Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, March 2, 3 and 4. Fly by private jet to
Kathmandu, Nepal, and visit the ancient capital of Bhadgaon (Bhaktapur), where
the entire heart of the city remains virtually unchanged since the 17th century.
The next morning, take a local flight to Bhutan, the last remaining Buddhist
kingdom of the Himalaya. Explore with anthropologist and Explorer-in-Residence
Johan Reinhard, who will share his research on the legendary world of Tibetan
Buddhism and his work with remote Himalayan tribes. We’ll also join Explorer-in-
Residence Wade Davis, who will discuss his work on Himalayan cultures and his
new book Into the Silence: The Great War, Mallory, and the Conquest of Everest.
Dwarika’s Hotel, Kathmandu
When we fly from Khatmandu to Paro, we fly OVER EVEREST. We should try to sit on the left side of the airplane.
Arrive in Paro, situated deep in a valley dotted with hilltop Buddhist monasteries
and brightly decorated fortresses, or dzongs. Visit the great Paro dzong, one of
the oldest dzongs in the country and still home to a monastic community of 200.
At the Choeding Temple, witness a Buddhist prayer ceremony recited by monks.
Enjoy an alfresco lunch accompanied by traditional dancing. In Thimphu, visit
the National Memorial Chorten, the Folk Heritage Museum, the Textile Museum,
and the National Library of Bhutan. Schedule permitting, we will meet with the
revered Mynak R. Tulku Rinpoche, a spiritual leader and professor emeritus of the
National Library in Thimphu. Or, weather permitting, you may choose to set out
on a vigorous hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched some 10,000 feet above
sea level, instead of exploring Thimphu.
Paro dzong
Uma Paro Hotel
