02 Nov – Tue – Depart USA
Depart your hometown for your overseas’ flight.
03 Nov – Wed – Cross the international dateline!
04 Nov – Thu – Bangkok, Thailand
Upon arrival in Bangkok, you will be met and transferred to the Peninsula Hotel. One of Bangkok’s most prestigious addresses, the Peninsula offers outstanding service, spacious guestrooms overlooking the river, and countless little luxuries like exotic fruits, Thai flowers, and marble bathrooms complete with televisions. Dining at the hotel is among the finest in the city and includes the famous Peninsular afternoon high tea, accompanied by live classical music. We recommend taking advantage of the luxury spa nestled among gardens in a three-story building complete with floor-to-ceiling windows, rain showers, and a balcony with sweeping views of the Chao Phraya River. With a population of 7 million people, Bangkok has been Thailand’s capital since 1782. Locals call it Krung Thep (City of Angels) and it well deserves the reputation as one of Asia’s most exhilarating cities.
Hotel: Peninsula Hotel
05 Nov – Fri – Bangkok to Kathmandu, Nepal
Transfer to the Bangkok airport in time for our onward flight. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, the capital of the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal, we will be met and transferred to Dwarika’s Hotel for a three-night stay. The late owner of this property, Dwarika Das Shrestha, started the hotel as a labor of love…after seeing old buildings with ornate wood carvings being torn down, he began collecting the pieces and eventually used the salvaged material to decorate his hotel. The now-legendary property has become something of a living museum and a treasury of artisans’ work that would otherwise have likely been lost. Each of the 74 deluxe rooms and suites are decorated in a unique style, though each features 16th century windows and Nepalese artwork, and some feature a private outdoor courtyard. Dwarika’s hosts some of the best events in Kathmandu, including weekly outdoor barbecues by the pool, film screenings, and local music shows. Tonight we will enjoy a Welcome Party Barbecue by the pool!
Hotel: Dwarika’s Hotel
06 Nov – Sat – Kathmandu, Nepal
We will begin our introduction to Kathmandu with a visit to a Newar village called Bungamati, where brick houses with intricately carved wooden windows line the stone streets. At the center of Bungamati is the shrine of Rato Machindranath, the God of Rain; the courtyard is now used for socializing by the local inhabitants. Next, we will visit Khokona, the neighboring village, famous for the oil-pressing center, where mustard seeds are pressed using traditional methods. In Khokona, we visit the temple of Sikali Mai, Khokona’s guardian mother goddess, and Karya Binayak temple. The exploration of Newari culture continues in Patan, the center of Newari craftsmanship. Residents of Patan have developed the art of metalwork over centuries and their work adorns temples and museums throughout the valley. Patan was one of the three original kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley, and has a number of palaces and temples that are easily the equal of those in Kathmandu. We will conclude the day with a visit to the Tibetan Refugee Camp at Jawalakhel, where the community weaves and sells high quality carpets.
Hotel: Dwarika’s Hotel
07 Nov – Sun – Kathmandu, Nepal
This morning we pay a visit to Swayambhunath, one of the world’s oldest Buddhist stupas: legend has it that the stupa was born of a lotus that bloomed in the lake that once covered Kathmandu Valley. A visit in the early morning hours offers the chance to see thousands of devotees circumnavigating the stupa. Next, we will drive down to visit Durbar Square, the home of the old palace as well as the world’s only living goddess, the Kumari. With some luck, you may catch a glimpse of the Kumari through her palace window during your stay. We then stop in at the Old Market Square, called Ason, where a rainbow of spices, fresh produce, beads, and other items are for sale. Later in the afternoon, we will head east to the city’s oldest Hindu temple, Pashupatinath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Then, visit the stupa at Boudha, the largest of its kind in Nepal, before returning to our hotel for the evening.
