BHUTAN THE LAST SHANGRI-LA APRIL 12-26, 2019 TOUR LEADER: JUDY TENZING

Transcription

1 BHUTAN THE LAST SHANGRI-LA APRIL 12-26, 2019 TOUR LEADER: JUDY TENZING

2 BHUTAN THE LAST SHANGRI-LA Tour dates: April 12-26, 2019 Tour leader: Judy Tenzing Tour Price: $10,475 per person, twin share Single Supplement: $1,620 for sole use of double room Booking deposit: $500 per person Recommended airline: Qantas Maximum places: 20 Itinerary: Bangkok (1 night), Paro (5 nights), Thimphu (3 nights), Punakha (3 nights), Gangtey (2 nights) Date published: August 27, 2018 Overview Little has changed over the centuries in the tiny Kingdom of Bhutan, perched among the pristine forests and snow-capped peaks of the eastern Himalayas. Only at the time of the present King s father s coronation (1974) was the first trickle of foreigners permitted to enter. It still remains an isolated land and the present King is keen to preserve its rich historic customs and cultural traditions, memorably expressed in its architecture mountain-top monasteries, Buddhist temples and traditional villages as well as in its textiles and its hardy and proud people. Its history is a capsule of all that is mystical about the Himalaya; re-incarnate rulers who used black magic to defeat Tibetan aggressors, lama-saints who foretold the future and fought demons opposed to the spread of Buddhism, civil wars between powerful district governors, known as penlops, who laid plot and counter-plot in an endless cycle of strife and assassinations. Our 12- day tour takes you across the country at a gentle pace, visiting remote mountain monasteries, examining local arts and crafts and marvelling at the scenery with visits to the dzongs and villages. This remote corner of the Himalaya can be unpredictable and will be a challenging adventure to a place only just emerging into the twenty-first century. Come with an open mind and the willingness to appreciate Bhutan as it is and you will be afforded a rare and wonderful experience. Your tour leader Judy Tenzing has a lifelong passion for travel and over 30 years experience as a tour leader on the sub-continent and in Asia. Judy has a degree in South Asian History and has regularly presented courses at Sydney University s Centre for Continuing Education on the history and culture of this remarkable region. Bhutan has always been a special destination for her its unique combination of stunning natural beauty, a rich and ancient culture plus an attitude to the modern world, and Bhutan s place in it, that makes most first world nations stand up and take notice. Enquiries and bookings For further information and to secure a place on this tour please contact Jamal Fairbrother at ADFAS Travel on or (outside Sydney) or jamal@academytravel.com.au Being tucked away at the far eastern end of the great Himalaya, Bhutan remained isolated from the outside world until the 1970s and even then, trod a very careful path towards emergence from this isolation in ensuing decades. The monarchy and the new parliamentary government have maintained a clear focus on protecting and preserving Bhutan s rich Mahayana Buddhist culture as well as its thriving art, textiles and architectural heritage. This strong sense of national identity permeates every town and village in Bhutan and ensures that all Bhutanese understand and appreciate the importance of maintaining Bhutan s extraordinary natural and cultural environment. This tour is run in association with Academy Travel

3 Tour Highlights TIGERS NEST The remarkable architecture of Tigers Nest Monastery, Bhutan s most famous and photogenic site, perched on the side of what appears to be a sheer vertical cliff, 3000 ft above the Paro Valley. Explore the four main temples that form part of the thirteen tigers lair caves founded by Guru Rinpoche after flying from Tibet on the back of a soaring tigress. MOUNTAINS AND VALLEYS Admire glorious mountain scenery and the towering snowcapped peaks of the eastern Himalaya rising over 7000 metres. Traverse the spectacular zigzag roadway over the dramatic 3000-metre-high Dochu-La Pass between Thimphu and Punakha, passing the 108 memorial stupas built under the patronage of the Queen Mother. Descend into the remote and splendid Phobjikja Valley in central Bhutan. PUNAKHA DZONG The vast and magnificent Punakha Dzong or Palace of great bliss, one of the most spectacular buildings in Asia. Arguably, the most beautiful Dzong in the country, especially in Spring when the lilac-coloured Jacaranda trees contrast with the imposing whitewashed walls. The Dzong served as the capital and seat of government until the 1950 s and has seen the coronation of all Bhutan s Kings. THE HAPPIEST NATION ON EARTH Enjoy meeting the warm-hearted people of Bhutan: archers farmers and artists going about their daily lives while preserving the ancient culture and traditions that are unique to the Bhutanese Kingdom. Revel in the unique legacy of a national government that measures it people s collective happiness by emphasizing harmony with nature and traditional values expressed by the four pillars of Gross National Happiness. NATIONAL MUSEUM OF BHUTAN Interpret the history and culture of Bhutan through the exhibits of Bronze sculpture, precious painting, weaponry and historic textiles housed at the National Museum in Paro. Explore a rich variety of artefacts from all over the country and dating from as early as 4000 BC showing the Bhutan s transition from the Stone Age to a modern Mahayanist Buddhist and multicultural.

