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Home , Budhanilkantha Temple, Kathmandu Valley, Pashupatinath Temple, Patan Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Tashichho Dzong

Discover rich spiritual traditions, extraordinary art and architecture, and stunning vistas in remote Himalayan lands

May 10–22, 2020 Sacred Realms of the India, & Optional prelude in Agra, India Optional postlude in Lhasa, Tibet Subhashini Kaligotla Assistant Professor of Indian and South Asian Art and Architecture Dear Yale Traveler Sadhu man, I invite you to join an adventurous group of Yalies as we explore the heavenly heights of the Himalayas, discovering remote cultures and ancient religious traditions including an opportunity to meet His Holiness, the Dalai . This is an unparalleled chance to experience three countries in one trip, delving into the region’s diverse cultural influences and natural landscapes. Accommodations have been carefully selected in each location to provide a comfortable and luxurious base from which to explore while enjoying the best in local hospitality. In India, Bhutan, and Nepal, clifftop , Buddhist , and magical soar above snow-fed rivers, windswept valleys, and serene pastures. Amid this natural beauty, we’ll attend private receptions and ceremonies with the spiritual, business, and government officials who are leading these devout societies into the modern era. Among the trip’s highlights, we’ll visit Bhutan, where leaders measure national success in GNH (“Gross National Happiness”), not GDP. We’ll have an opportunity to share a meal with the prime Highlights minister followed by a tour of Tashichho Dzong, a vast and home to Bhutan’s throne. Venture on an optional scenic hike to Bhutan’s 17th- I am particularly excited that our group century Tiger’s Nest monastery, will be traveling with Yale Assistant Professor of Indian thought to be the holiest site in and South Asian Art and Architecture, Subhashini Bhutan, nestled impressively Kaligotla. Her knowledge of sacred architecture, art history, on a steep, rocky cliff and and South Asian aesthetics will provide immeasurable accessible only by foot insight into the complexes, , and lived traditions we will encounter on this journey. She is an Admire the spectacular ideal faculty leader for this immersive study of the historical, ancient temples of Kathmandu, geographic, and social dynamics that have shaped the lives including the 5th-century and worldviews of the people of the Himalayas. , a An optional prelude in Agra, the home UNESCO World Heritage Site of the famed Taj Mahal, is available, and those looking to and Hindu complex on the extend their stay in Tibet may choose to join the optional banks of the sacred Bagmati extension in the capital of Lhasa, ancient center of Tibetan River; and , a . To register, please visit yaleedtravel.org/ gleaming with four sets of himalayas20. Or contact Yale Educational Travel at (203) painted eyes, representing the 432-1952 or [email protected]. all-seeing presence of Buddha

Warmest wishes from Yale, Marvel at the enormous scope of ’s Buddha Dordenma Statue, a bronze figure completed in 2015, which Lauren Summers stands more than 165 feet tall Senior Director for Lifelong Learning and Travel on a hilltop and houses 165,000 Yale Alumni Association miniature Buddhas www.yaleedtravel.org/himalayas20 Great Buddha Dordenma Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu

Yale Study Leader Upcoming Trips Subhashini Kaligotla Crossroads of Cultures: Canary Islands, Morocco & Assistant Professor of Indian and Iberia Aboard Sea Spirit South Asian Art and Architecture 4/17/20 - 4/30/20 Paul Freedman, Chester D. Subhashini Kaligotla is an architectural Tripp Professor of History historian of ancient and medieval India The Pearls of the Po: extending from the early centuries BCE into From Venice to Parma the first millennium CE. Specific research Aboard La Venezia 5/9/20 - 5/17/20 interests include Hindu and Buddhist sacred spaces, the role of temple Craig Wright, Professor makers and other premodern creators, and the history of writing on Emeritus of Music South Asian art. Her first book focuses on what it means to make Celtic Classics on the Irish in early medieval India and looks at the material and metaphoric Sea Aboard Sea Cloud II resources available to a range of makers. Her research and writing 8/8/20 - 8/16/20 Katie Trumpener, Professor have been supported by various national and international institutions of Comparative Literature including the Getty Research Institute, the National Gallery of Art, and the Kunsthistorisches Institut in Florence. At Yale, Kaligotla teaches the broad gamut of the art history of the subcontinent from 2500 BCE to the present. She looks forward to traveling with alumni and exploring the social and cultural worlds that animated the art and architecture of northern India, Nepal, and Bhutan.

