STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY

ANAT BRUCK, THE KINGDOM OF , 2015

IN THE LAND OF THE THUNDER DRAGON

September 24 to October 8, 2018 I’ll never forget the frst time I visited Bhutan. The Bhutanese welcomed us with genuine, open smiles and the sky was such a clear, crisp blue it literally took my breath away. One of the world’s most isolated countries, Bhutan possesses an unparalleled mystique and charm. Home to a people with a thoroughly unique culture, Bhutan is also flled with architectural and artistic treasures few tourists ever see. The country’s recent transition from absolute to constitutional monarchy and its development of a Gross National Happiness Index are phenomena about which Stanford Law School professor and faculty leader Barbara H. Fried is ideally qualifed to explain. Join her and us on this extraordinary journey!

BRETT S. THOMPSON, ’83, DIRECTOR, STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY Highlights MEET with local dignitar- ADMIRE the impressive HIKE to 10,000-foot-high ies and government offi- dzongs (monumental Taktsang (“Tiger’s Nest”) cials and discuss Bhutan’s fortresses) and exceptional Monastery, spectacularly past, present and future artifact-filled museums in clinging to a cliff 3,000 feet at a special reception in , Trongsa and above the floor of the . Paro. upper Paro Valley.

COVER: TAKTSANG (“TIGER’S NEST”) MONASTERY

PUNAKHA DZONG Faculty Leader BARBARA H. FRIED, the William W. and Gertrude H. Saunders Professor of Law, joined the Stanford faculty in 1987. She teaches courses on contracts, modern American legal thought and tax and writes broadly on law and moral and political theory. She is excited to be visiting Bhutan at this moment in its history, when it’s poised between the traditional and modern worlds and seeking a way forward that can preserve its distinctive way of life and pristine natural beauty. During our program Barbara will address Bhutan’s challenges of democratic governance in a micro-state and the involvement of Stanford Law School’s Rule of Law Project in Bhutan’s development of a formal legal system. “Stanford’s connec- Also joining us will be Barbara’s sister, Linda Fried, dean of the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University and a world expert in global health. Linda will deliver a presentation on tions with people the Bhutanese health system and national indicators of health and well-being from a comparative perspective. in Bhutan, and — William W. and Gertrude H. Saunders Professor of Law, since 2003; Deane F. Johnson Faculty Scholar the local guides, and professor of law, 1993–2003; associate professor, 1991–1993; assistant professor, 1987–1991—all meant we received Stanford Law School — Visiting professor, New York University Law School, 2002 and 1998–1999 terrific information — Review editor, Philosophy and Public Affairs, 2004–2011 — John Bingham Hurlburt Award for Excellence in Teaching, on the ground.” 1991, 2001 and 2006, and Deane Johnson Award for Excellence in Teaching and Research, 1996—Stanford Law School RICHARD PAUL, ’73, — BA, 1977, and MA, magna cum laude, 1980, both THE KINGDOM OF English and American literature, Harvard University BHUTAN, 2015 — JD, magna cum laude, 1983, Harvard Law School

STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY

SIGN UP ONLINE: alumni.stanford.edu/trip?bhutan2018 OR BY PHONE: (650) 725-1093

PARO CHINA TIBET

H i m a l a y a s

BUMTHANG Punakha Paro Thimphu Trongsa BHUTAN

from Bangkok INDIA

pilgrimage site, crossing a a monument built by the royal wooden cantilever bridge at the family that’s festooned with Itinerary base of the hill. Back in Thim- colorful images. Enjoy breath- phu, visit the Choki Traditional taking views of the Punakha MONDAY & TUESDAY, Art School and the Voluntary Valley, then take a raft trip on SEPTEMBER 24 & 25 Artist’s Studio, Thimphu (VAST), the Mochu River. Explore the U.S. / BANGKOK, a studio/gallery that promotes labyrinthine 17th-century Pu- THAILAND traditional and contemporary nakha Dzong, winter fortress of Depart the U.S. on overnight and provides the Je Khenpo, chief hierarch of flights to Bangkok, crossing vocational training for young Bhutanese Buddhism. ZINGKHAM the international date line and artists. Enjoy a special evening RESORT OR SIMILAR (B,L,D) arriving on Tuesday. Upon with Bhutanese dignitaries and arrival, check in to our hotel. scholars. LE MERIDIEN HOTEL (B,L,D) SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 NOVOTEL SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT PUNAKHA / TRONGSA HOTEL FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 A scenic full day’s drive takes us into central Bhutan. Pass WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 THIMPHU / PUNAKHA BANGKOK / PARO, Drive to Punakha, pausing at picturesque villages and forests, BHUTAN / THIMPHU Dochula Pass (some 10,200 crossing the 11,000-foot-high Early this morning, fly over the feet above sea level) to view its Pele La Pass. Visit the Chendibji eastern to Paro, 108 chortens, or , small Chorten, built in the style of then drive to the country’s capi- relic-filled religious monuments. the famous Bodnath of tal, Thimphu. This afternoon, Descend into the Punakha Val- Nepal, before descending into learn about the history of weav- ley and walk through rice pad- the Trongsa Valley to Trongsa, ing and traditional clothing at dies to visit Chimi Lhakhang, a ancestral home of the Bhuta- the Royal Textile Academy and 15th-century fertility pilgrimage nese royal family. YANGKHIL visit the Motithang Takin Pre- shrine. Late this afternoon, stop RESORT OR SIMILAR (B,L,D) serve to view Bhutan’s national at modern Sangchhen Dorji MONDAY, OCTOBER 1 animal, the rare goat-antelope- Lhendup Nunnery, then explore TRONGSA / JAKAR Nobgang, the native village of like takin. Enjoy a welcome re- (BUMTHANG DISTRICT) Bhutan’s queen mothers. ZING- ception and dinner at our hotel. Visit , the largest KHAM RESORT OR SIMILAR (B,L,D) LE MERIDIEN HOTEL (B,L,D) fortress in Bhutan, built on a mountain spur high above the THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 THIMPHU SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 gorges of the Trongsa River. Join students and teachers for PUNAKHA Inside the Ta-Dzong their daily school assembly, Visit the weekend market in (“Watchtower”) Museum, then drive to Cheri Monastery. Punakha, then hike to Kham- admire relics and artifacts We begin our one-hour hike sum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, belonging to the royal family. up to this important Bhutanese Drive to Bumthang district, CHINA TIBET

