BLISSFUL BHUTAN & ARUNACHAL PRADESH

Transcription

1 Open to alumni UBC and friends BLISSFUL BHUTAN & ARUNACHAL PRADESH HIMALAYAN KINGDOMS AND THE COLOURFUL BOORI BOOT FESTIVAL JAN. 28 FEB. 10, 2019 This Himalayan adventure takes us to two of the most culturally rich and environmentally preserved areas in the vast foothills of the spectacular Himalayas. Bhutan, the only independent kingdom in the region, maintains an ancient Buddhist system that pervades every aspect of life. We ll see the tremendous fortified monasteries (dzongs) that dominate towns in the river valleys and the temples, shops, and rural villages displaying diverse aspects of traditional architecture. Bhutan is known as a centre of herbal medicine, of fine weaving, and of archery themes we will touch on during our travels. Arunachal Pradesh is the northern and eastern-most state of India, yet it has retained its autonomy and character through strict restrictions on entry for both foreigners and Indians, dating from the British period to the present. It is home to probably the most diverse tribal communities in the world. Over 50 languages are spoken in Arunachal, and as we travel from one river valley to the next, the distinctive dress, village architecture and local traditions will be evident. The historic restrictions have also preserved the natural forest and flora and fauna to an extent unmatched in the rest of the Himalayan region. Bhutan and particularly Arunachal Pradesh are less-travelled destinations. A flexible spirit and a yen for the unexpected will be rewarded by experiences as magnificent as the Himalayas. TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS BY: Updated July 4, 2018

2 WHY TRAVEL WITH THE ALUMNI UBC TRAVEL CLUB? Take in the spectacular views on the walk to the Tiger s Nest Monastery Visit the Rinpung Dzong training institute for Buddhist monks Meet India s tribal people of the Ziro Valley Celebrate the colourful Boori Boot festival in Daporijo Explore some of the least-explored places in the world TIBET INDIA BHUTAN Paro NEPAL Guwahati Daporijo Along Punakha Dibrugarh Thimphu Ziro Nameri N.P. To Delhi BANGLADESH MYANMAR STUDY LEADER Stephen Inglis has been a researcher, curator, and then Director-General of Research and Collections at the Canadian Museum of Civilization. His contributions to museums and Indian studies have been honoured by the Canadian Museums Association, the Shastri Indio-Canadian Institute and the Government of India. He earned a PhD in anthropology at UBC based on fieldwork with artisans in India and is currently an Adjunct Research Professor and Instructor of anthropology and art history at Carleton University. The Museum of Anthropology at UBC recently (2016) displayed elements from its collection of textiles from Arunachal gathered by Stephen.

