A JOURNEY TO THE ROOFTOP OF THE WORLD. October 12 to 25, a program of the stanford alumni association

Transcription

1 S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y A JOURNEY TO THE ROOFTOP OF THE WORLD October 12 to 25, 2019 a program of the stanford alumni association

2 Although Nepal has been part of the itineraries of many Stanford Travel/Study trips to the region, this brand-new program marks the first time we focus exclusively on this incomparable Himalayan country. Geographically wedged between the conspicuous cultures, take-no-prisoners economies and tourist-weary terrain of India and China, unassuming Nepal is a traveler s delight. With the recovery from the devastating 2015 earthquakes well underway, there s no better time to visit warm and welcoming Nepal with its unique history, its newly progressive politics (Nepal s current president is a woman whose platform emphasizes conservation, sustainable development and LGBT rights) and, of course, its spectacularly dramatic topography. Join us on our newest journey to the world s rooftop! BUDDHA STATUE, DHULIKHEL BRETT S. THOMPSON, 83, DIRECTOR, STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY Highlights CIRCUMAMBULATE Kathmandu s iconic stupas of Swayambhunath and Boudhanath, two of Buddhism s most sacred pilgrimage sites, with their all-seeing eyes of Buddha. COVER: BOUDHANATH STUPA, KATHMANDU ENJOY a wildlife safari through the jungle of Chitwan National Park, either old-school style from atop an elephant or via a more modern four-wheel-drive vehicle. TAKE an optional, oncein-a-lifetime, flight-seeing tour across the Himalayas, passing within five miles of the tallest mountain in the world revered Mount Everest. MOUNT EVEREST

3 Judy gave some of the best and most thoughtful lectures of any trip we have been on. PEGGY DALAL, ISRAEL: PAST AND PRESENT, 2018 Faculty Leader JUDITH GOLDSTEIN, the Janet Peck Professor of International Communication and professor of political science, has been teaching at Stanford since the early 1980s. She has taught courses on all aspects of international politics, specializing on the requisites for international cooperation on economic affairs. Her current work focuses on the interaction of globalization and politics. In looking at Nepal today, Judith is concerned about the many social and political problems that currently face Nepal. During our trip, her lectures will address how a small country like Nepal can succeed in the world economy, especially given its location between the two behemoths of India and China. She will also pose fundamental questions such as, why is it so hard to maintain a democratic government what do you do about corruption? How can and should Nepal be more involved in the world economy? And what, exactly, do we mean by development? Chair, department of political science, since 2013, and former Kaye University Fellow in Undergraduate Education, Stanford University Senior fellow, by courtesy, Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research and Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies Director, Global Studies Division, Stanford University, Author, co-author and editor of numerous publications on politcal topics, BA, political science, UC-Berkeley MA, international affairs, Columbia University PhD, political science, UCLA S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y SIGN UP ONLINE: alumni.stanford.edu/trip?nepal2019 OR BY PHONE: (650) CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK

4 N EPAL CHINA Dharamsala Delhi INDIA NEPAL to Delhi Pokhara Kathmandu I NDIA CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK Itinerary SATURDAY TO MONDAY, OCTOBER 12 TO 14 U.S. / KATHMANDU, NEPAL Depart the U.S. on overnight flights, arriving in Kathmandu on Monday. Gather for a welcome reception, orientation briefing and welcome dinner at our hotel this evening. HYATT REGENCY (D: 10/14) TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15 KATHMANDU This morning visit Kathmandu s iconic Buddhist stupa (reliquary) of Swayambunath with its all-seeing eyes of Buddha, and Durbar Square, home of one of Nepal s Kumaris, or living goddesses children worshipped by Nepali Hindus as the manifestation of the goddess, Durga. Take a rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of the Thamel neighborhood and explore Pashupatinath, a World Heritage site whose temple complex is one of Nepal s most sacred Hindu holy places. From the banks of the Bagmati River, observe aarti, a Hindu worship ritual involving the offering of light in the form of flaming diyas (oil lamps) and the singing of devotional songs. Enjoy dinner this evening, joined by a Sherpa who has summited Mount Everest. HYATT REGENCY (B,L,D) WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16 KATHMANDU / PATAN At dawn, weather permitting, depart for an optional flightseeing tour over the Himalayas. While flying at an altitude of 26,000 feet among the highest peaks in the world, we find ourselves still 3,000 feet below the majestic summit of Mount Everest, whose southern face we pass within five nautical miles. Later in the morning, visit Patan just south of Kathmandu, a center of fine art and culture that is home to the Patan Museum, with its traditional sacred art of Nepal. Pending permission by the local authorities, meet the Kumari of Patan in a private audience. Explore the picturesque Newari villages of Bungamati and Khokana, whose traditions have changed little over the centuries. Bungamati is renowned for its master wood carvers and sculptors and tiny Khokana is famous for its unusual mustard oil harvesting process. HYATT REGENCY (B,L,D) THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17 KATHMANDU / BHAK- TAPUR / DHULIKHEL Visit the medieval city of Bhaktapur with its Buddhist and Hindu temples, pagodas, palaces and monuments, some of which date back to the 16th century. Restoration work is well underway here following the devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the region in April Visit the workshop of a ceramicist and in the afternoon drive to Dhulikhel on the eastern rim of the Kathmandu Valley for a stunning panorama of the high Himalayan peaks. DWARIKA S RESORT (B,L,D) FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18 DHULIKHEL / KATH- MANDU / POKHARA Drive from Dhulikhel to the Kathmandu airport and connect to our short flight to Pokhara, Nepal s second-largest city and gateway to the Annapurna Circuit, one of the country s most popular long-distance treks. Visit the International Mountain Museum with its exhibits on the Himalayas flora and fauna, various ethnic groups and the history of mountaineering among its peaks. Also visit the small Gurkha Museum that details the

