$5,799 (Based on double occupancy) $1,399 Single Supplement

Transcription

1 JOURNEY OF PURPOSE & DISCOVERY ITINERARY DAY-BY-DAY Journey of Purpose and Discovery to Bhutan Thimphu, Punakha & Paro 11 days / 8 nights June 22 July 2, 2017 $5,799 (Based on double occupancy) $1,399 Single Supplement Enjoy the unique culture and traditions of Bhutan while you spend time with the locals. This special journey is like taking a step back in time to explore this still little traveled land described as one of the happiest on earth! BOOK NOW Bhutan Highlights 11 days & 8 nights Make new friends while immersing yourself in the culture of Bhutan, giving back to a local community project and exploring this beautiful and peaceful nation. Small group size with high-end service and accommodations throughout the journey. Optional post program Koh Talu Beach Resort extension in Thailand will be available on this program. Community Connections Visit a local primary school and donate time to helping in a classroom. Learn about their education systems and spend time with the children and teachers. Spend time with the staff and children at a non-profit organization such as Draktsho. Their mission is to ensure children with disabilities have opportunities for developing skills for life and vocation, to become self-reliant and make a living to better lead a contented life. Cultural Immersion & Exploration Take a challenging hike to the enchanting Taktsang Monastery for an unbelieve viewpoint of the surrounding valley. Built around a cave where the Guru Rinpoche meditated, this monastery clings to a cliff of rock 3,000 feet above the valley floor. Share a meal with a local family in Thimphu. What s included? Not Not included: included: 4 & 5* accommodations throughout All transportation and activities outlined in the itinerary Flights to and from, including airport transfers, will be arranged by our overseas coordinators International air to and from Bangkok (gateway city set tentatively out of Los Angeles) Local English speaking guide Tips for your local guides/driver & restaurant staff Visa for Bhutan Personal Personal expenses expenses at the at the hotels hotels Meals Meals not not specified specified Passport Passport renewal renewal or issuance or issuance Domestic Domestic flight flight to gateway to gateway city city Departure Departure taxes taxes where where applicable applicable National National Guide Guide tip tip Tips Tips to your to your maid maid or porters porters Bhutan & Thailand

2 Los Angeles, California DAY 1-2 Fly to Bangkok today Depart from Los Angeles late today and make your way to Thailand. Lose a day as you cross the International Date Line. DAY 3 Arrival and hotel check in Upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi Bangkok International Airport, you will be met and greeted by a local representative and transferred to a nearby airport hotel for check-in and overnight. Meals today are by your own arrangement. Overnight: Novotel Airport Hotel Included meals: N/A DAY 4 Welcome to Bhutan! Head back to the airport early this morning for your flight to Paro. The Dragon Kingdom of Bhutan is the last of the Buddhist kingdoms that once occupied a vast area of the Himalayas. Lunch is on your own if not provided on your flight. Upon arrival in Paro, drive the two hours to Thimphu, through spectacular mountain scenery and serene countryside to Bhutan s capital. Sandwiched in the heart of the Himalayas, Thimphu is a small, charming city, with all the buildings constructed and painted in the traditional Bhutanese style. Arrive in Thimphu this afternoon for check-in and dinner. Overnight: Khang Residency Hotel Thimpu, Bhutan DAY 5 Explore Thimpu Please Note: Breakfast is included daily in your program Morning orientation and welcome. All travelers will gather this morning with the national guide and receive further information on the program and today s activities. Today wind through one of Bhutan s loveliest valleys. We can confidently assert that this is one of the most beautiful drives you will ever experience. Along the way see intact landscapes, idyllic farmhouses and small monasteries, crowned by crystal clear mountain views. The great fortresses, known as dzongs, are among the most striking examples of Bhutanese architecture. Discover Thimpu with a morning tour starting at the National Memorial Chorten (stupa), which dominates the skyline, and is dedicated to the third King of Bhutan, who reigned from This afternoon visit Tashichhodzong: the fortress of the glorious religion, initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. Tashichhodzong houses ministries, His Majesty s secretariat, and the central monk-body. Dinner will be provided this evening with a local family. This will be a chance to meet the family and to learn more about their daily lives. Overnight: Khang Residency Hotel

3 Punakha, Bhutan DAY 7 Depart for Punakha This morning, take a close look at the Bhutanese art forms that continue to flourish in everyday life: weavings, woodcarvings and the traditional art of painting Thangkhas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls). Depart this morning for the drive to Punakha. Thimpu, Bhutan DAY 6 Cultural Immersion This morning, take part in a humanitarian visit in Thimphu at a local non-profit or community program such as Draktsho. They are a non-profit organization and the only one of its kind in the country with aspirations to enhance the living standard of children and youth with disabilities through empowerment by training and eventual integration with the mainstream population. Later visit the Folk Heritage Museum, where displays feature traditional Bhutanese history and life including a typical house filled with indigenous household items; at the National Textile Museum, see a vast collection of old and rare textiles and traditional garments such as the kira worn by women, and the gho, by men. These museums, both of which opened in 2001, provide fascinating insight into Bhutanese culture. In route, traverse Dochula Pass (10,500 ft.) and see one of Bhutanʹs most breathtaking views a plethora of colorful rhododendron blossoms and soft green wild herbs and forest trees dot a canvas of alpine snow. Enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges, and the fertile valley of Punakha (4,430 feet). Late this afternoon you will arrive in Punakha, formerly established as Bhutan s winter capital because of its more temperate valley climate. Enjoy an excursion to Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the temple of fertility, situated on a hillock in the center of the valley. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children should pray at this temple and are usually blessed with a child very soon. Lunch and dinner will be provided today. Overnight: Drubchu Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Continue exploring during a stop at a handicrafts emporium and onward to see the Zulekha Nunnery and enjoy the views of the fascinating Thimpu Valley from the BBS Tower. Finally, stroll along Thimphu s main street, visiting shops and markets. Dinner will be provided this evening with lunch on your own arrangement. Overnight: Khang Residency Hotel

