Trek Bhutan: The Land That Time Forgot
Paul Davis/Jim Lindsley
Oct. 13-31, 2007
APPLICATION TO LEAD AN AMC MAJOR EXCURSION
(Use the F1 key to summon help for most fields)
(Forms and General Information: http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/ )
1. SUMMARY INFORMATION
A) Trip Title:
Trek Bhutan: The Land That Time Forgot
B)
C)
D)
E)
Paul Davis
Jim Lindsley
Oct. 13-31, 2007
Trek with cultural
Leader:
Co-Leader(s):
Dates:
Type of Trip:
Total # of days:
19
F) Participants: (not counting leaders) Minimum: 6
Maximum: 12
Advertised Cost: $5,620. Note that there will be an additional $200 surcharge if fewer than
11 participants (noted in prospectus).
2. TRIP DETAILS
A) Executive Summary: Brief outline of trip and trip activities.
Sat, Oct 13
Flight from JFK to Bangkok, Thailand
Mon, Oct 15
Arrival in Bangkok, with day free time
Tue, Oct 16
Flight from Bangkok to Bhutan
Tue, Oct 16-Sat, Oct 20 Cultural immersion and siteseeing
Sun, Oct 21-Sun, Oct 28 8-day trek to remote northwestern Bhutan
Mon, Oct 29
Siteseeing
Tue, Oct 30
Flight from Bhutan to Bangkok
Wed, Oct 31
Flight from Bangkok to JFK. Possible delayed returns
B) Accommodations: Please describe your plans for accommodation(s).
Bangkok: 3-star hotel, 2 person rooms with private bath
Bhutan, off-trail: simple hotel, 2 person rooms with private bath
Bhutan, trek: camping, 2 person per tent
C) Meals: Please describe your plans for meals.
Bangkok: Restaurants
Bhutan, off-trail: Restaurants by guide company
Bhutan, trek: Camp meals provided by guide company
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Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16
Trek Bhutan: The Land That Time Forgot
Paul Davis/Jim Lindsley
Oct. 13-31, 2007
D) Permits: Does the trip require special permits (required on all U.S. federal lands
Yes
Bhutanese regulations require that all trips to Bhutan be arranged through a Bhutanese
operator and pre-paid prior to arrival. Costs for the trip are fixed by the Bhutanese government
and are all-inclusive, including food, accommodation, outfitting expenses, and fees
E) Equipment: Does the trip require special/technical equipment?
Yes
Since the trip involves trekking, various equipment and support is required, including tents,
cooking equipment, porters, animals, etc. The Bhutanese operator provides all this equipment.
The leaders plan to bring group (non-prescription) medication and a satellite phone (in case of
difficulties in remote areas). All trip participants should be equipped for bad conditions,
including instep crampons.
F) Pre-trip activities: Do you plan to get your group together before the major excursion for
an activity or social event?
Yes
Optional day hikes to be scheduled during summer and early autumn in 2007.
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Trek Bhutan: The Land That Time Forgot
Paul Davis/Jim Lindsley
Oct. 13-31, 2007
G) Conservation/Education/Recreation:: Given that the AMC Mission Statement is as follows
Founded in 1876, the Appalachian Mountain Club is America's oldest conservation and recreation
organization. We promote the protection, enjoyment, and wise use of the mountains, rivers, and trails
of the Appalachian region. We believe that the mountains and rivers have an intrinsic worth and also
provide recreational opportunity, spiritual renewal, and ecological and economic health for the
region. We encourage people to enjoy and appreciate the natural world because we believe that
successful conservation depends on this experience. We fulfill our mission through the three
interconnecting pillars of the AMC: conservation, education, and recreation
How will this major excursion meet this mission of conservation, education, and recreation?
For examples, please see <http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/mission/>
The primary focus of the trip is a classic 8-day trek into north-western Bhutan to experience
high-altitude Himalayan foothills (up to 16,500 feet). In the days before and after the trek, the
group will explore the capital region of Bhutan, experiencing the culture and history of the
country. Plans include visits to monasteries, a traditional dance and music presentation. A
discussion is scheduled with local environmental and governmental officials to better understand
the strong environmental orientation of Bhutan.
