|
Bhutan: The Kingdom of Happiness,
Journey With Us: Nov 5 - Nov 14, 2013
With the freshest air, high mountains, foothills, and
scenic valleys crossed by huge clean rivers, protected
woods, and forests of rhododendrons, beautiful Bhutan is
primarily rural and agricultural. Policies are rooted in the
Buddhist notion that the ultimate purpose of life is inner
happiness. Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon is a
country on the brink of modernization,
 but
not there yet. It is one of the few places still steeped in
rich, old world charm of ringing bells, prayer wheels,
colorful flags, and it is well known for the happiness of
its people! It is sometimes called the "last Shangri La."
That is why we want to visit there NOW!
A
country the size of Switzerland, tourists generally travel
on the one main road that goes through it. Naturally, we
will take that road but we will, i n an unusual move, veer
off, because our local guide is taking us to stay with his
family who lives in a remote village. A former monk, he will
also take us to visit his friends at local monasteries for
special teachings and meditations. In Bhutan, they practice
mostly Drukpa Kargyu, a Tibetan Buddhism. We will
participate with the monks in a special butter lamp
ceremony.
At
the marketplace our guide will help to outfit us in
traditional dress so that we fit in with the people.
 When we
go to participate in the Black-Necked Crane Festival, we
will be a part of the colorful celebration. This festival is
held in the beautiful Phobjika Valley with a stunning dzong
on the hill. The bonus at this time of year is that the
fresh air in morning and at dusk is filled with the cry of
the cranes. These sacred Black-Necked cranes, one of the
most rare species in the world, are protected in Bhutan,
along with many other unique wildlife varieties. We will
walk with the local people as they proceed through the
valley and up the hill to the monastery. In front of the
temple, dancers dip and swirl through age-old dances brought
with them from across the Himalaya.
 No
visit to Bhutan is complete without going to the best known
monastery in the world,Taksang, the Tiger's Nest Monastery.
Perched on a high cliff, it marks one of the most important
places in Buddhism. While flying on his tiger, Guru Rinpoche
identified Taksang as a power place and spent time
meditating in a cave in the mountain. We have the option to
hike up the mountain to visit Taksang, lighting butter lamps
for our wishes.
 During our travels, we will cook
meals with the villagers, put prayer flags at sacred river
crossings, walk a kora through the village fields,
participate with the monks in special meditations at the
mountaintop temples and glimpse the majestic Himalayan
mountains, such as Jomolhari, one of the most beautiful of
the eastern Himalayan peaks. It summits at 23,996 feet.
This
will be an unusual trip to remember for a lifetime!
 Join Adventurous Spirit Travel for an experiential
journey to the Kingdom of Bhutan that artfully mixes
Buddhism, nature, authentic rituals, traditional Bhutanese
culture and mountaintop monasteries.
This trip allows you to
participate in the real and mythical culture of the kingdom.
You will get an in-depth look at Buddhist culture in Bhutan,
seeing and experiencing things that most travelers never
will.
Bhutan: The Kingdom of Happiness, Nov 5 - Nov 14, 2013
The Kingdom of Bhutan, "barely touched by the modern world" (National Geographic) has some of the happiest people in the world and also houses the earth's most pristine forests and thriving animals. A journey to Bhutan is special to begin with, but our trip, led by a former monk, promises to be a unique glimpse into the lives of the local people. We will stay in their villages, participate with them at their festivals, and share spiritual experiences with the monks at their mountain lhakhangs,
thus experiencing Bhutan as few westerners ever have.
|
|
Bhutan: