26th November 2007

BLUE POPPY TOURS & TREKS ADDS HIMALAYAN TREK

Bhutanese specialist tour operator Blue Poppy Tours & Treks is offering The Snowman Trek – one of the toughest treks in the Himalayas - for the first time in autumn 2008.

The Snowman Trek, through the remote region of Lunana in Bhutan, is so named because of the high altitude and weather conditions along the route.

The trek is highly challenging, but truly the trip of a lifetime through some of the least-explored terrain in a country that has been referred to as ‘the last Shangri-La’. The route crosses snow-covered Himalayan mountain passes, with trekkers facing altitudes of over 5,000 metres for much of the route.

Stunning scenery can be seen all along the way, including beautiful pine and rhododendron forests; turquoise lakes backed by snowy peaks; and mountain landscapes including that of Gangkhar Puensum, the highest unclimbed peak in the world. The chance to bathe in hot springs at Dur Tsachu (3,300m) will bring relief to tired muscles, whilst setting up camp in small villages allows trekkers to experience the traditional Bhutanese lifestyle by sharing yak butter tea with the locals. It would not be unusual for trekkers to encounter no other Europeans throughout the time spent in the Lunana region.

Blue Poppy will offer two itineraries for the trek, which will have separate starting points and differ in length. The paths of the two routes will join, however, so the groups combine for the final three weeks.

The longer trek will depart from Drukgyel Dzong, just outside Paro, and last for 31 days, including 27 days of trekking and four rest days (15th September – 15th October 2008).

The second group will take a shorter route, starting at Damji, near Punakha. This itinerary will span 26 days (20th September – 15th October 2008), including 20 trekking days, three rest days, plus transfer time.

As well as experienced local guides, Blue Poppy’s Snowman Trek will be accompanied by professional cooks, porters and horses and/or yaks to transport luggage. Comfortable camps are set up along the way with sleeping tents, dining tents and toilet tents. Trekkers will be welcomed early each morning with tea and hot water for washing and the cooks will prepare three good meals a day (as well as tea and snacks) to boost energy levels. All equipment (with the exception of sleeping bags) is provided by Blue Poppy Tours & Treks and included in the package price.

The trek is guaranteed to run. The price of the tour will depend on the final number of confirmed participants, but as an estimate, The Snowman Trek will cost from US$6,000 per person. This price includes hotel accommodation at the start and end of the trip; all trekking and camping arrangements; meals; camping; sightseeing excursions; local guides and all travel within Bhutan. It does not include flights.

The most convenient way to reach Paro International Airport in Bhutan is via Druk Air, from Delhi, Kathmandu, Calcutta or Bangkok.

For full details of both itineraries on the Snowman Trek, see www.bluepoppybhutan.com/itineraries.htm.

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About Blue Poppy Tours & Treks

Blue Poppy Tours & Treks launched in the UK in December 2005. It is the only specialist operator to be run by a Bhutanese living in the UK, giving customers unrivalled access to extensive local knowledge when booking their holiday.

Blue Poppy Tours & Treks was set up by Choki Dorji, who lives in the UK, and Karma Wangdi, who operates out of Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. Both have extensive experience of guiding Western tourists around Bhutan. The company prides itself on its intimate knowledge of festivals, trekking routes and places of cultural and historical interest. The company is named after Bhutan’s national flower, the blue poppy.

Known locally as the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’, the tiny Kingdom of Bhutan is perched among the peaks of the mighty Himalaya. It is often described as the last Shangri-La and offers a fascinating insight into a Buddhist culture where time has stood still. Bhutan has become well known for its fourth King, who declared Gross National Happiness more important than Gross Domestic Product before handing power over to his son in 2007. The coronation of the Crown Prince as the fifth King of Bhutan is due to take place in 2008. Democratic elections are also happening in Bhutan next year for the first time – an exciting year to be visiting this tiny country feeling its way gradually and sensitively into the modern world.

For customers travelling to Bhutan with Blue Poppy Tours & Treks, having a specialist in the UK allows travellers to cut through the complicated bureaucracy otherwise involved in arranging permits and visas for a visit to Bhutan. The company can arrange an entirely personalised itinerary based on local knowledge of the country and the client's interests.


For more information on Blue Poppy Tours & Treks, please see www.bluepoppybhutan.com or contact 020 7700 3084.

For media information contact

Susie Tempest at susie@saltmarshpr.co.uk

Kate Popham at kate@saltmarhspr.co.uk

Tel: 020 7928 1600

Fax: 020 7928 1700

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