Tucked deep in the high Himalayan Mountains, the Kingdom of is often referred to as the last Shangri-La. Deeply spiritual, Bhutan made its mark on the international stage with its concept of using GNH (Gross National Happiness) as a measurement for development instead of the conventional economic indicator of GDP. Imbued with an unspoiled natural beauty, Bhutan also seems to exude a positive spiritual energy that is at once healing and revitalizing for tired, stressed urbanites.

From 1 to 8 December 2019, FBN Asia will be organizing a learning journey to Bhutan led by Dr Mary Ann Tsao (Board Member & Chair, Singapore Country Committee, FBN Asia), who has been traveling to Bhutan since 2007 to establish the Bhutan Elder Sangha Sanctuary, B.E.S.S. – a non-profit project in Punakha valley. The journey will be accommodated throughout at the beautiful Amankora, which has lodges at all four areas that the learning journey will travel through.

This learning journey aims to share several key elements: be nourished by pristine nature to pause and reflect, experience a uniquely spiritual and still unspoiled culture, and learn about Buddhism as a philosophy and a way of life, as well as the experience of building B.E.S.S. – a non-profit project in this very much less developed country.

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The Bhutan Elder Sangha Sanctuary (B.E.S.S.) is a non-profit project to build an elder-friendly home in response to the plight of ageing monks, on land granted by royal bequest outside Punakha in central Bhutan. Incorporating cutting edge ideas on age-friendly design, B.E.S.S. is intended to be a prototype that can serve as a demonstration model for elder housing elsewhere. In a country where the construction sector is fairly new and where there was only one local professional project manager, the challenges were many and it took six years to complete.

The journey will take travelers to four major areas of the Kingdom – ranging from Paro (where the iconic Tigers’ Nest is located) to (the capital city of Bhutan), Punakha (where B.E.S.S. is located) and Gangtey (a rural farm village). Bhutan’s spectacular sights and cultural treasure house, the resorts of Amankora’s beautiful surroundings and impeccable service, FBN Asia’s uniquely planned events and access to protected sites – alongside an opportunity to learn about the building of a worthy project – promise an extraordinary experience like no other. Group size is kept small, with no more than 16 people, and there are alternative activities to choose from to suit the individual.

Itinerary in Brief  Day 1 - Sunday, 1 December Arrive in Paro and take the 1.5-hour drive to the capital city, Thimphu, for a leisurely day of exploration and cultural activities as travelers adjust to the altitude, which, at 8,000 feet, is not difficult. Nonetheless, as some people may feel slightly short of breath if they move around too quickly, the first day or two are planned at an easy pace.

A visit to the colorful local market is recommended as Sunday is marketing day for the Bhutanese, or stroll through the lively streets of Thimphu town. At sunset, enjoy a performance of traditional music and dance under wraps of warm blankets and a roaring bonfire. Overnight in Thimphu.

 Day 2 - Monday, 2 December After a sumptuous breakfast, leave for Gangtey – a potato farming village in beautiful Phobjikha valley formed from ancient glaciers - and arrive at the Aman Gangtey Lodge in ample time for lunch. En route, we stop at Dochu La Pass, which, on a clear day, offers magnificent views of the Himalayan peaks and the sacred Mt Jumolhari. After “circum-driving” three times around the 108 stupas for good luck, we continue on our journey to Gangtey Village. In the afternoon, there is an option to take a leisurely walk through Gangtey valley, or to experience a traditional hot stone bath in a wooden hut with spectacular views of Phobjikha Valley and take advantage of the excellent hot stone massage. Overnight in Gangtey.

 Day 3 - Tuesday, 3 December Start the day with a gentle walk through Gangtey village, and make a visit to the 17th century Gangtey Monastery - an influential center of Buddhist learning - before taking a leisurely 4.5km walk through meadows, farm villages, and groves of blue pine, observing along the way the beautiful but threatened black neck cranes from Tibet that roost for the winter in Phobjikha Valley. Visit the Crane Center to

2 learn about the black neck crane, its myths and conservation efforts around the Phobjikha Valley. In the afternoon, the energetic can hike any one of several beautiful trails around Gangtey, while others can try their hands at tsa tsa making or enjoy a cup of ginger tea and home baked biscuits in the living room, warmed by a wood burning fireplace. Overnight in Gangtey.

 Day 4 – Wednesday, 4 December Leave early morning for the drive to Punakha Valley. Hanging prayer flags high in Lawalla Pass, they are soon borne by the wind, sending your good wishes to all living beings.

