Bhutan
Asia Fall Land
Travel
October 21 - November 01, 2024

Seeking Happiness: The Kingdom of Bhutan

About the Study Leader

Dora C. Y. Ching *11, deputy director of the Tang Center for East Asian Art, will serve as Princeton study leader for this journey.

Dr. Ching is a specialist in East Asian art, and her scholarship engages in questions of identity and function in portraiture, the interplay of aesthetics and literati culture in calligraphy, and the transmission of art and ideas along the Silk Road. Before and during her time at the Tang Center, she has been deeply engaged in book editing and publication, with more than a dozen books to her credit as co-editor or managing editor. She is the author of numerous book chapters and articles and has co-curated three major museum exhibitions. In 2021 she published nine volumes on the Buddhist caves in Dunhuang in northwest China and the historic Lo Archive of 1940s photographs of the site. She has taught courses on portraiture and the Silk Road and is developing an art history course on sacred sites in Asia. She has served as a Study Leader on Princeton Journeys trips to China, Japan, Vietnam, and Cambodia is eager to travelers to the traditional “sacred sites” of Bhutan and their artistic equivalents throughout Asia.

About the Journey

Nestled deep in the Himalayas, between the powers of India and Nepal, lies Bhutan – one of the most beautiful and isolated places on Earth. Join us on an adventure from Western Bhutan, home to the capital city and the famous Tiger’s Nest monastery, to the East, which is considered the spiritual homeland of this magical country, and where some of its greatest and most active monasteries can be found. Along the way we will explore off-the-beaten-path sites, spend time at a local school, receive a blessing from a local nunnery, and meet with NGO representatives to learn about the Gross National Happiness project. Experience the vitality of Bhutan’s traditional culture and the purity and beauty of its natural environment, making it one of the most unique and appealing destinations in the world.

Accommodation

Taj Tashi Hotel Thimphu 
Located in the heart of the Thimphu Valley, the five-star Taj Tashi Hotel is ideally situated for exploring Bhutan. Staying true to Bhutan’s ancient and alluring ways, the Taj Tashi blends Dzong architecture and modern design, and is adorned with classical hand-drawn Buddhist murals. The 66 spacious guest rooms overlook the exquisite mountains and township, and capture the essence of Bhutanese art and architecture. Two restaurants, a tea lounge and a bar each focus on a different aspect of Bhutan’s vibrant Mahayana Buddhist culture. Other hotel amenities include the Jiva Spa, a fitness center, and an indoor pool.

Dhensa Resort Punakha 
Dhensa sits in the midst of the tranquil and lush Punakha Valley. Flanked by thick pine forests, it overlooks the Punakha river and hundreds of paddy fields that stair-step down to the valley floor. 24 rooms are set in six cottages, all with private balconies and spacious interiors that are deliberately understated and designed for the modern traveler.

Jakar Mountain Lodge, Bumthang Valley 
This family-run mountain resort is rooted in the genuine traditions of Bhutanese hospitality.

Le Méridien Paro, Riverfront Paro 
Le Meridien Paro, Riverfront is situated on the edge of the Paro River, offering panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayas. 59 guest rooms are chic retreats offering striking Himalayan Valley and Paro River views. Amenities include the Explore Spa, an indoor heated pool, and a fitness center. Two restaurants, Bamboo Chic and Latest Recipe, offer diners an exquisite sensorial experience.

Reservations

This program is waitlist only. We encourage you to join the waitlist as cancellations do happen! No deposit required.

Trip Details

  • Dates
    October 21 - November 01, 2024
  • Activity Level
    Active - Environment
  • Cost
    from $9,990 per person, double occupancy
  • Deposit
    $2,000 per person
  • Contact