4 Detailed itinerary Included meals are shown with the symbols B, L and D. Tour start & finish time The tour starts on Friday 12 April at 6.00pm, at the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel, Bangkok. The tour ends on Friday 26 April, with a flight to Bangkok from Paro. Friday 12 April Bangkok The tour commences in Bangkok at the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel. Current Druk Air schedules make a pre-tour stay at Bangkok Airport impossible to avoid. Above: Rinpung Dzong has served as a monastery, fortress and meeting hall for the National Assembly. The watchtower houses the Paro Museum with over 3000 works of Bhutanese art Below: An intricate wall painting depicting the Buddhist wheel of life adorns the entrance to the Paro Museum saturday 13 april bangkok to paro Our Druk Air flight departs for Paro early this morning. After some time to settle in and a hearty lunch we visit the imposing Paro Dzong also known as Rinpung Dzong which means fortress on a heap of jewels, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyal. Housed in the Dzong s ancient watchtower is the Paro Museum (Ta Dzong), which houses a wonderful collection of art, armoury and weaponry and textiles and is a beautifully maintained showcase of Bhutanese history. Dzongs are large monastery forts which dominate every major town in Bhutan. They are the administrative and religious centres of the district and were once the mainstay of each district s defences against invading Tibetans and, often, rival Bhutanese clans. The evening, like most in Bhutan, is free to relax and enjoy some real Bhutanese hospitality with our welcome dinner. Overnight Paro (L, D) sunday 14 april in paro Today we visit the far reaches of the Paro valley and the ruined monastery/fortress of Drugyel Dzong. The dzong was destroyed by fire early in the 20th century. However, it is an interesting coincidence that the destruction of the fortress occurred around the time when the Governor of Paro was opposing the Tongsa Penlop, who eventually became installed as the first hereditary ruler of Bhutan. On a clear day views of the 7326m snow domed peaks of sacred Mt Chomolhari can be seen. On the way back from Drugyel we stop at the famous Tiger's Nest, or Taktsang Monastery, which is perched some 600m up on a cliff overlooking the Paro valley and is said to be the spot where the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padmasambhawa, flew from Tibet on the back of a tiger to defeat five demons who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan. Tragically damaged by fire in 1998, it has now been restored to its former glory. Overnight Paro (B, L, D)

