Travel to the Dragon Kingdom of Bhutan is a privilege
both in the limited number of guests it permits to cross its border each year and in the experience of an isolated kingdom whose everyday life is entwined in the purest tenets of Buddhism in the Himalayan region. Isolated from the outside world for centuries, Bhutan fiercely guards its traditions and cultures -- its king and his people serve as stewards of a mesmerizing land of peace, natural beauty, and spiritual richness.

 Our custom-designed journey will take us across mountain
passes to sacred monasteries tended by devout monks and sought out by pilgrims, through rich agricultural zones worked by yaks and extended families, to marketplaces where barter is still a common currency, and into the heart of festivals vibrating with color and ceremony. We will receive temple blessings for long life, removal of obstacles and peace, visit a private weaving center, women-owned businesses and take traditional buttered tea with a family in one of the rural villages. Asia Transpacific is our host, but you are your own guide into the richness of an individual experience like no other.

Autumn harvest begets festival season and our itinerary will
capture celebrations of the bountiful and fertile; the transition from crisp days of sunshine that wane into cold nights of seclusion. Buddhist practices interwoven with myth and legend, saints and demons create ceremonies and fireside rituals of breathtaking simplicity and complexity. We will be a small group of pilgrims with interests in architecture, textiles, hiking and religion. But the abundance of discovery will extend far beyond.

In a country where the GNP is measured in Happiness with a backdrop of the world's most commanding mountain ranges, I expect to find reverence and harmony, gentility and kindness. What will you find?

Come with me in 2006 to the Kingdom of Bhutan.

Kay
11823 Brookhill Lane
Dallas, TX 75230
972 490-9897
kwinz@sbcglobal.net


Make Your Arrangements
Ann Sager, a Virtuoso travel professional and dear friend, will coordinate all reservations and itineraries. And with a bit of good fortune and timing she may even join us. Contact her at:
ann@precisiontravel.com
or call 214 923-6465.
These cities represent our destinations:
Travel Journal
Day 1 · Wedensday, September 27, 2006
Arrive in Paro. Welcome to Bhutan! After obtaining your Bhutan visa and clearing Immigration and Customs, we will be met at the airport by private driver and transferred to the hotel where our arrival is heralded with a prayer flag hoisting ceremony. The Zhiwa Ling is a new, upscale lodge set on ten acres of land with a crystalline stream flowing through it. With architecture drawn from the traditional Dzong (temple fortress) it combines modern with stately. Timbers from the 450-year old Gangte Goenpa, a private monastery, have been fashioned into a temple on the second floor. Its tea house, spa, and meditation center are the perfect sites to recover from the rigors of long distance travel and transition into the serenity of this Buddhist kingdom. A complimentary massage or hot stone bath awaits you. We will gather before dinner for aperitif, introductions, and blessings. Overnight: Paro at the Zhiwa Ling. Meals: D.
Day 2 · Thursday, September 28, 2006
Don't expect a throbbing metropolis, instead feast your eyes on a beautiful rural scene: emerald fields, magnificent dzong architecture, and if it's a clear day we'll be able to see the sacred Mount Chomolhari. Today we will visit the impressive Paro Dzong that dominates the valley and the Ta Dzong (National Museum) that towers above it. The well-intrepreted collection of historical arifacts is a fitting prologue for our journey. We will also visit Dumtse Lhakhang, built in 1433 by Thangtong Gyelpo (the legendary "Iron Bridge Builder") and the Ugyen Pelri Palace. Overnight: Paro at the Zhiwa Ling. Meals: B, L, D.
Days 3 - 5 · Friday, September 29 - Sunday, October 1, 2006
 Our drive to Thimphu takes less than two hours. Normally the capital city and cultural core feels like a laid back town after all it's the world's only national capital without a traffic light, however our visit is timed to coincide with the last two days of
the Thimphu Drupchen Festival so the city will be animated with celebration. We'll see men and women going about their daily lives clad in their mandatory native dress: the kho, worn by men and the kira, a more fitted garment for women, as well as, celebrants in vibrant costumes.

Our three days will be divided among cultural visits, festival events, and the country's best shopping. We'll visit the Trashi Chloe Dzong, the seat of government and palace of the reigning king, Jigme Signye Wangchuck. There will be time to tour the
National Textile Museum and Institute for Traditional Arts and Crafts. Additional stops include a women-owned business and a private weaving center.

Twice we'll proceed to the festival grounds with throngs of pilgrims and participants. Ornate costuming, ceremonial symbolism, and dances performed by monks inside the monastery temple celebrate fertility and religious conquest. Masks and head gear compliment vibrant-colored clothing worn by performers and attendees. In a convivial, sometimes rowdy atmosphere there is spirited competition, singing, and imbibing. We will be in attendance on the final day considered the most spectacular.

