Bhutan. An Insider s Look at the Land of Gross National Happiness. May 19 27, 2015

Transcription

1 Exclusive Itinerary designed by a team of Yale Professors Bhutan An Insider s Look at the Land of Gross National Happiness May 19 27, 2015 Co-Sponsored by: Yale Blue Green -and- The Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies Office of Alumni Services Taktsang Monastery

2 Dear Yale Traveler As the world struggles with the human and ecological challenges of tremendous growth, Bhutan provides an inspirational alternative. The tiny Himalayan kingdom promotes positive development while maintaining longterm sustainability, an approach enshrined in its Gross National Happiness philosophy. Next spring, a group of Yale alumni will travel to Bhutan to explore and learn about its intricate Buddhist culture, exploring ancient temples, visiting weekend markets, and walking nature preserves while enjoying the breathtaking mountain scenery during the height of rhododendron bloom. But we will also go further, looking into how Bhutan s new constitutional monarchy, education reform, and environmental conservation strategy make the nation unique. We will speak with local government officials, academics, and NGO workers, many of whom are Yale alumni themselves. The group will travel with Bhutanese guides and one expat, or chilip leader, an alumnus of both Yale College and the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies who lived in Bhutan while working for the nation s only environmental NGO. Together, we will explore Bhutan s majestic landscapes and rich traditions while engaging deeply with its quest to embrace the modern world while preserving cultural and natural heritage and, of course, individual happiness. Yale s educational family programs often sell out quickly, so we urge you to send in your reservation today! Please visit to register now or call Yale Educational Travel at (203) or edtravel@yale. edu with any questions. Sincerely yours, Kathy Edersheim 87 Senior Director, International Alumni Relations and Travel Association of Yale Alumni Breakfast in Bhutan

3 Hilary Faxon Hilary Faxon is a Peter and Patricia Gruber Fellow in Women s Rights at Yale Law School working in Myanmar as environment technical advisor for the Gender Equality Network, advancing women s rights through and around natural resource management. She continues to work in Bhutan as a development consultant and PhD candidate, and is currently co-editing a volume on environment in Bhutan with a Bhutanese Yale Forestry & Environmental Studies alumnus. She led a very successful tour for Yale alumni to Bhutan in September 2013 and is looking forward to bringing more travelers to Bhutan in While a student at F&ES, Hilary published and presented her research in Bhutan and worked as Field Operations Manager for the Greenskills program of the Urban Resources Initiative, coordinating three teams of Yale interns planting street trees with local high school students. Between attending Yale College and F&ES, Hilary followed her interest in mountains and Buddhism to Bhutan. She spent nine months at the nation s only domestic environmental NGO, where she authored a chapter of the conservation area management plan for the Phobjikha Valley and a publication for the organization s 25-year anniversary. Outside the office, she researched shifting patterns of environmental governance in the emerging democracy, completed a bicycle trip across the country, and sang with local pop stars Pema Deki and Uygen Panday. At Yale College, Hilary sang in the a cappella group New Blue, wrote for the Yale Daily News, led FOOT trips, and won the Howard R. Lamar Prize for her thesis on shifting environmental perceptions in the early American Southwest. A Note from Sir Peter Crane, Carl W. Knobloch, Jr. Dean of the School of Forestry & Environmental Studies and Professor of Botany Bhutan is a magical country with traditions as inspiring as its spectacular landscape. This tour is a unique opportunity for an inside look at a magnificent part of our planet that few have been privileged to experience. Yale Educational Travel, Association of Yale Alumni Box , New Haven, CT Reservations: contact or edtravel@yale.edu

