'Denver Art Museum Asian Art Association' Presents. Buddhist Art in Bhutan and Thailand

Transcription

1 'Denver Art Museum Asian Art Association' Presents Buddhist Art in Bhutan and Thailand Exploring ancient and contemporary Buddhist art and cultural festivals in Bhutan (Thimphu, Punakha, Trongsa, Bumthang, Phobjikha and Paro) and Thailand (Bangkok and Ayutthaya) with optional post tour to Ko Samui beach resort 17 Days / 15 Nights Specially designed for Asian art lovers and experienced travelers, October 20 - November 05, 2015 ACCESS CHINA TOURS Group and Private Fine Touring in China and Asia

2 Main Tour Daily Itineraries Oct 20 depart Fly from United States to Bangkok, Thailand (via Tokyo or Hong Kong) Day 01 Oct 21 Bangkok Overnight in Bangkok at Centara Watergate Pavilion airport hotel. Have a Day 02 Welcome Reception and meet your tour leader and curator. <D> Oct 22 Paro to After breakfast, depart on Druk Air KB131 ( ) to Paro, Bhutan. Day 03 Thimphu Upon arrival met by your national guide and driver to transfer to Thimphu (one hour). Thimphu lies in a valley 7650 feet (2320 meters) elevation. Check into the Namgay Heritage hotel (deluxe room), a an exquisite luxury property of traditional hand carved wooden rooms and furniture. After lunch in a local restaurant, acclimate to the altitude with a stroll through the town center (the only capital city on earth with no stop lights) to see the Memorial Chorten of Jingme Dorji Wangchuk. Next visit a traditional paper making facility. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner of traditional Bhutanese food including the spicy ema datshi cheese stew. <B-L-D> Oct 23 Thimphu Breakfast in hotel. Morning visit to the National Textile Museum where our Day 04 group will receive a lecture by the curator and view collections not open to the general public. Explore the School of 13 Traditional Arts and Crafts where co-ed young artisans learn their tradecraft. The students artworks are among the best in Bhutan. Take a 20 minute drive out of town and hike (1 hour) to Cheri Gongpa Monastery, repository of priceless artifacts such as the reliquary Stupa of Yab Tempi Nyim. Finish the day of art immersion with a visit to the Choki traditional art school. <B-L-D> Oct 24 Day 05 Punakha After hotel breakfast, begin your eastward journey. Climb through pine forests to Dochola Pass (10,170 feet, 3,100 meters) to enjoy panoramic views of the snowy Himalayas. With clear weather and luck, we may see 24,840 ft/7570m Gangkhar Puensum, both the highest mountain in Bhutan and the highest unclimbed mountain on earth. After 3 hours, we descend into the low and lush Punakha Valley. At an elevation of only 4,000 feet, Punakha is warmer than most of the Kingdom and is ideal for the cultivation of red rice.

3 Take a gentle walk through the rice paddies to the Chimi Lhakhang. This temple is dedicated to the Divine Madman yogi Drukpa Kuenley. The 15th century yogi's reputation for alcoholic and carnal excesses is depicted in many frescoes in the surrounding town. After lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (Father) and Mo Chhu (Mother) rivers. The Dzong served as the nation's capital for over 300 years (until mid 1950 s) and houses numerous Buddhist artifacts. Check into the charming riverside Punatshang Chhu Cottages. Dinner at the hotel or a restaurant in town. <B-L-D> Oct 25 Trongsa After breakfast, drive eastward 3 hours over high Pelela Pass (11,200 feet/ Day meters), often filled with herds of yaks. After lunch, continue to Trongsa, lying in a 7,000 foot valley. Visit the Trongsa Dzong, the largest temple fortress in Bhutan. Its commanding position above the valley provides spectacular views. Check into Yangkhil Resort and enjoy some free time. Dinner in the resort. <B-L-D> Oct 26 Day 07 Bumthang Before continuing further east to the Bumthang Valley, spiritual heartland of Bhutan, we stop at the spectacular Watch Tower Museum, which once guarded Trongsa Dzong/Fortress from internal rebellion. Built in 1652, it is situated above town overlooking the Dzong below and is now converted into a museum. Its four observation points resemble a Tiger, Lion, Garuda, and Dragon. The museum provides visitors with an insight into the significance of Trongsa in Bhutan s rich history. Several more high passes and views of the Himalayas await on this 3 hour drive to Bumthang, the nexus of eastern Bhutan art and culture. Arrive in Jakar town (elevation 8,500 ft/2600m) and check into the local character Kaila Guest House for three nights. It is operated by a hospitable and engaging Bhutanese family. Visit the Jakar Dzong and then have a home cooked dinner in the guesthouse. <B-L-D> Oct 27 Bumthang After breakfast featuring plenty of famous Bumthang honey, drive a few Day 08 miles up the Chakar Chhu River Valley to the Thangbi Mani Lhakhang, a temple with rich murals and iconography. Enjoy the annual Thangbi Mani Festival of rich pageantry of outdoor dance, music and traditional costume. At this colorful festival you will have the option of cleansing yourself of negative energy by running through a large bonfire. For those who don't wish to spend all afternoon at the festival, there is a visit to the 8th century Konchogsum Lhakhang with its ancient inscribed