5 monday 15 april in paro Today we visit a textile weaving centre in Paro. There will also be time for some local walks as well as a visit to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan s oldest and most beautiful temples. This temple was originally constructed in the 7th century as a geomantic temple and is today one of the most sacred shrines in the kingdom. The orange tree outside is said to bear fruit all year round. Overnight Paro (B, L, D) tuesday 16 april to thimphu After breakfast we take the 90-minute drive to the least-visited of all the Himalayan capitals, Thimphu. The road twists its way gradually up and into the broad Thimphu Valley. The first large monastery fortress we pass in the valley is Simtokha Dzong and like many of these large castles was built by the first ruler of Bhutan, Nawang Namgyal in1629. On arrival we have lunch then take an orientation walk through the bustling township. Overnight Thimphu (B, L, D) wednesday 17 april in thimphu Our day begins with a visit to the Tashichho Dzong, the Monastic and civil centre of Bhutan. The dzong houses the Royal Chamber, the ministries of government and a school for young monks. It is also the summer headquarters of the Je Khempo, Bhutan s Head Abbot and head of the religious Drukpa Kagyupa school. The original dzong was destroyed by fire in When the third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorje Wangchuk made Thimphu his capital, he rebuilt the dzong using traditional methods. This became the seat of government and was completed in We also visit the Textile Museum, the Heritage Museum and, time permitting, the thangkha painting centre. Overnight Thimphu (B, L, D) Above: Prayer wheels at Kyichu Lhakhang containing mantras await pilgrims to spin them accumulating wisdom and good karma Below: Tashichho Dzong in the North of Thimphu was the site of the formal coronation of the fifth king in 2008; drive over the Dochu La Pass with the spectacular peaks of the eastern Himalaya in the background thursday 18 april in THimphu Today is free to see more of the local sights or wander the street stalls and get a real feel for daily life in the bustling Himalayan capital. Overnight Thimphu (B, L, D) friday 19 april to Punakha After breakfast today, we depart Punakha, the old winter capital of the Bhutanese monarchs and clergy. Leaving Thimphu the road climbs via a series of zigzags over the spectacular Dochu La Pass at 3,000m. On a clear day panoramic views can be had of the eastern Himalaya, including Bhutan's highest mountain, Gangkar Punsum (7,550m). The road drops down through varied forests, finally emerging into the highly-cultivated Punakha valley. The main monastery/fortress was the power base for the old system of re-incarnating rulers. The remains of

6 the original ruler of Bhutan, Nawang Namgyal, are kept in a small room at the top of the highest tower and only the king and the head of the monastic order, the Je Khempo, are allowed to enter this room. We have lunch on arrival before a visit to the dzong and a short walk through the paddy fields to Chimi Lhakhang, a monastery built by Lama Drukpa Kunley (also known as the Divine Madman) with a most colourful history, which is a short walk through the paddy fields. Overnight Punakha (B, L, D) Saturday 20 April in punakha Today is at leisure to take in more of the local sights, enjoy a picnic lunch on the banks of the river and enjoy this pristine and beautiful valley. Overnight Gangtey (B, L, D) Above: Young novices study in the grounds of Chimi Lhakang where the founding monk is said to have subdued a demon in a rock with his magic thunderbolt of wisdom Below: The black-necked crane visit the Phobjikha Valley in large numbers where they are revered and protected by the Bhutanese; the large buttressed walls of the Paro Dzong and the traditional wooden covered bridge spanning the Paro River Sunday 21 April to gangtey Today we drive for four to five hours to the beautiful Phobjikha Valley, a stunning glacial valley on the western slopes of the Black Mountains. It is also one of the most important wildlife reserves in the country and the seasonal home of the rare black-necked crane, which spends winters in this serene valley. We may also be lucky enough to see muntjaks (barking deer), wild boars, sambars, Himalayan black bears, leopards and red foxes all native to this region. Gangtey Gompa sits on top of a conical hill in the middle of the valley with the small township nestling at its feet. Overnight Gangtey (B, L, D) Monday 22 April in gangtey Today we visit the Black Crane Information Centre and take a short nature walk in the valley. Then there will be time to simply relax and wander the village and soak up this special time in this exquisite and remote Himalayan valley. Overnight Gangtey (B, L, D) Tuesday 23 April return to Punakha We retrace our steps to Punakha where we will have an overnight stay. Overnight Paro (B, L, D) Wednesday 24 April drive to PAro This morning we head back to Paro and spend a leisurely evening in this beautiful valley. Overnight Paro (B, L, D) Thursday 25 April At leisure in PAro A day free today to wander into Paro town, take a walk along the river and just take time out to soak up the magic of this extraordinary place. For those who wish to try a traditional hot stone bath we can arrange this on this afternoon in Paro. Our