4 DAY 8 Explore Punakha & Visit a local school This morning visit a local primary school in Punakha to visit with the staff and students and volunteer your time and learn about the education system in Bhutan. Late this morning, take a short drive through the valley, then a trek up to the majestic Khamsung Yuely Namgyel Temple. Enjoy the grand views of Mo Chu River Valley before a meandering walk through terraced rice fields and small villages. Next, your guide drives you to the Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 as both the religious and the administrative center of the country. From this spectacular setting, you can look back to see the Khamsung Yuely Namgyel Temple perched on the hillside far in the distance. Depart Punakha for the scenic drive back to Paro, arriving at your hotel in the afternoon. Lunch will be provided today. Later in the day, visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning fortress of the heap of jewels, which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore. Dinner is on your own this evening. Overnight: Drukchen Hotel Included meals: Breakfast & Lunch DAY 9 Hike to the Tigers Nest This morning, your guide leads you on a hike to the enchanting Tigers Nest, the Taktsang Monastery viewpoint. Built around a cave where the Guru Rinpoche meditated, this monastery impossibly seems to cling to a cliff of rock 3,000 feet above the valley floor. The Taktsang Monastery is one of the most venerated pilgrim sites of the Himalayan world, containing 13 holy places. Please note: The hike takes about 5 hours (roundtrip) and is challenging although unforgettably thrilling and mystical. *Transport by pony is available on the ascent if you do not wish to hike. Walking is mandatory on the descent.* Afternoon is at leisure back at the hotel with lunch on your own arrangement. A farewell dinner will be provided this evening. Overnight: Drukchen Hotel DAY 10 Depart Bhutan Today say goodbye to Bhutan, departing for the airport late this morning to fly back to Bangkok. Check back into your airport hotel this evening. Lunch is on your own this afternoon. Meal service should be included on your flight to Bangkok. Overnight: Novotel Airport Hotel Included meals: Breakfast DAY 11 Fly back to Los Angeles early this afternoon Included meals: Breakfast

5 Novotel Airport Hotel 999 Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel Telephone: novotel-bangkok-suvarnabhumiairport/index.shtml Thimphu, Bhutan Khang Residency PO Box 474 Thimphu, Bhutan Telephone: Punakha, Bhutan Drubchu Resort PO Box 777 Punakha, Bhutan Telephone: Drukchen Hotel Khangkhu Telephone:

6 OPTIONAL EXTENSION POST-PROGRAM TRAVEL: KOH TALU ISLAND BEACH RESORT Koh Talu is a private island in the Gulf of Thailand just a short boatride from the mainland. This gorgeous resort is located on a private beach. Relax and enjoy a traditional Thai message at the resorts spa or grab a drink at the beach bar. There are plenty of water activities available including kayaking, scuba diving and snorkeling. DAY 1 July 2 Transfer to Koh Talu Resort Depart early this morning for Banmapraw Resort Harbor where you will catch a local boat for the 20-minute ride to Koh Talu Island. Late this morning, you will meet with the local staff for a briefing on the island and the various available activities. Koh Talu Island Resort is located just off the coast, near various diving spots along the Gulf of Thailand. The island is known for its rich marine life, rainforest and peaceful setting. Enjoy the shade of coconut palm trees along the beach. Your home for your time here will be in Big Bay enjoying the Thai Style Ocean Villa Studios. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, are located close to the beach and have a sea view, have a king bed, private bath, satellite TV, coffee/tea and a mini bar with complimentary water. The afternoon is yours to explore independently after lunch and orientation. Lunch and dinner will be provided today at the resort. Koh Talu Resort Island, Thailand DAY 2 July 3 Explore the Island After breakfast at the resort, you will depart for a diving/snorkeling tour to see Krut Bay, Yai Bay or Sang Bay to see the fish and coral for which the area is known. Return to the resort for lunch and some free time to explore at leisure or relax in your villa. Enjoy a walking tour this afternoon with your local guide. A scenic nature walk will give you a chance to further explore the island and enjoy the view from a local vantage point. Those who prefer can just relax at the beach. Dinner will be provided this afternoon. Overnight: Koh Talu Resort Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Overnight: Koh Talu Resort Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Koh Talu Island Resort 111/1 Moo 10, Tumbol Bangsaphan, Bangsaphan Noi, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province Thailand Tel: +(66) Website:

7 Koh Talu Resort Island, Thailand DAY 3 July 4 Morning Free and Return to Bangkok The morning is yours to explore independently and perhaps use some of the hotels services. Go kayaking, play volleyball on the beach, hunt for shells, sunbathe or just relax. Check out of the hotel late this morning and return to Banapraw Resort Harbor and make your way back to Bangkok. Lunch will be provided in route back to Bangkok today with dinner by individual arrangement. Overnight at your airport hotel. Overnight: Novotel Airport Hotel Included meals: Breakfast & Lunch Los Angeles, California DAY 4 July 5 Depart today for the U.S. Fly back in Los Angeles today where you will arrive the same day.