During one of our afternoons we will drive to end of the Thimphu Valley and embark on a round trip walk of about two hours to the dramatically set Tango Monastery. Here amidst the pine forest, clinging to the cliff-side, is a half-round building, built in the 15th Century by one of Bhutan's most well loved figures, Lama Drukpa Kunley, The Divine Madman.
Shopping for masks, wood carvings, painted scrolls and exquisite woven and embrodiered items is the best here. Selections are augmented by the noisy weekend market a delight of its own. Bhutanese come from all over the region to trade everything from vegetables to yak cheese, textiles to bows and arrows. Overnight: Thimphu at the Hotel Druk. Meals: B,L,D.

Day 6 · Monday, October 2, 2006
After an early breakfast, we begin our journey eastward into the Punakha district, an important crossroad for travel north and south, as well as, east and west, then on into the Wangdue Phodrang, Along the way we will be treated to some of the most stunning views of the Himalayas. The three hour drive takes us across the Dochu La Pass (10,332 feet) its summit marked with cairns and prayer flags. The terrain shifts into heavy forests of evergreens and seasonally tinted broadleaf trees.

Our visit to Wangdue coincides with the fascinating last day of the Wandi Tshechu festival, a religious celebration dedicated to Guru Rinpoche, the Precious Master, who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th Century. Beginning on the 10th day of the lunar period the celebrations bestow merit on those who watch the mesmerizing mask dances. To partake in these festivals is a rare honor for locals and visitors alike. We'll visit with a local family as they ready for the festival dressing in their finest clothing, and then spend the afternoon hours observing their sacred celebrations. Overnight: Wangdue at the Kyichu Resort. Meals: B, L, D.

Day 7 · Tuesday, October 3, 2006
 We travel farther east to Bhutan's central heartland the Bumthang Valley destination for fewer than twenty percent of the country's visitors. It was in this region that Buddhism took hold. The seven hour drive
takes us over the Yotong La and Kiki La passes to the country's widest valleys the grazing land for yaks, cattle, and sheep. It's harvest time so we'll see people collecting apples and thrashing the bright orange buckwheat. Jakar, the administrative capital for the region, has a namesake dzong built on the spot in the river where a white bird (jakar) landed during a visit by Ngagi Wangchuk. Legend also recounts stories of treasures of enlightenment hidden in this valley by Guru Rinpoche, the central figure in Tantric Buddhism. We'll visit Kurjey Lhakhang, the monastery where he meditated. Overnight: Jakar at the Gongkhar Guest House. Meals: B, L, D.
Day 8 · Wednesday, October 4, 2006

Today we explore the lush green Bumthang Valley and its many amazing monuments. The region encompasses four major valleys: Choskhor, Tang, Ura and Chhume. It's time to lace on your boots and add a layer of fleece as invigorating breezes chill the air this time of year. The hike to the village of Thangbi is an easy one. The namesake monastery originally built in 1470 is our destination before visiting Jampa Lhakhang, one of 108 temples built in a single day by Tibetan king Songsten Gampo to thwart the actions of an ogress impeding the spread of Buddhism in the area.

Returning to Jakar, we'll spend time walking through town and exploring local shops which have an excellent selection of crafts and goods. The afternoon will be capped with tea and a nosh of fresh baked bread, homemade jam, and cheese at the Swiss Guest House, cornerstone of the large Swiss Project that has helped farmers upgrade their agricultural practices. Overnight: Jakar at the Gongkhar Guest House. Meals: B, L, D.

Day 9 · Thursday, October 5, 2006
 This morning we'll depart for the highest of the Bumthang valleys, Ura. At 10,300 ft. it is considered one of the holiest areas of the country evidenced by its concentration with fortresses and monasteries. Our moderate level trek will take us past fortifications that are home to devout teachers and descendents of the ruling Wangchuk family. The village of hardworking people retains a medieval feel with clusters of small houses and cobblestone streets. Skilled weavers work their looms and we'll stop in one of the studios to observe their techniques and select from production. Overnight: Jakar at the Gongkhar Guest House. Meals: B, L, D.
Day 10 · Friday, October 6, 2006
A full day's exploration into the Tang Valley, the remotest of the area's four valleys awaits. Not as fertile as other agricultural zones, inhabitants raise sheep and yaks along the banks of the Tang Chuu River. A stop at the school in Mesithang will provide a glimpse into education in this remote spot. From the village of Gamling, we'll walk an hour to Ugyen Chholing a 16th Century palace built by Deb Tsokye Dorje, now a museum dedicated to religious study. The compound also contains information and artwork on the noble family. On our return to Jakar, we stop at the sacred Burning Lake of Tang.