3 DETAILED ITINERARY Punakha Dzong Monday, Jan. 28: Arrive Paro and drive to Thimphu We meet in Paro today to begin our exploration of Bhutan. Please contact us for assistance in making your flight arrangements and pre-tour stays. Paro can be accessed from Bangkok, Singapore or Delhi as well as other points in India and Nepal. Flights from these points arrive in Paro mid-morning. We will be met on arrival at Paro Airport and set off immediately on the hour-long drive by coach to Thimphu. The road takes us through the valley to the confluence of the Paro and Thimphu rivers, past the 15th-century Tschogang Lhakhang temple. Arriving in Thimphu, we will visit Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Point) to pay obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country. After checking into our hotel, we ll enjoy a walk along Thimphu s main street. Thimphu is the country s capital and home to the government and royal family. Overnight: Khang Residency Hotel, Thimphu Meals: Lunch, Dinner Tuesday, Jan. 29: Thimphu, centre of Bhutanese art and culture Today we explore Thimphu up close. We ll begin at the National Library to view ancient Buddhist manuscripts and then visit the Arts & Crafts School where the 13 traditional arts of Bhutan are practiced. At the Textile Museum we ll admire stunning examples of weaving, Bhutan s national art. This afternoon we visit the King s Memorial Chorten, a stupa built in memory of Bhutan s third king, who is popularly regarded as the father of modern Bhutan. We ll continue to the magnificent medieval fortress/monastery of Tashichho Dzong; the vast building was constructed entirely by hand and without a single nail. Overnight: Khang Residency Hotel, Thimphu Wednesday, Jan. 30: A scenic drive from Thimphu to Punakha Today s drive takes us to the jaw-dropping views of the Dochula pass at 3,088 metres. We ll make plenty of stops along the three-hour drive so you can take it all in and get those perfect pictures. At one stop we ll visit the Chimi Lhakhang Fertility Temple, where women wanting to bear children come for blessings. After freshening up at our hotel, we ll visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong at the confluence of the Mo and Po ( female and male ) rivers. This huge fortress is one of the most important in the country as it contains some of Bhutan s most sacred relics. Overnight: Drubchu Resort, Punakha Thursday, Jan. 31: Punakha to Paro, gateway to the Himalayan kingdoms Today we head back to Paro to explore this historic city. We ll start at the Paro Ta Dzong, a mid-17th century circular fortress that protected the area from Tibetan and Indian invasions. We ll then visit Rinpung Dzong, Fortress of a Mountain of Jewels, which is now the administrative seat of the Paro district and an institute for monks. Overnight: Raven s Nest, Paro Friday, Feb. 1: Paro and the legendary Tiger s Nest monastery We ll conclude our visit of Bhutan with the excursion to one of the most important religious sites in the Himalayas and perhaps the most spectacular. The magical Taktsang monastery, the Tiger s Nest, clings to a vertical granite cliff 2,000 feet above the valley floor. We ll drive to the start of the trail and then walk about one hour to reach a small teahouse with wonderful views of the monastery. If you are feeling more energetic, another hourlong walk takes you to a second observation point directly across from the monastery, and a further 20-minute walk brings you to the monastery itself. Upon returning to Paro, enjoy some lastminute exploring in town. Overnight: Raven s Nest, Paro Saturday, Feb. 2: Fly from Paro to Guwahati and on to Nameri National Park A short flight from Paro takes us across the border to India. From Guwahati, one of the fastest-growing cities in northeast India, we cross the fabled Brahmaputra River to reach Nameri National Park and Forest Reserve. Set in the foothills of the eastern Himalayas, Nameri has been a protected forest since The park s many trails wind among a semi-evergreen landscape that features deciduous forests with cane and bamboo brakes and narrow strips of open grassland along rivers. The park is home to elephants, tigers, and many other types of wildlife. Hundreds of colourful bird and butterfly species are also found in Nameri. Overnight: Nameri National Park Eco Camp

4 Sunday, Feb. 3: Nameri to the Ziro Valley Today we leave Nameri and head to the heart of Arunachal Pradesh, Land of the Dawn-Lit Mountains and home to some of the most beautiful scenery in India. Our first stop is Ziro, a valley set among deep green forests. The picturesque Ziro Valley is home to several indigenous tribes, including the Apatani. They are known for their sustainable wet rice cultivation, harmonious way of living with nature, and rich oral tradition. Some older women have facial tattoos and prominent nose plugs, signs of a practice reportedly meant to protect Apatani women from being kidnapped by rival tribes. Overnight: Hotel Blue Pine, Ziro Monday, Feb. 4: Traditional life in the Ziro Valley Today is spent getting to know the Ziro Valley and its people. We ll visit some of the villages, enjoy the warm hospitality of the Apatani, and learn about their history, agriculture, and craft traditions. There s also plenty to delight the senses, from the typical thatched houses on stilts set among brilliant green rice paddies, to the sights and smells of local delicacies at the market at Hapoli village, to the malty taste of apong, a fermented drink made of roasted rice. Overnight: Hotel Blue Pine, Ziro Tuesday, Feb 5: A scenic mountain drive from Ziro to Daporijo Our drive takes out of the Ziro Valley through varied scenery of hills, valleys, and banana tree forests to the town of Daporijo, home to tribes such as the Tagin and the Nyishi. Elegant bamboo and cane suspension bridges cross the Subansiri River at Daporijo. A favourite spot among travellers and pilgrims is the nearby Meghna cave temple, carved 5,000 years ago but not discovered until The temple is dedicated to Lord Lakulisha, an embodiment of Lord Shiva. Its central altar is full of tridents, a powerful symbol wielded by Shiva. Normally quiet Daporijo comes alive for the two-week Boori Boot festival, and tomorrow it s time to celebrate! Overnight: Singhik Hotel, Daporijo Ziro Valley Boori Boot festival Évora cathedral Wednesday, Feb. 6: Celebrate the colourful Boori Boot festival in Daporijo We ll join in the fun of the Boori Boot festival, a joyous event celebrated by the Nyishi people to welcome spring and a successful harvest. The festival brings together all the neighbouring villages to usher in the new season and honour their cultural heritage through traditional and contemporary dances, puja (expressions of worship), tug-of-war and other games, and the application of etting, or flour, to the face and body. Participants old and young wear bead necklaces and hand-woven clothing. Overnight: Singhik Hotel, Daporijo Thursday, Feb.7: Daporijo to Along, land of snow-capped mountains and orange orchards We say goodbye to the festival and head through the mountains to Along (also called Aalo), an administrative town of the West Siang region set at the confluence of two rivers. Along and the surrounding areas are famous for their orange orchards, which fill the air with their fragrance. The town s attractions include the Patum cable bridge, which gives a pretty panorama over the city; the district museum, with exhibits on local tribes, and the Ramakrishna Mission of Along, a branch of one of India s largest religious orders whose motto is liberation for oneself and service to mankind. Overnight: Hotel West, Along Friday, Feb. 8: Galo community life in Along It s time to take a rest from the road and enjoy a pleasant day in Along. The city and surrounding villages are home to many Galo, another of the Arunachal tribes, and today we get acquainted with Galo life. Galo are farmers who have traditionally practiced slash-and-burn agriculture and have more recently incorporated wet rice cultivation. Like other Arunachal peoples, Galo are masters of cane work, but you will see a distinctly different aesthetic from that of the Ziro Valley. The traditional animistic/shamanic religion of Arunachal Pradesh, Donyi-Polo (Sun-Moon), is practiced by many Galo and is represented at the Donyi-Polo dere (temple/community centre). Overnight: Hotel West, Along

