IN THE LAND OF THE THUNDER DRAGON

Transcription

1 S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y IN THE LAND OF THE THUNDER DRAGON September 24 to October 8, 2018

2 I ll never forget the first time I visited Bhutan. The Bhutanese welcomed us with genuine, open smiles and the sky was such a clear, crisp blue it literally took my breath away. One of the world s most isolated countries, Bhutan possesses an unparalleled mystique and charm. Home to a people with a thoroughly unique culture, Bhutan is also filled with architectural and artistic treasures few tourists ever see. The country s recent transition from absolute to constitutional monarchy and its development of a Gross National Happiness Index are phenomena about which Stanford Law School professor and faculty leader Barbara H. Fried is ideally qualified to explain. Join her and us on this extraordinary journey! BRETT S. THOMPSON, 83, DIRECTOR, STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY Highlights MEET with local dignitaries and government officials and discuss Bhutan s past, present and future at a special reception in Thimphu. ADMIRE the impressive dzongs (monumental fortresses) and exceptional artifact-filled museums in Punakha, Trongsa and Paro. HIKE to 10,000-foot-high Taktsang ( Tiger s Nest ) Monastery, spectacularly clinging to a cliff 3,000 feet above the floor of the upper Paro Valley. COVER: TAKTSANG ( TIGER S NEST ) MONASTERY PUNAKHA DZONG

3 Stanford s connections with people in Bhutan, and the local guides, meant we received terrific information on the ground. RICHARD PAUL, 73, THE KINGDOM OF BHUTAN, 2015 Faculty Leader BARBARA H. FRIED, the William W. and Gertrude H. Saunders Professor of Law, joined the Stanford faculty in She teaches courses on contracts, modern American legal thought and tax and writes broadly on law and moral and political theory. She is excited to be visiting Bhutan at this moment in its history, when it s poised between the traditional and modern worlds and seeking a way forward that can preserve its distinctive way of life and pristine natural beauty. During our program Barbara will address Bhutan s challenges of democratic governance in a micro-state and the involvement of Stanford Law School s Rule of Law Project in Bhutan s development of a formal legal system. Also joining us will be Barbara s sister, Linda Fried, dean of the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University and a world expert in global health. Linda will deliver a presentation on the Bhutanese health system and national indicators of health and well-being from a comparative perspective. William W. and Gertrude H. Saunders Professor of Law, since 2003; Deane F. Johnson Faculty Scholar and professor of law, ; associate professor, ; assistant professor, all Stanford Law School Visiting professor, New York University Law School, 2002 and Review editor, Philosophy and Public Affairs, John Bingham Hurlburt Award for Excellence in Teaching, 1991, 2001 and 2006, and Deane Johnson Award for Excellence in Teaching and Research, 1996 Stanford Law School BA, 1977, and MA, magna cum laude, 1980, both English and American literature, Harvard University JD, magna cum laude, 1983, Harvard Law School 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?bhutan2018 OR BY PHONE: (650) PARO

4 CHINA TIBET H i m a l a y a s Paro Thimphu Punakha BUMTHANG Jakar Trongsa BHUTAN from Bangkok Itinerary MONDAY & TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 & 25 U.S. / BANGKOK, THAILAND Depart the U.S. on overnight flights to Bangkok, crossing the international date line and arriving on Tuesday. Upon arrival, check in to our hotel. NOVOTEL SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT HOTEL WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 BANGKOK / PARO, BHUTAN / THIMPHU Early this morning, fly over the eastern Himalayas to Paro, then drive to the country s capital, Thimphu. This afternoon, learn about the history of weaving and traditional clothing at the Royal Textile Academy and visit the Motithang Takin Preserve to view Bhutan s national animal, the rare goat-antelopelike takin. Enjoy a welcome reception and dinner at our hotel. LE MERIDIEN HOTEL (B,L,D) THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 THIMPHU Join students and teachers for their daily school assembly, then drive to Cheri Monastery. We begin our one-hour hike up to this important Bhutanese INDIA pilgrimage site, crossing a wooden cantilever bridge at the base of the hill. Back in Thimphu, visit the Choki Traditional Art School and the Voluntary Artist s Studio, Thimphu (VAST), a studio/gallery that promotes traditional and contemporary Bhutanese art and provides vocational training for young artists. Enjoy a special evening with Bhutanese dignitaries and scholars. LE MERIDIEN HOTEL (B,L,D) FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 THIMPHU / PUNAKHA Drive to Punakha, pausing at Dochula Pass (some 10,200 feet above sea level) to view its 108 chortens, or stupas, small relic-filled religious monuments. Descend into the Punakha Valley and walk through rice paddies to visit Chimi Lhakhang, a 15th-century fertility pilgrimage shrine. Late this afternoon, stop at modern Sangchhen Dorji Lhendup Nunnery, then explore Nobgang, the native village of Bhutan s queen mothers. ZING- KHAM RESORT OR SIMILAR (B,L,D) SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 PUNAKHA Visit the weekend market in Punakha, then hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a monument built by the royal family that s festooned with colorful images. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Punakha Valley, then take a raft trip on the Mochu River. Explore the labyrinthine 17th-century Punakha Dzong, winter fortress of the Je Khenpo, chief hierarch of Bhutanese Buddhism. ZINGKHAM RESORT OR SIMILAR (B,L,D) SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 PUNAKHA / TRONGSA A scenic full day s drive takes us into central Bhutan. Pass picturesque villages and forests, crossing the 11,000-foot-high Pele La Pass. Visit the Chendibji Chorten, built in the style of the famous Bodnath Stupa of Nepal, before descending into the Trongsa Valley to Trongsa, ancestral home of the Bhutanese royal family. YANGKHIL RESORT OR SIMILAR (B,L,D) MONDAY, OCTOBER 1 TRONGSA / JAKAR (BUMTHANG DISTRICT) Visit Trongsa Dzong, the largest fortress in Bhutan, built on a mountain spur high above the gorges of the Trongsa River. Inside the Ta-Dzong ( Watchtower ) Museum, admire relics and artifacts belonging to the royal family. Drive to Bumthang district,