5 Optional Post-trip Extension WORLD PEACE PAGODA, POKHARA OCTOBER 24 TO 29 (5 ADDITIONAL DAYS) DHARAMSALA Journey to Dharamsala, India, home of the Dalai Lama after being exiled from Tibet. Visit the 19th-century St. John s Church, domicile of the Dalai Lama, the offices of the Tibetan governmentin-exile, and the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives. Also stop at the Tibet Museum, Tibetan Children s Village, Norbulingka Institute, Tsechokling Monastery and Dolmaling Nunnery. Additional details and rates will be provided to confirmed participants. history of this famous Nepali regiment. Check in to our hotel late this afternoon. TEMPLE TREE RESORT (B,L,D) SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19 POKHARA This morning, take an optional hike up a steep forest incline to the World Peace Pagoda, a massive Buddhist stupa built to unite people of all races and creeds in the quest for world peace, where we enjoy fantastic views of Pokhara and the Annapurna range. In the afternoon, drive to Devi s Falls, a waterfall on the outskirts of Pokhara, and to the adjacent Gupteshwar Mahadeva Cave, a natural grotto and Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. TEMPLE TREE RESORT (B,L,D) SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20 POKHARA / CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK Drive southeast from Pokhara this morning, headed for Chitwan National Park. Although Nepal is best known for its mountains, nearly one-quarter of its land area is comprised of the Terai, a lowland plain of wetlands, savannah, forests and grasslands that s home to Chitwan National Park, a 360-square-mile protected area with more than 700 species of wildlife, including leopard, sloth bear, rhinoceros and the elusive Bengal Tiger. Arriving at the park, settle in to our lodge. BARAHI JUNGLE LODGE (B,L,D) MONDAY & TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21 & 22 CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK Spend two full days discovering the riches of Chitwan National Park. Choose from a number of activities, including elephant safaris through the community forest that give us close-up looks at the wildlife, jeep safaris that allow us to track wildlife across the various habitats of the park, boat safaris and canoe rides that ply the waters of the Rapti River as we search for crocodile and other wetland species, nature walks through the jungle and visits to the nearby village. One evening enjoy a cultural performance by local Tharu dancers. BARAHI JUNGLE LODGE (B,L,D BOTH DAYS) WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23 CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK / KATHMANDU Fly back to Kathmandu and, upon arrival, visit the stupa of Boudhanath, a World Heritage site and a bastion of Tibetan culture. Energized by the arrival of thousands of Tibetans after the 1959 Chinese invasion, it has become one of Nepal s most important centers of Tibetan Buddhism. At 130+ feet high, it s the largest stupa in Nepal. Pending availability, enjoy a private audience with a high lama (Tibetan Buddhist spiritual teacher). This evening gather for a farewell reception and dinner at our hotel. HYATT REGENCY (B,L,D) THURSDAY & FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24 & 25 KATHMANDU / U.S. Check out of our hotel this morning and transfer to the airport for flights home, most of which arrive back in the U.S. on Friday. (B: 10/24)