4 bell. This temple is undergoing major renovation work which is nearing completion and features outstanding Bhutanese craftsmanship. Another delicious dinner in the guesthouse featuring locally sourced meat and produce. <B-L-D> Oct 28 Bumthang After breakfast; drive up the west bank of the Chakhar river to Jambey Day 09 Lhakhang, the second oldest temple in Bhutan founded in the 7th century. The annual Jambay Festival is more crowded due to the popularity of the "naked dance" section of the program, which usually happens twice during the 5-day festival. The rest of the festival features the colorful costumes, masks, dance and music familiar to a Bhutanese Drup (festival). For those not wishing to stay at the festival all afternoon, an excursion to the Kurjay Lhakhang and its dramatic suspension bridge will be offered. Enjoy dinner in a local restaurant. <B-L-D> Oct 29 Day 10 Phobjikha After a final Bumthang homemade breakfast, we turn back west over more high passes and get a glimpse of more Himalayan peaks over 20,000 feet tall. The 5 hour journey across the Central Bhutan highlands ends in the pristine Phobjikha Valley laying at 9500 feet. In this valley's wetland floor, the endangered Tibetan Black-Necked Cranes finish their amazing annual migration over the roof of the world. Under usual circumstances, several of the cranes should already have begun their winter nesting by the time of our visit. Stay at the quaint Thegchen Guest House - used by bird and nature photographers from around the world. Visit Gangtey Monastery and then observe the cranes at dusk from viewing paths. Have dinner in the Guest House. The stars in this mostly unelectrified high valley are absolutely stunning. <B-L-D> Oct 30 Paro Breakfast in hotel; morning Viewing of Cranes from observation walk areas. Day 11 This will be our longest drive to Paro, up to 6 hours. Enjoy more alpine views and village life. Lunch at Dochula Pass. Weather permitting, we will have another opportunity to view the some of the highest mountains in the eastern Himalayas such as Chomo Lhari, 23,261 ft./7090 m.,. Arrive in Paro in the afternoon and check into the luxury Hotel Zhiwaling (Junior Suite). In the late afternoon, have a tour escorted by the curator at the National Museum. The Buddhist thangka collection is superb. Many restaurant choices exist for dinner on your own. <B-L> Oct 31 Paro After breakfast, we begin our excursion to the incomparable Taktsang

5 Day 12 Monastery, known as the Tiger's Nest. Legend states Guru Rimpoche, the person who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in the 800s, landed on this cliff on the back of a flying tiger to battle demons. In reality, the monastery was built in the 1600s on sheer cliffs 1000 feet above the valley floor. The hike to the monastery through moss covered pines can be arduous. After the excursion and time permitting, optional visit to Dungtse Lhakhang near town. Return to hotel and take a much deserved rest with time for spa treatment (not included in tour price) at the hotel. Enjoy a Farewell Bhutan Dinner in the Hotel Zhiwaling with local delicacies. <B-L-D> Nov 01 Bangkok Breakfast in hotel. Transfer to airport and board Druk air flight KB140 to Day 13 Bangkok. Meet your guide and driver and transfer to the five star Centara Grand Hotel at Central World. After refreshing, enjoy an early evening River Cruise along the Prao Chaya river and its adjacent Klong Canals of Thonburi. Visit the majestic Wat Arun, the golden temple that reflects the light of sunset. Enjoy Thai Cuisine Dinner at Sala Rim Nam Restaurant with a Traditional Dance Performance. <B-D> Nov 02 Bangkok After an amazing international breakfast in hotel, start today s exploration Day 14 at the Grand Palace official residence of the King and Queen of Thailand. Next see Wat Po and its huge reclining Buddha, the world's largest of this type. Lunch near the flower market. After eating, enjoy the wonderful aromas of hundreds of tropical flowers. In afternoon, go to Slipakorn University Museum for a curator lead tour of Buddhist and Thai artworks not on view to the general public. Also see how Buddhism has affected modern Thai art with curator at the Bangkok Art & Culture Centre. Nov 03 Bangkok Breakfast in hotel. Then board a motor coach for 1.5 hour drive north Day 15 Ayutthaya to Ayutthaya, the capital of Siam from 1350 to 1767 and a UNESCO world heritage site. Here we focus on the unique architecture. Visit Chao Sam Phraya National Museum with a curator lead tour

