2020 GeoEx Catalog

TOURISM COUNCIL OF BHUTAN

New �  Bhutan’s Hidden HighlandsTrek  AN EXPEDITION TO GANGKHAR PUENSUUM TREKKING | 18 DAYS · GROUP

B hutan is an ideal destination for trekkers wishing to experience the magic of the Himalaya without the commercialism,” wrote trekking guru Bart Jordans in his lauded guidebook. Unlike in other parts of the Himalaya, mountaineering is forbidden in Bhutan. Even when it was permitted, its highest peak, Gangkhar Puensuum—which shoots up to 24,836 feet along the Tibetan border—proved too challenging to summit, and it continues to be cel- ebrated as the highest unclimbed mountain massif in the world. Virtually visitor-free, the region presents staggering alpine beauty that can be enjoyed in sensational solitude.

Things have changed little in the area since GeoEx led the first American-guided expedition to the base of this snowcapped jewel in 1998. This year Bart is lead- ing a small party of intrepid adventurers to the stunning south wall of Gangkhar and its satellites. We trek through pine, juniper, and rhododendron forests, follow the swift-flowing Chamkhar River to yak herder meadows, and pass bamboo thickets and gnarly rock peaks before reaching wide-open glacier valleys. After a full day of exploring— and photographing—the side valleys and rocky terrain below Gangkhar’s ice field and peak, we commence an equally scenic return trip. This wonderfully rewarding and rarely done expedi- tion (complete with full support, top-notch tents, and a camp staff to provide tasty meals) is bookended by visits to some of Bhutan’s most noteworthy (and somewhat more accessible) sights, including Bumthang’s remark- able temples; Membartsho, the mythical “burning lake”; Thimphu’s handicraft schools and matches of archery (the national sport/obsession); and the iconic Tiger's Nest.

All good trips are, like love, about being carried out of yourself and deposited in the midst of terror and wonder.

pico iyer

nov. 4–21, 2019; nov. 6–23, 2020 from $10,475

Day 1  arrive in Paro, explore ✦  2  Tiger’s Nest hike ✦  3  fly to Jakar, Bumthang discovery ✦  4  Ugyen Choling and Membartsho ✦  5  drive to Naspe; begin expedition ✦  6–8  trekking ✦  9  arrive at Barmarpa ✦  10  base of Gangkhar Puensuum ✦  11–14  descend on foot ✦ 15  complete trek in Dhur; drive to Jakar ✦  16  fly to Paro ✦  17  Thimphu excursion ✦  18  depart.

BHUTAN VIEW / ALAMY

ABOVE  Gangkhar Puensuum, Bhutan. “Maps of its far-flung location,” Condé Nast Traveler explained, “have been so inaccurate over the years that the first team to attempt the summit couldn’t even find it!”