H i m a l a y a s

BUMTHANG Punakha Jakar Paro Thimphu Trongsa BHUTAN

from Bangkok INDIA

stopping in the village of Zung- religious nobility during the 19th SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6 ney to visit the Yathra Weaving and 20th centuries. This after- PARO Centre, where yathra, a distinc- noon observe a demonstration Enjoy an optional hike to the tive woolen cloth, is woven by of Bhutanese cooking or watch famous Taktsang (“Tiger’s hand. GONGKHAR GUEST HOUSE OR the 2003 language Nest”) Monastery, where an SIMILAR (B,L,D) film, Travellers and Magicians, 8th-century Indian mystic is the first feature film shot entirely said to have arrived on the back TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2 in Bhutan. GONGKHAR GUEST HOUSE of a flying tiger after bringing BUMTHANG OR SIMILAR (B,L,D) Buddhism to Bhutan. At an Explore Choekhor Valley, where elevation of 10,000 feet and cultural and religious traditions THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4 clinging dramatically to a cliff have changed little over time. JAKAR / PARO some 3,000 feet above the val- Hike along the Chamkhar River, Fly to Paro and enjoy free time ley floor, the monastery is one stopping to visit the 15th-cen- to explore the town, then of our trip’s highlights. Those tury Thangbi Temple. Continue observe teams practicing ar- who prefer not to hike to the hiking to Ngang Lhakhang chery, Bhutan’s national sport, monastery can view it from afar, village with its 16th-century during a fascinating demonstra- then visit Kyichu, a 7th-century “Swan Temple.” Also visit two tion of skillful shooting inter- monastery located along the of Bhutan’s most sacred sites: spersed with cheering, jeering river, and the 15th-century Jambay Temple, said to be one and singing. ZHIWALING HOTEL (B,L,D) Dungtse temple. Celebrate of 108 temples built on a single our adventure at a farewell day in 659 C.E., and Kurjey FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5 reception and dinner this PARO Lhakhang, which contains the evening. ZHIWALING HOTEL (B,L,D) remains of the first three kings Drive to Cheli La, a mountain of Bhutan. Stop at a traditional pass with stunning views of SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7 country house to see how puta Paro and the Haa Valley. Hike PARO / BANGKOK, (buckwheat noodles) are made past chortens and prayer flags THAILAND and to sample ara, the locally to Kila Gompa, the oldest Depart on a flight to Bangkok, brewed rice wine. GONGKHAR nunnery in Bhutan, where the arriving in the afternoon, and GUEST HOUSE OR SIMILAR (B,L,D) nuns live in self-imposed isola- check in to our airport hotel. tion. Return to Paro and visit NOVOTEL SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3 Paro Dzong, one of the most HOTEL (B,L,D) BUMTHANG beautifully situated fortresses in In Tang Valley visit Ogyen Bhutan and the primary location MONDAY, OCTOBER 8 BANGKOK / U.S. Choling, a nobles’ estate that for the movie, Little Buddha. At Fly to the U.S., arriving back serves as a religious/cultural the National Museum in Paro, home the same day. (B) center and a museum providing view exhibits about the history, insight into the lifestyle of the culture and religion of Bhutan. ZHIWALING HOTEL (B,L,D) DOCHULA PASS

included Independent and private transfers Trip-cancellation/interruption and baggage Trip Information insurance Excess-baggage charges Per- sonal items such as internet access, tele- DATES phone and fax calls, laundry and gratuities September 24 to October 8, 2018 for nongroup services (15 days) AIR ARRANGEMENTS SIZE You are responsible for booking and purchasing 21 participants (single accommodations airfare to the start location and from the end limited—please call for availability) location of the program. These air purchases COST* are NOT included in the program cost. To assist $11,295 per person, double occupancy you in making these independent arrangements, $14,295 per person, single occupancy we will send you details with your confirmation *Stanford Alumni Association nonmembers materials on when to arrive and depart. add $300 per person WHAT TO EXPECT INCLUDED Although this program is not a trek, it is strenuous, 13 nights of best-available hotel accommo- with considerable walking and hiking, on uneven

dations 13 breakfasts, 12 lunches and terrain, at high altitudes ranging from 5,000 to

12 dinners Welcome and farewell recep- 11,000 feet above sea level, to sites with no

tions Gratuities to guides and drivers for elevators and steep stairs without handrails. The

all group activities All tours and excursions excursion to Tiger’s Nest Monastery is a rigorous

as described in the itinerary Transfers and hike. There are several arduous travel days with

baggage handling throughout the program early departures and long drives in minibuses over

Bhutan visa for U.S. citizens Flights between winding, narrow, unpaved roads. We make rest Bangkok and Paro on 9/26 and 10/7 and stops, but often there are no toilets available so

from Jakar to Paro on 10/4 Minimal medical, travelers should plan to use nature’s facilities.

accident and evacuation insurance Educa- Medical treatment is not always available or up to tional program with lecture series and pre- U.S. standards. Hotels are the best-available but departure materials, including recommended a few are quite basic by Western standards. We reading list, a selected book, map and travel expect that participants will be a self-selecting

information Services of our professional tour group whose appreciation for the places we manager to assist you throughout the program visit outweighs the need for creature comforts. NOT INCLUDED Participants must be physically fit, active and in International and U.S. domestic airfare good health. We welcome travelers 15 years of Passport fees Immunization costs Meals age and older on this program. and beverages other than those specified as BUMTHANG

