A Cultural Tour of the Kingdom of Bhutan

Transcription

1 A SIAM SOCIETY STUDY TRIP A Cultural Tour of the Kingdom of Bhutan with Mrs. Bilaibhan Sampatisiri Former President and Honorary Advisor to the Siam Society Council Saturday, 29 December 2018 Monday, 7 January 2019 CY EXPLORE THE REMOTE HIMALAYAN KINGDOM OF BHUTAN WITH THE SIAM SOCIETY Sandwiched between mighty neighbours - China to the north and India to the south, Bhutan is a tiny independent country about the same size as Switzerland. Bhutan is one of the most beautiful and isolated places on earth and the last living Vajrayana Buddhist kingdom, where, during the seventh century, the teachings of the Buddha became the country s state religion. Over the last twelve hundred years these timeless teachings of wisdom and compassion have infused every aspect of society. Shocked by the disappearance of Tibet as an independent Buddhist state in the 1950s, Bhutan began emerging from its isolation, seeking a seat at the table of sovereign, modern nations. It is bravely setting out to do this in a manner that protects its unique Buddhist heritage and culture and its lush, unspoiled environment. In Bhutan, the government s official development policy first articulated by the former king, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuk is known as Gross National Happiness. Facing the daunting challenges of modernization and globalization, Bhutan balances economic development with other 1

2 values: maintaining the integrity of spiritual and cultural traditions and good governance. The results of the balance of values represented by Gross National Happiness are immediately evident to the visitor. Bhutan is a country where the vitality of traditional culture and the purity and beauty of the natural environment make this one of the most unique and appealing countries in the world. We have many magical experiences awaiting you on our tour through the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon. Here are some of the highlights you can expect: Natural beauty of an intact Himalayan eco-system Insight into one of the Himalaya s most distinct and unique traditional culture Visits to ornately carved, splendidly painted Buddhist temples and monasteries Drive over stunning mountain passes A great time to see the beautiful endangered birds - The Black Necked cranes in Phobjikha valley, winter home of Black necked cranes migrating from the Tibetan plateau Beautiful handicrafts to admire and purchase Interact with friendly local people as well as government officials. Well-appointed hotel accomodations in local Bhutanese style Hike to the gravity-defying Taktsang ( Tiger s Nest ) monastery Isolated farms, quaint villages, and the picturesque scenery along the way December to January normally offering cool, pleasant days and clear blue skies although temperatures fall below zero at night. But a good time for photography and the opportunity for wonderful Himalayan vistas from the higher passes No tourists crowd Celebrate New Years in Bhutan Join Siam Society s winter adventure in Bhutan to discover a sacred heritage and distinctive identity that for centuries has remained shrouded by high peaks. Mrs. Bilaibhan Sampatisiri, Former President of the Siam Society, who has had a long association with the Kingdom of Bhutan, will lead the trip. This 10 days program will take members to one of Asia s most unusual countries. The itinerary will be rugged and demanding, but it will provide an extraordinary and interesting experience. The tentative program is as follows: 2

3 Day 1: Sat. 29 Dec. 18 BANGKOK-PARO (by Druk Air), THIMPHU 06:00 h. Meet at Suvarnabhumi International Airport (Entrance No. 10) check in counter for Royal Bhutan Airline (Druk-Air), Row W 08:30 h. Depart Bangkok by Royal Bhutan Airlines KB 123 for Paro, Kingdom of Bhutan Fly to Paro, Bhutan, on Druk Air, the national airline of Bhutan ( Druk meaning Dragon). In clear weather, views of the country s landscape and eastern Himalayan peaks, give way to Paro valley as you land. The remarkable and steep descent into the Paro valley is an awe-inspiring beginning to your adventure. The first thing that you will notice as you disembark in Bhutan is the absence of noise and a feeling of peacefulness that is rare in most other Asian cities. And cool, clean fresh air as you step out of the plane. 12:40 h. Arrive at Paro Airport (2,250 meters above sea level) - Lunch at the Airport Restaurant After visa formalities and collection of baggage, you are met by your Bhutanese escort, and drive 1 hour to Thimphu, the seat of government, religion and commerce in Bhutan. Thimphu was a wooded farming valley until 1961 when it became Bhutan s official national capital. With an estimated population of 150,000 people, this unique city is filled with an unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. Afternoon in Thimphu visit: Royal Textile Academy, dedicated to educate, promote and preserve Bhutanese textiles. Bhutan's textiles are an integral part of its cultural and heritage and are unique for their diversity and sophistication. Craft Bazar, showcases wide range of authentic Bhutan-made art and craft products. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Druk in Thimphu Day 2: Sun. 30 Dec. 18 THIMPHU 3 (Altitude of Thimphu: 2,350 m) We have one full day to explore Thimphu, Bhutan's exotic capital city a fascinating combination of traditional and contemporary life: National Memorial Chorten (Tibetan style Stupa), a monument to world peace and a memorial to the Late King (3 rd King of Bhutan). It is the focal point for the local worshippers in Thimphu who come to circumambulate the stupa throughout the day, speaking their mantras with their prayer wheels in hand. It is a great spot for people watching and is a gathering place for many of the older people who will often spend the whole day at the stupa, chatting with each other, turning the prayer wheels, and always smiling for a photograph. Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Point), the site of the 201 foot Golden Buddha statue. The statue is one of the biggest and tallest in the world. Farmers Market, where Thimphu residents mingle with villagers in an interesting urban and rural blend. People come from outlying rural villages to this market to sell vegetables and exotic fruits, & other items including dried fish, chili peppers, spices, butter and cheese. - Lunch at Edelweiss Restaurant in Thimphu. Tashichho Dzong, located on the banks of the Thimphu River, this is Bhutan s administrative and religious center. It houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan, government ministries, the nation s largest monastery and headquarters of His Holiness the Je Khenpo (the chief abbot) and the central monk body. A dzong is a Fortress. (The Dzongs are Bhutanese architectural masterpieces built in the past to serve a number of purposes. They served as administrative centers and as houses for the clergy. They were also used as garrisons by the army and people gathered in the dzong courtyards during festivities).