H) Outfitters: Will this trip require an outfitter?
Yes
Name: Lingkor Tours and Treks (www.lingkor.com)
Safety record: SierBased on conversations with Lingkor as well as leaders from the Sierra
Club, Lingkor have had no serious incidents. The Sierra Club uses Lingkor as their sole
operator for trips to Bhutan due to their competence and reliability.
Liability insurance: No. We contacted 5 local operators (Lingkor plus 4 others) and none of
them provide liability insurance. We could get liability insurance through a US agency.
However, that would add $1,000+ to the base cost (onto which the AMC and leader fees
would be added). We believe that the additional cost would remove any interest in the trip.
Emergency response: The leaders are wilderness first-aid qualified with Paul being a first
responder. In addition, the trip has been constructed to minimize risks, such as providing
layover days for altitude acclimatization. Even so, emergencies could arise, such as one or
more participants have altitude sickness or the group becoming stranded due to heavy
snowfall. If an emergency does arise, the leaders and Lingkor guides will discuss the
situation. If evacuation is required, Lingkor can contact Bhutan’s Tourism Department, who
can request that the Indian Air Force send a rescue helicopter. This may take a couple of days
to arrange, often depending on the weather conditions. Lingkor brings additional food to
permit the group to be stranded for many days. For medical difficulties, the usual approach is
to send the afflicted person to a lower altitude, either on a stretcher or on horse-back. Lingkor
provides such resources for use in emergencies.
If medical emergencies arise, a decision will be made whether to evacuate or treat on-site. All
participants will be required to carry personal medication. In addition, the leaders will carry
additional group medication. If evacuation is necessary, this may be done either on foot
(possibly with the assistance of the outfitter, pack animals, and/or litters) or by helicopter.
The leaders will bring a satellite phone in order to facilitate contacting outside support.
Note: Bhutanese governmental regulations require that all trips to Bhutan be arranged
(directly or indirectly) with a local operator.
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Trek Bhutan: The Land That Time Forgot
Paul Davis/Jim Lindsley
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Oct. 13-31, 2007
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Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
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Trek Bhutan: The Land That Time Forgot
Paul Davis/Jim Lindsley
Oct. 13-31, 2007
3. LEADER INFORMATION
A) Contact Information:
Leader:
Paul Davis
117 David Rd
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
(home) 610-667-1144
(work) 610-420-6224
(e-mail) pauld@worldlynx.net
Co-Leader:
Jim Lindsley
8 Alma Avenue
Belmont, MA 02478
(home) 617-489-5689
(work) 617-489-5689
(e-mail) LINDSLEYJR@aol.com
B) First Aid Training
To lead a Major Excursion, you must have current CPR and Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or
its equivalent at the time of your trip.
Leader:
CPR: December 2007
WFA: See other
Other: WFR expires December 2006.
Co-Leader:
CPR: August 2006
WFA: See other
Other: AWFA expires June 2007
If CPR and/or WFA certifications will expire before your trip starts, describe your plans
for re-certification:
Leader will renew WFR in Summer or Autumn 2006.
Co-Leader will renew CPR and AWFA to extend certifications beyond 2007.
C) Leader Experience and Training
New Leaders: If you are a new leader or co-leader, you must have submitted the form
“Application to Become a Major Excursions Leader”.
Experienced Major Excursions Leaders: Please list below the last three trips you have led for
the AMC including destination, type of trip (backpacking, skiing, etc.), dates, and number of
participants. Feel free to list additional trips you have led, particularly if they demonstrate
experience related to the trip you are proposing.