Terms & Conditions if you purchase your policy within Deposit & Final Payment war, quarantine, force majeure or A $1,000-per-person deposit is 14 days of written confirmation of other causes beyond our control. required to reserve your space. Sign your participation on the trip. All such losses or expenses will up online at alumni.stanford.edu/ have to be borne by the passenger Eligibility as tour rates provide arrangements trip?bhutan2018 or call the Travel/ We encourage membership in the only for the time stated. We reserve Study office at (650) 725-1093. Stanford Alumni Association as the Final payment is due 120 days the right to make such alterations program cost for nonmembers is to this published itinerary as may prior to departure. As a condition $300 more than the members’ price. of participation, all confirmed be deemed necessary. The right is A person traveling as a guest paid reserved to cancel any program prior participants are required for by a current member will not to sign a Release of Liability. to departure in which case the entire be charged the nonmember fee. payment will be refunded without For more information or to purchase Cancellations & Refunds further obligation on our part. The Deposits and any payments are a membership, visit alumni.stanford/ right is also reserved to decline to refundable, less a $500-per-person goto/membership or call (650) accept or retain any person as a cancellation fee, until 120 days prior to 725-0692. member of the program. No refund departure. After that date, refunds can will be made for an unused portion Responsibility of any tour unless arrangements be made only if the program is sold The Stanford Alumni Association, are made in sufficient time to avoid out and your place(s) can be resold, Stanford University and our operators penalties. Baggage is carried at the in which case a $1,000-per-person act only as agents for the passenger owner’s risk entirely. The airlines cancellation fee will apply. with respect to transportation and concerned are not to be held exercise every care possible in doing Insurance responsible for any act, omission or so. However, we can assume no Stanford Travel/Study provides event during the time that passengers all travelers who are U.S. or liability for injury, damage, loss, are not onboard their plane or Canadian citizens with minimal accident, delay or irregularity in conveyance. Neither the Stanford connection with the service of any medical, accident and evacuation Alumni Association, Stanford automobile, motor coach, launch coverage under our group-travel University nor our operators accept or any other conveyance used in insurance policy. Our group policy liability for any carrier’s cancellation carrying out this program or for the is intended to provide minimal penalty incurred by the purchase of acts or defaults of any company or levels of protection while you are a nonrefundable ticket in connection person engaged in conveying the traveling on this program. You may with the tour. Program price is based passenger or in carrying out the choose to subscribe to optional trip- on rates in effect in January 2018 and arrangements of the program. We is subject to change without notice to cancellation and baggage insurance. cannot accept any responsibility for Information offering such insurance reflect fluctuations in exchange rates, losses or additional expenses due tariffs or fuel charges. will be provided to travelers with their to delay or changes in air or other welcome materials. The product services, sickness, weather, strike, offered includes special benefits

© COPYRIGHT 2018 STANFORD ALUMNI TELEPHONE (650) 725-1093 ASSOCIATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. EMAIL [email protected] PRINTED ON RECYCLED, FSC-CERTIFIED California Seller of Travel Program Registration #2048 523-50 PAPER IN THE U.S. FACULTY PHOTO BY ROD SEARCEY. STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY unique way that“The Bhutan was introduced to us the and journey ANAT BRUCK, THE KINGDOM OF BHUTAN, 2015 BHUTAN, OF KINGDOM THE BRUCK, ANAT people left me with me greatpeople left adesire and memories to more!” learn throughout this beautiful its and country happy, pleasant and kind CHIMI LHAKHANG, PUNAKHA Stanford Travel/Study Nonprofit Org. Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center U.S. Postage 326 Galvez Street PAID Stanford, CA 94305-6105 Stanford Alumni (650) 725-1093 Association

IN THE LAND OF THE THUNDER DRAGON

September 24 to October 8, 2018 STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY