Black Mountain Trek
Destination
Bhutan
Duration
13 Days
Activity Level
Challenging
Comfort Level
Simple
Fully experience the Buddhist character, spectacular scenery, and ancient trails of Bhutan when you trek to villages near the remote Black Mountains.
At the beginning of the trip, prior to the trek, you’ll take a warm-up hike to the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro. Then, you’ll spend several days hiking through Monpa communities. The Monpa are hospitable and welcoming people, and although extremely isolated, are among the oldest of all Himalayan cultures. Only a few thousand of them remain on earth.
Along the way, you will encounter rich natural habitat and possibly see Rufous-necked and great hornbills, golden langurs, and numerous other species of birds and animals in Bhutan’s virgin subtropical forests. The trails are sometimes steep, but this is one of the easier treks in Bhutan. High altitude, cold temperatures, or unbridged stream crossings are not concerns. You will, however, travel and camp in a remote part of the country. Very few non-Bhutanese have visited this area, and you are unlikely to see other foreigners on your visit.
Great For
- Village Culture
- Wildlife
- Physical Activity
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Paro & Drive to Thimphu
Fly to Paro from Bangkok, Delhi, or Kathmandu (arrival dates and times into Paro may vary according to city of origin). This is a spectacular flight with beautiful views of the Himalayan range, including Mt. Chomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake inside Bhutan. On arrival, you’ll be met by your guide and immediately driven about one hour to Thimphu (7,656′), the capital of Bhutan. Thimphu is the political and economic center of Bhutan and contains most of the important political buildings in Bhutan including Dechencholing Palace, the official residence of the King. Depending on your arrival time, you may want to spend some time visiting some of the local sites such as the Folk Heritage Museum for a fascinating insight into the Bhutanese culture. At the National Library of Ancient Texts, you will find an excellent collection of sacred religious books and manuscripts. If you’re interested in art, The Zorig Chusum School of Traditional Arts is a great place to see traditional works of art such as paintings, wood carving, sculptures, weaving and embroidery, and paper-making. The school was established in 1971 to preserve traditional arts and you will be impressed with the skill of the young students that are taught here. Those in the health-care field might be interested in visiting the Institute of Traditional Medicine, which supplies traditional medicines and medical services, trains doctors, and conducts research on traditional medicinal plants.
Meals
Dinner
Lodging
Bhutanese style hotel
Day 2 Explore Thimphu
After discussing with your guide the types of sites and activities you would like to see and do, you’ll set out to explore Thimphu. There are many tour options available including a visit to Tashichhoe Dzong, originally built in 1216 without the use of nails or written plans. Its current structure was rebuilt in 1968 but is still one of the finest in the country; The 12th-century Changangkha Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Thimphu. From here, there are great views overlooking the Thimphu Valley; The National Memorial Chorten is an important historical landmark in Thimphu, constructed in memory of the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck who died in 1972; The tallest Buddha image in Bhutan, Sakyamuni, which sits on a hill overlooking the Thimphu Valley. It was designed to commemorate the coronation of the fifth and current King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in 2008; The Mothithang Takin Preserve to see these very unique creatures that are endemic to the Himalayan region. They look like a cross between a gnu and a bison.
If you like, you can do a light, few hours warm-up hike to Wangditse Gompa, founded in 1750 by the attendants of Bhutan’s eight desi, Druk Rabgye. From here, it’s a short hike to Zilukha Nunnery, the largest nunnery in Bhutan, followed by a steep descent to Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Bliss). This is an active monastery with about 450 monk students and containing a number of important historical Bhutanese artifacts.