Yale Educational Travel • Yale Alumni Association Box 209010, New Haven, CT 06520-9010 Reservations: 203.432.1952 [email protected] Memorial Chorten ITINERARY Dharamshala CHINA MAY 10–22, 2020 Lhasa WELCOME PHONE CALL TIBET Wednesday, April 29 NEPAL Paro Please join a pre-trip welcome call Kathmandu Punakha Delhi Patan with Professor Kaligotla at 4 PM Thimphu Eastern to meet other travelers, Agra BHUTAN learn more about what to expect, and ask questions. INDIA BANGLADESH Shanghai U.S. DEPARTURE Suzhou Sunday, May 10 Dazu East Depart on an overnight flight to Delhi, India. Bay of Bengal DELHI, INDIA yaleedtravel.org/himalayas20 Monday, May 11 Gather in Delhi and check in at the luxurious Taj Hotel, where DELHI / PARO, BHUTAN PARO / TAKTSANG you will spend the night. Attend a Friday, May 15 (TIGER'S NEST) festive welcome dinner at the hotel Fly this morning to Paro, Bhutan, Sunday, May 17 this evening. (D) with dazzling views of the At nearby Ramthankha, gather Himalayas en route. Check in to for an optional half-day hike to the DELHI / DHARAMSHALA the Le Meridien Hotel for a three- legendary Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest), Tuesday, May 12 night stay. In the afternoon, visit a breathtaking Buddhist monastery Fly to Dharamshala, a city on the Puna Lhakhang, one of the oldest perched on a cliff 10,000 feet above edge of the Himalayas that is home temples in Bhutan, and admire the the Paro Valley. It is one of the most to the . Transfer to fine architecture of Rinchen Pung sacred of all Buddhist sites. A less the Fortune Park Moksha Hotel Dzong, an administrative office strenuous option will also be offered for check-in. After lunch, visit and a monastery of 200 holy men. to Dzongdrakha Goemba. (B/L/D) , which is also Time permitting, meet a lama for a PARO / KATHMANDU, NEPAL known as Dalai Lama Temple. blessing ceremony. (B/D) There may be the possibility to Monday, May 18 meet with His Holiness (subject PARO / THIMPU Fly to Kathmandu and check in at to availability), followed by a visit Saturday, May 16 Dwarika’s Hotel for a four-night to Norbulingka Institute to watch Travel to Bhutan’s intriguing stay. Explore the multi-faceted Tibetan artisans at work. (B/L) capital city, Thimphu, and visit Pashupatinath Temple on the the Great Buddha Dordenma, banks of the holy . A DHARAMSHALA which overlooks the entry to UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Wednesday, May 13 Thimphu Valley. Inside the 165- temple is considered a masterwork Enjoy a day trip to see the Masrur foot Buddha, 125,000 miniature of Hindu architecture. (B/D) Temples, an impressive complex Buddha statutes are embedded. of Hindu temples carved from Continue to Memorial Chorten, KATHMANDU a monolithic rock. After lunch, a large Tibetan-style stupa in the Tuesday, May 19 continue to Kangra Fort, with its heart of the city that is the focus After a morning lecture, transfer long history dating from the 4th of daily worship for many to Patan and century B.C. (B/L) Bhutanese. Spend the end of the stroll among ancient palaces, day touring Tashichho Dzong, , shrines, and terra-cotta DHARAMSHALA / DELHI home of the region’s largest stone carvings. Before lunch, Thursday, May 14 monastery and the throne of the visit the After a morning lecture, transfer Bhutanese kingdom. The prime and the monasteries Uku Baha to the airport. Return to Delhi and minister of Bhutan will be invited and Kwa Baha. You will also the Taj Palace Hotel for dinner and to join the group for a meal today, have the opportunity to meet an overnight stay. (B/D) schedule permitting. (B/L/D) with a Nepalese businessman Tiger's Nest Bhutanese monk, photo by Adam Singer