4 Bhutan Itinerary WELCOME PHONE CALL Thimphu Thursday, January 15(tentative) Join the group at 6PM EST/EDT for a pre-trip welcome call with the trip leader in order to learn more about what to expect and get the the chance to ask any questions. Depart U.S. for Bangkok Recommended: Saturday, May 16 departurewith Sunday, May 17 arrival in Bangkok Also possible: Sunday, May 17 departure with Monday, May 18 Bangkok arrival. Bangkok, Thailand to Thimphu, Bhutan Tuesday, May 19 Flight from Bangkok to Paro, Bhutan Elevation 7,611ft / Drive time 1 hour Welcome to Bhutan! Depart Bangkok early for your transfer to the airport and flight into the beautiful Paro valley, home to many of Bhutan s oldest monasteries and temples. Mount Jhomolhari (23,999 ft) looms above the runway; glacier water from its slopes forms the Pachu River, which we follow downstream to Thimphu valley. Our guides will bring us to the capital, Thimphu, where we can wash up and eat our first Bhutanese lunch. In the afternoon we set out to explore more of Thimphu. Sangaygang is about 15 minutes from the main city, overlooking the capital. From there we see the whole of Thimphu Valley and the world s largest Buddha statue seated serenely on the opposite slope. On the way down we stop to see the national animal of Bhutan: the takin. Legend has it the funny-looking beast was created when the Divine Madman, Buddhist saint Drukpa Kinley, made magic with his lunch, mischievously combining a cow and a goat. We stop at Thimphu Dzong a magnificent fortress that houses the King s administrative offices and the monk body and perhaps Centenary Farmers Market for local food and handicrafts before returning for dinner and rest. Wednesday, May 20 Start the day with a short trek (3-4 hours including temple viewing and return) to Tango Goemba. In the 12th century, the site was home to an important lama who brought the Drukpa Kagyupa school of Buddhims to Bhutan. The current buildings were constructed by Drukpa Kunley in the 15th century and today house the highest center of Buddhist learning in the country; almost every Je Khenpo (religious head of Bhutan) completed the 9-year program of study there. After graduating, monks traditionally spend 3 years, 3 months, and 3 days in meditation retreat at nearby Cheri Goemba, built in 1619 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan. We ll head to the Heritage Museum for lunch the best in town! and a chance to see an exhibition of artifacts used in traditional rural homes. After lunch and rest, we ll head to the World Wildlife Fund office to meet the country Director, a Yale F&ES alumnus, and hear about priorities for conservation in the Kingdom. In the evening we will head to Terton Art Gallery, the country s first commercial art gallery in the heart of Thimphu town. There we ll meet Bhutanese Yale alumni involved in a host of environmental and health initiatives, enjoying cocktails, views, and conversation before heading downstairs for dinner. Thimphu to Gangtey Thursday, May 21 Elevation 9,800ft/Drive 6 hours We depart from Thimphu after breakfast and head northeast, winding up to Dochula pass. Here we ll observe the 108 chortens built by the present Queen Mother to pay tribute to the visionary leadership of the Fourth Druk Gyalpo (King) Jigme Singye Wangchuck. We will stop for mountain views, tea and snacks, and a blessing from a leading Lama. As we wind down through Wangduephodrang we ll pass Wangdue, the last town before central Bhutan, and the remains of Wangdue Dzong, built in 1638 and dramatically perched on a ridge overlooking the confluence of the Tsang Chu and Dang Chu rivers. The Dzong was burnt down in a tragic fire in June In the afternoon we arrive in Phobjikha Valley, home to the magnificent Gangtey Goempa and, in winter, the endangered Black-necked Crane (Grus Nigricollis). We will enjoy an early evening walk along the valley accompanied by field officers from the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature as we get a preview to the next day s activities. Gangtey Friday, May 22 In the morning we pay a visit to the Crane Center to learn all about the rare birds and the work of the NGO to protect the species while promoting community development. Then we head to Gangtey Goempa. This old Nyingmapa monastery dates back to 17th century, and today houses hundreds of monks and nuns studying Buddhist philosophy. We explore the monastery and surrounding nature trails before heading down for a cultural program, featuring traditional dance and games (interactive!), and a bonfire dinner. In the evening, enjoy a talk by His Excellency, Special Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Lynpo Paljor J Dorji ( Benji to us). Learn the Bhutan s environmental history, and Benji s personal journey, from the godfather of national conservation. After chatting, we ll have a chance to watch an environmental documentary (or Star Wars the locals love it!) projected by our camp. Retire to the comfort of your hotel when you are tired or stay up chatting under the stars. Gangtey to Punakha Saturday, May 23 Elevation 4,265ft / Drive 3 hours We ll depart from Gangtey and head to Chhimi Lhakhang, where a beautiful 20-minute stroll across terraced fields through the village of Sopsokha brings us to the small temple in the centre of the valley below Metshina. Ngawang Chogyel built the temple in 15th century after the Divine Madman built a small chorten there. It is a revered pilgrim site for women who seek blessings in order to be able to have children. Next we visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong. Built in 1637, the Punakha Dzong is the winter home of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan) and the monks of Thimphu. It is a splendid example of Bhutanese architecture, sitting at the confluence of the male (Pho) and female (Mho) rivers. The dzong was partially destroyed by climate change-induced glacial floods, but has been carefully restored. We leave the dzong via Bhutan s longest suspension bridge, hovering over the river with stunning views of this fertile valley.

