Bhutan. Inside the Hidden Himalayan Kingdom.
A Hosted Journey with David & Patty Weber.
12 Days.
“Bhutan is a unique Asian nation in which the environment, religion, art, and culture remain largely in their original state—an island amidst modern development.” So says Alex Kerr, our favorite Asia scholar and expert.
We are delighted to invite you to join us on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Bhutan hosted by R. Crusoe Managing Director David Weber, and his wife, Patty, in September 2011.
Change is afoot in this peaceable kingdom perched on the roof of the world. The popular king has stepped aside to make way for a two-party democracy. But change has been introduced ever so carefully, with an eye toward preserving the beloved 
traditions of the Bhutanese.
We head to Bhutan to witness this incredible chapter in the peaceable kingdom's history. But that's only one of many reasons we're heading to Bhutan. We have planned a journey that takes us deep inside the country to meet incredible people (an environmentalist who's also the king's cousin; a renowned Bhutanese author; Buddhist monks; expert archers). Learn about the traditional customs and ways of life, take in jaw-dropping scenery, see the wildlife that abounds...
Fly to Bangkok, Thailand, on 28 September 2011. This is our gateway to Bhutan. After a bit of poking around this wonderful city, we fly to Paro, one of the kingdom’s two cities.
In Thimphu, the tiny capital city, learn about Bhutanese architecture, the
arts, commerce, the role of women, and folklore. Process the
information, then we’re off to tour the city.
Get a primer on Buddhism. Here’s a preview: Buddhism is central to Bhutan, and dzongs, fortress-monasteries, are at the center of Buddhist practice. Dine with the king's cousin,and hear what he has to say about conservation in Bhutan. It's his passion.
Dochu La Pass leads us through breathtaking mountain scenery to the Phobjikha
Valley. The rough beauty here resembles that of the American Southwest,
a sharp contrast to the kingdom’s mountain landscapes. Phobjikha is the
winter home of rare black-necked cranes.
Within Gangtey Goemba, hear the tale of Pema Lingpa, who prophesied
that a monastery would be built on a particular hill. His grandson
followed through in 1613. While we’re up here, take some time to
birdwatch on a scenic walk.
In Wangdi, witness a teschu, an important Buddhist festival with masked dancing and much more. Enter historic Punakha Dzong.
In Thimphu, another colorful and vibrant teschu awaits.
Enter Anim Dratsang nunnery by special invitation. Here, resident female Buddhist monks work and study.
Back in Paro, you have options. Looking for a challenging trek? Climb up to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, or pony-trek up there. Guru Rinpoche came here to meditate a millennium ago. If you’d like, visit town for some serious browsing.
Then back through the clouds to home.
And remember, if you can’t make it on our hosted Bhutan journey, don’t fret. We offer three unusual journeys (of seven, nine, and 11 days) to this magical kingdom throughout the year as private journeys. Go to Inside the Hidden Himalayan Kingdom. 8 Days, Farther Inside Bhutan. 10 Days, and Deeper Inside Bhutan. 12 Days for more information.
Please note: This itinerary is subject to change.