7 last evening in Bhutan will feature some local dancers and musicians who will offer us songs which are centuries old and reflect the rich artistic traditions still very much alive in Bhutan. Overnight Punakha (B, L, D) Friday 26 April departure This morning we transfer to Paro airport for the Druk Air flight to Bangkok, departing mid-morning. (B) Hotels Hotels on this tour have been handpicked by Judy Tenzing for their location and charm. Not all are defined by their star rating but instead are chosen for their surroundings and welcoming atmosphere. All are clean and comfortable, many with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. Bangkok, Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport (1 night) Paro, Olathang Hotel (3 nights) Thimphu, Zhiwa Ling Ascent (3 nights) Punakha, Zhingkham Resort Hotel (3 nights) Gangtey, Dewachen Resort (2 nights) Paro, Zhiwa Ling (2 nights) Weather on Tour April is considered the most beautiful time of the year with generally clear weather and all the mountain flowers in bloom. Expect temperatures of 10 to 20 degrees on most days. There is a chance of rain while we are in Thimphu but the rest of the country should remain dry at this time of year. Images right: masked dancers perform at the annual festival of tshechu held at Rinpung Dzong during the second month of the traditional Bhutanese lunar calendar usually in March or April; a wise soul in traditional costume and prayer flags are seen fluttering in the breeze all throughout Bhutan

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9 Tour Price The tour price is $10,475 per person, twin share (land content only). The supplement for a single room is $1,620 per person. A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is required to secure a place on the tour. Tour Inclusions Included in the tour price 13 nights accommodation in carefully selected hotels in Bhutan All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners in Bhutan 1 night s accommodation at the Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Return international flights from Bangkok to Paro Services of tour leader from Bangkok to departure from Paro Services of an English-speaking Bhutanese guide Background talks and tour notes Land travel throughout by air-conditioned coach All entrance fees to sites mentioned in itinerary All tips to local guides, drivers and restaurants Porterage of one piece of luggage at all hotels Visa costs for Australian passport holders Tourism development fee in Bhutan Not included International air fares, taxes and surcharges (see below) Travel insurance Meals not mentioned in itinerary Expenses of a personal nature Air travel OPTIONS The tour price quoted is for land content only. For this tour we recommend Qantas or Thai Airlines which offers daily flights into and out of Bangkok from most Australian cities. Druk Air is the only airline authorised to fly into and out of Bhutan. Please contact us for further information on competitive economy, business and first class airfares. Enquiries & bookings For further information and to secure a place on this tour please contact Jamal Fairbrother at ADFAS Travel on or (outside Sydney) or jamal@academytravel.com.au Fitness Requirements of THIS tour GRADE THREE It is important both for you and for your fellow travellers that you are fit enough to be able to enjoy all the activities on this tour. To give you an indication of the level of physical fitness required to participate on our tours, we have given them a star grading. ADFAS Travel s tours tend to feature extended walking tours and site visits, which require greater fitness than coach touring. We ask you to carefully consider your ability to meet the physical demands of the tour. Participation criteria for this tour This Grade Three tour is among our most physically demanding. To participate on this tour, you should be able to comfortably undertake up to seven hours per day, over several days. Activities may include travelling long distances, walking on difficult terrain, climbing stairs, embarking and disembarking trains and/or boats, exposure to varying altitudes and long days of touring. These tours may include one night stops and early starts. You should be able to: keep up with the group at all times walk for 5-7 kilometres at a moderate pace with only short breaks stand for a reasonable length of time in galleries and museums tolerate varying climatic conditions a reasonable level of physical and respiratory fitness tolerate a diet that can be significantly different from a typical Australian diet, and where some dietary requirements cannot be met walk up and down slopes negotiate steps and slopes on archaeological sites or mountain paths, which are often uneven and unstable get on and off a large coach with steep steps, train or boat unassisted, possibly with luggage move your luggage a short distance if required A note for older travellers We regret that we are not able to accept bookings on a Grade Three tours from people more than 80 years old, or with restricted mobility.

