The Road Less Traveled is unmatched in its exploration of this exquisite land and in its quest to learn more about the well-kept treasures this vibrant, proud culture holds. The Royal Kingdom of Bhutan, a tiny, peaceful, Buddhist country where spiritual happiness is valued above all material development and prosperity, is gently nestled in the Himalayas between the lands of Tibet and India. The King of Bhutan declared the country’s emphasis to be “Gross National Happiness,” a concept relating to the improvement of people’s happiness and satisfaction over economic advancement. Closed to tourism until the 1970’s, few have had the opportunity to visit this land of mystery, with mountains that reach the sky and lush green valleys that roll along the countryside.
We begin our journey stopping overnight in Delhi, India, then flying on to Paro, Bhutan. Paro is a befitting introduction for us, as it provides magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks from the green valley floor. This area of Bhutan is known for its stunning scenery, with rice paddies and orchards cascading down magnificent mountains and pristine rivers that flow through tiny villages. We take time to acclimate to our new altitude while we visit local dzongs — fortresses situated on strategic hilltops designed to ward away spirits and potential invaders. Today, they serve as spiritual centers where monks convene.
Bhutanese life is markedly different from life anywhere else in the world. Thimpu, the nation’s small, charming capital, is the headquarters for the Royal Government of Bhutan. We’re afforded the rare opportunity to speak with officials and dine with a news broadcaster from the Bhutan Broadcasting Service who explains how spiritual life and secular life in Bhutan are intricately entangled. We also take time to visit the Bhutanese Youth Center, where we meet with students and, for those so inclined, play a friendly game of basketball.
Continuing across the countryside, we traverse over passes 11,000 feet high, hike through forests rich with giant rhododendron and dwarf bamboo, stopping to visit with passing yak herders and the occasional curious monkey. We finally reach the town of Trongsa, where we visit the Royal family’s dzong, one of the most impressive fortresses in all of the country. The valley of Bumthang is next for us, where we are quickly whisked away to remote village life. Here we see the true beauty of Bhutan lies in its people, rich culture, unique government and remarkable spirituality. We learn what it truly means to live as a Bhutanese person, assisting farmers with their daily activities, picking the rare, medicinal cordycep mushrooms, learning traditional dances by campfire, partaking in the national sport of archery, cooking the national dish ema datshi and learning about Bhutanese education firsthand with the children of Bumthang School.
With our new knowledge of traditional Bhutanese village life, we head out on our final adventure: the trek of a lifetime to Mount Chomolhari, the most holy mountain for the Bhutanese. For six nights and seven days, we reach an altitude of almost 16,500 feet as we wander past many yak herders with their hairy wards. The views of the valleys and mountains, virgin forests and crystal lakes are unsurpassed in beauty and are a triumphant end to our Bhutanese adventure.
As we descend towards Paro Valley, the lush green countryside becomes visible below the clouds. Our final day takes us to one of the most famous dzongs in the country, the Tiger's Nest Monastery, situated on a sheer 3,000 foot cliff overlooking the Paro Valley. As we gather on our final night, we feast on traditional Bhutanese fare, bidding le shim be bjon na (goodbye) and ka drin che (thank you) to the people and Land of the Thunder Dragon.
| AGES |
DAYS
|
TUITION |
DATES |
ARRIVE/DEPART |
| 15–19 |
25 |
7,450 |
6/26/10–7/20/10 |
Chicago, IL
|
