 Bhutan: Kingdom in the Clouds
National Geographic Expert
CARROLL DUNHAM
November 6 - 18, 2009
 Medical anthropologist Carroll Dunham has resided in the Himalaya for the past 25 years and ic currently based in Nepal. Carroll is the director of Wild Earth, an organization that works with rural Nepalese women who create handicrafted products to generate income. An expert in Himalayan cultures, she is passionate about sacred geography, pilgrimage and indigenous medicinal plants. She has written four books and produced films for National Geographic, PBS and the BBC.
Trip Information
Within the folds of Bhutan's mountains lie sacred dzongs, dazzling rice fields and villages unchanged by time. On this magical journey, experience the wonders of the last Mahayana Buddhist kingdom of the HImalaya. Explore secrene temples, meet local families and witness one of Bhutan's spectacular local festivals.
TRIP DATES:
February 19 - March 2, 2010
March 19 - 30, 2010
November 6 - 17, 2010
DAILY ITINERARY:
Day 1 and 2:
U.S./Bangkok, Thailand
Depart the U.S., cross the international date line and arrive the next night.
Novotel Suvaranabhumi Hotel.
Day 3:
Paro, Bhutan
Fly to Bhutan's Paro Valley (7,300 feet). Enjoy time to relax, or visit the temple complex of Kyichu Lhakhang before gathering for a welcome dinner.
Zhiwa Ling Hotel (B, L, D)
Day 4:
Paro/Punakha
Journey to Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan. Stop for tea and a walk at Dochu La, a 10,000-foot pass surrounded by Himalayan summits. Settle into our hotel in the golden Punakha Valley and enjoy dinner together.
Punatsangchhu Hotel (B, L, D)
Day 5:
Punakha
Set out on a hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, and enjoy incredible views of the valley below. Explore the Punakha Dzong, one of the holiest dzongs.
(B, L, D)
Day 6:
Punakha/Phobjika
Travel to the beautiful alpine valley of Phobjika (10,000 feet)–the largest wintering site for the endangered black-necked crane.
Dewachen Lodge (B, L, D)
Day 7:
Phobjika
Against a backdrop of forest-clad mountains, the Gangtey Gonpa temple complex rises dramatically from a cluster of hilltop cottages. On a visit to this recently restored temple, examine the workmanship of Bhutan's best woodcarvers, painters, and sculptors. Then hike to the village to visit the farmhouse of a local family.
(B, L, D)
Day 8:
Phobjika/Thimphu
Drive to the capital city of Thimphu (7,900 feet), home to the royal family. The city is a unique mix of Himalayan and Western sensibilities. Browse the exbition at the new National Textile Museum. Tonight, enjoy a special Bhutanese banquet with members of the government and local dignitaries.
Namgay Hotel (B, L, D)
Day 9:
Thimphu/Paro
Delve into the colourful bustle of the Thimphu market this morning. Return to Paro late this afternoon.
Zhiwa ling Hotel (B, L, D)
Day 10:
Paro
Our Journey culminates with a hike to Bhutan's most famouse pilgrimage site: Taktsang Lhakhang, or the Tiger's Nest (9,300 feet), a magical temple that clings to a cliff 2,000 feet above the valley floor. Tonight, celebrate your Bhutanese adventure at a farewell dinner.
(B, L, D)
Day 11 and 12:
Paro/Bangkok, Thailand/U.S
Fly to Bangkok and check into our hotel. The next morning, transfer to the airport for your return flight, arriving home the same day.
Novotel Suvarnabhumi Hote (B)
For more information:
www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com |