If you prefer a more challenging hike, you can hike the Tango-Drolay loop with the Cheri Goemba hike. You’ll begin by hiking to Chagri Dorjeden (Cheri) Goemba, the first monastery built in Bhutan and a major teaching and retreat center of the Drukpa Kagyu order. You’ll then hike about 45 minutes to the Tango Goemba, founded by Lamas Gyalwa Lhanampa and Drukpa Kunley in the 12th century. The hike continues up to the Drolay Goemba from where you’ll have amazing views overlooking the Thimphu Valley. Total trekking time will be about five hours.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Bhutanese style hotel
Day 3 Drive to Wangdue & Trongsa
After lunch, drive to Wangdue (approx. 3 hours). En route, enjoy beautiful views of the Himalayan ranges from Dochu Pass, weather permitting of course. The drive from Wangdue to Trongsa takes about another five hours but offers some of the most spectacular scenery you’ll ever see. En route, visit Chendenbji Chorten, which was built in the same style of Boudhanath Stupa in Nepal to subdue harmful, anti-religious demons. Trongsa was once the seat of power and Jo Dungshing is a sacred mountain for some people of Shemgang and the Monpas. Deep in the heart of Bhutan, you can feel the sanctity of the place and the grasp of ancient traditions still in place.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Bhutanese style hotel
Day 4 Trek Begins: Riotala to Nimshong
Drive via Shemgang to Riotala. At this point, you have arrived at a place in Bhutan where few foreigners have traveled and about which very little is written. Numerous waterfalls are visible from the road. Here, you begin the trek to Nabji-Korphu. From the motor road, descend very steeply along a dusty trail for about 1,000′ to the Mangdichu River. You then climb up for about 2,000′ to Nimshong, which is at an elevation of 3,800’ and is a small farming village with about 58 households. This is probably the hardest hiking of the trip. Keep an eye out for the golden langur, which is endemic to Bhutan. This is also a location to look for the threatened rufous-necked hornbill. During the winter, you can see carpets of yellow flowers all around the village, surrounding the community school. Nimshong is within the Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park. In the evening, the local community members may perform a cultural program as this is the customary way of entertaining visitors. Overnight in a tented camp. Enjoy your first of many delicious camp dinners alfresco or in the dining tent.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Camping
Day 5 Trek to Nabji
Today’s trek to Nabji will take about eight hours. The walk is very pleasant along a lush green forest and there are no steep climbs or drops. There is no human settlement until you reach the village of Nabji. This is also the habitat for leopard, Himalayan bear, golden langur, sambar deer, and most notably, hornbills, pheasants, sunbirds, and many other species of birds. There are several plants of ethnobotanical interest that are used as vegetables and medicine by the local people. As you enter the village of Nabji, you are greeted by the villagers with tea and arak, the local brew. The village is located on an alluvial flood plain. Rice is the main agricultural crop, and the landscape should be beautiful if you arrive just before the harvest of paddy.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Camping
Day 6 Nabji & Trek to Korphu
There are many interesting places to visit while in Nabji. You can start with a visit to the local community school and/or the Park Ranger Office. You will learn about conservation programs within Nabji and Korphu and the park ranger may join you for a meal. Visit the Nabji Lakhang, an ancient temple. The name Nabji derives from the word “Ngaa” or oath that was taken by the two warring kings in the presence of Guru Rimpoche to stop fighting. The caretaker of the Lakhang will explain the legend.
After lunch, you’ll begin the trek to Korphu village, perched on a small plateau above Nabji. The name of the village derives from the word “Gorphu” which in Khengkha means “slanted rock”. There is a community in Lakhang that you will be permitted to enter. The village has a unique setting resembling a scene from a wild west movie. The view of Nabji from Korphu is spectacular, with scallops of paddy fields stacking along the river valley. There is excellent birding in this area. Camp overnight, with possible villagers welcoming you with dances.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Camping
Day 7 Trek to Kudra
Today you will enter the world of the Monpa people. It is believed that there are only 42 households consisting of just over 250 Monpas left in the region. The Monpa have a distinct culture, tradition, and language. This seven-hour walk from Nabji to Kudra is all within pristine forest, and you should be alert for bird and wildlife sightings. The tropical vegetation around you feels like a different world. As you enter the village of Kudra, you see several “Nges” of the great Guru Rimpoche, who supposedly spent one night in this place, and who is believed to have created the trail you walk in the eighth century. Local people may perform a cultural program for you this evening.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Camping