or newspaper editor to discuss KATHMANDU current economic or political Thursday, May 21 Program Cost issues (pending confirmation). Depart for Swayambhunath, $10,999 per person, double rate Return to the hotel or spend a 2,500-year-old hilltop stupa the evening at the holy stupa of displaying four sets of painted $12,599 single rate , the largest Buddhist eyes, representing the all-seeing What is Included: shrine in Nepal. (B/L) presence of Buddha. Explore • Program of lectures and discussions the National Museum and visit KATHMANDU with Professor Kaligotla the impressive Wednesday, May 20 • Eleven nights hotel Temple, with a tremendous In the morning, drive to Bhaktapur, accommodations as per itinerary floating statue of a sleeping one of the “royal cities” in the • Meals as indicated in the itinerary; , the Hindu god of bottled water and coffee/tea with and deemed the preservation. Return to the all meals; wine and beer with cultural gem of Nepal. Called the hotel for free time or opt for lunches and dinners “City of Devotees,” it is renowned a walking tour through the • Internal, economy-class flights for its elegant art, colorful festivals, national park. Gather for a between India, Bhutan, and Nepal and traditional dances. Later, farewell dinner tonight. (B/L/D) • Visa fees for Bhutan and Nepal enjoy a drive to the peaceful , Kathmandu village of Panauti. (B/L/D) • Escorted sightseeing by motor- KATHMANDU / DELHI / coach and entrance fees for visits RETURN • Airport/hotel/airport group transfers Statue of lion, Bhaktapur Friday, May 22 for those on suggested flights Today, fly to Delhi to connect • Taxes, service, and porterage to return flights home, arriving charges home on May 23. Alternatively, • Gratuities to guides and drivers you may wish to continue on the • Emergency medical evacuation optional extension to Lhasa. (B) services

What is Not Included: • International airfare • Passport/visa fees not mentioned above • Meals and beverages not specified Included meals indicated each day as • Personal items and expenses B/L/D = Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner • Trip insurance • Luggage in excess of one suitcase Front cover: View of the Himalayas from • Any other items not specifically the Dochula mountain pass, Bhutan mentioned as included

www.yaleedtravel.org/himalayas20 Bhutanese monk, photo by Adam Singer Taj Mahal, Agra

OPTIONAL PRELUDE IN AGRA, INDIA May 7-11, 2020 Spend a night in Delhi, then drive to Agra, where accommodations are at the Oberoi Amarvilas, stunning views of the Taj Mahal. Discover Agra Fort, one of the most important strongholds of the Mughals, and delight in both sunset and sunrise visits to the iconic Taj Mahal. Also see Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s exquisite tomb and garden complex, and enjoy a short walk to Mehtab Bagh, a lovely Mughal garden. $1,999 per person, double rate $2,799 single rate Prelude Rate Includes: One night at the Taj Palace Hotel in Delhi and two nights at Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra; breakfast daily, one lunch, and two dinners. Sightseeing as noted.

Budhanilkantha Temple, Kathmandu

OPTIONAL POSTLUDE IN LHASA, TIBET May 22-25, 2020 Stay at the elegant St. Regis Hotel in Lhasa, where highlights include visits to Potala Palace, the former winter retreat of the Dalai Lama, and Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a vast collection of spiritual treasures. Stroll along circular Barkhor Street to the heart of the old Lhasa, with its narrow streets and homes with brightly painted woodwork, and watch worshippers as they walk holding traditional prayer wheels. Discover , one of the three great monasteries of Tibet, and , one of most important monasteries of . $1,899 per person, double rate $2,499 single rate Postlude Rate Includes: Three nights at the St. Regis Hotel in Lhasa; breakfast daily, two lunches, and two dinners. Sightseeing as noted.