5 Saturday, Feb. 9: Along to Dibrugarh, centre of tea production in India We leave Arunachal Pradesh and cross back over the Brahmaputra to Assam. The state produces more than half of India s tea crop and our destination Dibrugarh is known as the Tea City of India. India s modern tea trade began in the 1830s with the establishment of the Assam Company under the British. Aside from sampling the many varieties of quality tea, favourite attractions in Dibrugarh include the lovely Jokai Botanical Garden with an orchid house, pond, aromatic and medicinal plants, and germplasm centre for endangered plant species. Equally interesting are the Radha Krishna temple, made entirely of marble, and Shri Kshetra Dhaam, a replica of the famous Lord Jagannath temple in Orissa. Overnight: Natraj Hotel, Dibrugarh Sunday, Feb. 10: Fly from Dibrugarh to Delhi for homeward-bound flights After breakfast we make the approximately 5-hour flight to New Delhi to connect with our homeward-bound flights, or begin your exploration of India s extraordinary capital with our Delhi and Taj Mahal extension. Meals: Breakfast Note: The itinerary and accommodation described here are subject to change due to logistical arrangements and to take advantage of local events. OPTIONAL EXTENSION: Delhi & Agra A four day extension exploring the dynamic city of Delhi includes a full day guided tour and the splendours of Agra. Sunday, Feb. 10: Arrive Delhi You will be met on arrival in Delhi and transferred to your hotel. Overnight: The Grand New Delhi Monday, Feb. 11: Delhi Enjoy a full day guided tour of Delhi including Humayun s Tomb, a red sandstone structure considered to be the predecessor of Taj Mahal; India Gate and the buildings of the Imperial Raj and Qutab Minar, a tower built in 1199 to celebrate victory against a Rajput King. Explore Old Delhi by rickshaw, to see the capital of Muslim India from the 12th through the 19th centuries. Overnight: The Grand New Delhi Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Tuesday, Feb 12: Drive to Agra Transfer to Agra by private vehicle. Visit Agra Fort and get a first view of the Taj Mahal from the gardens across the river. See the washing ghats for a colourful display or life by the river. In the evening enjoy the grand live performance Mohabbat-e-Taj, based on the love story of Taj Mahal. Overnight: Radisson Hotel, Agra Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Wednesday, Feb 13: Return to Delhi and depart Enjoy an early morning visit to the iconic Taj Mahal. Visit the spectacular abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri. Freshen up at an airport hotel prior to boarding your homeward bound flights. Meals: Breakfast Extension Cost (per person): US$1095, based on a minimum of 4 participants Single supplement: US$350 What s Included: accommodation based on double occupancy (two nights at the The Grand, New Delhi and one night at the Radisson Hotel, Agra), breakfast and dinner daily, transportation by private vehicle, entrance fees, full sightseeing program with private expert guides.