Day 8 Trek to Phumzor
Enjoy an easy walk of about four hours. There is little human evidence en route, and you can hear the calls of rufus-necked hornbills and barking deer calling their mates. The view of the Mangdichu River along the narrow gorge is breathtaking. Your campsite at a monastery offers a spectacular view.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Camping
Day 9 Trek to Shangbi
After visiting the Guru “Nge” at Phumzor, you start for Shangbi. The descent from Phumzor to Shangbi is quite steep as you walk down through lush green forests. Halfway down the path, you can see Guru Rimpoche’s phurba (ceremonial dagger) embedded into a rock, meant to subdue evil. As you approach Shangbi, climb up among Chir pine forests and through fields of lemongrass. Here, pass by is a community school, an orchid garden, and a camping site. This is the last Monpa village on this route.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Camping
Day 10 Trek Ends - Drive to Phobjikha Valley
Today is the easiest walk on the route as your trek sadly comes to an end. It takes about three hours to reach the road head passing through chir pine forests. You may be greeted by a troop of golden langurs and pairs of hornbills. Your drive to Trongsa will take just two hours, arriving in time for a hot lunch. After lunch, continue driving another five or so hours to the Phobjikha Valley (9,800′) a designated conservation area and one of the most important wildlife preserves in Bhutan. It is also home to the endangered Black-necked Cranes (Grus nigricollis). These exotic creatures are an important part of life for the local people of the Phobjikha Valley and you will find that the cranes are reflected in the local culture, traditions, and beliefs. Other wildlife you might see include barking deer, wild boars, Himalayan black bears, and even leopards if you are lucky. The Phobjikha Valley provides some wonderful short hiking and exploration opportunities. It is also the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Bhutanese style hotel
Day 11 Gangtey to Paro
This morning, you’ll have some time to explore the area as you like. Afterwards, visit the Gangtey Gompa, a monastery that dates back to the 17th century and overlooks the Phobjikha Valley. Its complex includes monks’ quarters, meditation centers, a school, and a small hotel. If you join the November departure, you’ll have an opportunity to witness the Black-necked Crane Festival, a colorful festival welcoming the black-necked cranes. You’ll see a variety of cultural programs including folk songs and masked dances performed by the local people as well as crane dances performed by school students, dressed as cranes.
This afternoon, make the drive back to Paro (about 7 hrs) for your overnight.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Bhutanese style hotel
Day 12 Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery
After an early breakfast, drive to Satsam Chorten where you’ll hike to the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery, elevation 10,240 ft. This will no doubt be one of the highlights of your stay in Bhutan. Legend says that “the Precious Teacher,” Guru Rimpoche, came from Tibet on the back of a flying tigress and landed at what is now Taktsang Monastery. Clinging to the cliffside, the monastery is a pilgrimage site that all Bhutanese try to visit at least once in their lifetimes. The actual monastery is closed to visitors, but you can approach it to a point from which you can appreciate this extraordinary building. After lunch at Taktsang Jakhang, visit one of the holiest “Lhakhang” of Bhutan, the Kyichyu. Built in the seventh century A.D., this temple dates back to the time of the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. If time permits, visit Ta-Dzong Museum and the Paro Rimpung Dzong, very unique and beautiful structures. The museum houses an exceptional collection of art and ceremonial objects including some of the most exquisite Thangka paintings you will ever see. Return to Paro for your overnight.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Bhutanese style hotel
Day 13 Depart Paro
After an early breakfast, transfer to the Paro Airport for your onward flight via Bangkok, New Delhi, or Kathmandu. Ask us about adding an extension to one of these connecting cities.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
None
Dates & Price
Dates
Custom & private on your dates. Contact an Adventure Specialist to create your dream trip! Schedule a call or tell us more about your dream trip!
Best Time of Year to Visit
Fully experience the Buddhist character, spectacular scenery, and ancient trails of Bhutan when you trek to villages near the remote Black Mountains.
At the beginning of the trip, prior to the trek, you’ll take a warm-up hike to the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro. Then, you’ll spend several days hiking through Monpa communities. The Monpa are hospitable and welcoming people, and although extremely isolated, are among the oldest of all Himalayan cultures. Only a few thousand of them remain on earth.
