Join us on this unique journey to ancient sacred sites in Bhutan and Nepal. We will explore the energy of place as we travel, creating luminous connections between our home power spots and the mountains and rivers of the Himalayas. Participating in the great unfolding and anchoring of portals and sacred earth places to each other, we will feed the webs of light that connect us all.

Bhutan, a remote and mystical kingdom at the edge of the Eastern Himalayas, is considered by many as "the last Shangri-La." With high mountains, foothills, and scenic valleys crossed by huge clean rivers, protected woods, and forests of rhododendrons, beautiful Bhutan is primarily rural and agricultural. Policies are rooted in the Buddhist notion that the ultimate purpose of life is inner happiness.

Travelling through Western and Central Bhutan, we will glimpse the highest Himalayas as we explore semi-tropical river valleys and traverse mountain passes. We will visit traditional fortress-monastery Dzongs, sited according to visions and omens, and participate in two traditional Bhutanese mask-dance festivals, Thimpu Tsechu and Tangbi Mani at the dzongs. We will explore the Bhutanese focus on “Gross National Happiness,” visit Membartsho, the Fire Lake, and climb to the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

Nepal, to the west of Bhutan, has uncommonly diverse geography and climactic zones, with eight of the world's ten highest mountains, including Mount Everest. People’s connections to nature and spirit run deep with Hindu, Buddhist, and ancient indigenous traditions permeating the culture.

In Nepal, we will explore the Kathmandu Valley (hill region), take a three-day trek on easy trails, visiting sacred Buddhist sites and sleeping in hotels, and enjoy a one-hour flight over the Himalayas.
Throughout our spiritual journey, we will be attentive to our “hidden treasures”, called terma in Buddhist tradition. Meditation, ceremony, and deep listening will help us access the universal mind, or Gaia consciousness, that opens to experiential and visionary understanding.

Tour Leader: Meg Beeler, MAT, who dreamed this trip for years, is thrilled to be weaving the physical with the mystical as we travel. Meg is the founder of Earth Caretakers, a shamanic teacher, and a healer. She merges Inca/Q’ero cosmology with core shamanism, Medicine for the Earth, and an intimate relationship with the natural world in visioning a future of balance, reciprocity, and harmony. Her monthly ezine, “Shifting Consciousness News,” explores this work. See www.earthcaretakers.net. The trip is organized and supported by Bhola Banstola an indigenous Nepalese Shaman, a renowned international teacher, and powerful healer. In addition to leading ceremony and workshops in the US, Bhola and his wife Mimi guide small groups in Nepal, Tibet, India, and Bhutan. Bhola is the thirtieth generation within his family to be chosen by the spirits to be a healer, and was initiated by his grandfather, the shaman of the village. Educated in Nepal and India, Bhola holds a Masters Degree in Cultural Anthropology from Delhi University and is also a graduate in Naturopathy. See www.nepaleseshaman.com and www.nepalese.it.

General Information:

Local, English-speaking Bhutanese and Nepalese guides accompany us throughout. Lodging is in comfortable hotels, guest houses, and lodges. Meals are local and organic, with many vegetarian options. Travel is by private minivan. In Bhutan, while we follow a strict itinerary approved by the Bhutanese government, we will have many opportunities to hike, meditate, and explore as we travel. The climate is mild (between 30 and 70 degrees). 18 days, maximum 15 people.

Cost:

US $4,050 per person, based on double occupancy. (If you prefer single accommodations, you must pay a single supplement fee.) The cost includes:

12 days, 11 nights in Bhutan:

• All transport in private, comfortable vehicles

• Lodging in comfortable hotels and lodges

• Three meals a day, including sack lunches where restaurants are not available

• Knowledgeable, local, English-speaking guides throughout trip

• Entrance fees where applicable

• Airport pick up and departure

• Internal flights via DRUK AIR from Bangkok, Thailand to Paro, Bhutan, and from Paro to Kathmandu, Nepal

6 days, 5 nights in Nepal:

• Three days trekking services and guide in the periphery of Kathmandu Valley

• Two nights in a 5-Star hotel in Kathmandu, two nights in 3-Star resorts in Dhulikhel and Nagarkot, and one night in a very beautiful guest house at the heart of Bhaktapur, breakfasts included

• One-hour mountain flight to the eastern Himalayan ranges, including Mt. Everest

• Local English-speaking guides throughout visit

• All transfers and sightseeing in comfortable private coach to places indicated in itinerary

• Entrance fees to the monuments and places of interest

• Airport pick ups and drop offs

The cost does not include:

• Drinks and personal expenditures such as laundry, tips, telephone charges

• Travel insurance in Nepal and Bhutan

• Lunches and dinners in Nepal

• Visa/tourist taxes: Bhutan (US$30 per passport at airport), Nepal (US$30 for 15 days tourist visa at airport), and Nepal airport tax ($21)

• Tips for guides, drivers, and trekking staff

• Airfare from your city of origin to Bangkok, Thailand

• Return airfare from Kathmandu to Bangkok or other point of return departure

• Any emergency evacuations due to climatic changes or unforeseen natural calamities, accidents, diseases, and so on

• Extra lodging and food expenses if the stay is prolonged or the flights are cancelled due to any natural calamity

• Anything not mentioned in “the cost includes” clause

Reservations and payment:

To reserve your place, please send a deposit of $500 per person, payable to: American International Travel, Attn: Jim Dalton, 3045 South Parker Road - Suite 201, Aurora, CO 80014.

