THE HIMALAYAN KINGDOM
OF BHUTAN

Including the Fire Blessing Festival

High in the clouds of the majestic Himalaya Mountains lies the enchanting kingdom of Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon. This tiny landlocked state is a living museum with exquisite architecture and still intact Buddhist culture arousing visions of Shangri-la. As part of the silk route of central Asia, traders from exotic and far-flung lands have long spoken of the beauties of these lands. This 17-day journey explores Bhutanese culture in pristine regions where the historical unfolding of the Buddhist tradition has been unfazed by the political upheavals that have ravaged nearby countries. 

Here, amid cascading waterfalls and dense forests thrive a diverse flora and fauna with many species unique to the country. The grandeur and pristine beauty of nature finds its counter part in the life style of the Bhutanese. The pace of life is unhurried, and strongly influenced by Mahayana Buddhism, of which Bhutan is the last bastion. Religious festivals are very important in Bhutanese life and are raucous, joyous affairs. The dzongs, or fortresses, come to life with vivid color, a cacophony of music, and cheerful dancing as valley dwelling farmers and townsfolk, dressed in their finest kira (for women) and goa (for men), join together to exorcise evil spirits and rejoice in seasonal changes. Highlights of the trip include two festivals that emphasize the Buddhist culture of Bhutan.

Join Yale University Professor Emeritus, Dr. Michael Coe, and only 17 others to journey through this remarkable country. You will return home with lasting memories of stunning scenery, riotous pageantry, and beautiful, exotic architecture.

ITINERARY:
(B) breakfast, (L) lunch, (D) dinner

Day 1: Sept 28: Depart from Los Angeles on our flight to Bangkok.

Day 2: Sept 29: Arrive Bangkok. Overnight for two nights in the Majestic Grande Sukhumvit Hotel. 

Day 3: Sept 30: Today is free to rest after the long flight (optional tours of Bangkok available). Gather this evening for our festive welcome dinner at one of the city's finest restaurants, The Blue Elephant, housed in a century old building. (B/D)

Day 4: Oct 1: Transfer to the airport for our flight into Bhutan - an experience on its own. It is mesmerizing to fly across some of the highest peaks in the world, including an amazing aeronautical feat that offers an exciting decent into Paro International Airport. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. After lunch, enjoy an introduction to this unique country with a visit to the National Museum, housed in a 17th century circular watchtower. Each of its six floors hold rich collections of art, relics, religious paintings, and Bhutan’s famous postage stamps. Then a short drive takes us to Rinpung Dzong (dzongs are monastic fortresses mostly built in the 17th century). This living citadel houses the members of the civil administration of the province as well as the monastic community. It was built in 1648, by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the spiritual and temporal ruler that unified the country. We will explore temples, witness monks studying, and enjoy the beautiful wall frescoes in and around the complex. Overnight in the Gangtey Palace Hotel in Paro. (B/L/D)

Day 5: Oct 2: Begin our drive towards Thimphu. Along the way, stop at Chunzom, the confluence of Paro and Thimphu rivers, to view three types of chorten (stupas or religious monuments) prevalent in Bhutan. Then it's on to the modern capital city, established in 1964. With a population of about 45,000, it is unlike any other capital city -displaying a harmony of tradition and modernity. There are no traffic lights and policemen direct traffic at intersections. Yet it is the biggest city in the country and seat of the government as well as the main hub of commerce in the country. Continue to the Memorial Chorten, the stupa built in 1974 in memory of the third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, lovingly known as the Father of Modern Bhutan. It is a rare stupa that has an inner sanctum of temples, containing intricate paintings and sculptures representing the tantric form of reverence, most complex of Mahayana practice. A popular monument, there are always throngs of people circumambulating and saying prayers or turning one of many giant prayer wheels. Overnight for two nights at the Hotel Riverview in Thimphu. (B/L/D)

Day 6: Oct 3: This morning visit Trashichho Dzong, a beautiful medieval fortress that houses most of the government ministries, the King’s throne room, and the central monastic body, to witness the annual tsechu (festival). Tsechus are secular and religious dance-dramas performed by monks and lay people. They consist of mask dances, short plays and vibrant rituals in the main courtyard of the fortress. Ranked as one of Asia’s greatest travel experiences, the brightly colored costumes and masks, spirited pageantry and the jubilant crowd will make the festival one of the highlights of the trip. In the afternoon drive north of Thimphu to see Takins - unique to the region and the national animal of Bhutan. Then, stop at Sangaygang viewpoint for a spectacular view of the valley. This is also a favored place to display the multi-colored prayer flags of the local inhabitants. This evening we will be joined at dinner by Bhutanese professionals. This will give us a unique opportunity for conversations in order to gain a better understanding of Bhutan. (B/L/D)

