you are looking an adventure trip in Nepal! Kindly visit our official website http://www.mountainmarttreks.com for reliable information whatever you need. Or email me at gpminathapa@gmail.com
    Thank you so much for your desire to travel in Nepal with professional trekking and tour operator in Nepal!
    Nepal trek and tour
    Fantastic package to Nepal l
    langtang Trek
    Annapurna Trek l
    Peak climbing in Nepal l
    Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek l
    Jiri to Everest trek l
    14 days Gokyo lake trek l
    Annapurna Round Trek l
    Ghorepani Poon hill Trek l

    ReplyDelete
  12. Everest Base Camp Trek - 14 Days

    Everest has always been the desirable name among all the people around the world, mostly the adventure lovers. To reach at an altitude of 8,848m is not an easy task; it requires a lot of hard effort and dedication. It can be the greatest achievement in one’s life, overcoming the fear of the harshness of the nature. Mount Everest 8848 mt and base camp 5350 ,m
    http://nepalguideinfo.com/everest-base-camp-trek/
    http://nepalguideinfo.com/

    http://www.hikehimalayas.com/trekking-in-nepal/trekking-region/everest-region/everest-base-camp.htm
    Email-:sanjib-adhikari@hotmail.com
    https://www.facebook.com/Independenttrekkinguidenepal
    http://nepalguideinfo.com/about-us/

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hiking in Nepal an indoor outdoor trekking and tours operative company takes you that further way to guarantee you has an unforgettable adventure Trekking in Nepal that you have been dream with Holiday Hiking is part of your choice. We have your choose of trekking for 3 days or 30 or more days it depending of your timetable, sleep under lodges or tent. We always respect our duty to constantly your holiday satisfaction in Nepal. Whether you are looking for a quiet gateway, a memorable Hiking in Nepal outing with a family or an exciting nature adventure in treks himalaya. We offer you with the best progressive information and itinerary leading focused and modified as per your requirements. It is significant to memorize, though, it necessitate an enough level of physical homework and must remembers that there is also a psychosomatic assurance in walking in mountains. Holiday Hiking is an attempt to encourage Nepal to the exterior world while striving to defend an aged tradition as well as conserve the surroundings for generation to come. Holiday Hiking specialize in organize Nepal travel activities excursion such as:- Trekking, Helicopter Tour, Peak Climbing, Mountain Flight, Honeymoon Tour, Sightseeing, Rafting, Jungle Safari, Pilgrim’s Tour, Hotel Reservation, Air Ticket, Tibet and Bhutan Tour many more your vacation desire.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I just wrote a recommendation about this Independent trekking Mr Sanjib which was the one i chose to do Everest Base Camp and Gokyo, I went to Nepal in Feb-March 2014 and I would totally recommend them. Check it out and read below what i also wrote about them. Enjoy your time in Nepal :) http://www.nepalguideinfo.com sanjib-adhikari@hotmail.com I did Everest Base camp and Gokyo with the Independent trekking guide Mr. Sanjib and after such a nice trek I can only recommend the service that Sanjib and his team provided it. Experienced guide, a clear itinerary with lots of room for your own personal pace, a personalized approach: you go to him as a client and you leave as a friend. All this and more make the service of this trek, out of the rest. Prices are very good and the quality of all the services, were excellent. We got only great rooms and they always make sure, we have a nice view from our room (probably this is not always possible, but I like that Sanjib and Raj. were taking time in such a details to make his clients happy) He also advise you in all the matters of the trek and more importantly he was very clear about what you get. Many companies will promise you all kind of things even if they know is not possible (flying to Lukla for example is one of them or how many days you can reach certain altitude being safe from AMS) There’s a lot of companies in Kathmandu and I know how difficult and overwhelming the search for the right one can be, but if you’re reading this and looking for a person who can make your treks in Nepal smooth and a very enjoyable experience… go to Sanjib and he’ll handle the rest ☺ Thanks a lot Sanjib, for organizing my trek in Nepal and if I come back someday I definitely know where to go for treks!!
    http://nepalguideinfo.com/testimonial/
    http://nepalguideinfo.com
    Email-:sanjib-adhikari@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. I just wrote a recommendation about this Independent trekking Mr Sanjib which was the one i chose to do Everest Base Camp and Gokyo, I went to Nepal in Feb-March 2014 and I would totally recommend them. Check it out and read below what i also wrote about them. Enjoy your time in Nepal :) http://www.nepalguideinfo.com sanjib-adhikari@hotmail.com I did Everest Base camp and Gokyo with the Independent trekking guide Mr. Sanjib and after such a nice trek I can only recommend the service that Sanjib and his team provided it. Experienced guide, a clear itinerary with lots of room for your own personal pace, a personalized approach: you go to him as a client and you leave as a friend. All this and more make the service of this trek, out of the rest. Prices are very good and the quality of all the services, were excellent. We got only great rooms and they always make sure, we have a nice view from our room (probably this is not always possible, but I like that Sanjib and Raj. were taking time in such a details to make his clients happy) He also advise you in all the matters of the trek and more importantly he was very clear about what you get. Many companies will promise you all kind of things even if they know is not possible (flying to Lukla for example is one of them or how many days you can reach certain altitude being safe from AMS) There’s a lot of companies in Kathmandu and I know how difficult and overwhelming the search for the right one can be, but if you’re reading this and looking for a person who can make your treks in Nepal smooth and a very enjoyable experience… go to Sanjib and he’ll handle the rest ☺ Thanks a lot Sanjib, for organizing my trek in Nepal and if I come back someday I definitely know where to go for treks!!