Travel advisory notes: We recommend that you reserve as early as possible so we can secure your flight between Bankok and Paro on Druk Air, Bhutan’s national airline. This flight can sell out 6-8 months in advance. Also note that, if conditions in Thailand deteriorate, other points of arrival and departure can be used.

The balance of your trip fee, $3550, is due on/before July 30, 2009. Single supplement is additional.

Our US travel agent, Jim Dalton, can assist you with international air reservations, travel insurance, cancellation insurance, and visas at American International Travel (303) 751-7200 x209 or (800) 359-7200, aitjim@yahoo.com.

If you cancel between July 1 and July 30, 2009, a non-refundable fee of $200 per person will be withheld. If you cancel after July 30, 2009, a non-refundable fee of $500 per person, plus any non-refundable deposits made on your behalf, will be withheld.

Questions:

Call Meg Beeler at 707-939-7961 or email earthcaretakers@earthlink.net.

Itinerary

Day 1, 9/28, Paro to Thimpu:

Arrival in Paro Airport from Bangkok, Thailand (via Kolkatta or Dacca). Lunch at a nearby resort. After lunch drive to Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan, passing through wonderful Paro valley, beautiful landscapes and trickling streams, old settlements, and apple orchards, thus following the course of the Paro Chu (Paro river). After driving about half an hour we reach Chu Zom (the confluence) of Paro Chu and Wang Chu (Thimphu river). The Bhutanese people believe in the masculine and feminine characteristics of the rivers, thus Paro Chu is the female and Wang Chu is the male; joining together they descend down towards the plains. There are some chortens (Buddhist reliquaries) in this confluence. We continue following the valley basin of Wang Chu that takes us to the Thimpu valley. At Thimphu, check into the hotel. Dinner, orientation, and introduction by our Bhutanese guide. (Paro to Thimpu is about 65 kilometers and it is approximately 2 hours drive).

Day 2, 9/29, Thimpu:

After breakfast we proceed to the Tashi Chho Dzong, a medieval fortress, monastery, and the central secretariat of the government and the Buddhist monastic order. The annual religious Tsam ‘mask’ dances are held here in the courtyard of this massive dzong (fort). We will participate in the Thimpu Tsechu festival religious functions, dances, and prayers, returning to the hotel for lunch. After lunch we visit the Memorial Chorten of late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, 15^th century Changangkha Monastery, and the Motithang mini zoo to see the rare Takin, the national animal of Bhutan, Time permitting, we will observe the traditional archery competition in Changlimithang ground. Overnight in the hotel after dinner.

Day 3, 9/30, Thimpu to Wangdi Phodrang:

During this scenic drive the road crosses through the sacred Dochula Pass at 3100 meters (10,168 feet), covered with magnolia and rhododendron forests, and passes undulating hills, sheer mountain valleys, and meadows where yaks graze. From here, weather permitting, we see the Eastern Bhutanese Himalayan ranges, including the highest mountain of Bhutan Mt. Gangar Punsum, 7520 meters (24,666 feet). The winding road takes us down to the warmer valley of Lobesa. Visit the Wangdi Phodrang Dzong, built in 1750, the market place, and overnight in the hotel after dinner. (Approximately 3 hours drive and 70 kilometers distance).

Day 4, 10/01, Wangdi to Gante Gompa/ Phobjika Valley to Trongsa:

After breakfast, drive to Gante Gompa valley at an altitude of 2800 meters. In Western Bhutan Gante Gompa is the only Nyingmapa monastery. This beautiful valley is also home to the rare Black Necked Cranes migrating from the Tibetan plateau to escape the severe winter. About 250 to 300 cranes migrate here for three to four months every year. The road crosses over the Pele La pass at 3420 meters (11,218 feet), where we see beautiful views of Jhomolhari, Jichu Drakye and Kang Bum Black Mountains, which separate western from central Bhutan and form a watershed between two major river systems (if the weather permits). We descend into the Trongsa Valley through cloud cover, chortens with water-driven prayer wheels, and colourful rock carvings. In the late afternoon, check into the hotel, dinner, and overnight. (135 kilometers, about 5 hours drive).

