Are you looking for a unique
Healthy Hiking Spa Vacation with an emphasis on Rejuvenation?
Join us on a Fit-Trip as we Travel the Worlds most Scenic Natural
Landscapes!
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"take a slice of paradise, some good heart-pumping hikes, a teaspoon
of Yoga and meditation, healthy food and some inspiration . . .
you get the perfect blend of fitness and adventure!"
Our
pilgrimage into the Royal Dragon Kingdom of Bhutan will
delight your body and soul as you step back in time
to ancient traditions and customs - the last pure
Shangri-La on earth!
Immerse yourself in Bhutan's rich Buddhist culture,
isolated for most of its history by geography, and by
choice; for in this day and age when the world is
shrinking, Bhutan has chosen not to participate. Nestled
in the rugged Himalayan range and wedged between the
most populous countries in the world, (India and China)
Bhutan quietly reveres tradition, and clings stubbornly
to its unique and precious cultural heritage.
The government continues to keep a tight grip on all
matters of culture, and issues only limited visas to
foreign visitors. Police are empowered to detain any
Bhutanese not wearing official national dress, the
robelike gho for men and the jacket and apronlike kira
for women. It was perfectly in keeping with this strict
but benign paternalism that the King should proclaim
that "gross national happiness is more important than
gross national product" because "happiness takes
precedence over economic prosperity in national
development process."
Encompassing the best of
what Bhutan has to offer, we combine a perfect mix of
Adventure, Fitness and Discovery. This
full and exciting SpaFari will be organized for all
fitness levels and cultural enthusiasts, with optional
therapeutic massages available during selected
destination stops. You will witness Bhutan’s rich
Buddhist culture, meet its humble people, enjoy the
colorful kaleidoscope of golden mustard fields, rooftops
spread with drying red chilies, neat whitewashed homes
tucked away on terraced rice and buckwheat fields, and
high passes marked by masses of fluttering prayer flags.
In the silence of this
remote and lovely refuge, there is an absence of noise,
so wide spread in the rest of the world. Your senses
will be revitalized by the dark virgin forests, pure
mountain air, small spiritual population, and virtually
no crime.
We land in the only
airstrip in Bhutan, in one of the most beautiful of all
the country's intermountain valleys. At an elevation of
7,000 to 7,500 ft., Paro Valley was historically the
center of the most important trade routs to Tibet.
We begin our mornings
stretching, followed by daily scenic Walks, and for the
more ambitious - mountainous Hiking trails (generally
ranging from 5-15 miles). Our hikes wind us up to
ancient Dzong's, Temples, Chortens and Remote Villages
where we are invited into locals homes. Also included in
our Cultural Explorations are visits to children's
mountain Schools, The National Library, School of Arts
and Crafts, National Institute of Traditional Medicine,
Weekend Markets, local Artisans, Weavers and Yak Cheese
farms.
In
Paro, we hike through pine and rhododendron woods with
abundant birds, heather and herbaceous flowers in full
bloom, stopping to visit the great Paro Dzong, one of
the largest fortress monasteries of Bhutan, the National
Museum, and the famous Taktsang Monastery called
"Tiger’s Nest", hanging up the mountainside on a sheer
black cliff.
Leaving the Paro Valley, we
begin our trek on the Druk Path to the Thimphu Valley,
one of the world's most spectacular hikes, with myriad
wildflowers and the heavenly beauty of the high, white
Himalayas. During our stay exploring Thimpu we will see
the King's rare collection of Bhutanese animals and the
fascinating and colorful Timphu market. There is much to
tempt one's passion for shopping: religious objects,
musical instruments, jewelry, Tibetan carpets, and
Bhutanese weavings that are diverse and appealing.
Following
Thimpu, we head off for night stops and hikes in Punakha,
the tropical garden region of Bhutan, with its
magnificent dzong situated on an island in the middle of
the river. It is also the winter residence of the
Central monastic body. Following, we head off eastward
to hike and explore the serene Bumthang Valley, the
cultural heartland of Bhutan.
Bhutanese
festivals (when available) provide the best of
opportunities to capture images of individuals and
families in their colorful and intricately woven
clothing, a kaleidoscope of whirling dancers in colorful
costumes! Frequently, during several days of the
festivals, religious dances of great
beauty are performed, both by specially trained monks
and by the King's Royal Dance Troupe. The deep, resonate
vibrations of long brass horns, of skin-covered drums,
monks chanting, cymbals clashing, is a haunting
accompaniment to the brilliant religious dance.
Take a step back in time
for a glimpse of traditions and customs disappearing
from the rest of the Himalayan world!
BHUTAN, (in the Himalayas)
PRIVATE BHUTAN ADVENTURES: Choose your dates and
companions (6 or more). These trips are designed for
individuals whose dates are not matched with our fixed
departure timeframes.
SCHEDULED SPAFARI in BHUTAN Includes Bhutanese unique,
upscale accommodations *Options for 5-star hotels at
additional costs.
FOR PRIVATE & CUSTOM SPAFARI BHUTAN ADVENTURES: Choose
your dates and companions. These trips are designed for
individuals whose dates are not matched with our above
fixed departure timeframes. Options for any number of
trip days.
September 17-30, 2010 * Includes Bhutan Festivals.
$7,475 double occupancy. Single an additional $1400.
*Options for 5-star hotels at additional costs.
October 1-14, 2010. 14 Days, $7,475 double occupancy.
Single an additional $1400. *Options for 5-star hotels
at additional costs.