6 of the Thai Art forms spanning centuries. Next visit the Ban-Pa-In Palace, eclectic royal summer residence built in 1600s reflecting Thai, Chinese, Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles. Also tour the temple ruins of Wat Sri Sanphet and Wat Mahadhat. Finish the day with a stroll in gardens of Pra Chedi Suriyothai. Return to Bangkok and evening is free. Dinner is on your own. <B-L> Nov 04 Day 16 Bangkok Breakfast in hotel. This morning enjoy a curator lead tour of the Museum of Contemporary Art. MOCA is a purpose built facility and houses exhibits of modern Thai art including the an important collection of Thai contemporary art acquired over two decades by business entrepreneur and philanthropist Boonchai Bencharongkul to commemorate His Majesty the King and dedicated to Silpa Bhirasri, the father of modern Thai Art. Lunch is on own. Afternoon is free for your own exploration, shopping, strolling or relaxing by the pool. Enjoy a group Farewell dinner in a fine local Thai restaurant. <B-D> Nov 5 return Breakfast in hotel; bid farewell to Thailand and transfer to the airport. Fly Day 17 home on a cross-pacific flight, arrive the same day you left. <B> [Or continue the trip on the 3-night extension to Ko Samui Island] Post-Tour Ko Samui Extension Itinerary Nov 05 Ko Samui Arrival at Koh Samui Airport. Met by resort staff and transfer to the resort. Day 17 Overnight in Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui (beach view room). Nov 06 Ko Samui Breakfast at the hotel. Your own exploration and relaxation. <B> Day 18 Nov 07 Ko Samui Breakfast at the hotel. Your own exploration and relaxation. <B> Day 19 Nov 08 return Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Ko Samui Airport for a flight to Bangkok Day 20 for connecting to your home bound flight. <B> Changes to Itinerary: Access China Tours has made all possible attempts to ensure the accuracy of tour itineraries. Circumstances beyond our control may occur. We reserve the right to change itineraries, sightseeing activities, and common carriers, and to substitute hotels when necessary. Service of a similar category and standard will be maintained if such changes are made. The Service Voucher in your last pre-departure packet will provide the operational itinerary summary, final transport and hotel information.

7 Tour Land Price Inclusions & Exclusions Main Tour Land Cost: Bangkok-Paro Air Cost: Single Supplement Cost: $4,998 USD per person double occupancy (for min.10 full-paying participants) (includes a $300 donation to the Asian Art Association) $720 USD per person for the round trip flights $1,386 USD for single occupancy throughout the main tour Denver-Bangkok Air Cost: from $1100 USD per person roundtrip on United Airlines or other Asian airlines Ko Samui Extension Cost: $668 USD per person double occupancy, includes round trip air from Bangkok What's Included in Tour Land Cost: Deluxe 5 & 4 star or best available hotel accommodations, double occupancy Arrival and departure transfers on tour dates and ground transportation while on tour $300 Contribution to AAA Bhutan visa fee, permit/fees to museums Luggage (1 piece of 45 pounds per person) handling Pre-departure information packets Pre Departure expert art lecture in Denver All sightseeing, excursions, art visits & tours, and cultural events listed in the itinerary All meals specified in the itinerary Service of a private and professional English-speaking local tour guide in each city Private, clean, and newer vehicles with air-conditioning and professional driver What's Not Included in Tour Land Cost: International Denver to Bangkok cross-pacific air tickets (listed above separately) Bangkok to Paro, Bhutan round trip air tickets (listed above separately) Certain drinks on included meals (vary at different restaurants) Cost for a tour leader (either or a DAM curator or an ACT tour manager) Trip cancellation, baggage, accident, and medical insurance Gratuities to local tour guides and drivers Items not listed and/or specified as included in the itinerary Cancellation Policy: $600 pp deposit is required when signing up. All cancellation notices must be received in writing and will become effective as of the date of receipt by Access China Tours. We assess cancellation fees of all tours according to the following schedule: 90 days or more prior to departure *... $300 per person 89 to 50 days prior to departure *... $600 per person 49 to 30 days prior to departure *... $900 per person 29 to 15 days prior to departure *... $1200 per person * Plus any charges assessed by government agencies, land suppliers, cruise companies and airlines. Within 14 days of departure...100% forfeiture of the tour price per person Access China Tours will not grant partial refunds for any unused trip arrangements after the trip has commenced or any refunds to participants who do not complete any portion of the itinerary. Any airline tickets issued are subject to the carrier s refund and cancellation policy. We strongly recommend you purchase trip cancellation/interruption insurance to protect your travel investment. Access China Tours reserves the right to cancel the tour due to insufficient number of travelers. In this case, we will try to find an alternative tour for tour participants. If this is not acceptable, all money paid will be refunded in full and this will constitute full and final settlement for the client. However, Access China Tours will not be responsible for any expenses incurred by tour participants (e.g., non-refundable advance purchase air tickets, insurance & medical expenses, passport and visa expenses, etc.).

8 If a tour is forced to be cancelled due to government s travel warnings, declared or undeclared wars, hostilities, civil disturbances, strike, riot, epidemic, and quarantines, Access China Tours will refund all participants payment less any irretrievable expenses and loss (visa fees, airline penalties, communication cost, and non-refundable booking cost, etc.)