Hotel: Dwarika’s Hotel
08 Nov – Mon – Kathmandu to Dhulikhel, Nepal
After breakfast we leave Kathmandu’s bustling city center and head to the Changu Narayan Temple…built on a ridge overlooking the Kathmandu valley. This temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, the “preserver”, whom the Buddhists also worship as the deity Lokeswara. The temple was originally built in the 4th century by Lichivi King Mandev and reconstructed in 1702 following a devastating fire. Our tour continues in nearby Bhaktapur, the “city of devotees”…which is Nepal’s ancient art capital and dates to the 10th century. Also known as Bhadgaon, it is an open-air museum of medieval art and architecture, renowned for its pottery and weaving. In fact, the carved wooden window and door frames are often older than the buildings they adorn. While Bhaktapur has suffered significant damage over the years, particularly from earthquakes in 1934 and 1988, the German-sponsored Bhaktapur Development Project has worked for 15 years to improve residents’ quality of life while retaining Bhaktapur’s unique atmosphere. Later in the afternoon, we will drive 45 minutes to the Newari town of Dhulikhel, which looms over a deep valley opening up to panoramic views of the Himalayas and enjoy some introductory touring of the town. We’ve chosen the Dwarika’s Himalayan Shangri-La Village Resort for our overnight stay. Situated among pristine forests of pine, rhododendron and apple trees, Dwarika’s Himalayan Shangri-La Village Resort provides you with a 180-degree view of the mighty Himalayas, the Kavrepalanchok Valley below, and some of the most spectacular sunsets and sunrises in Nepal!
Hotel: Dwarika’s Himalayan Shangri-La Village Resort
09 Nov – Tues – Nepal to Thimphu, Bhutan
You’ll want to rise early to witness the morning light illuminating the soaring peaks of the Annapuran, Manaslu, and Ganesh Himal mountain ranges. After breakfast, we transfer to the Kathmandu airport for our flight to Paro, Bhutan. On arrival, we will be met and driven approximately two hours to Thimphu…the capital of Bhutan since 1955. Though Thimpu is a modern city in some sense, its’ residents have also worked hard to preserve its architectural integrity, cultural heritage, and traditional ways. Houses are built in the traditional Bhutanese design and the city looks much as it has for centuries. Just before we enter Thimphu Valley, you’ll catch a glimpse of the Simthoka Dzong (dzongs are fortresses that serve as the religious, military, administrative, and social centers of their district). Simthoka is the oldest of the Dzongs built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, originally serving as a fortress to protect the region, an administrative center, and the center for the monks’ religious activity. Simthoka now houses Rigney School…a traditional school of religious and classical studies and has been recently turned into a co-ed school.
In Thimpu we will stay at the Taj Tashi Hotel for two nights. Centrally located in Thimphu, the Taj Tashi is built in a dzong style that seamlessly mixes aspects of traditional Bhutanese craftsmanship with modern design and comforts. With more than 130 rooms and suites that have lovely Bhutanese touches like hand-drawn murals, the Taj Tashi is the largest of Bhutan’s luxury properties and has all the accompanying amenities one would expect: an authentic Bhutanese restaurant, tea lounge, bar, heated indoor swimming pool, and fitness center. Additionally, the Jiva Spa offers signature Indian and Bhutanese holistic treatments such as traditional hotel stone baths.
Hotel: Taj Tashi
10 Nov – Wed – Thimphu, Bhutan
Today’s full day tour of Thimphu showcases Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage. Though it is a thriving city, Thimphu has managed to protect its strong national identity and the traditional lifestyle of its residents. Today’s tour includes visits to the Memorial Chorten, a local landmark…the Drubthob Gompa Nunnery…the School of Arts and Crafts…the National Institute of Traditional Medicine…and the handicraft Emporium, which showcases Bhutanese collectibles like wooden masks, weaving, and paintings…and the Tahichoendzong.
Hotel: Taj Tashi
11 Nov – Thu – Gangtey, Bhutan
Today we depart Thimphu for Gangtey with touring en route. Drive over the Docula Pass at 3050 meters. The road from the pass winds down through the forests of chestnut, oak, wild cherry, walnut, magnolia, maple, and birch trees. The road goes through terraced fields with few houses before entering Chir pine forest and goes further to Lobeysa. We then drive further south to Wangdi Valley and onward to Phobjika Valley. We will visit the Gangtey Monastery…the largest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan and an exceptionally lovely one. Perched atop a small hill in the valley, the monastery also houses a school for monastic studies. At the end of the day we will check into the Dewachen Hotel for a two-night stay. Encircled by pine forests in the hidden Valley of Phobjikha, the Dewachen Hotel features sixteen double rooms heated by iron stoves and offers hot water bags in your beds for those chilly evenings…adding extra comfort even during the coldest nights and days!