6 ANNAPURNA RANGE Trip Information DATES October 12 to 25, 2019 (14 days) SIZE 26 participants (single accommodations limited please call for availability) COST* $8,995 per person, double occupancy $10,995 per person, single occupancy *Stanford Alumni Association nonmembers add $300 per person INCLUDED 10 nights of deluxe hotel accommodations 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 10 dinners Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions Gratuities to guides and drivers for all group activities All tours as described in the itinerary Transfers and baggage handling on program arrival and departure days Internal flights on 10/18, 10/23 Minimal medical, accident and evacuation insurance Educational program with lecture series and predeparture materials, including recommended reading list, a selected book, map and travel information Services of our professional tour manager to assist you throughout the program NOT INCLUDED International and U.S. domestic airfare Passport and visa fees Immunization costs Meals and beverages other than those specified as included Independent and private transfers Trip-cancellation/interruption and baggage insurance Excess-baggage charges Personal items such as internet access, telephone and fax calls, laundry and gratuities for nongroup services AIR ARRANGEMENTS You are responsible for booking and purchasing airfare to the start location and from the end location of the program. These air purchases are NOT included in the program cost. To assist you in making these independent arrangements, we will send you information with your confirmation materials on when to arrive and depart. WHAT TO EXPECT We consider this to be a moderately strenuous program that is sometimes physically demanding and busy. The itinerary involves spending time at altitudes reaching 4,600 feet. Many days require early-morning starts and motor coach rides can be up to six hours. Daily excursions involve one to three miles of walking, including negotiating steep staircases without handrails, cobbled paths and rocky terrain. In many instances, guided tours require standing in one place for up to an hour, with tours lasting as long as four hours. Few sites have elevators and many do not allow buses to pull up in front, thus requiring a walk of several minutes, sometimes uphill, to reach the entrance. Our optional excursion to the World Peace Pagoda in Pokhara is a 45-minute uphill hike. During our program we travel among destinations by motor coach, van, four-wheel-drive vehicle and commercial aircraft. Open-air safari vehicles are used for the game drives; safaris may last several hours at a time and can be dusty and bumpy. Travel in this region can be time-consuming and unpredictable, requiring unexpected changes to our schedule. Roads can be narrow and unpaved. Participants must be physically fit, active and in good health. Western toilets are not available at all sites and venues so travelers should be prepared to use squat toilets and/or nature s facilities. We expect that participants will be a self-selecting group who are seeking a true adventure and whose interest in the places we visit far outweighs the need for creature comforts. We welcome travelers 15 years or older on this program.

7 CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK Terms & Conditions Deposit & Final Payment A $1,000-per-person deposit is required to reserve space for this program. An additional $200-perperson deposit is required to hold space for the optional post-trip extension. Sign up online at alumni. stanford.edu/trip?nepal2019 or call the Travel/Study office at (650) Final payment is due 120 days prior to departure. As a condition of participation, all confirmed participants are required to sign a Release of Liability. Cancellations & Refunds Deposits and any payments are refundable, less a $500-per-person cancellation fee, until 120 days prior to departure. After that date, refunds can be made only if the program is sold out and your place(s) can be resold, in which case a $1,000-perperson cancellation fee will apply. Insurance Stanford Travel/Study provides all travelers who are U.S. or Canadian citizens with minimal medical, accident and evacuation coverage under our group-travel insurance policy. Our group policy is intended to provide minimal levels of protection while you are traveling on this program. You may choose to subscribe to optional tripcancellation and baggage insurance. Information offering such insurance will be provided to travelers with their welcome materials. The product offered includes special benefits if you purchase your policy within 14 days of written confirmation of your participation on the trip. Eligibility We encourage membership in the Stanford Alumni Association as the program cost for nonmembers is $300 more than the members price. A person traveling as a guest paid for by a current member will not be charged the nonmember fee. For more information or to purchase a membership, visit alumni.stanford/ goto/membership or call (650) Responsibility The Stanford Alumni Association, Stanford University and our operators act only as agents for the passenger with respect to transportation and exercise every care possible in doing so. However, we can assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity in connection with the service of any automobile, motor coach, launch or any other conveyance used in carrying out this program or for the acts or defaults of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the program. We cannot accept any responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, force majeure or other causes beyond our control. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger as tour rates provide arrangements only for the time stated. We reserve the right to make such alterations to this published itinerary as may be deemed necessary. The right is reserved to cancel any program prior to departure in which case the entire payment will be refunded without further obligation on our part. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the program. No refund will be made for an unused portion of any tour unless arrangements are made in sufficient time to avoid penalties. Baggage is carried at the owner s risk entirely. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time that passengers are not on board their plane or conveyance. Neither the Stanford Alumni Association, Stanford University nor our operators accept liability for any carrier s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket in connection with the tour. Program price is based on rates in effect in October 2018 and is subject to change without notice to reflect fluctuations in exchange rates, tariffs or fuel charges. TELEPHONE (650) travelstudy@alumni.stanford.edu California Seller of Travel Program Registration # COPYRIGHT 2018 STANFORD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PRINTED ON RECYCLED, FSC-CERTIFIED PAPER IN THE U.S.

8 Stanford Travel/Study Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center 326 Galvez Street Stanford, CA (650) A JOURNEY TO THE ROOFTOP OF THE WORLD October 12 to 25, 2019 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Stanford Alumni Association Stanford gives the opportunity to visit places that are off the beaten path and that have relevance to current events. It s a very humanizing experience to visit countries that are often left out of or misunderstood in our modern media and popular culture. SUSAN WILLIAMS, HIMALAYAN KINGDOMS, 2017 S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y PATAN