Odysseys Unlimited - Issue 5, 2017

ODYSSEYS UNLIMITED: THE SMALL GROUP TRAVEL EXPERIENCE FOR RESERVATIONS, CALL TOLL-FREE (888) 370-6765 M-F, 9:00AM-7:00PM, EASTERN TIME

the sun rise over the fabled Himalaya from the hotel’s rooftop observatory. Later, we embark on an easy walk around the village, where we have the chance to meet local people. The remainder of the day is at leisure amid the stunning Himalayan scenery. B,D

Day 7: Nagarkot/Kathmandu/Thimphu, Bhutan

We have another chance to see the sun rise over the peaks sacred in both Buddhism and Hinduism. Then we return to Kathmandu for the flight to Bhutan. Upon arrival in the Dragon Kingdom, we travel to the capital of Thimphu and our hotel, where we dine tonight. B,D

Day 8: Thimphu Today’s excursion begins at a local factory where paper is made by hand in the traditional way, followed by the Textile Museum, housing exquisite weavings from the 16th century to modern times. Later we visit Tashichho Dzong, the historic fortress and monastery that today houses temples and government offices, including those of the king; then Memorial Chorten, one of Bhutan’s best-loved religious landmarks. Tonight we attend a Bhutanese cultural performance then dine in the home of a local family. B,L,D

Day 9: Thimphu/ Paro/Punakha

En route to Paro
today, we visit
Kunselphodrang,
the recently built
Buddha Point
where the world’s
largest sitting
Buddha presides
over the Thimphu
valley. Then we
set out for
Punakha via
Dochula Pass
(alt. 10,000 feet),
which offers views
of snow-topped
Himalayan peaks
and where we follow the sacred tradition of raising
prayer flags in the name of peace and compassion.

We eat lunch here then continue on our way, stopping to visit a local rice farming village. Next: an easy amble through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple built by the “Divine Madman” in 1499, now a pilgrimage site for couples struggling with infertility. Late this afternoon we reach Punakha, which sits at the confluence of the Mo Chu (“ Mother”) and Pho Chu (“Father”) rivers in a sub-tropical valley. B,L,D

Day 10: Punakha We embark this morning on an exhilarating rafting trip on the Mo Chu River. This afternoon we visit Punakha Dzong, winter home of the central monastic community and one of the country’s most attractive fortress monasteries, set on a spit of land where the rivers meet. B,L,D

Day 11: Punakha/Thimphu/Paro We set out early
to see more of Thimphu, including the National Lib-
rary, with an immense collection of Buddhist manuscripts;
and the Painting School, where students learn tradi-
tional Bhutanese arts. Late afternoon we depart for
Paro, nestled in the center of a valley dotted with rice
paddies, wheat fields, and scattered settlements. B,L,D

Day 12: Paro We begin our tour of this historic town at Ta-Dzong, the national museum showcasing Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage dating from at least 2000 BCE to the present day. Built in 1648 as a watchtower, the cylindrical-shaped museum houses a fine collection of Bhutanese art and artifacts. We also visit Rinpung Dzong, a superb example of Bhutanese architecture. After lunch we call on the sacred 7th-century pilgrimage temple of Kyichu Lhakhang, and the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, a 17th-century victory fortress. B,L,D

Day 13: Paro/Tiger’s Nest Monastery Today we embark on a highlight of any trip to Bhutan: a visit to Paro Taktsang, the sacred Tiger’s Nest monastery and temple complex perched on a cliff some 3,000 feet above the upper Paro Valley – itself at an altitude of 10,200 feet. We embark on our scenic uphill hike early this morning (rental horses are available to take visitors about two-thirds of the way). Those not wishing to climb all the way up can see excellent views of Tiger’s Nest from a way-station cafeteria. Late afternoon we return to our hotel, where tonight we celebrate at a farewell dinner. B,L,D

Day 14: Paro/Kathmandu, Nepal/Depart for U.S. We fly this morning to Kathmandu, where we have day rooms and opportunities for exploring on our own, before our mid-afternoon departure for the airport and our overnight flights to the U.S. B,L

Day 15: Arrive U.S. We arrive in the U.S. and connect with our flights home.

Your Tour Price Includes

• Round-trip air transportation from listed cities; all flights within itinerary

• 12 nights’ accommodations in Deluxe, Superior First Class, First Class, and unrated hotels

• 31 meals: 12 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners

• Extensive sightseeing as described

• Services of Odysseys Unlimited Tour Directors

• Private motorcoach transportation throughout your trip

• Luggage handling for one bag per person

• Gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers

• $100 frequent traveler credit towards your next Odysseys Unlimited tour ($200 after three tours; $300 after 10 tours)

2017 Tour Dates and Prices
including international airfare and all taxes, surcharges, and fees

Apr 11 Sep 12 Oct 3 Nov 28 Oct 31 Oct 10

Boston, New York, $4,597 $4,697 $4,797 Washington, DC Baltimore, Dallas, $4,897 $4,997 $5,097 Orlando, Philadelphia Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, $4,997 $5,097 $5,197 Cleve, Detroit, Miami, Minn, Seattle, Tampa Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Phoenix, $5,097 $5,197 $5,297 Portland (OR), San Fran

Please call if your city is not listed or for land only prices. Prices are per person based on double occupancy and include airline taxes, surcharges, and fees of $602, which are subject to change until final payment has been made.

Single travelers please add $695. Your $375 deposit is fully refundable up to 95 days before departure. All 2017 tour prices above (excluding airline taxes, surcharges, and fees) are guaranteed.

Depending on flight schedules, certain U.S. departure cities may require an overnight stay at the gateway city airport at your expense.

Business Class upgrade on round-trip Trans-Atlantic flight: $5,995 per person

Please note: This trip involves considerable walking uphill and on uneven terrain. You should be in good physical condition to enjoy the tour to the fullest. While elevations are not severe, the relatively high altitude of Nagarkot ( 7,000 feet) and Thimphu and Paro (both 7,500 feet) could pose problems for travelers with certain health conditions. You should consult your physician if you have concerns.