Hike & Paddle through the Laos Rainforest and Raft through Buddhist Culture in Bhutan
Sixteen days may be two over your allotted yearly vacation time – but take those two unpaid – because when you join the expert leadership of John Yost, co-founder of Mountain Travel Sobek, to experience the remote rainforests of Laos and the ancient traditions of Bhutan, you won’t regret it. Yost has put together a trip traversing both South Asian countries that combines high quality adventure alongside true cultural immersion. Depending on the season, you will learn to cultivate rice, how to fish Laos style, and about the intricacies of silkworm weaving and production.
Paddling to the Locals in Laos
Laos is landlocked in a raucous neighborhood; surrounded as it is by Vietnam, Burma, China, Thailand, and Cambodia. Two-thirds of the population live in rural areas and rely on farming, and it’s with these families that you will sometimes stay after a long day of paddling. Check out the Lanten village of Ban Nam Khoy for an idea of what to expect.
Soaking in the Culture of Bhutan
After spending six days exploring Laos and a short respite in Bangkok, you arrive in Bhutan. A country that measures success by Gross National Happiness, a term coined by their former King Jigme Singye Wangchuck to preserve Buddhist spiritual values as they began develop and modernize aspects of their nation. In Bhutan, the 
expedition will take you up steep climbs to reach monasteries and fortresses built in the 15th century but with practices dating back further. Some such monasteries include Cheri Monastery, or Goemba and Tango Goemba. After a few days of hiking, enjoy whitewater rafting in class III/IV rapids in the Mo Chhu valley.
Trip dates are set for Nov 20-Dec 5. Be sure to call 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235) and reserve your spot. You can also book a reservation online at their website (www.mtsobek.com). If you prefer to use a travel agent, he or she can book your trip at no extra cost and provide other helpful assistance.
Be sure to check out other stories Off the Radar has featured about Laos: Tubing the Nam Song River, flat tires, and a trip from Vietnam to Laos
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