RTC GAP YEAR PROGRAMME– TENTATIVE PACKAGES

(Educational Language, Cultural Studies, Travel, Trekking and Volunteer Service.)

1. Valley Excursion (2 weeks, included in the Programme Package) Cost – Included in the Programme fees. The package is inclusive of the following visits and activities:

a. Institute of Language and Cultural Studies (ILCS) – Is located on a hillock just above the Semtokha Dzong. The Institute was established under the patronage of the late His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck on 16th July 1961. b. Tashichhodzong – Tashichhodzong is a Buddhist fortress on the northern edge of the city of Thimphu. It had traditionally been the seat of the Raja and the summer capital of the country. c. National Memorial Chorten – The building of this chorten was originally the idea of ‟s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who had wished to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity, but was unable to give shape to his idea in his lifetime. After his untimely death, the Royal family and the cabinet resolved to fulfill his wishes and erect a memorial that would perpetuate his memory and also serve as a monument to peace. d. National Institute of Traditional Medicine –The institute provides medical services, trains traditional doctors and conducts research on Bhutan‟s medical plants to identify the ingredients in centuries old remedies and help develop new health products. e. Folk Heritage Museum – The Museum provides you a glimpse of lifestyle, items and artifacts of Bhutanese villages and rural households. It also organizes demonstrations of rural traditions, skills, habits and customs. f. The Institute of Zorig Chosum – It is the premier institution of traditional arts and crafts set up by the Government of Bhutan with the sole objective of preserving the rich culture and tradition of Bhutan and training students in all traditional art forms. g. Tango – Tango is located at the farthest north of Thimphu. It is roughly 14 kilometers away from the Thimphu town. Following the trail, the walk uphill takes about 40 minutes to reach the monastery. h. Cheri Monastery – It is a major teaching and retreat center of the Southern Drukpa order. The Monastery is located at the northern end of the Thimphu valley. It sits on a hill above the end of the road and takes about an hour‟s walk up the steep hill to reach the monastery. i. Royal Institute of Management (Student Panel and discussions) – The institute was established as the country‟s apex management training institute. It has been mandated to „impart, promote and improve‟ professional knowledge and skills in management and public administration in both public as well as private sector in Bhutan. j. RENEW – It is a non – governmental organization dedicated to the relief and empowerment of disadvantaged women and adolescent girls. RENEW stands for respect, educate, nurture and empower women. k. Phajoding Trek – Phajoding is a monastery at an altitude of 3650m and lies in the upper western area of the Thimphu Valley. It is a large monastic complex with 10 lhakhangs and 15 monastic residences, many of them used for extended meditation retreats

(The Package also includes field trips to theme related institutes and organizations and other activities at RTC).

2. Paro Valley Excursion (1 week) Cost – US$ 650.00 per Student (Inclusive of meals, accommodation and Transportation) The package is inclusive of the following visits and activities:

a. – One of the oldest and the most sacred shrines of the kingdom. b. Dungtse Lhakhang – The only ancient temple built in the shape of a chorten and is literally chained down since the local belief holds that it will otherwise fly off to . c. Taktsang (Tiger’s nest) – Locally known as Tiger‟s nest monastery. The trail offers spectacular views of this sacred monastery perched precariously on a sheer rock face 3,000 feet above the valley floor. d. Paro –Constructed in the early 15th century as a diminutive fort, the fortress was presented to the religious and political authority of Shabdrung Ngawang, who developed it into a much more commanding fortress in 1646. If Rinpung looks familiar, you might remember it from Bernardo Bertolucci‟s 1993 film “Little Buddha”. e. National Museum – The building itself boasts an unusual shape said to resemble a conch shell.. You will see a fine collection of old paintings and textiles, ancient weapons and Bhutanese artifacts. The Museum is considered a temple due to the religious objects it houses. f. Chumbu Monastery Trek (Temple of the Flying Goddess) –Paro Chumbu Ney (sacred place) is located north-east of Paro Valley. You will see the statue of Dorjee Phagmo (Vajra Varahi) standing on air.

3. Punakha & Haa Valley Excursion & Rafting (1 week) Cost – US$ 650 per Student (Inclusive of meals, accommodation, rafting and Transportation)

The package is inclusive of the following visits and activities:

a. – Punakha Dzong was built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung to serve as the religious and administrative center of the region. It has played an important role in Bhutan‟s history. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the dzong has been fully restored by the fourth king of Bhutan. b. Chime Lhakhang – A temple built in the 15th century dedicated to the “Devine Mad man”, Lam Drukpa Kuenley, an eccentric monk famous for many of his amusing, Rabelaisian folklore stories. It is a popular pilgrimage site for all Bhutanese and is especially revered by women for its fertility powers. c. Nalanda Monastery – Was founded in 1754. The site is situated below Talo village, “the place of a holy person”, where the mind reincarnation of the first Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal preferred to stay when he was governing from Punakha dzong. The monastery is used as an institution for teaching Buddhist studies. d. Rafting - Explore Bhutan and its rivers on a trip that will prove to be both a cultural experience. More than a river trip, you will have the chance to embrace the culture and history of Bhutan and encounter the peaceful, fun-loving citizens as you journey down the Paro Chu, Mo Chu or Chumkar Chu. (While rafting, river gears like life jacket, wet suit, helmets and splash jackets will be provided). e. Dochula Pass – Dochula Monastery also known as Druk Wangyal Khangzang Chorten pays tribute to the service and leadership of the king. The design is a cluster of 108 chortens. f. Haa Valley - Drive to Haa valley from Thimphu through the confluence in Chuzom via Chelela pass. Chelela pass at over 13,000 ft to the west above the Paro valley is the highest road pass in the country and has amazing views of the Himalaya and most significantly Jomolhari, Bhutan‟s most sacred peak at over 22,000 feet.

4. TARAYANA Service Trip (2 weeks) Cost – US$ 800 per Student (Inclusive of meals, accommodation and Transportation) Tarayana Foundation is a nonprofit organization, whole heartedly working to uplift and enhance the lives of people in rural communities in Bhutan. The Foundation complements and supplements the efforts of the Royal Government in poverty reduction by espousing the national goal, Bhutan 2020. A vision for Peace, Prosperity and Happiness. Tarayana Foundation was established in 2003 by Her Majesty the Queen, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, as a potential solution to the problems of the disadvantaged that she witnessed firsthand during her tours to the remote corners of the nation.

(Detailed itinerary on the service trip towards central part of Bhutan will be provided upon arrival)

5. Mountain Biking (During weekends) Cost – US$ 40 per Student Per day (exclusive of meals and beverage) Mountain Biking is a relatively new phenomenon in this rugged Buddhist kingdom. Bhutan's mountainous terrain offers fascinating adventures for mountain biking enthusiasts. There are plenty of good reasons to Mountain Bike in Bhutan.  Bhutan has immense areas of undisturbed nature and even cycling along its “highways” one sees a lot of it. The views are often stunning, but you are advised to stop before you look.  The climate in spring and autumn is quite pleasant for cycling,  None of the main roads are very steep. The steepest gradients are around 7%.  Out of the urban areas, there is very little traffic.