5 stopping in the village of Zungney to visit the Yathra Weaving Centre, where yathra, a distinctive woolen cloth, is woven by hand. GONGKHAR GUEST HOUSE OR SIMILAR (B,L,D) TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2 BUMTHANG Explore Choekhor Valley, where cultural and religious traditions have changed little over time. Hike along the Chamkhar River, stopping to visit the 15th-century Thangbi Temple. Continue hiking to Ngang Lhakhang village with its 16th-century Swan Temple. Also visit two of Bhutan s most sacred sites: Jambay Temple, said to be one of 108 temples built on a single day in 659 C.E., and Kurjey Lhakhang, which contains the remains of the first three kings of Bhutan. Stop at a traditional country house to see how puta (buckwheat noodles) are made and to sample ara, the locally brewed rice wine. GONGKHAR GUEST HOUSE OR SIMILAR (B,L,D) WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3 BUMTHANG In Tang Valley visit Ogyen Choling, a nobles estate that serves as a religious/cultural center and a museum providing insight into the lifestyle of the religious nobility during the 19th and 20th centuries. This afternoon observe a demonstration of Bhutanese cooking or watch the 2003 Dzongkha language film, Travellers and Magicians, the first feature film shot entirely in Bhutan. GONGKHAR GUEST HOUSE OR SIMILAR (B,L,D) THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4 JAKAR / PARO Fly to Paro and enjoy free time to explore the town, then observe teams practicing archery, Bhutan s national sport, during a fascinating demonstration of skillful shooting interspersed with cheering, jeering and singing. ZHIWALING HOTEL (B,L,D) FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5 PARO Drive to Cheli La, a mountain pass with stunning views of Paro and the Haa Valley. Hike past chortens and prayer flags to Kila Gompa, the oldest nunnery in Bhutan, where the nuns live in self-imposed isolation. Return to Paro and visit Paro Dzong, one of the most beautifully situated fortresses in Bhutan and the primary location for the movie, Little Buddha. At the National Museum in Paro, view exhibits about the history, culture and religion of Bhutan. ZHIWALING HOTEL (B,L,D) SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6 PARO Enjoy an optional hike to the famous Taktsang ( Tiger s Nest ) Monastery, where an 8th-century Indian mystic is said to have arrived on the back of a flying tiger after bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. At an elevation of 10,000 feet and clinging dramatically to a cliff some 3,000 feet above the valley floor, the monastery is one of our trip s highlights. Those who prefer not to hike to the monastery can view it from afar, then visit Kyichu, a 7th-century monastery located along the river, and the 15th-century Dungtse temple. Celebrate our adventure at a farewell reception and dinner this evening. ZHIWALING HOTEL (B,L,D) SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7 PARO / BANGKOK, THAILAND Depart on a flight to Bangkok, arriving in the afternoon, and check in to our airport hotel. NOVOTEL SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT HOTEL (B,L,D) MONDAY, OCTOBER 8 BANGKOK / U.S. Fly to the U.S., arriving back home the same day. (B)

6 DOCHULA PASS Trip Information DATES September 24 to October 8, 2018 (15 days) SIZE 21 participants (single accommodations limited please call for availability) COST* $11,295 per person, double occupancy $14,295 per person, single occupancy *Stanford Alumni Association nonmembers add $300 per person INCLUDED 13 nights of best-available hotel accommodations 13 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 12 dinners Welcome and farewell receptions Gratuities to guides and drivers for all group activities All tours and excursions as described in the itinerary Transfers and baggage handling throughout the program Bhutan visa for U.S. citizens Flights between Bangkok and Paro on 9/26 and 10/7 and from Jakar to Paro on 10/4 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 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 details with your confirmation materials on when to arrive and depart. WHAT TO EXPECT Although this program is not a trek, it is strenuous, with considerable walking and hiking, on uneven terrain, at high altitudes ranging from 5,000 to 11,000 feet above sea level, to sites with no elevators and steep stairs without handrails. The excursion to Tiger s Nest Monastery is a rigorous hike. There are several arduous travel days with early departures and long drives in minibuses over winding, narrow, unpaved roads. We make rest stops, but often there are no toilets available so travelers should plan to use nature s facilities. Medical treatment is not always available or up to U.S. standards. Hotels are the best-available but a few are quite basic by Western standards. We expect that participants will be a self-selecting group whose appreciation for the places we visit outweighs the need for creature comforts. Participants must be physically fit, active and in good health. We welcome travelers 15 years of age and older on this program.

7 BUMTHANG Terms & Conditions Deposit & Final Payment A $1,000-per-person deposit is required to reserve your space. Sign up online at alumni.stanford.edu/ trip?bhutan2018 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-per-person 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 onboard 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 January 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. FACULTY PHOTO BY ROD SEARCEY.

8 Stanford Travel/Study Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center 326 Galvez Street Stanford, CA (650) Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Stanford Alumni Association IN THE LAND OF THE THUNDER DRAGON September 24 to October 8, 2018 The unique way that Bhutan was introduced to us and the journey throughout this beautiful country and its happy, kind and pleasant people left me with great memories and a desire to learn more! ANAT BRUCK, THE KINGDOM OF BHUTAN, 2015 S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y CHIMI LHAKHANG, PUNAKHA