10 ADFAS TRAVEL TOURS ARE OPEN TO EVERYONE! ADFAS Travel is the official travel program of the Association of Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Societies (ADFAS). Each year we offer a small range of international and Australian tours designed to appeal to ADFAS members or anyone with a strong interest in the visual arts. All tours are led by qualified experts. ADFAS Travel helps to support the activities of ADFAS, including sponsorship of young artists and contributions to the preservation of sites around Australia. ADFAS Travel is managed by Academy Travel, one of Australia s most experienced providers of special interest group tours. ITINERARIES PLANNED FOR YOU ADFAS Travel itineraries are designed to meet the travel needs of members - active, intelligent and mature people. Each day is a carefully thought-through mix of experiences, including walking tours, gallery visits, scenery and performances. TRAVEL WITH FRIENDS Share your journey with fellow ADFAS members and their friends from around Australia and New Zealand. Like you ADFAS members have a strong interest in the arts and travel, making for lively and engaging company on tour. RELAXED PACE Wherever possible we make each stay three or four nights and leave time for relaxing, individual sightseeing and dining. Fitness levels for each tour let you know how physically demanding the itinerary is. ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME EXPERIENCES One of the benefits of group travel is the chance to enjoy experiences that you can t have as an individual. These include private out-of-hours visits to museums, tickets to sold-out performances, special lectures from local experts. We try to build at least one of these into each tour. EXPERT TOUR LEADER/LECTURERS All tours are led by a NADFAS/ADFAS lecturer or a similarly qualified professional. Their detailed knowledge, enthusiasm and travel experience will transform your experience. You will see and understand far more than the average traveller. PROFESSIONALISM ADFAS Travel is managed by one of Australia s most experienced special interest tour operators, Academy Travel. Decades of experience and knowledge are used to create and operate each tour, backed up by a Sydney-based office staff of 16 and a network of trusted contacts around the world. ADFAS Travel is managed by ACADEMY TRAVEL TRAVEL WITH FRIENDS adfastravel.com.au info@adfastravel.com.au

11 TO SUBMIT YOUR BOOKING: Complete form on screen. Simply click in the box to fill in your details and press Tab to progress to the next box. Save the completed form and it to us. Or print the form, complete the fields and send it back to us. Name of tour: Departure date: A YOUR DETAILS This is my first tour with ADFAS Travel I have previously travelled with ADFAS Travel PASSENGER 1 PASSENGER 2 Your title (Ms, Mrs, Mr, Dr etc): Your full name (as it appears on your passport): Your title (Ms, Mrs, Mr, Dr etc): Your full name (as it appears on your passport): Preferred first name: Date of birth: Preferred first name: Date of birth: Postal Address: Postal Address: State: Postcode: State: Postcode: Phone - Area code: Phone: Phone - Area code: Phone: Mobile: Mobile: Passport number: Expiry date: Passport number: Expiry date: Frequent flyer number(s) Seating (Aisle or window) Frequent flyer number(s) Seating (Aisle or window) Name of next of kin (not travelling with you): Name of next of kin (not travelling with you): Relationship to you: Contact number of next of kin: Relationship to you: Contact number of next of kin: PROOF OF IDENTITY Please provide a photocopy of the photo page of your passport together with this booking form. ROOMING PREFERENCES I am travelling: on my own with a friend or family member. Name of friend or family member (if not passenger 2) I/we would like: a room for sole occupancy a twin-bedded room a double-bedded room B YOUR SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS MEAL REQUIREMENTS/ALLERGIES Please indicate below if you have any special dietary requirements. Appropriate meals will be requested for you on all flights and group meals based on this information. PASSENGER 1 PASSENGER 2 I do not have any specific dietary requirements or allergies I have the following specific dietary requirements/allergies I do not have any specific dietary requirements or allergies I have the following specific dietary requirements/allergies MEDICAL CONDITIONS Please indicate below if you have any serious health issue that may affect your travel insurance coverage, your physical capacity to undertake some activities on tour or may otherwise need to be considered by the tour leader/manager during the tour. PASSENGER 1 PASSENGER 2 I have no specific medical condition that ADFAS Travel needs to know about ADFAS Travel needs to know about the following medical condition(s) I have no specific medical condition that ADFAS Travel needs to know about ADFAS Travel needs to know about the following medical condition(s) ADFAS Travel is managed by ACADEMY TRAVEL TRAVEL WITH FRIENDS adfastravel.com.au info@adfastravel.com.au