Along the way, you will encounter rich natural habitat and possibly see Rufous-necked and great hornbills, golden langurs, and numerous other species of birds and animals in Bhutan’s virgin subtropical forests. The trails are sometimes steep, but this is one of the easier treks in Bhutan. High altitude, cold temperatures, or unbridged stream crossings are not concerns. You will, however, travel and camp in a remote part of the country. Very few non-Bhutanese have visited this area, and you are unlikely to see other foreigners on your visit.
Rates Per Person
Need to Know
Rates Per Person -
Group Size 2-3
$6,425
Group Size 4+
$6025
Druk Airfares to/from Paro
+ $650 - $1,400
Single Supplement
+ $600
Rates Per Person -
The land cost published is for the stated group departure and is subject to change. This covers accommodations, transfers, activities, touring, guide services and meals as described in the full itinerary. The quoted Land Cost will apply when group size falls in the specified range and when travel is on the indicated dates.
Custom & private adventures are available as well, and the final cost of a custom trip will be based on the activities selected, trip duration, accommodations, etc. Developing an initial custom trip itinerary is a service we provide to all clients at no cost. If after development of the initial itinerary you request additional development but are not ready to make a deposit, a trip planning fee may apply.
Need to Know
Druk Air or Bhutan Air operates on a “daylight restricted” basis only and is totally dependent on weather. Therefore, flights can sometimes be delayed. It is highly recommended that passenger’s allow at least 24 hours transit time for connecting flights from Bangkok, Kathmandu, or Delhi. It is also recommended that you travel on non-restricted tickets so that if a connection is missed, it can be rerouted or endorsed onto another carrier. This itinerary may require amendment due to local air schedules, which are subject to change.
We are happy to have you participate in a Journeys International program!
Please read these terms and conditions thoroughly. They contain information that will be important to your planning and guide how we will handle any circumstances that may change in the midst of planning or while a program is underway. If after reading our materials and talking with our staff you decide to participate in a Journeys International program, please send us your deposit along with your completed Reservation Form and Explorer Information Forms. Important: Your booking is only complete once we receive your deposit, completed Reservation Form, and completed Explorer Information Form, and once we have confirmed that space is available.
Pricing and Payment
We will confirm your reservations once we receive a non-refundable booking deposit, a Reservation Form signed by each person responsible for payment, and an Explorer Information Form signed by each participating adult or the guardian for each participating child, and if space is available. Custom programs during holiday seasons may require a deposit prior to confirmation. The deposit contributes to non-recoverable costs of holding space and servicing your booking through the stages of preparation, execution, and follow-up and cannot be refunded if you choose to cancel.
We charge an additional planning fee of $250 per program for preparing customized proposals. This fee may be credited to your total cost upon booking, but it is non-refundable if you choose not to finalize your reservation.
Prices are stated in U.S. Dollars, based on double room occupancy, unless otherwise noted. We will send an invoice for your total estimated cost when we send your reservation confirmation. The balance as shown on your invoice is due 60 days prior to your program start date regardless of whether any arrangements are still pending. Although we do our best to avoid increasing prices after we receive your deposit, in some cases it may be necessary to adjust pricing after we receive payment to allow for changes in group size, rooming status, currency exchange rate fluctuations, fuel surcharges and/or other circumstances attendant to the challenges of adventure.
Late payments may jeopardize confirmation of your program participation and in some cases may result in additional fees. If we have not received final payment 30 days prior to departure, then your reservation may be canceled subject to our Cancellation & Refund Policy stated below.
Payment for airfare is required at the time of ticketing. Discounts that may be available are not available toward bookings made through third-party travel agencies, advisors, or planners.
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Late Signups
Early reservations are encouraged! Some programs and flights fill several months in advance. We can confirm your space once we receive your deposit and signed Reservation and Explorer Information Forms. We try, but cannot guarantee, to accept late signups. In the event that we are able to accept reservations fewer than 60 days before a program’s start date, additional fees may apply to cover administrative costs necessary to expedite your reservation confirmation and transmit your program materials. For reservations made fewer than 60 days in advance of your program’s start, full payment is due at the time of booking.
Program Changes
We understand that circumstances arise that lead you to inquire about changes to your custom program, and we aim to satisfy your requests. Once activities and accommodations have been confirmed, we charge a $50 change fee, in addition to the difference in costs for the services booked. When changes are requested less than one week before your program’s start, the change fee is $100. For changes requested after a program has begun, the change fee is $200.