Hotel: Dewachen Hotel
12 Nov – Fri – Gangtey, Bhutan
We will spend a full day touring Gangtey by starting with a visit to the roosting ground of the rare black-necked crane…only about 800 pairs of these birds are alive today and they are a protected species in Bhutan where the elegant birds figure prominently in folklore and legends. Today is the “Crane Festival” which is held every year during this period. Witness the festival and continue with a beautiful hike from the Gangtey monastery past Khumbu monastery and its neighboring villages. Follow an open ridge lined with bamboo as we climb steadily towards a small cluster of tiny houses that serve as meditation cells. From the meditation center, we will continue climbing up to the top of the ridge which, on a clear day, offers spectacular mountain views. The rest of the afternoon and evening are at your leisure.
Hotel: Dewachen Hotel
13 Nov – Sat – Punakha, Bhutan
After breakfast, we will take a drive that brings us through the famed Punakha Valley…the riches agricultural region in Bhutan. Punakha was also the winter capital of Bhutan for over 300 years. Visit the Punakha Dzong, Bhutan’s second oldest and one of the most beautiful, standing at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Po Chhu rivers. Near the Dzong, located on a nearby hill, is Chime Lhakhang…the temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley. Tonight we will stay at the Damchen Resort.
Hotel: Damchen Resort
14 Nov – Sun – Paro, Bhutan
Today we drive back to Thimphu and visit the weekly market square. Saturday is the weekly market day in Thimphu and the people from surrounding villages come to buy and sell food and other goods. Spend some time browsing here. After lunch we drive to the Haa Valley where we will enjoy the view of the Bhutanese Himalayan mountain range including Chomolhri and Jichu Drake which are each above 25,000 feet. While in the valley, we will visit some of the temples and save some time to walk around the town of Haa. In the afternoon, we will drive back to the Paro Valley and check into the Uma Paro for a two-night stay. Nestled among dramatic snow-capped mountains and valley, the Uma Paro seamlessly integrates itself into the eastern Himalayan countryside…one of the most pristine mountain landscapes on earth. Though local Bhutanese artisans used traditional methods in designing and building the 20 rooms and 9 villas, the result is somehow a clean-lined modernism that is both relaxing and peaceful. Using local organic produce, the restaurant serves Bhutanese cuisine combined with pan-Asian flavor and accents. More pampering awaits at the Como Shambhala Spa…which offers Asian-inspired holistic treatments, a steam room, sauna, indoor pool, and a yoga room.
Hotel: Uma Paro
 
15 Nov – Mon – Paro to Bangkok, Thailand
After breakfast, we will be transferred to the airport for our flight back to Bangkok. Upon arrival, we will be met and transferred to the Peninsula Hotel for our final night in Asia. Check in…freshen up…and, if time permits, head to the Spa! Tonight everyone is invited to a special Farewell Cocktail and Dinner Party!
Hotel: Peninsula Hotel
16 Nov – Tue – Depart for the USA
Private transfers have been arranged to take our guests to the airport for their departing flights back to the USA. You’ll probably ‘get back’ that day you lost going over the international dateline…and arrive back home still on the 16th!
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For those guests who have not had the pleasure of visiting Thailand, we are offering the following Pre-Tour Extension to explore Bangkok and Chiang Mai!!
29 Oct – Depart USA
Depart your hometown for your overnight flight to Thailand.
30 Oct – Cross the international dateline!
31 Oct – Bangkok, Thailand
Upon arrival in Bangkok you will be met at the airport and transferred to the Peninsula Hotel for a two-night stay. One of Bangkok’s most prestigious addresses, the Peninsula offers outstanding service, spacious guestrooms overlooking the river, and countless little luxuries like exotic fruits, Thai flowers, and marble bathrooms complete with televisions. Dining at the hotel is among the finest in the city and includes the famous Peninsula afternoon high tea, accompanied by live classical music. We recommend taking advantage of the luxury spa nestled among gardens in a three-story building complete with floor-to-ceiling windows, rain showers, and a balcony with sweeping views of the Chao Phraya River. With a population of 7 million people, Bangkok has been Thailand’s capital since 1782. Locals call it Krung Thep (City of Angels) and it well deserves the reputation as one of Asia’s most exhilarating cities.