1. August 2006:
2. January 2006:
3. July 2005:
Others:
2005:
August 2004:
Revised 06/29/05
Backpack in Wind River Region, Wyoming: Paul, Leader
Backpack in Patagonia, Chile:
Paul, Leader; Jim Co-Leader
Day hiking in Yosemite NP, California:
Paul, Co-Leader
Backpack in Greenland:
Day hiking in Lake District, England:
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Jim, Co-Leader
Paul, Leader
Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16
Trek Bhutan: The Land That Time Forgot
Paul Davis/Jim Lindsley
Oct. 13-31, 2007
D) Scouting:
Have you or your co-leader led this trip before or traveled in the area?
Yes
Jim was part of an AMC Major Excursion trip that spent several days in the capital region of
Bhutan. Further, Paul has had extensive discussions with several Sierra Club leaders who
have led similar trips.
E) Special Experience:
Are any special skills or experience on the part of the participants required?
<If "Yes" please describe>
No
F) Couples:
Do the Leader and Co-leader have a significant personal relationship?
<If "Yes" please detail plans if one party cannot go>
No
4. RISK ASSESSMENT
Please assess the risks/hazards of your trip. Carefully consider each area of risk and how it
may affect your trip with specific potential hazards. Then, devise a plan to attempt to prevent
each hazard and to respond to it if it becomes necessary.
A) Climate/Terrain
Potential Hazards:
Response:
Altitude
Lingkor is a Bhutanese outfitter who specializes in high altitude treks.
They have been running such trips since 1990 and have been used extensively by the Sierra Club
(now their sole outfitter). They have extensive training in emergency measures and high altitude
trekking. If necessary, evacuation is possible by foot or helicopter. The itinerary conforms to the
latest recommendations for maximum daily altitude gain. All participants will be strongly
encouraged to receive appropriate medical vaccinations and advice (and bring the recommended
medications).
Weather
The weather is expected to be highly variable, with winter conditions
possible. Participants will be required to bring equipment that is appropriate for winter hiking.
This includes the possibilities of snow and ice. Hiking may be over glaciers. Mitigating factors
include skilled local guides, portage of most gear (participants will only need to carry personal
daily equipment), and so on.
Rugged terrain
The Himalayan terrain is rugged. Altitude can make hiking more strenuous
(due to lower oxygen levels). However, the trails followed are commonly used, so should be easy
to follow.
B) Foreign Countries
Potential Hazards:
Response:
Food and water Untreated water in Bhutan is the source of many diseases. As such,
uncooked food is also highly suspect. Participants are provided information on appropriate
hygienic practices to avoid illnesses from water and food bourn pathogens (see the prospectus).
In addition, the kitchen staff is trained in western standards of hygiene. Treated water (usually
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Trek Bhutan: The Land That Time Forgot
Paul Davis/Jim Lindsley
Oct. 13-31, 2007
boiled at adequate rates for the altitude) will be provided. Participants are strongly encouraged to
bring water treatment such as iodine, filter, or the like.
Personal safety Bhutan is a very safe country (per US State Department information).
Crime is usually limited to petty theft. Appropriate advice will be provided to the participants.
Political unrest Bhutan has no history of political unrest.
Language
Bhutan has many native languages (see prospectus). However, English has
been the language of education for many years (by governmental decree). As such, most of the
local people of fluent in English. Where difficulties arise, the local guides are available to
provide translation services.
C) Transportation
Potential Hazards:
Response:
Driving
Lingkor provides their own experienced drivers and uses safe vehicles.
However, like travel in most developing countries, car travel has inherent risks. This is mitigated
by the fact that travel by car is minimized (most of the trip is on foot).
D) Participants
Potential Hazards: Skill level, health, group dynamics, and the like
Response:
The trip should be considered as a moderately strenuous trip that does not
require the participants have any specific skills other than good physical fitness. Children will be
discouraged (primarily because children have more susceptiblity to altitude sickness). Participants
will be encouraged to achieve a good level of fitness during the months preceding the trip. The
leaders may decline applicants who are not in good condition. A pre-excursion meeting will also
permit group dynamics to be evaluated.