4 Takin Preserve, for a chance to see the Takin, Bhutan s national animal. Takin resembles a cross between a gnu and a musk deer. It has an immense face and a tremendously thick neck. Simtokha Dzong, the first dzong to be built in The statues and paintings in the sanctuary inside are certainly among the most impressive and beautiful in Bhutan. The paintings are of the highest quality due as much to their composition as to rich colours and the lines of the drawings. In the evening, enjoy strolling in the streets of Thimphu. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Druk. Day 3: Mon. 31 Dec. 18 THIMPHU PUNAKHA *3 hour drive After breakfast drive to Punakha, an ancient winter capital of Bhutan (3 hour drive). Leaving Thimphu valley the road climbs steeply through a forest of pine and cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high up near Dochu La Pass (3,100 m). On a clear day you will witness a breathtaking view of the eastern Himalaya from Dochu La. Here we can spend sometime for tea/coffee and photgraphing the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens (Stupas), commissioned by a former Queen, and a memorial to those who lost their lives during the low intensity conflict in late 2001 when Bhutan evicted Indian rebels camped in the jungle on the Bhutan Indian border. For the next two hours of drive, the road slowly descends into the lowlands of Punakha valley. - Lunch at Divine Restaurant or similar. After lunch enjoy a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang (temple), on a small hilltop. It is a pleasant minutes hike through the rice fields and the small village. This temple is dedicated to the famous and unorthodox Buddhist master, Drukpa Kinley (endearing referred to by the Bhutanese as the Divine Madman ), who is associated with the phallic symbols you would have seen on your travels in Bhutan so far. The temple has become a pilgrimage site for childless couples. And visit Punakha Dzong, the Palace of Great Happiness and a masterpiece of Bhutanese Architecture, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel, the saint who unified Bhutan. The Dzong lies between the Fo Chu (male river) and the Mo Chu (female river), and is the winter home of the Central Monk Body. A devastating flash flood in 1994 washed away a major part of the Dzong. His Majesty the fourth King personally supervised the reconstruction of Dzong, a project that has occupied thousands of skilled craftsmen and builders. The results of the restoration are amazing. You 4