Day 5, 10/02, Trongsa to Jakar (Bumthang Valley):

After breakfast we visit one of the most beautiful dzongs (forts) of Bhutan, the Trongsa Dzong overlooking the Mangde Chhu Valley, where temples, monasteries and retreats of great importance house many sacred images and relics. After lunch we drive to Yotong La Pass at 3425 meters and slowly descend to Zungney passing through fir, blue pine and bamboo forests and reach Jakar. On reaching Jakar late afternoon, dinner and overnight in the hotel. (68 kilometers distance, 3 hours drive approximately.)

Day 6, 10/03, Jakar (Bumthang):

Visit Jakar Dzong and the most important chapels with wonderful paintings and murals; visit Jampey lhakang, built in the 7^th century, Chakhar Lhakhang, Kurjey lhakhang and overnight in the hotel.

Day 7, 10/04, Jakar (Bumthang):

After breakfast visit Tangbi Mani Gompa and participate in the preparation of Buddhist sacred dances “Tsham”. Locally this Tangbi Mani festival is called ‘drup’. Rest in the afternoon or take short walks to visit nearby villages to observe the local lives. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 8, 10/05, Jakar (Bumthang):

After breakfast drive to the Tang valley visiting the Membartsho/Fire Lake, where Terton Pema Lingpa discovered a hidden treasure, Tang Rimochen Lakhang and Ogyen Chholing Palace. If the group is prepared, all the visits can be done by trekking, a sort of pilgrimage. Those who cannot walk can be transferred by jeep which is at our disposal all the time. Back to Jakar in the late afternoon, dinner and overnight.

Day 9, 10/06, Jakar/Bumthang to Punakha:

Visit Ura Valley, the most ancient village in Bhutan. Spend some time birding and walking in wilderness areas in the Bumthang Valley. In afternoon, drive to Punakha. Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

Day 10, 10/07, Punakha to Paro:

Drive to Punakha, visiting visit Simtokha Dzong and Buddhist University on the way. Lunch in Paro, then visit the National Museum and Rinpung Dzong. Dinner and overnight in Paro.

Day 11, 10/08, Paro:

Drive to Drukyul Dzong (magnificent vista of Mount Chomolhari, "Mountain of Goddess," 7329 m) and start trekking to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s nest). It takes about two to three hours uphill trek to reach the most honoured pilgrimage site of Bhutan. The monastery rests on an 800 meters high huge granite from the level of Paro valley, with a beautiful cascading waterfall. It is believed that the Great Indian Buddhist saint Padmasambhava came in the 7^th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave for three months. Having mediated for a long time he was able to subdue the negative forces and convert the people of the valley into Buddhism. On the top of the hill above Taktshang is a site of ‘sky burials’ which is still practised in some parts of Bhutan. Trek down hill and drive back to Paro, dinner and overnight in the hotel.

Day 12, 10/09, Paro to Katmandu and Patan:

Early morning after breakfast drive to the airport and by Druk Air fly to Kathmandu, Nepal. Drive to Patan with beautiful palace square and temples. Having visited this open museum, proceed to Pashupatinath the guardian deity of Nepal and the sacred site of cremation. Drive to Boudhanath, site of an ancient trade route and a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as the center of Tibetan culture in Nepal and one of the biggest stupas of the world. Lunch on the rooftop of a restaurant under the all-seeing benevolent eyes of Buddha. After lunch, visit the monasteries, and if there are any prayers or ceremonies, participate. Late afternoon drive to Kathmandu and overnight in the Five Star Malla hotel.

Day 13, 10/10, Kathmandu Valley Royal Trekking:

Walk easy trails and sleep in hotels as we explore the Kathmandu Valley by foot for four days. Begin by driving about two hours to Panauti, visit the temples, have lunch. Walk easy trails to Dhulikhel, about 3 hours walk. Overnight in Dhulikhel Lodge resort where we can see the Eastern Himalayas, from Lantang Lirung to Gaurishankar Himal.

Day 14, 10/11, Dhulikhel to Nagarot:

After breakfast, trek to Namo Buddha, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites. Lunch, then continue trekking to Nagarot Country Villa Resort, where many go to see the sun rise over the Himalayas. Overnight at resort.

Day 15, 10/12, Nagarot to Bhaktapur:

After breakfast, trek downhill to Changu Narayan, the most ancient temple in the Valley. Visit temple, eat light meal or snack, and continue walking to medieval Bhaktapur, the city of devotees, and another UNESCO World Heritage site. Check into the Bhadgan Guest House, lunch, and in the afternoon visit Bhaktapur. Overnight in the guest house.

Day 16, 10/13, Bhaktapur to Kathmandu:

Return to Kathmandu later afternoon. Overnight in the Five-Star Malla hotel.

Day 17, 10/14, Kathmandu:

Early morning mountain flight to the Himalayas. Back in the hotel by 10AM. Those who have outbound flight the same afternoon will proceed to the airport. Those planning to stay one or two days more should inform us at the time of booking.

A Spiritual Journey

September 28 - October 14, 2009