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Home , Dochula Pass, Kathmandu, Thimphu

Exclusive Duke departure – October 30-November 13, 2018 Himalayan Kingdoms: & 15 days from $5,872 total price from Boston, , Wash, DC ($5,195 air & land inclusive plus $677 airline taxes and fees) n this exhilarating journey, we discover Otwo distant and devout lands, different in fact yet similar in spirit. in Nepal and in Bhutan suffuse all aspects of life; in both, tradition and belief abide – and surrounding Himalayan scenery casts a truly awe-inspiring spell.

NEPAL Paro BHUTAN

Map Legend Destination Air Motorcoach Entry/Departure

Avg. High (°F) Oct Nov Kathmandu 80 74 The devout in the hang prayer flags to promote peace and compassion. Thimphu 71 64 Paro 66 57 Day 1: Depart U.S. for Kathmandu, Nepal nunnery welcome seekers and visitors to study, medi- tate, and learn about the Mahayana Buddhism practiced Your Small Group Tour Highlights Day 2: Arrive Kathmandu We reach the Nepalese here. After our visit we enjoy a small group highlight capital tonight and transfer to our hotel. as we share lunch with a local family in their home. Opportunity to visit two Himalayan countries • Kathmandu Later we visit Shechen Clinic and Hospice, a human- touring • excursion • Visit to Buddhist Day 3: Kathmandu This morning we meet our itarian project that provides sustainable medical services • Lunch with a Nepalese family in their home fellow travelers and Odysseys Tour Director for a to local residents; then tour , one of the • Patan’s traditional arts and handcrafts • Hindu shrine at briefing about the journey ahead. Then we get our holiest Buddhist pilgrimage sites. B,L,D Pashupatinath • Thimphu touring • Dinner with first look at this landlocked Himalayan nation in Dur- a Bhutanese family • Raising prayer flags at bar Square, a jumble of ancient , , court- Day 5: Kathmandu/Nagarkot Leaving Kathmandu • Punakha river rafting trip • Beautiful • yards, and streets. Next we visit hilltop Swayamb- today, we stop at Nepal’s oldest and holiest Hindu Historic Paro • Tiger’s Nest Monastery excursion hunath, the iconic Buddhist temple dating to about shrine, ornate . Here we see 500 ce. A 365-step climb brings us to the sacred and sages who, in following the lifestyle of Day Itinerary Hotel Rating UNESCO , with its white dome, gilded spire, Lord , wear loincloths and cover themselves 1 Depart U.S. for Kathmandu and all-seeing “eyes” of the Buddha. This afternoon with ashes. We also may witness cremation ceremonies 2-4 Kathmandu Regency Deluxe Kathmandu we travel through Kathmandu Valley to Patan, known along the river banks; displaying appropriate respect for its rich culture and artistic tradition. On a walking to the mourners is requested of all visitors. We travel 5-6 Nagarkot Club Himalaya Sup. First Nagarkot Class tour through the UNESCO site of Patan Durbar on to , the least developed of the valley’s three cities. Virtually a living open-air with 7-8 Thimphu Druk Hotel Sup. First Square, we see some of the city’s many Buddhist mon- Class uments and Hindu temples. Late afternoon we re- its unspoiled ancient square and warrens of medieval 9-10 Punakha Khuru Resort First Class turn to our hotel, where tonight we enjoy a welcome streets, Bhaktapur is known for its fine artisans and 11-13 Paro Zhiwa Ling Sup. First dinner. B,D many temples. We have time to explore then con- Class tinue the scenic drive to Nagarkot, a hilltop village Hyatt Regency Paro/Kathmandu/ Day 4: Kathmandu Today we see different aspects commanding a spectacular vista of Nepal’s major 14 Depart for U.S. Kathmandu Deluxe (day room) of Nepali life up close. First, we travel through the Himalayan peaks. B,L 15 Arrive U.S. beautiful Kathmandu Valley to hilltop Kopan Mona- Ratings are based on the Hotel & Travel Index, the travel stery, home to 360 monks and lamas. With majestic Day 6: Nagarkot Early this morning we have an industry standard reference. views of the valley below, the monastery and associated opportunity for an unforgettable experience: watching

16 Visit us at dukealumnitravels.com B – Breakfast; L – Lunch; D – Dinner For reservations, call Duke Alumni Travels at (800) FOR-DUKE or (919) 684-2988 Tour membership limited to 18 Duke alumni and friends the sun rise over the fabled Himalaya from the hotel’s rooftop observatory. Later, we embark on an easy “It is better to travel well walk around the village, where we have the chance than to arrive.” to meet local people. The remainder of the day is at leisure amid the stunning Himalayan scenery. B,D –