5 will be seeing the most magnificent architectural and artistic masterpiece in the Kingdom, consecrated in an elaborate ceremony in May of Overnight Punakha. Dinner and overnight at Drubchhu Resort in Punakha Day 4: Tue. 1 Jan. 19 PUNAKHA - GANGTEY *3 hour drive 5 (Altitude of Punakha: 1,350 m) In the morning continue eastwards from Punakha to Gangtey and Phobjikha valley via the district of Wangdue. After passing Wangdue the road goes through thick virgin forests, past intricate mosaics of emerald green fields laced together by irrigation ditches, to the Lawa La Pass (3,300 m). This hidden valley of Gangtey in the Black Mountains, is one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan. Phobjikha is one of Bhutan s few glacial valleys, and chosen winter home of Black necked cranes migrating from the Tibetan plateau. As a part of the conservation effort, the Phobjikha valley has been declared a protected area. Until recently the Phobjikha valley s only electricity came from solar. In 2011 underground cabled electricity is gradually connecting the valley to the national grid. Potatoes are this region s primary cash crop once exported to India. - Lunch enroute In the afternoon visit the 17 th century Gangtey Monastery. The Gompa is directed by Gantey Tulku, the ninth reincarnation (a tulku is a reincarnate) of Pema Lingpa. We then hike along Gangtey Nature trail 4 km, this beautiful walk will give you a nice feel of the valley. And visit the Crane Information Centre, to watch Black necked cranes. Dinner and overnight at Dewachen Resort or similar in Gangtey Day 5: Wed. 2 Jan. 19 GANGTEY-TRONGSA-BUMTHANG *5/6 hour drive (Altitude of Gangtey: 2,950 m) We start early for the fabulous drive to the central valleys of Bhutan, crossing Pele La Pass and Yotong La Pass. In the morning we return to the main highway and climb up to the Pele La Pass (3,300m). This pass is traditionally considered the boundary between West and East Bhutan. Beyond Pele La is Longtey, Rukubji and Chendebji valley where people raise sheep and yaks. The houses here are clustered amid extensive fields of mustard, potatoes, barley, and wheat. Enroute past the 18th century Chendebji Chorten, a whitewashed stone chorten (or stupa) built in order to nail into the ground a demon who had been terrorizing the inhabitants of the valley. The last leg of our drive is, crossing streams, waterfalls, passing farmlands and villages as well as primordial forests that have never been inhabited because of the deities believed to reside there. The road finally emerges from the gorge and follows Mangde Chu river valley, then its turns and heads straight north to Trongsa. The first sight of the Trongsa Dzong one of the largest in Bhutan, is from across the valley. But the road winds another 12.5 miles before we will actually get there. - Lunch at local restaurant in Trongsa. Following lunch depart for Bumthang valley, the cultural and historic heart of the kingdom. Bumthang is the general name given to the complex of four valleys - Chume, Choeker, Tang, and Ura. From Trongsa, the road rises rapidly through a series of hairpin bends until you arrive at Yotong La Pass (3,400m ). From here the road descends until you arrive at Chume Valley (the first of the four valleys) we will visit several center of Yathra weaving. Yathra is the name for the colorful, hand-woven woolen cloth (often with geometric designs) that is produced in this region. Distinctive patterns and bright, earthy colors enliven the fabric, which is used for a wide variety of purposes and sought after throughout Bhutan. Continue our drive to Jakar (district headquarters) crossing the Kiki La Pass. Dinner and overnight at Mountain Resort in Bumthang.

6 Day 6: Thu. 3 Jan. 19 BUMTHANG 6 (Altitude of Bumthang: 2,500m) Bumthang is the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, known for the visits of Guru Rinpoche (the Second Buddha) when he was bringing Buddhism to Tibet and Bhutan in the 8th century. The open and wide valleys filled with fields and farmers, and the gentle slopes of beautiful mountains dotted with many sacred temples and monasteries, make for an unforgettable experience. Full day to explore Jakar valley. Leisurely walks through meadows and villages connect the temples and sightseeing. Jamba Lhakhang: According to legend, Jamba Lhakhang was one of the 108 temples built in AD 638, by a Tibetan Buddhist king in order to overcome a giant ogress who laid across regions of the Himalayas in order to prevent the spread of Buddhism. The central figure in the sanctuary is the statue of Jampa, the Buddha of the future. There are also three stone steps inside believed to represent past, present and future. They are slowly sinking into the ground. The faithful say that when all the steps disappear the future Buddha will arrive and we will all gather in Bumthang valley to receive his teachings. Kurjey Lhakhang: where the Guru Rinpoche subdued a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock. Zandopelri Lhakhang: The Royal Grandmother Ashi Kesang, commissioned this beautiful temple which was inaugurated in Lunch at Noryangs. Tamshing Lhakhang: a temple dedicated to Saint Pema Lingpa and containing some of the oldest wall paintings in Bhutan. Jakar Dzong the castle of the white bird, and the Swiss Farm, where you can buy cheese and local fruit products. Dinner and overnight at Mountain Resort. Day 7: Fri. 4 Jan. 19 BUMTHANG TRONGSA *3 hour drive After leisurely morning we will say good-bye to Bumthang and drive to Trongsa. We will retrace the road you had come into Bumthang with few stops for pictures that you have missed during your journey. Arrive Trongsa and visit the spectacular Trongsa Dzong. Built in 1647, it is also the ancestral home of the Royal Family, and both the first and second kings ruled the country from Trongsa. The Dzong sits on a narrow spur that sticks out into the gorge of the Mangde-Chu River and overlooks the routes east, west and south. It was built in such a way that in the olden days, it had complete control over all east-west traffic. This helped to augment the strategic importance of the Dzong which eventually placed its Penlop (regional ruler) at the helm of a united country when His Majesty Ugyen Wangchuck became the first king of Bhutan. To this day, the Crown Prince of Bhutan becomes the Penlop of Trongsa before ascending the throne, signifying its historical importance. We will also, visit Ta Dzong Museum, dedicated to the Monarchs of Bhutan, which had its cradle in Trongsa, and the history of Trongsa Dzong. Dinner and overnight at Yangkhil Resort. Day 8: Sat. 5 Jan. 19 TRONGSA THIMPHU PARO *6/7 hour drive Another long driving day! Rise early and depart to Paro via Pele La Pass and Dochu La Pass. Even though we are on the same road we will be pleased to find the return drive just as interesting because new and different scenes will again unfold on every turn. - Lunch will be served at Lobesa Hotel Wangdue.

