Bhutan - A.K. Taylor International

Bhutan

is an ancient kingdom nestled in the heart of the Himalayas. It is a mysterious land of lost historical records, 60 foot rhododendrons and magnolias, majestic mountains, terraced farmland, mani (prayer) walls, chortens (shrines), and temples.

Around each corner, one encounters timeless scenes, such as, a man wearing a traditional long belted robe(gho) adorned with gold and silver ornaments, fishing with a line wrapped around a tin can, or a woman making gravel by hammering rocks alongside the road wrapped in a kira, which is a vibrant colored and patterned finely woven fabric. It is scenes like these that seem to captivate all those who are lucky enough to visit.

Known as the Dragon Kingdom, Bhutan is the embodiment of tradition and one of the last Buddhist monarchies. The Buddhist faith has played and continues to play a fundamental role in the cultural, ethical, and sociological development of Bhutan and its people. Their traditional way of life should not be regarded as stuck in time, but rather as a way of encountering the modern world on its own terms and in its own time. Bhutan will eventually stroll confidently towards modernization, but until then, it is fascinating to see a country whose people continue to protect their ancient culture and religion.

BUDDHISM INTRODUCED VIA A FLYING TIGRESS

In the eighth century, Guru Rinpoche made his legendary trip from Tibet to Bhutan on the back of a flying tigress to subdue the evil spirits that hindered Buddhism. After defeating them, he blessed them as guardians of the doctrine and thereby introduced Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan. His landing site, known as the "Tiger's Nest" in the Paro Valley, is considered one of the kingdom's most sacred sites. Since then, Buddhism has been the heart and soul of this country.

ART IN DAILY LIFE

It seems that every aspect of Bhutanese life is colorful and decorative. As one treks through villages of brightly painted houses and terraced farmland, one sees local artisans making wooden masks, gold and silver ornaments, textiles, and thangkas (religious paintings). Upon seeing these wonderful works of art, one begins to imagine a place in one's own house to display such beauty. One is pleasantly surprised to discover that they are being made to be used by the Bhutanese in their daily lives.

Attend any of Bhutan's famed festivals, such as the Punakh or Thimphu, and witness the Bhutanese celebrate their culture in a joyous and convivial atmosphere. One will be able to see the Bhutanese people in their full splendor as they dress in their best clothes, wear their most beautiful jewels, enjoy elaborate foods and drink, and simply enjoy the company of each other. The masked dancers and carnival atmosphere is a wonderful complement to the rich forests and soaring alpine vistas enjoyed while trekking.

POSSIBLE COMBINATIONS AND EXTENSIONS

We recommend a combination trip to Nepal. Stretch one's legs on a trek in the Annapurnas or the foothills of Everest. See the rural life of many villages along one's trekking route, with rewarding views of the valleys far below and the snow-capped mountain peaks far above.

Another active extension would be tracking the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger on elephant-back in Royal Chitwan National Park. Or visit India and feel like a maharani, or princess, while roaming the corridors of a renovated royal palace such as the Lake Palace Hotel in Udaipur. Visit Varanasi, the holiest and oldest living city in India, and see the Hindus wash away their sins in the holy water of the Ganges River.

For more information or questions, please contact us.

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