Part of the beauty of spending three days in one location is that you can sleep in or pull out your journal or sketch pad comfortably taking a day at leisure on your own. Overnight: Jakar at the Gongkhar Guest House. Meals: B, L, D.
Day 11 · Saturday, October 7, 2006
It's am early departure for the full day's drive to Punakha, nearly eight hours of backtracking cross country's main artery westward. Our travels will be broken with a mid-day meal and rest stops, including a visit to the stunning Trongsa Dzong, its yellow roof visible for miles. As time and progress allows we may visit Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple built by Lama Drukpa Kunley, where women hoping to bear children make pilgrimages to seek blessings. Upon arrival in the former capital of the country, we will tour the city's Dzong which remains the winter residence of His Holiness, the Chief Abbot, and the Central Monastic Body, when they migrate from Thimphu. Overnight: Puhakha at the Zangtopelhri Hotel. Meals: B, L, D.
Day 12 · Sunday, October 8, 2006
 Before hitting the road, we'll hike to Rimchu, an area peppered with waterfalls, wildlife, and birds. Our journey comes full circle with our return to Paro, a four and half hour drive. The stunning Uma Paro hotel will be our farewell point. An ecologically sensitive hilltop compound, it fuses aspects of modern architecture with detailed interiors cued from ancient surroundings. Owner Christine Ong, noted for her boutique hotels in Asia and Europe, has created a serene retreat for discerning travelers. We will calm our spirits after the overland drive and prepare for homeward travel. Overnight: Paro at the Uma Paro Resort. Meals: B, L, D.
Day 13 · Monday, October 9, 2006
 Arrange the days to suit yourself. Choose an invigorating hike to Taktsang hermitage, the Tiger's Nest Monastery where for centuries pilgrims have taken the steep, zigzagging pathway to the rock face to the sanctuary. Chapels and private recesses hold space for final prayers and mediations. Or opt for a day of relaxation, yoga, or Ayurvedic spa treatments at the COMO Shambhala Retreat. There is ample time to do it all including last minute shopping and a stroll through town. We will gather at dusk for our own private celebration of a sensational journey through the Dragon Kingdom. Overnight: Paro at the Uma Paro Resort. Meals: B, L, D.
Day 14 · Tuesday, October 10, 2006
 Early morning private transfer to the airport.
Capsule
Dates: September 27 -- October 10, 2006

Length: 14 days/13 nights

Cost Per Person: $6500 double occupancy, $850 single supplement not available in all locations. Plus airfare.

Inclusion: $200 daily government guest fee, guides and hosts, accommodations, transfers and ground transportation, festival, museum and sightseeing entrance fees, special events, meditations, yoga sessions, meals as indicated and all gratuities.

Air Transportation: Bangkok, Thailand will serve as our international gateway to Bhutan. The country's national Airline Druk Air (Royal Bhutan Airlines) provides service into Paro with an intermediate stop in Calcutta, India. Internal airfare is approximately $780.

Travel Insurance: Because of Bhutan's remote location and prepayment requirements, it is strongly recommended that you purchase trip insurance within 21 days of making your deposit. Ann Sager has detail information regarding coverage that includes pre-existing conditions, family emergencies, and evacuation.

Deposit: $1200 non-refundable deposit is required to secure space. $400 is applied to the land package, $800 is used to purchase Druk Air tickets which are non-transferrable and non-refundable. (It's a government owned airline and the only way to gurantee your entry into the country.)

Overland travel: By mini-van or small bus covers rugged, sometimes unpaved roads, and traverses high altitude passes.

 Accommodations: With the exception of our arrival city, Paro, accommodations will be modest, but clean. While traveling into the interior we will be staying at inns and guest houses sometimes with limited hot water and intermittent utilities. Your enjoyment and personal safety are of our highest priority, however at times comforts and amenities standard for Westerners will not be available.

Food: The Bhutanese diet consists of staples of rice eaten with chilies and vegetables. Meat curries and spicy chicken dishes are also part of the national cuisine. Roasted barley is a mainstay for many dishes particularly ones influenced by Tibetans. Fish is not generally available. Buckwheat pancakes and noodles are popular in the Central region near Bunthang. We will try our best to accommodate special dietary needs.

Vaccinations/Immunizations:The only vaccination required for entry into Bhutan is yellow fever. It is recommended that the following immunizations be up to date: typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A, polio and diphtheria.

Himalaya Medical Certificate: A physician's statement of health authorizing travel and activity at altitude is required. The form is provided by our trip organizer.

Visa: A passport with six months validation is required. Visas will be arranged by our tour operator and obtained upon arrival in Paro.

 Gifts: In lieu of individual gifts or handouts that promote begging, we suggest charitable donations to organizations like the Tarayana Foundation, Youth Development Fund, Royal Society for the Protection of Nature, or the Voluntary Arts Studio of Thimphu. Asia Transpacific has a Foundation, to which we are making a contribution.

 Asia Transpacific Journeys: Long before I met Asia Transpacific Co-founder, Marilyn Staff I had heard of her expertise among travel experts. The professional community speaks of her exploration and early entry into uncharted regions of Asian tourism with confidence and esteem. When I finally met her earlier this year it was at a gathering of her clients, people who had traveled not once, but multiple times with her company. Each one said, they would not go to Asia with any other host. She and her team of professionals create a unique experience for their travelers. Asia Transpacific has designed an itinerary for us mirroring our interests and tastes. Should there be any elements you would like to see added, let me know and I bet we can find a way to incorporate them.
Photographs by Marilyn Staff, COO & CoFounder Asia Transpacific
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