Journeys International reserves the right to change or reprice any program due to acts of insurrection, strikes, weather, road conditions, acts of God or government, or any other force majeure or cause beyond the company’s control. Journeys International cannot guarantee conformity with the provided program plan at any point in time. Among other things, if necessary Journeys International may change the scheduled dates of a program; omit or alter sections of the plan; substitute lodgings, leaders, or conveyances; or change meals, activities, or waypoints; all without notice and without allowance for refunds and with participants bearing the responsibility for increased costs, if any. Should this become necessary, Journeys International will not be liable for extra costs that participants may incur as a result of changes, including but not limited to flight change fees, additional meal costs, or additional accommodations. We strongly recommend that participants purchase Travel Protection Plans, or travel insurance, adequate to cover such costs.
Cancellations & Refunds
If you must cancel before your program begins, please notify Journeys International in writing by emailing info@journeysinternational.com or writing to your adventure specialist directly. You may request a refund according to the following schedule. Some programs require additional non-refundable payments beyond this schedule, as noted in the program description. In the case of cancellation, such amounts are withheld in addition to the amounts listed here.
Days Prior to Departure | Cancellation Penalty |
---|---|
61 or more | Non-refundable booking deposit and planning fee, if applicable |
31-60 | Non-refundable booking deposit and planning fee, if applicable, plus 50% of total land costs above amount of initial deposit |
0-30 | 100% of total land costs |
Please note: cancellation of airfare, other transit, lodging, and ticketed tours and activities is subject to the policies of the individual carriers or providers and is not included in the schedule above. Additional cancellation fees are the responsibility of the traveler. We strongly recommend that all participants purchase Travel Protection Plans, or travel insurance, that includes coverage for trip cancellation or interruption and that may reimburse you for cancellation penalties and extra expenses should a circumstance force you to cancel or interrupt your participation.
Departure is defined as the date on which travelers will leave their home state, province or city, or the program start date as indicated on the program description, whichever comes first. Cancellation date will be considered the date that we receive written notification of your intent to cancel according to the local time observed in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
Payments due at the time of cancellation remain the responsibility of the participant. No partial refunds are possible for unused hotel rooms, air or land travel, program days, or other sight-seeing arrangements included in the land cost.
If Journeys International cancels or postpones a program before the program starts for reasons completely within its discretion, such as but not limited to insufficient group size, all money for services described in the program description will be refunded in the form of credit towards a future program with Journeys in the same location originally planned, less unrecoverable fees and penalties already paid to airlines, accommodations, or other service providers, or the client may submit a written request for a refund to the original form of payment. If a program’s cancellation is necessary due to acts of insurrection, strikes, weather, road conditions, acts of God or government, or any other force majeure or cause beyond the company’s control, credits and refunds will be issued according to the standard cancellation schedule, less unrecoverable fees and penalties already paid to airlines, accommodations, or other service providers, without regard to whether client or company initiates cancellation or postponement. Once a program begins, there are no refunds for unused goods or services.
Air Fares
We can help you to secure air travel arrangements for Journeys International programs. We work with an airfare consolidator to assist in booking the flights that suit your needs. Journeys International and/or the airfare consolidator may charge a ticketing fee for this service. For group programs, if you prefer to fly on dates other than those listed as program dates, or if you arrive at your destination other than at the group arrival time, then you may incur additional fees to cover the separate transfer, contingency, and coordination costs which frequently arise from arrival and departure on flights different from our regular bookings. We will let you know about these fees ahead of time, if they apply. If you must change your air routing after ticketing, there is a charge of $50 per change, in addition to change or cancellation charges levied by the airline.
If you decide to make your own flight arrangements, you must provide Journeys International with a complete copy of your itinerary showing departure and arrival flights and times. You should plan to arrange your own air travel if you are using mileage credit or originating outside North America, but please be in touch with our office before you finalize ticketing so that we may help you to coordinate the correct arrival and departure dates and times. If you arrange your own flights, we can book ground transfers to meet you on arrival in your destination if you wish, and you agree to pay additional costs, as applicable.