    ReplyDelete
  16. had always wanted to trek to ABC. When I retired at 65 last February, I saw the chance to do it but the problem is, I can no longer do it like my younger days, on my own. I definitely needed help from someone to guide and advise me, carry by haversack, provide me with good facilities and most importantly, all these at a reasonable price. I just cannot depend on my friends. A friend from Germany had done this trip and strongly recommended me Sanjib Adhikari . I trusted my friend, took the advice and I did not regret. The warm welcome was felt right from the time they received me at the airport and for the next twelve days, until I said goodbye. Everything was taken care of to my utmost satisfaction. I cannot compare with other service providers as I had not used them but as far as I am concerned, Sanjib Team is excellent enough. Thank you Mr Sanjib and Raj for the excellent hospitality. I will be back


    ReplyDelete
  17. We have had a fantastic two week trek to Everest base camp Everest base camp. Our Guide and porter. Sanjib and Pemba have been excellent and very attentive looking after us.Sanjib is a very good guide and taught us allot about Nepali culture. Pemba was a brilliant porter. We think he will make an excellent guide in future.The level of service from both Sanjib and Pemba was superb. They were available all the way to help us with anything we needed, and both were thoughtful about anything we might require, water, food showers,accomodation. Sanjib's knowledge of the area and the lodges meant that we were always happy with our accommodation. He took care to visit places which were comfortable and had home stay feel. Sanjib have the qualities to be excellent guide and porter and to give all his clients a wonderful trekking experience. We highly recommend himWe highly recommend him

    ReplyDelete
  18. Mountain Mart Treks & Expedition (P) Ltd., a well-known government licensed Trekking and Travel Company in Nepal, The Company organizes- adventure tour packages for individuals and groups traveling to Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan & India. The company consists of highly professional team.



    Nepal trek and tour
    Fantastic package to Nepal l
    langtang Trek
    Annapurna Trek l
    Peak climbing in Nepal l
    Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek l
    Jiri to Everest trek l
    14 days Gokyo lake trek l

    ReplyDelete
  19. I just wrote a recommendation about this Independent trekking Mr Sanjib which was the one i chose to do Everest Base Camp and Gokyo, I went to Nepal in Feb-March 2014 and I would totally recommend them. Check it out and read below what i also wrote about them. Enjoy your time in Nepal :) http://www.nepalguideinfo.com sanjib-adhikari@hotmail.com I did Everest Base camp and Gokyo with the Independent trekking guide Mr. Sanjib and after such a nice trek I can only recommend the service that Sanjib and his team provided it. Experienced guide, a clear itinerary with lots of room for your own personal pace, a personalized approach: you go to him as a client and you leave as a friend. All this and more make the service of this trek, out of the rest. Prices are very good and the quality of all the services, were excellent. We got only great rooms and they always make sure, we have a nice view from our room (probably this is not always possible, but I like that Sanjib and Raj. were taking time in such a details to make his clients happy) He also advise you in all the matters of the trek and more importantly he was very clear about what you get. Many companies will promise you all kind of things even if they know is not possible (flying to Lukla for example is one of them or how many days you can reach certain altitude being safe from AMS) There’s a lot of companies in Kathmandu and I know how difficult and overwhelming the search for the right one can be, but if you’re reading this and looking for a person who can make your treks in Nepal smooth and a very enjoyable experience… go to Sanjib and he’ll handle the rest ☺ Thanks a lot Sanjib, for organizing my trek in Nepal and if I come back someday I definitely know where to go for treks!!
    http://www.nepalguideinfo.com/testimonial/
    http://www.nepalplanettreks.com
    http://www.nepalguideinfo.com/everest-trek/
    http://www.nepalguideinfo.com/annapurna-trek/
    http://www.nepalplanettreks.com
    Nepal Planet Treks and Expedition
    sanjib-adhikari@hotmail.com
    https://www.facebook.com/Independenttrekkinguidenepal?fref=ts
    Mobile Number: +9779841613822
    Office Number +977-1-4252196

    ReplyDelete
  20. Himalayan Excursion Nepal Pvt. Ltd is a fully registered tours and trekking company based in Nepal. We are highly qualified and professional trekking & tour agency. We have over 10 years of experience in tourism sector. We are fully bonded trek & tour operator agency authorized by the Nepal Government, tourism and civil aviation department, Nepal tourism board, Company registration office, Industry department and the taxation office. Also, we are affiliated with several prestigious associations such as trekking agencies association of Nepal (TAAN), Nepal Mountaineering Associations (NMA) and Nepal association of tours and travel agent (NATT). We offer different packages of tours and trekking along with different adventurous activities. We offer trekking in different exotic regions such as
    Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, Mustang and Dolpo. We provide tours in different parts of Nepal such as
    Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Lumbini, Janakpur etc
    as well as international tours in different parts of
    India, Bhutan and Tibet. Our services also include adventurous activities .

    ReplyDelete
  21. https://himalayanexcursionnepal.com/destination/nepal

    ReplyDelete