Hotel: Peninsula Hotel
01 Nov – Mon – Bangkok
This morning we head out for a full day of sightseeing of Bangkok…the thriving epicenter of Southeast Asia. The Chao Phraya River bisects the city and is a busy waterway used for transportation by an elaborate network of ferries and water taxis. We’ll begin with a longtail boat ride to the SkyTrain terminal where we will catch a train to the city’s modern commercial center. Stroll through the markets…visit a landmark Brahmin shrine…and then hop on a commuter boat to Ratanakosin Island…the “old city” which houses many of Bangkok’s most important temples, administrative buildings, and museums. Walk up the Golden Mount at Wat Saket for a view of the city before boarding a tuk-tuk (motorized rickshaw) to the Grand Palace, the ceremonial home of the Thai Royal Family. Here we will see the magnificent Wat Phra Kaew…a gleaming temple that houses the country’s most sacred religious image: the Emerald Buddha. Enjoy lunch at Arun Residence before continuing to Bangkok’s central market…a labyrinthine maze of stalls along the river. Begin in the flower district, where vendors weave tuberose, marigolds, and rose blossoms with lotus seeds into offerings and garlands, and then continue on to the colorful produce and aromatic spice sections. The day concludes with a private boat trip through the watery canals of “Bangkok Noi” on the Thonburi side of the city. Return to our hotel for a leisurely evening.
Hotel: Peninsula Hotel
02 Nov – Tue – Chiang Mai, Thailand
In the morning, we will be transferred to the airport for our short flight to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, we will be met and transferred to the ultra-luxurious Four Seasons Chiang Mai Resort for a two-night stay. Located in the beautiful Mae Rim Valley, the Four Seasons Resort pays tribute to the artistic and cultural heritage of Chiang Mai with clusters of spacious Lanai-style pavilions decorated with rich Thai materials and fabrics. Pavilions overlook gardens, terraced rice paddies and mountains. This afternoon our private Guide will take us to explore the city and its numerous Lanna Thai temples (wats)…starting with the mountain temple of Doi Suthep. From the base of the temple, there are 300 steps on an intricately-carved staircase…the longest in Thailand…to the temple gate. Doi Suthep is about 1,000 meters above sea level and offers a beautiful panoramic view of Chiang Mai. After exploring the temple and its grounds, we’ll stop at Wat Chedi Luang…the original home of the Emerald Buddha. We’ll spend some time exploring Chiang Mai by foot for the remainder of the afternoon. Considered the second most important city in Thailand, it has an entirely different feel than bustling Bangkok. Chiang Mai’s local government has diligently worked to preserve its charm…and the result is a pleasantly quaint city that is easy to cover on foot or bicycle.
Hotel: Four Seasons Chiang Mai Resort
03 Nov – Wed – Chiang Mai
This morning we will continue our tour in some of the rural areas outside of Chiang Mai. Set out for the Mae Taeng mountain range which is an area overflowing with rivers, abundant forests, hill tribe life, and lots of options for elephant trekking and bamboo rafting. Enjoy some time rafting on the Mae Taeng River followed by lunch at a local venue. This afternoon we will enjoy an elephant ride through this beautiful region before returning to our hotel late in the afternoon. Tonight, you will be given the option of visiting the Chiang Mai’s famed night bazaar with our Guide…where a vast array of handicrafts and delicacies from around the region are available. Or…spend the evening at the hotel and enjoy its’ amenities!
Hotel: Four Seasons Chiang Mai Resort
04 Nov – Thu – Chiang Mai to Bangkok
This morning is free to enjoy the facilities at our resort! You may opt to partake in a cooking class…book a spa treatment…or, simply lounge by the pool and enjoy the tropical atmosphere. Enjoy lunch at the Resort and then transfer to the airport for our short flight back to Bangkok where we will meet the rest of the group!
Hotel: Peninsula Hotel
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