Transfers Between Programs
You may transfer between some programs upon written request. More than 60 days before your program start date, the deposit transfer fee is $100 per person plus any cancellation fees charged by airlines, hotels, or ground service providers. 60 days or fewer before the program start date, full cancellation penalties from the original program apply. In the event that Journeys International cancels a program, you may transfer the full amount of your payments to another program without penalty, subject to availability.
Expenses Covered
Normally, our stated total costs include the costs of all guides, leaders, facilities, permits obtained after arrival, lodging accommodations, costs of described activities, food as specified, and all surface transportation associated with the activities described in the itinerary. We do our best to avoid increasing prices after receipt of your deposit, but factors beyond our control might require us to change our prices without prior notice, even after you have signed up.
Expenses Not Covered
Costs not included in the price may include: meals not indicated as included in program descriptions; meals prior to arrival in starting cities; transfers, if not arriving or departing on the scheduled group flights; soft drinks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages; medical expenses, costs of hospitalization, or evacuation from remote areas; laundry; airport departure taxes not included on your airline ticket; accommodations en route to starting cities; visas; airfares; gratuities; and insurance.
If a program must be modified due to medical emergency, acts of insurrection, strikes, weather, road conditions, acts of God or government, or any other force majeure or cause beyond the company’s control, then the participant may incur additional costs that are not included in the program price. We strongly recommend that all participants purchase Travel Protection Plans, or travel insurance, to cover these risks.
Travel Insurance
Journeys International strongly recommends that you purchase a Travel Protection Plan, or travel insurance, sufficient to protect your investment in travel, personal assets and health during your program. Doing so will mitigate a significant amount of financial risk and decrease your need to worry about things beyond your control. We do not require you to purchase such travel insurance; however, we know many travelers who have benefited from purchasing travel insurance because the insurance carrier assumed risks that would otherwise have been the risk of the traveler. Travel Protection Plans often cover things like theft, baggage loss, trip interruption or cancellation, emergency evacuation, emergency medical treatment, flight delay or cancellation, airline or service provider bankruptcy, jury duty, personal or family sickness leading to cancellation, U.S. Department of State Travel Warnings about terrorism issued for the destination, and other risks as described in the insurance policy. In particular, consider the availability of higher-cost “Cancel for Any Reason” and/or “Interrupt for Any Reason” policies that may allow policy-holders to recoup a significant portion of trip costs under a much wider range of circumstances than standard policies may allow; we have seen travelers benefit from this selection when public health crises, personal turmoil, and civil unrest arose in their destinations. Please note that while we at Journeys will do our best to help you to have a pleasant and successful experience, Journeys International assumes no liability for many of the types of losses described above. If you choose not to purchase travel insurance and you suffer a loss, then you will be responsible for the associated costs.
For your convenience, we will provide a recommendation for an insurance carrier that offers competitive rates and has proven reliable, fair, and prompt in responding to claims, but we can offer no guarantee that our recommended carrier will meet your needs and you are welcome to contact any insurance carrier that you prefer. It is important to obtain insurance immediately upon signing up for your program in order for problems arising from pre-existing conditions to be covered.
All participants must be covered by a current major medical insurance policy that covers you while in your travel destination for the duration of your trip. For some individuals or for some destinations, it may be advisable to purchase a supplemental policy. Contact your provider for coverage details.
Group-Sized Pricing & Group Minimums
Many programs are guaranteed to depart at prices published on our website with as few as two participants. In some cases, it may become necessary to increase prices depending on the size of the group. We do everything we can to make a program operate as planned even with a single participant. Additional costs for small groups vary from program to program. When pricing for a group program is based on the number of participants, staff and guests of Journeys International (such as topic experts, journalists, photographers, leaders-in-training, or others) are not included in the numbers counted to determine the price. Final decision to cancel a program due to insufficient signups is made at least 60 days prior to departure.
Lodging Accommodations
Lodging accommodations are usually double occupancy in hotel rooms, tents, or other facilities as described in trip itineraries. Please contact our office to discuss pricing and availability of alternative accommodations, if desired. We try to honor specific requests for lodging, but in some cases, we may have to book and confirm equivalent-standard accommodations. In rare cases it may become necessary to make same-day or out-of-class substitutions.