Day 7: Oct 4: This morning we begin our journey farther east. The road starts to climb to Dochula Pass (3,050 mts.) where we will take time for tea and to enjoy the view. On a clear day we may be able to see Bhutan’s Himalayan peaks. As we continue our drive, we may see blooming giant magnolias, fields of rhododendrons, mountain lilies, primolas and many other flowers. It is also a paradise for bird watchers. After lunch, visit the spectacular Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 on a strategic junction at the confluence of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. This temple has played a hallowed role in the history of Bhutan. It served as the seat of Shabdrung’s government, several foreign delegations were received here in the 18th and 19th centuries, the election and coronation of the first King was observed here in 1907 and the Third King convened the first National Assembly in this Dzong. The central monastic body continues to reside here in winter. The embalmed bodies of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Terton Pema Lingpa are kept on the top floor of the main tower. We will visit the main assembly hall of the monks – the Hall of One Hundred Pillars, richly adorned with giant statues, frescoes, carvings and metal work. Later on we have the opportunity for an easy walk to Chime Lhakhang, perched on top of a hill surrounded by fertile alluvial fields of rice. The famous saint Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the Divine Madman, built it in the 15th century. Overnight at the YT Hotel. (B/L/D)

Day 8: Oct 5: Our drive today will take us to the dzong of Wangdue Phodrang towering over the town below. Then it's on through the Black Mountain forests where we may see grey langurs (monkeys) passing through the trees or resting by the roadside. Later, cross Pelela Pass (3,300 meters), and stop to have a picnic lunch at Chendebji, a large chorten (a stone Buddhist monument often containing relics) sits quietly by the side of the road, a few miles from the small village of Chendebji and far from any large town. Built by a Tibetan lama in the 19th century to cover the remains of an evil spirit who was killed on the spot, the chorten, in Nepalese style, is modelled after the Swayambhunath in Kathmandu. Bumthang is the sacred heart of the country. Made up of four valleys, the area is filled with numerous ancient temples and is the revered birthplace of many saints. It was here that the legendary saint Pema Lingpa was born, to whom the Bhutanese Royalties trace their lineage. Bumthang is also distinguished in history as the first place in Bhutan where Guru Rimpoche brought Buddhism. During our drive we will stop in Chumey Valley at a local weaving center. Textiles in Bhutan are unique in style to each region, and Bumthang is famous for woolen textiles called Yathra and Mathra. Overnight at for three nights in the Mountain Lodge in Bumthang, the ancestral home of Bhutanese Kings. (B/L/D)

Day 9: Oct 6: Today we visit two outstanding sites. Begin the morning at Jambey Lhakhang, a 7th century temple built by the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. It was here that Guru Rimpoche conducted his first sermon on Tantric Buddhism for the local ruler, King Sendha, and his family and subjects. The alcove above the entrance to the inner temple where Guru Rimpoche sat during the sermon can still be seen to this day. From here, visit the Kurjey Lhakhang built around the cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated and left the imprint of his body within the rock cave enshrined in the temple. Then we will cross the river to see the 16th century Tamshing Lhakhang. This is the seat of the saint, Pema Lingpa, who sculpted the main statues and painted the frescoes inside the temple. On the way back to Bumthang, stop by Konchosum Lhakhang an old temple reputed to have been founded in the 6th or 7th century. (B/L/D)

Day 10: Oct 7: Today is the exciting Thangbi Mani Festival, and the monastery courtyard becomes a stage for enactment of ancient Buddhist tales. Dancers clad in colorful costumes and masks act out themes – morality plays, purification rites, and the triumph of a virtuous life. Also, witness the fire blessing, where the gathered multitude run through towers of fire in an act of receiving blessing as well as purification by fire. We may have to walk for twenty minutes to reach Thangbi temple. (B/L/D)