Reserve Your Trip to the Himalayas Today Mahabodhi Temple, Kathmandu Book online: www.yaleedtravel.org/himalayas20 Buddhism & the Himalayas May 10–22, 2020 www.yaleedtravel.org/himalayas20 To register, return this form with your deposit of $1,000 Accommodations per person. Final payment is due January 12, 2020. Hotel room preference ❏ One bed ❏ Two beds ❏ Single ❏ I will share accommodations with:

1) name as on passport name date of birth yale connection Payment Options ❏ pay by check made out to Arrangements Abroad passport origin relationship to other guest Please charge the deposit of $1,000 per person to: ❏ amex ❏ visa ❏ mastercard ❏ discover card 2) name as on passport

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expiration date security code passport origin relationship to other guest Optional Prelude & Postlude ❏ I/We wish to join the optional prelude in Agra Contact Information ❏ I/We wish to join the optional postlude in Lhasa Hotel room preference ❏ One bed ❏ Two beds ❏ Single address Terms & Conditions city/state/zip ❏ I/We confirm that I/we have carefully read the Terms & Conditions and Responsibility sections of this brochure and agree to their terms on behalf of myself and the members of my party named above. primary phone

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To reserve, return the above form with credit card authorization or check payable to Arrangements Abroad to: Yale Educational Travel, Yale Alumni Association, P.O. Box 209010, New Haven, CT 06520-9010.

Terms & Conditions

MOBILITY & FITNESS TO TRAVEL PAYMENT SCHEDULE A deposit of The right is retained to decline, to accept, or $1,000 per person, payable to Arrangements to retain any person as a member of this trip Abroad, of which $500 (see CANCELLATION) who, in the opinion of Yale Educational Travel is nonrefundable for administrative fees, is (“YET”) is unfit for travel or whose physical required with the reservation application. Final or mental condition may constitute a danger to payment, must be received 120 days prior to themselves or to others on the trip. Passengers departure. Mail to: Arrangements Abroad, requiring special assistance, including 1040 Avenue of the Americas, 23rd Floor, New without limitation those who permanently York, NY 10018-3721. Or call: 212-514-8921 or or periodically use a wheelchair, must be 800-221-1944. accompanied by someone who is fit and able to assist them, and who will be totally responsible for providing all required assistance. Complete Terms and Conditions will be sent CANCELLATION In addition to airline after registration and are available at: cancellation penalties, all cancellations for any www.yaleedtravel.org/faqs reason whatsoever will be subject to a $500 per person cancellation fee. Cancellation from 120 days to 91 days prior to departure will result in forfeiture of 20% of the entire cost of the trip per person; 90 days to 61 days, 50% of the trip cost per person; cancellation from 60 days up to the time of departure will result in 100% forfeiture of the entire cost of the trip. at the base of the All cancellations must be submitted in writing Great Buddha Dordenma to Yale Educational Travel. B_20LNDPHB0510_YET with the Prime Minister visit Bhutan each year a private and enjoy meal travelersBe amongthefew permitted to availability) (pending Experience a an exclusive with meeting in Dharamshala, withan opportunityfor

India, Bhutan&Nepal Sacred Realms theHimalayas of Assistant ProfessorofIndianandSouthAsian ArtandArchitecture Subhashini Kaligotla

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Yale Alumni Association TBA Box 209010 New Haven, Connecticut

visit toNamgyal Monastery, 06520-9010 the Dalai Lama Dalai Lama Tibetan prayer wheels May 10–22,2020

Discover rich spiritual traditions, extraordinary art and architecture, and stunning vistas in remote Himalayan lands