E) Other
Potential Hazards:
Response:
Flight Delays
Flights to and from Bhutan must use Druk Air (Bhutan’s national airline),
which only has 2 airplanes. These planes fly only when visibility is good. As such, it is possible
that flights can be delayed for multiple days (flights only occur 3-4 times weekly). During
October, delays are very uncommon, so most flights occur as planned, with a single delay at most.
Note that if evacuation flights are difficult, it may be possible to evacuate to India overland.
5. EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN
Please describe your plans for dealing with emergencies. Please use as much detail as
possible and attach additional sheets if necessary.
A) Emergency Communication
The leaders will carry a satellite phone to permit contact with rescue services from remote
locations. However, the guides are familiar with utilizing the support staff for selfevacuations. The leaders plan to carry copies of each participant’s important documents
(passport, visas, emergency contact information, insurance information and so on).
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Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16
Trek Bhutan: The Land That Time Forgot
Paul Davis/Jim Lindsley
Oct. 13-31, 2007
B) Evacuation
If possible, medical situations will be handled on-site. If a participant needs to be evacuated,
this may or may not necessitate the entire group evacuate. If a participant is evacuated
individually, one of the leaders will accompany the evacuation party (provided by the
outfitter). If delays result from an emergency, the itinerary will be modified accordingly. The
leaders’ decisions will be final.
C) Medical Care
Medical care in Bhutan is well below western standards. If necessary, evacuation will be
conducted to Thailand (and possibly onwards to the US), which has world-class medical facilities.
Since the trip flies to Bhutan from Thailand, flight arrangements should be eased. Thimphu (the
capital) has some medical facilities. Elsewhere, the medical facilities will be poor at best, if they
even exist. At times (such as during the 9-day trek), it may take multiple days to evacuate a
participant to medical facilities (thus the consideration of satellite phone, see emergency
communication above).
Before you leave for you trip, you will need to provide a list of participants and their
emergency contacts in case something happens to someone in the field as well as an itinerary
with phone numbers (where available) in case something happens at home.
6. COST INFORMATION
A) What deposits are will be required from airlines, hotels, outfitters, etc. (and when):
Air carrier between US and Thailand will typically only need money 3 months in advance.
Reservation will be made on October 13, 2006 to get best rate.
Druk Air between Thailand and Bangkok fills quickly and will need reservation and payment
in April 2007.
Lingkor requires Payment by June 2007.
B) What is the latest date for you to cancel and get a full refund? :
June 13, 2007
C) What is the value of the deposit you will require of the participants?
$ 1500
D) What will be your cancellation policy for the participants?
$50 cancellation fee and any incurred costs.
E) Will trip run if minimum participant count not met?
<If "Yes" describe conditions>
No
7. PRIVATE TRIPS
Are you currently (up to and including the time frame of this proposed trip) leading trips that
are “private,” i.e. not sponsored by the AMC?
No
8. AMC OUTDOORS INFORMATION
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Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16
Trek Bhutan: The Land That Time Forgot
Paul Davis/Jim Lindsley
Oct. 13-31, 2007
Please see <http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/info/Trip_Notice_Rules.html> for the current rules
and schedule for submitting notices for AMC Outdoors. E-mail both the long (150 words
maximum) and short form (50 word maximum) trip announcements to goeke@space.mit.edu ,
preferably in plain text format, at the same time you submit the trip application. Although the trip
notices travel a different route to the Committee, it helps to have the notices on the web site when
the trip is reviewed.
It your trip notice is somewhat preliminary at this time, that’s OK. You have plenty of
opportunity to change it before the publication deadline. If you don’t want to have the first (long)
notice appear at the normal time – see the above referenced rules – include your special request
in the body of the e-mail containing the trip notices.
After you trip is approved, please check your trip announcements as posted on the Major
Excursions web site: http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/ ; we cut-and-paste directly from this site
to AMC Outdoors !