5 Bhutan Itinerary (cont d) Punakha Sunday, May 24 In the morning you can choose to make the hour-long trek to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a monastery built by the third Queen Mother Gyalyum Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck. A splendid example of Bhutanese architecture, the chorten s details were drawn from religious scripture and took nine years to complete. Another option is a trip to a local nunnery, perched on a ridge overlooking the valley. pung Dzong, a 15th-century fortress that still serves as the administrative center of the Dzonkhag (district), and Ta Dzong, originally built as a watchtower, which was converted into the National Museum in The museum boasts antique Thangkas, textiles, weapons and armor, household objects and rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. Afterwards we ll head to one of Paro s loveliest resorts, high up on the forested slopes with views of the valley below. Paro In the afternoon, take a load off and cruise down the river for a laid-back rafting trip. After an hour on the water we will disembark for picnic lunch and a relaxed afternoon in warm and fertile Punakha. Punakha to Paro, via Thimphu Monday May 25 Elevation 7,480ft/Drive time 4 ½ hrs On the road to Paro will stop at Lamperi to stroll among the flora of the Royal Botanical Park, including magnificent rhododendrons, which grow on massive trees and bloom from April to June. A nature trail takes us up to Dochula Pass, where we will take tea before jumping onto the coaster to arrive in Thimphu for lunch. After quick shopping in Thimphu we will return to Paro valley. Possible visits include the stunning Paro Dzong, also known as Rin- Tuesday, May 26 We celebrate the end of an epic adventure with a hike to the sacred Taktsang Monastery (Tiger s Nest). Prayer flags adorn the path leading to the site where Guru Padmasambhava arrived on the back of a tigress in the 8th century, bringing Buddhism from Tibet. A one-hour hike to the cafeteria gives us a stunning view of the monastery. Those who want to can continue up to visit the magnificent temples perched on the cliffs above. After lunch we pay a visit to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, built in the 7th Century. Those keen for last-minute souvenirs can head to Paro Bazaar, while others can head back to the resort for traditional hot stone baths and other spa treatments. After we are fully relaxed, we gather at the hotel to reflect and say good-byes. Depart for Bangkok / Begin Trek Wednesday, May 27 In the morning we will make our way to the airport for transfer to Bangkok, saying our last farewells to the Dragon Kingdom and Kadrinche to our wonderful hosts! For those who opt for the trek extension, the 5-day Druk Path trek covering the traditional route in the mountains between Thimphu and Paro begins this same day. Note Regarding Flights The flight from Bangkok to Paro departs early morning May 19. We recommend arrival in Bangkok at least a full day in advance extra time will help with jet lag and ensure timely arrival for the flight. You do not want to miss the flight to Paro as flights into Bhutan are infrequent. Flights to Bangkok as well as transfers and accommodation within Bangkok are not included in the trip price. We recommend the Oriental Hotel or The Sukhothai Bangkok Hotel in the central city or the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel. IMPORTANT NOTE: The itinerary and program are subject to change without prior notice.