7 Dinner and overnight at Hotel Drukchen Hotel or similar in Paro. served at the Cafeteria. Day 9: Sun. 6 Jan. 19 PARO End your Bhutan adventure on a high with a hike to the enchanting Tiger s Nest, Taktsang Monastery (Bhutan s most famous and scenic icon). We get an early start to Tiger s Nest to avoid the hot sun and any other tourists that may be there. (Riding ponies provided until the Cafeteria). The monastery itself is perched on a granite cliff that drops 3,000 feet to the valley floor. The name is derived from a legend that Guru Rinpoche flew across the mountains to this spot on the back of a tigress, reaching a cave in which he meditated for three months, converting the people of Paro valley to Buddhism during his stay. Taktsang is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in the Himalayan World. The hike to the monastery takes about 6/7 hours for round trip, and is challenging, but unforgettably thrilling and mystical. Vegetarian lunch will be Optional for those who do not hike to Taktsang Monastery - The 20 miles drive to Chele La pass makes an interesting road excursion. Chele La separates Haa and Paro valley and at 12,200 ft, it is one of the highest motor able pass in Bhutan. The drive will be Bhutanese slow, twisty, curvy switchback mountain driving. However, it is beautiful through dense blue pine, spruce and larch forests according to the seasons. On a clear day, there are spectacular views of Mt. Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and adjoining peaks to the North West, as well as the view of Haa and Paro valley. We can also visit Kila Goempa Nunnery, the serene home of Buddhist nuns who have dedicated their lives to spiritual fulfillment. Enjoy the evening leisurely at the hotel. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Drukchen Hotel or similar. Day 10: Mon. 7 Jan. 19 PARO BANGKOK (by Druk Air) In the morning we will visit the Pana Lhakhang and Kyichu Lhakhang one of the oldest shrines of Bhutan (dates back to 7 th century). Early lunch at Olathang Hotel 15:40 h. Depart Paro for Bangkok by KB :10 h. Arrive at Suvanrnabhumi International Airport The Siam Society reserves the right to change the programme as necessary. 7

8 Contribution: Bt. 125,000 (Bt. 128,500 for non-members). Single room surcharge Bt. 12,000 A deposit of Bt. 35,000 and photocopy of passport must accompany the booking. Your reservation will be confirmed as soon as the deposit has been made. Payment in full is required 45 days before the start of the trip (i.e. by Wednesday, 14 November 2018) Please pay by cash or cheque payable to The Siam Society. There is a 4% surcharge for credit/debit card payment to cover bank charges. Alternatively, you can deposit/transfer the money to the Siam Society travel account at the Thai Military Bank, Asoke Branch saving account no Please fax or the deposit or transfer docket to us. In case the tour has to be cancelled due to insufficient participants, a full refund of the deposit will be made. Includes/Excludes: The contribution includes visa fee to Bhutan, meals as mentioned in program, airfare ticket, accommodation for two persons per room, entrance fees, transfer and sightseeing by coach, gratuities and other costs incurred to make this trip possible. To comply with payment and cancellation policies set forth by tour agencies, and to facilitate smooth working condition between the Siam Society and the tour agencies, please read carefully the revised cancellation policies stated below: Cancellation charge: 45 days before the start of the trip: Deposit forfeited days before the start of the trip 50% of the tour cost Less than 30 days or cancellation without notice: No refund Booking details: Please book your place as soon as possible. Please supply a copy of your passport with your booking. For further information and bookings please contact Khun Prasert or Khun Supanut Tel ext. 504,506 Fax or supanut@siam-society.org. The Society office is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. The Siam Society reserves the right to change the programme as necessary. All visitors to Bhutan must hold passports valid for at least six months. Participants should understand that accommodation, food, transportation and other services, arranged by the state-run Bhutan Tourism Board, will be consistent with the best Bhutanese standards. Anticipating that arrangements may not always meet expectation, however, members should be prepared for adventure. The Siam Society uses any financial revenue arising from its study trips to support the activities of the Society in it library, museum and publications programmes. The partner organization of THE SIAM SOCIETY in conducting Study Travel in Thailand is Wishing Group Co. Ltd., License 11/