If you are joining alone for a group program but would prefer a roommate, then let us know! We are often able to match solo participants. If a roommate is not available or if you prefer single accommodation, then you must pay the Single Supplement, if one applies. For some programs it is not possible to guarantee single accommodations.
Assumption of Risk
Throughout any program of Journeys International, certain risks and dangers may arise. These include, but are not limited to, travel by train, foot, automobile, aircraft, raft, boat or other means of conveyance; the hazards of traveling in rough or mountainous terrain; high altitude; undeveloped areas; the forces of nature; civil unrest; terrorism; labor interruption; close proximity to fellow program participants; exposure to illness or virus; and accident or illness in remote areas without means of rapid evacuations or availability of medical supplies and facilities. The unique nature of adventure programs entails inherent risks that may be involved in unique program activities and travel away from home and, in fact, the specific nature of these activities is often a reason for participation. Even if a trip or program is rated “easy” these dangers and risks are present. Journeys International and its agents and operators will have no liability regarding emotional distress, equipment, access to, or adequacy of medical care, evacuation plans, or emergency supplies that may be provided. When you sign the Explorer Information Form, you agree to participate in these activities with full knowledge of the dangers and risks involved and agree to assume all risks, including trauma, sickness, injury, and death.
While Journeys International intends that your experience be safe and comfortable, Journeys does not have legal or operational control or ownership of facilities, staff, services, or transportation providers and acts only as agent for the owners of such facilities, staff, services, and transportation. Journeys International is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act by any such person or entity, nor for any act or inaction of any third party not under its control.
In consideration of the right to participate in Journeys International programs and the service arranged for you by Journeys International and its agents and representatives, you unconditionally and fully assume all risks of bodily injury, death, emotional trauma, property damage, and/or theft, however caused, including those mentioned above, as a result of participation, and release Journeys International, its agents, and its representatives from any and all liability, actions, causes of actions, suits, debts, demands that you may have, including for bodily injury, death, or property damage, loss of income, and other claims.
Fitness to Join
Good physical and mental health are essential for the enjoyment of Journeys International’s programs. It is your responsibility to select/design a trip appropriate to your own abilities and interests. You are responsible for being in sufficiently good health to undertake your trip, and for consulting with your physician for medical advice regarding travel. On some Journeys International programs, participants travel in rugged areas remote from modern medical facilities. Good physical conditioning is recommended as preparation for all programs, especially those involving hiking or trekking. Most programs require some walking. By signing the Explorer Information Form, participants certify that they are fit for rigorous activity and do not have any physical, mental, or other condition that would create a hazard for him/herself or other participants. It is essential that any participant with a medical condition requiring regular treatment or which may be affected by vigorous activity, prolonged travel, high altitude, heat, cold, natural phenomena, or particular foods, notify Journeys International in writing prior to booking. We assume no responsibility for medical care, and we cannot guarantee meeting special dietary requirements or vegetarian needs. Participants may be required to furnish a physician’s statement of good health for some programs.
Journeys International’s or the individual group leader’s or guide’s judgment shall provide the ultimate determination of an individual’s fitness to embark upon, or to continue, a program. Journeys International reserves the right to refuse reservations or deny participation to anyone whom it deems unsuitable for a program or certain activities. Once a reservation has been confirmed, medical circumstances will not be considered as exceptions to our cancellation policy. All participants must be covered by a current major medical insurance policy for the duration of their participation. Proof of such coverage may be required.
Personal Conduct
You are responsible for acting in a manner considerate and respectful of fellow group members and local culture in areas visited.
You are responsible for reading all health-related information provided in advance of the program, adhering to all guidance given by guides and site staff, and conforming to the established standards of personal hygiene to minimize risk of disease. This may include a requirement to wear a face mask when in proximity to other people, whether indoors or outdoors, or other measures intended to limit the spread of disease; failure to do so when requested may result in your dismissal from the program.