12 BOOKING FORM C YOUR TRAVEL PLANS I/we wish ADFAS Travel to arrange air travel from Australia. Economy Class. Premium Economy Class. Business Class. I/we will organize our own air travel. I/we are undecided about air travel. Please contact us to discuss the available options. I plan to leave Australia before the tour commences. Planned departure date: I intend to take part in the extension tour offered in the itinerary (if applicable). I/we plan to undertake additional travel before/after the tour and would like ADFAS Travel to organise this (please describe destinations and length of stay required below). To discuss your travel arrangements please contact the travel consultant for your tour. You can also enquiries to info@adfastravel.com.au. D YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF BOOKING CONDITIONS PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND SIGN BELOW DEPOSITS A deposit of $500 per person is required to confirm your booking on a tour. Final payment of the tour fee, insurance and any additional travel will be due 60 days before departure. CANCELLATION FEES If you decide to cancel your booking the following charges apply: More than 60 days before departure: $500* days before tour start: 25% of total amount due days before tour start: 75% of total amount due 14 days or less before departure: 100% of total amount due *This amount may be credited to another ADFAS Travel tour within 12 months of the original tour you booked. UNUSED PORTIONS OF THE TOUR We regret that refunds will not be given for any unused portions of the tour, such as meals, entry fees, accommodation, flights or transfers. TRAVEL INSURANCE ADFAS Travel requires all participants to obtain comprehensive travel insurance. We offer a comprehensive policy with a reputable insurer if required. PASSPORT AND VISA A valid passport is required for all international travel. If you do not hold an Australian passport you may require a re-entry permit. Some countries require a visa to be issued before you depart Australia. We will advise you of all passport and visa requirements, but it is your responsibility to ensure that you meet passport and visa requirements before you depart. WILL THE TOUR PRICE CHANGE? If the number of participants in a tour is significantly less than budgeted, or if there is a significant change in exchange rates ADFAS Travel reserves the right to amend the advertised price. If this occurs you will be given the option of canceling your booking and obtaining a full refund. If an ADFAS Travel tour is forced to cancel you will get a full refund of all monies paid. WILL THE ITINERARY OR AIRLINE CHANGE? Occasionally circumstances beyond the control of ADFAS Travel make it necessary to change airline, hotel or to make slight amendments to daily itineraries. We will inform you of any changes as soon as they occur. FINAL PAYMENT Full and final payment for the tour, airfare travel, insurance and any additional travel you book is due 60 days before departure. Payment may be made by bank deposit, cheque, cash or credit card. Please note there is a surcharge for payments made by credit card. ADFAS Travel reserves the right to decline the booking or terminate the holiday of any traveller. I/we accept the conditions on this booking form I/we have read the information about the physical requirements of the tour in the detailed itinerary and confirm that I/we are able to meet these requirements. Date: AUTHORISATION By submitting this booking form, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions above and on our website, and the inclusions and non-inclusions listed in the detailed itinerary for the tour. E DEPOSIT PAYMENT F HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THIS TOUR? A non-refundable $500 deposit is required for each person listed on this booking form. Please indicate which method you have chosen to pay your deposit: Number of passengers: Amount of deposit: $ Paid directly by cheque (Please make cheques payable to Academy Travel) Paid by credit card (Please complete details below) MasterCard Visa American Express Card Number: 3 or 4 digit security code: Expiry date: Please select where you first heard about this tour: I receive the ADFAS Travel tour program I receive the ADFAS Travel weekly s I saw an advertisement online please specify I saw an advertisement in please specify I attended a lecture at... please specify Searching the internet please specify A friend recommended ADFAS Travel tours Other... please specify Name on card: Amount: $ AUTHORISATION Date: By submitting this booking form you are authorising us to charge the cost of deposits for booking on this tour. No further charges will be made without your prior authorisation. G SEND Please send your completed booking form to: ADFAS Travel GPO Box 5057 Sydney NSW 2001 Or info@adfastravel.com.au or fax it to (02) Additional booking forms can be downloaded from our website: adfastravel.com.au /18 info@adfastravel.com.au Level 1, 341 George Street Sydney NSW 2000 Ph: or (outside Sydney)