6 DRUK PATH TRIP EXTENSION MAY 27 31, 2015; 5 Nights/6 Days ABOUT THIS TRIP For those of you opting to stay on for the Druk Path, you may see off your departing comrades from Thimphu and, after breakfast, begin your moderate trekking holiday. This 5-night, 6-day trek combines beautiful scenery, views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, a monastery high up in the mountains, and a visit to a dzong. Camp near beautiful lakes and serene views. If needed, there are vehicle access points in several spots. Part of the route follows the original mule track that linked the Thimphu and Paro valleys, and eventually connected Bhutan to the Indian border. Wednesday, May 27 Labana Camp elevation 13,545 ft / Distance 7.5 miles / Walking time 4-5 hours Start by ascending the blue pine forests above Thimphu. Above Phajoding is Labana where, weather permitting, we will get great views of Mt. Gangkhar Punsum (24,740 ft), the highest mountain in Bhutan and Mt. Kanchan Jangkha (28,169 ft), the third highest peak in the world, located across the border in Darjeeling. Below, we can see the entire Thimphu valley. Thursday, May 28 Labana to Jemelang Tsho Camp elevation 12,401 ft / Distance 7.5 miles / Walking time 4-5 hours Cross Simkota Lake. The route is wide but rocky as we climb the spine of the Himalaya. We may find yak herders camps and get a glimpse into their lives. Camp at Jimilangtso Lake, known for its giant trout. Friday, May 29- Jamelang Tsho to Jangchulakha Camp elevation 12,730 ft / Distance 9 miles / Walking time 5-6 hours Leaving the lakes, the trail follows the ridge. On a clear day the views of mountains and valley are beautiful, in particular the spire-like Jichu Drake (22,930 ft). Saturday, May 39 Jangchulakha to Jele Dzong Camp elevation 11,320 ft / Distance 6.5 miles / Walking time 4-5 hrs We trek through thick alpine forest and Bhutan s famous rhododendron. Descend to camp at the impressive Jele Dzong fort, surrounded by prayer flags and yak herders with views towards Paro far below. In the distance, snowy peaks on the border with Tibet, including the sacred Jhomolhari (23,999 ft). Sunday, May 31 Jele Dzong to Paro Camp elevation 7,545 ft / Distance 6.5 miles / Walking time 4-5 hours The trek trail is a rather gradual descent from camp with beautiful views as we drop from snowcapped mountains into the fertile Paro valley. This afternoon we will have time for stretching, shopping, and perhaps a hot stone bath before celebrating our trek and saying good byes. Monday, June 1 - Departure In the morning we transfer to the airport for our flight back to Bangkok. Program Cost $6,990 per person - Main Program (based on double occupancy) $1,800 per person - Druk Path Extension A Note on Adventure Travel It is natural for adventure travel to involve an element of the unexpected. In remote and developing countries, do not expect standards you are used to at home. Remote areas are unpredictable and itineraries may be altered. To get the most out of your adventure, it is important that you be flexible, positive and eager to take on all the challenges that arise. If you are uncertain about your suitability for this trip, feel free to call us. Insurance We highly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance. What s Included Double occupancy accommodations for 9 nights in Bhutan. Single supplements incur additional charges and are available on request All meals with evening tea Full time services of 1 Yale alumna chilip (ex-pat guide) and 2 English-speaking Bhutanese guides Roundtrip airfare from Bangkok to Paro All entry fees to Museums and monuments All major in country transportation; brief taxi rides in Thimphu for independent excursions are excluded Yale cocktail party for trip participants and local alumni Tipping of guides and drivers What s Not Included Airfare to/from Bangkok Laundry, phone, and other personal bills Alcohol Room upgrades rooms will be 4-star, twin accommodation Travel insurance Reader s Corner Want to learn more about the history and culture of Bhutan? Here are some selections to get you started. All trip participants receive a list of suggested books recommended by the program leader. Beyond the Sky and the Earth: A Journey into Bhutan by Jamie Zeppa. Jamie Zeppa was 24 when she left a stagnant life at home and signed a contract to teach for two years in the Buddhist hermit kingdom of Bhutan. Memoir. Radio Shangri-la by Lisa Napoli. Lisa Napoli was in the grip of a crisis, dissatisfied with her life and her work as a radio journalist. When a chance encounter presented her with an opportunity to move halfway around the world, Lisa started a new adventure in the ancient Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan said to be one of the happiest places on earth. Travelogue.