6 TOUR DETAILS Tour Cost (per person): US$5895 Taxes and gratuities (per person): US$350 Single Supplement: US$1450 We would be happy to try to match you with a suitable roommate. If we are unable to, the single supplement will apply. Group Size: participants What s Included: Arrival and departure transfers at destination Accommodation based on double occupancy in hotels as listed or similar Meals as indicated Bottled water and tea with meals Internal fights: Paro to Guwahati and Dibrugarh to Delhi All ground transportation by private coach Bottled water in the group vehicle Sightseeing and activities as indicated, with English speaking guide All entrance fees Gratuities (as indicated above) Taxes (as indicated above) Services of study leader Stephen Inglis Joining Instructions This tour begins in Paro. Please ensure that you arrive in Paro by noon on January 28 to join the group as we will be driving to Thimpu from the airport. Paro can be accessed from Bangkok, Singapore, or Delhi. We suggest that you plan to include a minimum of one night accommodation in one of these cities and fly from there to Paro on January 28. The tour concludes at Delhi Airport on Feb 10. The flight from Dibrugarh to Delhi is included in your tour cost. Please contact us to verify timing of this flight prior to making any flight arrangements. Not Included: Roundtrip airfare from your home Meals not indicated in the itinerary Beverages other than water and tea Cancellation / Interruption and Medical Insurance Items of a personal nature Additional arrangements required due to any emergency or related situations Excess baggage charges Any item not mentioned in Included Features above Payment Details: A non-refundable deposit of US$500 per person is required to reserve a space on this tour. A payment of US$1000 per person is required 6 months prior to departure. Final payment is due at least 90 days prior to departure. HOW TO BOOK Please contact Worldwide Quest

7 WHAT TO EXPECT Special Note: Arunachal Pradesh is a remote destination that is slowly opening to international visitors. We recommend that travellers approach this trip with a flexible spirit of adventure. Level of Activity: Active A good level of fitness is essential for this tour. You must have unimpaired mobility and be comfortable walking over uneven terrain for several hours. There are some steep ascents by stair to many locations. Some coach journeys will be long and with limited facilities which may be of poor quality; in Arunachal Pradesh we will be making bush stops along the way. Note that elevations in Bhutan are over 2300 metres (7500 feet) above sea level. If you have any concerns about being able to participate in this trip, please contact our office for further information. Accommodation Hotels in Bhutan are at the four-star level; they are clean and comfortable and all rooms have private en-suite bathrooms. Hotels in Arunachal Pradesh are the best available and have been selected for location, cleanliness, and comfort. Transportation We will be travelling in by air-conditioned vehicle, driven by a professional driver. Please note that the road conditions in Bhutan are poor and conditions in Arunachal Pradesh are even more challenging. The striking beauty of the landscape will keep your interest, but be prepared for poor road conditions. Weather We expect sunny skies and dry weather with temperatures ranging from 15 C 25 C during the day and overnight lows of 5 C. Tips: Consider comfortable and warm clothing, layers, down jacket, small back pack, hiking boots or good walking shoes with grips, hiking poles, neck and seat pillows for comfort while on the coach. Travel Documents You will require a passport for your trip to Bhutan and India. Please make sure it is valid for six months after the date of your return home. Canadian passport holders require visas for both Bhutan and India. We will send you instructions for obtaining these visas. Travel advice Before booking, please refer to the Canadian government website to obtain travel advice for the destination(s) you are visiting: ADDITIONAL INFO Terms and Conditions For additional information about our terms and conditions, please refer to your booking form, the current brochure or our website. All participants booking with Worldwide Quest are covered by the terms of the Ontario Travel Industry Act (Worldwide Quest International, Ontario - License # ). Cancellation Policy All payments are non-refundable, however you may transfer your initial deposit for any land tour to another tour 90 days or more prior to your scheduled departure date. Initial deposits for cruises are non-refundable and non-transferable. Your second payment and your final payment are nonrefundable and non-transferable. If you cancel within 90 days prior to trip departure, all associated trip costs are nonrefundable. The tour price is quoted as a package. No partial refunds or credits will be given for services not used. In the event of a cancellation, you must notify Worldwide Quest immediately and in writing. Travel Insurance We urge you to ensure that you have adequate cancellation and medical insurance in place, should an unexpected event cause you to cancel or interrupt your trip or should the tour not be operable per our terms and conditions. We will offer you Manulife insurance coverage. Medical insurance including emergency medical evacuation coverage is mandatory on all our tours. TRAVEL WITH ALUMNI UBC It s your travel experience. Indulge your curiosity as we take you to unique places you ve always dreamed about. UBC experts and knowledgeable local hosts provide context. That allows you to develop a deep connection to the people you meet and the cultures, cuisines and landscapes you re exploring. Best value in educational travel Meaningful local experiences Thoughtful itineraries See our complete list of tours at: WorldwideQuest.com/alumniUBC TICO#: The University of British Columbia Alumni Association will not be responsible for the financing, the arranging, or the conducting of these tours. They assume no liability or responsibility for damages or financial loss to person howsoever arising from the negligence, omission or otherwise of travel services arranged through Worldwide Quest International. Refer to the General Terms and Conditions established by Worldwide Quest International with respect to participating in this tour.