b'BhutanMountain Kingdom OdysseyEmbark on an immersive journey through the Kingdom of Bhutan to experience its unique culture, history, spiritual heritage, and breathtaking landscapes in a country where Gross National Happiness is prioritized over Gross National Product.Nestled between Tibet to the north and India to the south, Bhutan has been protected by its formidable mountains and rugged terrain. Known to its people as Druk Yul, or Land of the Thunder Dragon, it remains the last bastion of Himalayan Buddhism in the region.Explore Bhutans Buddhist heart by visiting its ancient monasteries. Hike through pine forests to reach the kingdoms most important religious shrine, Taktsang Dzong. Perched on a cliff, this sacred siteknown as the Tigers Nestis where Buddhism first arrived from Tibet in A.D. 747.Walk through the tiny village of Lobesa to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple renowned for its fertility blessings, and marvel at the splendor of Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral home of Bhutans royal family. Visit Punakha Dzong, regarded as one of Bhutans most beautiful monasteries, Witness authentic village life in remote Ura, in the eastern Bumthang Valley and experience the tranquility of the Phobjikha Valley, winter home to the rare black-necked cranes.Though Buddhism influences every aspect of Bhutanese life, the country boasts surprising cultural diversity and a variety of customs. Above all, Bhutan has flourished in isolation, fiercely protecting its traditions in the face of its latest challengemodernity.ITINERARY15 nights| Bangkok, Thailand, 1 night; fly to Paro, Bhutan, drive to Thimphu, 3 nights; Wangdue Phodrang, 2 nights; Trongsa, 1 night; Bumthang, 3 nights; Phobjikha Valley, 2 nights; Paro, 2 nights; fly to Bangkok, 1 night; departures.HIGHLIGHTSEncounter the warmth and hospitality of Bhutanese people.Learn about Bhutans Gross National Happiness philosophy.Hike through Edenic landscapes and local farms to a remote village, atiny monastery tucked in the midst of rice paddies and the kingdomsmost important religious shrine, the Tigers Nest.Meet weavers, farmers and Buddhist monks, and learn about the dailylives of the Bhutanese firsthand.Learn how the national dish, ema datse, is prepared in a traditional Prices Starting From Bhutanese kitchen. $8,999 per personDiscuss the status of women in Bhutan. Group Size: 8-18 travelers Season: AprilJune; SeptemberNovember Altitudes ranging from 7,000 to 10,000 feetAccommodations: Four-star and boutique hotels Conservation HistoryHiking CultureNatureActive Travel46 Conservancy Travel|conservancytravel.org'