Long Form: According to The World Wildlife Fund: “Nowhere has more potential for
conservation success than Bhutan.” As the last of the independent Buddhist kingdoms that
once covered the Himalayas, Bhutan has an ethereal storybook landscape: icy mountains,
emerald valleys, mystical forests, and striking architecture of ancient wooden chalets and
sprawling temples. Ancient monasteries, yak-herding villages, blooming rhododendrons and
an amazing vitality all beckon you to this sacred Buddhist nation. Follow one of the world’s
most spectacular treks: an 8-day high-altitude exploration of ancient trade routes in remote
northwestern Bhutan aided by local guides and porters. Spend time immersing into the local
culture exploring Thimphu, “the highest world capital without traffic lights.” Join us for this
immersion into the customs and traditions of a land nearly untouched by modernization.
Moderately strenuous requiring previous hiking experience and excellent physical
conditioning. Approx. cost: $5,620 all incl
Short Form: Visit the ethereal storybook country of Bhutan, which according to The World
Wildlife Fund: “Nowhere has more potential for conservation success than Bhutan”.
Cultural/environmental exploration of a land nearly untouched by modernization, including 8day high-elevation aided trek. Moderately strenuous requiring hiking experience, excellent
physical conditioning. Approx. cost: $5,620 all incl
Information Tag: For info., send e-mail or large SASE (104c stamp) to Paul Davis
(pauld@worldlynx.net (preferred), 117 David Rd., Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004, 610-667-1144).
(CL Jim Lindsley)
Publication Information:
First Issue: July/August 2006
Last Issue: June 2007
A 10-month publication period and early initial announcement requested because:
(i)
The cost is significant
(ii)
The trip length is significant (longer than many people’s yearly vacation)
(iii) Due to limited seating on the flights to/from Bhutan (only 2 planes), flights need to be
booked in April 2007 and the trip needs to be cancelled by June 2007.
(iv)
While the trip does not require specific skills (just general fitness), the remoteness,
primitive nature, and length of the excursion will cause the trip to appeal to a limited audience
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Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16
Trek Bhutan: The Land That Time Forgot
Paul Davis/Jim Lindsley
Oct. 13-31, 2007
9. TRIP PROPOSAL AND APPROVAL PROCESS
Trips cannot come before the Major Excursions Committee for approval unless the application is
completed and received two weeks prior to MEC meetings for review. The ME Leader’s web site
has the Handbook and all required forms: http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/handbook/ . As a
minimum we need:
 This application form
 A detailed trip budget/costing form
In addition the following are helpful during the review process, but need only be submitted after
your proposal is accepted:
 50 and 150 word notices for AMC Outdoors
 Trip prospectus – without application forms
Finally, we need to have on file at Joy Street (again, after proposal acceptance)
 A filled out Confidential Medical Form for leader and co-leader
 Copies of first aid certifications for leader and co-leader
We will accept snail mail applications, but electronic forms are preferred. Please save and
forward your electronic documents with the following naming convention:
Leader’s Last Name, Trip destination, Trip Activity (if applicable), Trip Start date.
For example: Zukroff-New-Zealand-Hiking-12-03-Application.doc
Email should be sent to both of the following two addresses:
Stacia Zukroff, Major Excursions Committee Chair at mecchair@amcboston.org
Heidi Reilly, AMC Travel Programs Coordinator at hreilly@outdoors.org
Or, if you unable to send electronically, please mail a single hard copy to:
Heidi Reilly, Appalachian Mountain Club
Five Joy Street, Boston, MA 02108
617-523-0655, x356 (voice) 617-367-8878 (FAX)
10. CONCLUSION
By turning in this proposal, you are agreeing to the following:
I have read the Major Excursions Leader Handbook and I agree to follow all policies and
procedures of the Major Excursions Committee and the Appalachian Mountain Club in
preparing for and conducting my major excursion.
Questions? Contact Stacia Zukroff at mecchair@amcboston.org or 781-648-5503. She can put
you in touch with an experienced MEC mentor who can help you with trip planning.
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