After lunch at the Punakha Lodge, visit the B.E.S.S. project on a panoramic mountain top, where the elder-friendly houses for old monks are almost completed. On the way back, one may take a beautiful walk along the Mochu River, pass rice paddies and chili fields, to visit a new ‘chorten’ (reliquary) established by the four queens, or visit Chimi Lhakhang, the famous fertility temple built by an eccentric Buddhist mystic. Alternatively, one may simply relax and enjoy a cup of tea in the courtyard overlooking the Lodge’s orchard. Overnight in Punakha.

 Day 5 – Thursday, 5 December After breakfast, take an easy 90-minute walk from the Aman Lodge to visit Punakha Dzong (possibly the most stunning monastery-fortress in Bhutan), followed by a leisurely picnic by the river. For the energetic, a hike up the hill to visit Khasum Yulley Namgyal, the Queen Mother’s temple, will reward them with spectacular views. Another option would be to visit Chimi Lhakang (the fertility temple) and enjoy a walk through the paddy fields. Overnight in Punakha.

 Day 6 - Friday, 6 December Start early for the drive back to Paro to allow time for a morning tea break at a picnic spot by the river. At Dochu La Pass, visit the uniquely styled temple built by one of the four Queen Mothers before heading for lunch at Thimphu Lodge. Afternoon can be spent shopping for souvenirs in Paro, keep an appointment with the astrologer for a reading, or prepare at leisure for dinner. After many days in outdoor clothes, it is a dress-up occasion held at the private dining room.

 Day 7 - Saturday, 7 December Take the challenge and climb to the iconic Tiger’s Nest, built on a cliff face 10,000 feet above Paro Valley. Alternatively, visit Kichyu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, to make offerings of butter lamps. In the afternoon, visit Paro Dzong, where the movie, Little Buddha, was filmed. Stroll picturesque Paro town or stop by an archery competition, where players dance to celebrate a winning shot. Dinner is in traditional dress, in an unforgettable setting by special arrangement. Overnight in Paro.

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 Day 8 - Saturday, 8 December Departure will be at noon from Paro to for international connections.

The trip will be punctuated throughout with lectures on the unique heritage of the Land of the Thunder Dragon; opportunities to participate in its cultural activities, such as the making of tsa tsas and hanging of prayer flags for universal happiness; and by picnics and hikes – mostly gentle - through the countryside. Two formal dinners add variety to the journey and give a great excuse for dressing up in traditional Bhutanese kira (for ladies) and goh (for men)!

Flight Options To travel to Bhutan, you will be flying on , Bhutan’s national airline, or Bhutan Airlines via Bangkok. There are two options:

. Depart Singapore 1 December by direct flight to Paro on Druk Air with return trip on 8 December via Bangkok. The timing for the connection is a bit tight, so pending any delays, an overnight stay in Bangkok may be necessary. [Singapore-Paro-Bangkok (Druk Air)-Singapore (Singapore Airlines)]

. Depart Bangkok to Paro by Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines on Sunday 1 December, with return from Paro to Bangkok on 8 December; may require overnight stay in Bangkok to catch connecting flight to and from. [Travel by international airline from home country to Bangkok; Bangkok-Paro-Bangkok on Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines, transfer to international airline back to home country]

For those choosing to fly round trip via Bangkok to Paro, a popular overnight hotel option is the Novotel Bangkok Airport Hotel (which is just 5 minutes by shuttle to the airport). Please note that the overnight hotel cost is not included in the learning journey price.

Because of the options available and the departure city, the learning journey will not include air travel to accommodate flexibility for the traveler. For travelers departing from Singapore, we are happy to assist with airline reservations for the entire itinerary of your choice. For travelers originating from countries other than Singapore, we will assist with the flights to and from Bhutan, but travelers need to make their own arrangements for flights to and from Bangkok.

Accommodation Accommodation will be exclusively in the Aman lodges at Thimpu, Gangtey, Punakha and Paro.

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Learning Journey Cost This eight days, seven nights Learning Journey to Bhutan will cost US$7,015 per person for double occupancy and US$12,685 for single occupancy. This includes, in Bhutan:

. All accommodations* at Amankora lodges . All meals (including room service), house-pour wines, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, teas, etc. . All laundry (except dry cleaning), daily . All private planned programmes and qualified and licensed English speaking guides . One (1) complimentary massage by Amankora . All transportation in Bhutan with experienced drivers . Road permits and entrance fees to monasteries and places on interest on the itinerary . All visa fees, tourist surcharges (sustainable development fee, sustainable tourism fund) and miscellaneous visitor fees to Bhutan . 20% Accommodation Tax and Service Charge

*Triple sharing available. Please contact Helen Yang for more information.

Note: Learning Journey cost does not include all airfares as well as transfers and accommodations in Bangkok, personal expenses, travel insurance (highly recommended), and tips for the guides/drivers

Payment Terms & Conditions, in accordance with Amankora: As the Learning Journey is taking place in less than 6 months, a 50% non-refundable deposit is required upon confirmation/registration. The 50% balance will be due by 1 September 2019.

For registrations after 1 September 2019, payment of full amount is required.

Transfer of registration: In the event that a registered participant is not able to attend, the registration may be transferred to a substitute participant from the same family business.

Due to the limited availability of flights and the nature of travel in Bhutan, it is highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance from a recognized agent or insurance provider to cover any cancellation eventualities including cancellations based on medical grounds, professional commitments and/or travel interruptions.

Any cancellation should be made in writing; Amankora Bhutan will determine applicable cancellation charges.

Learning Journey cost may be subject to change depending on availability. Minimum size is required for Learning Journey to proceed.

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Weather Climate in Bhutan varies by season and altitude. At the places in this trip itinerary, December temperatures range from 0C/32 F to 18C/60F. Nights can be chilly but travelers will by then be comfortably warmed by the bukharis in their rooms – or tucked into their toasty beds. The comfortably cool daytime temperature is perfect for walks through the countryside. Skies are clear and it is mostly dry. Travelers are advised to layer their clothes to allow for the transition between day and night, indoors and outdoors.

Useful Tips . Weather o Early December temperature is usually comfortably cool in the low teens by day, but it can be cold (near zero) at night once the sun sets o Punakha and Tiger’s Nest can be hot in the day, especially when walking under the sun

. Attire o Most of the time, outdoors gear would be most useful, with some smart casual wear for the evenings o Dress in light layers: T-shirt, light weight sweater, light rain jacket, shawl, jeans, light weight khakis and chinos; perhaps a fleece jacket or warmer sweater for the evening o Shoes: Good sturdy walking shoes are important for walks, and bring hiking boots if you have them; casual flats/loafers for evenings o Hats and good sunglasses important as UV rays very strong in high altitude o Sun block at all times o Cocktail dress for the formal dinner in Paro

. Currency o Can change some Nultrums (local currency) at the airport or hotel for small purchases, such as roadside crafts, purchases at the market, etc. For small amounts, usually the guides can pay for you first if necessary. o Nultrums are pegged to Indian rupees, exchange rate is currently around 66 Nus per US dollar o US dollars and Indian rupees are also accepted by most shops o Credit card facility is not available at many shops o Best is to bring USD or Indian rupees o US $1OO bills must be from 2OO6 or later

. Internet o All the Lodges have internet connectivity in the public areas, but variable connectivity in the suites o There is no additional charges for internet use at Amankora

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. Telephone o Mobile reception is usually quite adequate throughout, except for occasional areas while driving to Punakha Valley. o Prepaid local telephone sim cards can be purchased in Paro and Thimphu. Simply inform the guide and he can arrange. Tashi Cell has slightly better connectivity than B Mobile, but both are adequate

. At the Aman, pretty much everything is covered: all food and house pour beverages at the Lodges (including room service), laundry, car/driver/guide, internet, and one complementary massage per guest. Special alcoholic beverages, meals outside of the Lodges, additional massage and spa services, astrology reading, and shopping, of course, are not included.

. Altitude sickness o Altitude in Bhutan is not so high, and most people are fine as long as they stay hydrated and avoid over physical exertion the first few days o Occasionally, mild headache overnight can occur. o For those who have experienced high altitude sickness before, then it’s useful to take Diamox starting before the trip; please consult your physician.

. Car sickness o Due to the windy nature of the mountain roads and road works, many people do experience car sickness, especially on the drive between Thimphu, Punakha and Gangtey. Please do bring ginger tablets (e.g. Blackmores’ are good), motion sickness medicine (such as Sturgeron), as well as candied ginger or dried mandarin orange peel for the road

. Toilet facilities o The Aman guides have scoped out clean local hotels for toilet stops along the way but there are not many. Beyond those, it would be the “green toilet”, so do try to use clean facilities at every opportunity whenever it’s available!

For Further Information For further queries on the trip and details of the itinerary, please contact Helen Yang at [email protected].

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