7 RESERVE YOUR TRIP TO BHUTAN TODAY Enclosed is a deposit for $ ($1,000 deposit per person) payable to the Association of Yale Alumni to hold place(s) on the Yale Bhutan - Insider s Look trip May 19-27, Final payment is due October 25, ) Name as on passport Date of Birth Yale Affiliation Passport Origin Relationship 2) Name as on passport Date of Birth Yale Affiliation Passport Origin Relationship 3) Name as on passport Date of Birth Yale Affiliation Passport Origin Relationship 4) Name as on passport Date of Birth Yale Affiliation Passport Origin Relationship* *How is the person related to the person making the deposit? Contact Information Address City/State/Zip Payment Options: Pay by check made out to Yale University Please charge the deposit of $1,000 per person to: AMEX Visa Mastercard Discover Card Card # Exp. Date Sec. Code Accommodations Hotel Room Preferences : Double Twin I wish to have a single accommodation (limited availability please call) I will share accommodations with: Travel Options I/We wish to join the optional Druk Trek trip extension at an additional deposit of $200 per person. I/We confirm that I/We have carefully read the Terms and Condtions and Responsibility section of this brochure and agree to their terms on behalf of myself and the members of my party named above. Signature(s) Date: Primary Phone Secondary Phone Visit to book online or return the above form with credit card authorization or check payable to Yale University to Association of Yale Alumni, P.O. Box , New Haven, C T Phone: (203) Fax: (203) Terms and Conditions Health All participants should be in good health and capable of walking, sometimes over steep or rough terrain, and climbing stairs. By forwarding the deposit, the participant certifies that he/she does not have any physical or other conditions of disability that would create a hazard for him / herself or other participants. The Association of Yale Alumni ( AYA ) reserves the right to decline to accept or retain any person as a tour participant should such a person s health, mental condition, physical infirmity, or attitude jeopardize the operation of the tour or the enjoyment of the other participants. Dates of trip: The dates of the trip are subject to change based on airline availability as Drukair is the sole carrier for Bhutan. Insurance We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance, which is available for coverage for expenses in conjunction with cancellation due to illness or accident. Itinerary The itinerary, accommodations, and arrangements are subject to change at the discretion of Terton Travel and Yale Educational Travel. Deposit and payment A deposit is required to reserve your space on the program. The deposit amount is $1,000 per person for double occupancy. Final payment is due by October 25, Payment can be made by American Express, Visa, Mastercard or personal check. Cancellations and Refunds All cancellations must be made in writing to AYA to prevent any further charges to your credit card. All payments are non-refundable as of the date indicated below. When AYA receives written notification of cancellation, no further charges will be made to your credit card. The payment schedule is as follows: There is a $300 processing charge for any registration that is cancelled. Cancellations received days prior to departure will be assessed a penalty equal to 50% of the total program cost per person. Cancellations received within 90 days of departure are subject to 100% cancellation penalties. To the extent that payments made exceed the scheduled amount, funds will be refunded to you. No refunds will be given for cancellation that occurs subsequent to sixty (60) days before departure. No refunds will be given for unused portions of the program (including, but not limited to, unused meals, hotel nights, and sightseeing), for any reason. Airfares are subject to applicable airline cancellation fees that are in addition to the foregoing cancellation penalties. In addition, there may be change fees for changing your choice of tour option. Responsibility Yale, AYA and their affiliated agents (hereafter called the Program Sponsors ) are responsible only for assisting in making arrangements with respect to all transportation, hotels and other matters of reservations and tour operations and they do not represent or act as agent for transportation carriers, hotels and other suppliers or services connected with this tour. The Program Sponsors assume no responsibility for loss, damage, injury, accident, delay or other irregularity, expense or delays arising from sickness, pilferage, labor disputes, machinery breakdown, quarantine, government restraints, war, acts of terrorism, weather conditions or such other causes. All such losses or expenses shall be borne by the tour participant. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the owners at all times. It is understood that air, ship or train tickets when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the passenger and carrier concerned. All services are subject to the laws of the country in which they are rendered. Dates, schedules, program details, and costs are given based on information available and currently in force and are subject to change and revision. As a condition to acceptance of any application, each applicant represents that he or she has read the schedule of activities for this tour and recognizes and accepts any risks thereof and hereby agrees for and on behalf of himself or herself and his or her heirs, executors and administrators to abide by the conditions set forth above, and to release and hold harmless the Program Sponsors, or any of them, and their directors, governing board members, officers, agents, licenses, representatives, heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns from any and all liability, claims and demands, however caused, for delays, damages, loss, injury or death, occurring in relation to the tour, and for loss of or damage to his or her property, however occurring, in relation to the tour. Rates are based on airlines tariff information, which is subject to change with government approval. In the event of changes in tariffs, the rates for flights may be adjusted but will not affect conditions under which reservations are accepted and accommodations secured for the program. Liability for luggage is strictly limited, and participants are urged to take necessary insurance for their protection. If due to weather, flight schedule or other uncontrollable factors, you are required to spend an additional night(s), each participant will be responsible for his or her own hotel, transfers and meal costs. The Program Sponsors reserve the right to change the itinerary or trip features at any time and for any reason with or without notice, and shall not be liable for any such changes. The Program Sponsors are not responsible for penalties assessed by air carriers resulting from operational and / or itinerary changes, even if they make the flight arrangements or trip cancellation. Agreement to Terms Upon payment of a deposit, tour participant(s) indicate acceptance of the above terms and conditions.

8 Association of Yale Alumni Box New Haven, Connecticut PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 519 New Haven, CT Bhutan May 19 27, 2015 An Insider s Look at the Land of Gross National Happiness Designed Exclusively for Yale Educational Travel by Hilary Oliva Faxon 11 YC, 13 F&ES Highlights of Bhutan Insiders Program Travel the spectacular high Himalaya with fellow Yale alumni Learn from knowledgeable guides, including Bhutan s former Minister of Environment and a Yale alumnus Soak up the rich culture of the world s only Mahayana Buddhist nation Engage with local conservationists and local Yale alumni through guest lectures, site visits, and an alumni cocktail party Witness the vivid colors of Himalayan rhododendrons in bloom Stay in comfortable, beautiful local accommodations