Day 11: Oct 8: Today will be a long drive as we retrace our drive back to Punakha. Overnight in YT Hotel or similar. (B/L/D)

Day 12: Oct 9: Drive to Thimphu in time for lunch. The afternoon is at leisure for independent exploration of Thimphu. Overnight for two nights in the Hotel Riverview in Thimphu. (B/L/D)

Day 13: Oct 10: Today's all day tour of the city begins with the Institute of Traditional Medicine. Bhutan has a long and rich custom of natural medicine and we will learn about some of these traditions. Next briefly stop at the School of Traditional Arts and Crafts. The school offers an eight-year course in the techniques of traditional art in religious and secular paintings, woodcarving, clay sculpture and traditional mask making. Then it's on to the Folk Heritage Museum, established in 2001 and located in an old traditional house. In the afternoon, enter the National Library, established in 1967 as a repository of Bhutanese history and religious texts. It has copies of almost all texts relevant to Mahayana Buddhism and a rich collection of lithographs and excellent examples of ornate scriptures. Next see the Textile Museum, dedicated to the rich skill of Bhutanese weavers, and the Jungshina Handmade Paper Factory. This evening, enjoy a private performance by the Tashi Nencha Dance Company specializing in traditional secular dances, including tribal dances from around the country. (B/L/D)

Day 14: Oct 11: This morning we drive back to Paro. In the afternoon hike to Taktsang monastery, or Tiger's Nest, one of the most famous in Bhutan. Guru Rimpoche, the Indian saint who brought Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan, is believed to have arrived here on the back of a tigress and remained in meditation for about three months. It is revered as one of the most sacred pilgrim sites in Bhutan. The temple suffered a devastating fire during the night of April 19, 1998 and has been reconstructed using old photographs and diaries. The two-hour hike up to the viewpoint is worth every step. Gather this evening for our farewell to Bhutan dinner this evening. (B/L/D)

Day 15:  Oct 12: Fly from Paro back to Bangkok. Upon arrival, transfer to the Majestic Grande Sukhumvit Hotel, our home for two nights. The rest of the day is free for independent explorations of Bangkok. (B)

Day 16:  Oct 13: This morning's exploration by boat takes us to the most traditional part of Bangkok, the Thon Buri Canals, where life still largely revolves around the canals. Here, we will view the many stilt houses, small temples, mansions and floating shops along the narrow canals, and watch water-borne vendors cruise up and down selling everything from Chinese pastries to cooking utensils. Our elegant lunch will be in one of the fine restaurants overlooking the legendary Chao Phraya River. Dinner is on our own. (B/L)

Day 17: Oct 14: An early morning transfer takes us to the Bangkok International Airport for our return flight to the USA. (B)

(B) breakfast, (L) lunch, (D) dinner

STUDY LEADER: To be announced.

TRIP DATES: To be announced.

TRIP COST: To be announced.
(per person, double occupancy)
Includes international airfare from Los Angeles; group accommodations in first-class or best available hotels; meals as noted in the itinerary; entry fees to sites; and luggage handling.

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: passport or visa fees; food, alcohol, and other beverages not included with meals; gratuities to guides and drivers; telephone and fax charges; laundry, personal tips; or other items of a personal nature.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: To be announced.
Far Horizons will attempt to find a roommate for participants requesting that we do so. However, if one is not available, the single supplement will be charged.

RESERVATION: A deposit of $500.00 per person is required to secure a reservation. Final payment is due 75 days before departure.

Upon receipt of your deposit and completed registration form, you will be sent a reading list and a clothing and equipment list. An information book designed for this trip, including maps of archaeological sites and articles of pertinent interest, will be sent upon receipt of final payment.

CANCELLATION AND REFUNDS: Cancellations received in writing at least 75 days before departure will receive a refund less a $250.00 administrative fee. Cancellations received less than 75 days before the departure date will not receive a refund. If for any reason you are unable to complete the trip, Far Horizons will not reimburse any fees. Upon registering for the trip, the purchase of travel protection with both trip cancellation and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended.

TRAVEL PROTECTION INSURANCE: A Travel Guard form will be mailed to you upon registration. There are special benefits to purchasing insurance within seven days of registering for a trip. You may go to the Travel Guard website to do so.

LIMITED TO 18 PARTICIPANTS

To register for this trip
Click the button above for a Printable Registration Form. Or click here.