Certain activities included in your program may require specific safety precautions. You are responsible for listening to instructions, adhering to guidance, and following the protocols provided for safety throughout the program. If you are unsure about safety precautions, you are responsible for seeking advice. If guides or staff perceive your behavior as risky, uncooperative, or otherwise unsafe, they may remove you from an activity for the safety of yourself and others.
Smoking or vaping are not permitted in buses, cars, below decks on boats, in tented camps, in designated non-smoking areas, or during guided tours and activities. Participants agree not to consume cannabis for the duration of the program and understand that possession or use of cannabis may be illegal and subject to severe punishment in some destinations. Participants agree to follow all local laws in the jurisdiction(s) where the program takes place and acknowledge that Journeys International cannot be responsible for ensuring participants’ compliance nor for any costs or consequences of non-compliance.
Sexual harassment or misconduct of any sort by Journeys program participants is not tolerated. You may not make jokes or sexually suggestive comments or gestures regarding the bodies or bodily activities of fellow participants, program staff, site staff, or any people you encounter during your program. You may not touch fellow participants, program staff, site staff, or any people you encounter during your program unless invited. You may not solicit sexual services during the dates of your participation in a Journeys program.
Environmental Stewardship
Journeys International believes that we have a responsibility to protect the earth for future generations. Tourism may be responsible for up to eight percent of annual worldwide emissions of greenhouse gasses. Journeys International advocates that adventure travelers who make environmentally conscious choices when selecting their destinations and activities should also make the environmentally conscious choice to offset the carbon footprint of their travel to compensate for their personal contributions to global climate change. Every Journeys International invoice includes an optional donation to the Earth Preservation Fund’s carbon offset program to be used to purchase and permanently retire certified carbon credits to offset the carbon footprints of Journeys’ program participants. The Earth Preservation Fund purchases carbon credits that have been certified under a reliable third-party standard. Participants who choose to make this donation may also be eligible to claim a tax deduction. There is no penalty for opting out of this donation.
Recording
Journeys International may take photographic, audiographic, and videographic recordings during your program, and may use your image and voice for promotional and commercial use without compensation.
Planning & Preparation Services
We look forward to working with you! After we receive your deposit, we will send you a planning packet containing things like medical and immunization information, visa and other permit forms, a recommendation for travel insurance, packing checklist, reading list, cross-cultural information, and an initial invoice for the balance due. About 3 weeks before your program begins, we will send you a final notes packet including last-minute reminders and contact information for your program. You are responsible for reading all information provided, and for bringing all clothing and equipment noted on the packing list. If you are leaving home before the scheduled trip departure date, please let us know how we can best reach you in case any details change in the days immediately prior to your program’s start.
Please call our office at any time if you have questions about your trip or for additional information.
Duration 13 Days
The number of days, or duration, in a destination corresponds with the itinerary as published. This is the time period covered by the land cost.
Group Size 2 - 12
The stated range indicates minimum required for guaranteed departure and maximum accepted on the scheduled dates. Exceptions can often be made for private departures.
Comfort Level
Simple
Modest hotels, tents
Activity Level
Challenging
This is a trek with some steep trails but no high altitude trekking
Extensions
Activity Level
Match the trip’s intensity to your ability and motivation.
Gentle
Easy walking, with opportunities for low-key physical activity.
Active
Energetic exploration with optional day hikes, leisurely cycling, or light canoeing.
Vigorous
Day-long active excursions and options for demanding activity in varied environments.
Challenging
Strenuous hiking or other intense activity that may be at high altitude or over rough terrain.
Demanding
Multi-day trekking and other activities requiring endurance or strength. Steep trails. No technical expertise necessary.
Comfort Level
Choose accommodations and amenities that fit your personal style
Simple
Our most natural accommodations. Bath facilities often shared, sometimes rustic.
Delightful
Comfortable and especially personal. Small to mid-sized lodges, typically with private bath.
Superior
Lodges and hotels with additional amenities, refined artistry, or extra-special settings.
Deluxe
Exclusive or luxury lodges, hotels, or safari camps with fine dining options.
Uncommon
The most indulgent accommodations arranged specially for private trips.
Single Supplement
The single supplement is applicable if a roommate is not available or if single accommodation is specifically requested. While single accommodation is not available on all trips, we will try and honor this request whenever possible.