Day 7: Nagarkot/Kathmandu/Thimphu, Bhutan and the Painting School, where students learn tradi- We have another chance to see the sun rise over the tional Bhutanese arts. Late afternoon we depart for peaks sacred in both Buddhism and Hinduism. Then Paro, nestled in the center of a valley dotted with rice we return to Kathmandu for the flight to Bhutan. Upon paddies, wheat fields, and scattered settlements. B,L,D arrival in the Dragon Kingdom, we travel to the capital of Thimphu and our hotel, where we dine tonight. B,D Day 12: Paro We begin our tour of this historic town at Ta-Dzong, the national museum showcas- Day 8: Thimphu Today’s excursion begins at a local ing Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage dating from at factory where paper is made by hand in the traditional least 2000 bce to the present day. Built in 1648 as a way, followed by the Textile Museum, housing exqui- watchtower, the cylindrical-shaped museum houses site from the 16th century to modern times. a fine collection of and artifacts. We Later we visit , the historic fortress also visit Rinpung Dzong, a superb example of Bhu- and monastery that today houses temples and govern- tanese architecture. After lunch we call on the sacred th ment offices, including those of the king; then Memorial 7 -century pilgrimage temple of Kyichu Lhakhang, th Chorten, one of Bhutan’s best-loved religious landmarks. and the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, a 17 -century vic- Tonight we attend a Bhutanese cultural performance tory fortress. B,L,D We climb to Tiger’s Nest Monastery on Day 13. then dine in the home of a local family. B,L,D Day 13: Paro/Tiger’s Nest Monastery Today we Day 9: Thimphu/ embark on a highlight of any trip to Bhutan: a visit Tour Departs: October 30, 2018 Prices include international airfare and all taxes, surcharges, and fees Punakha En to Paro Taktsang, the sacred Tiger’s Nest monastery and temple complex perched on a cliff some 3,000 Boston, New York, route to Punakha $5,872 today, we visit feet above the upper Paro Valley – itself at an altitude Washington, DC Kunselphodrang, of 10,200 feet. We embark on our scenic uphill hike Baltimore, Dallas, $6,172 the recently built early this morning (rental horses are available to take Orlando, Philadelphia visitors about two-thirds of the way). Those not wishing Buddha Point Atlanta, Charlotte, to climb all the way up can enjoy excellent views of where the world’s Chicago, Cincinnati, Tiger’s Nest from a way-station cafeteria. Late after- largest sitting Cleveland, Detroit, Miami, $6,272 Buddha presides noon we return to our hotel, where tonight we celebrate at a farewell dinner. B,L,D Minneapolis, Raleigh-Durham, over the Thimphu Seattle, Tampa valley. Then we set out for Punakha Day 14: Paro/Kathmandu, Nepal/Depart for Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, via Dochula Pass U.S. We fly this morning to Kathmandu, where we Phoenix, Portland (OR), $6,372 (alt. 10,000 feet), have day rooms and opportunities for exploring on San Francisco, Seattle which offers views our own, before our mid-afternoon departure for the Land Only (transfers not included) $4,695 of snow-topped airport and our overnight flights to the U.S. B,L Please call if your city is not listed. Prices are per person Young Buddhist monks Himalayan peaks based on double occupancy and include airline taxes, Day 15: Arrive U.S. We arrive in the U.S. and and where we fol- surcharges, and fees of $677, which are subject to change connect with our flights home. low the sacred tradition of raising prayer flags in the until final payment has been made. name of peace and compassion. We eat lunch here Single travelers please add $1,095. All 2018 tour prices then continue on our way, stopping to visit a local above (excluding airline taxes, surcharges, and fees) are rice farming village. Next: an easy amble through guaranteed. rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple built by the “Divine Madman” in 1499, now a pilgrimage site Depending on flight schedules, certain U.S. departure for couples struggling with infertility. Late this after- cities may require an overnight stay at the gateway city noon we reach Punakha, which sits at the confluence Your Tour Price Includes airport at your expense. of the Mo Chu (“Mother”) and Pho Chu (“Father”) • Round-trip air transportation from listed cities; all flights Business Class upgrade on round-trip Trans-Atlantic rivers in a sub-tropical valley. B,L,D within itinerary flight: $5,595 per person in addition to the above • 12 nights’ accommodations in Deluxe, Superior First Class, costs. Upgrade is subject to availability and pricing is Day 10: Punakha We embark this morning on an and First Class hotels subject to change. exhilarating rafting trip on the Mo Chu River. This • 31 meals: 12 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners Please note: This trip involves considerable walking afternoon we visit Punakha Dzong, winter home of the • Extensive sightseeing as described uphill and on uneven terrain. You should be in good central monastic community and one of the country’s • Services of Odysseys Unlimited Tour Directors physical condition to enjoy the tour to the fullest. most attractive fortress , set on a spit of • Private motorcoach transportation throughout your trip While elevations are not severe, the relatively high al- land where the rivers meet. B,L,D • Luggage handling for one bag per person titude of Nagarkot (7,000 feet) and Thimphu and Paro • Gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, airport and (both 7,500 feet) could pose problems for travelers Day 11: Punakha/Thimphu/Paro We set out early hotel porters, and all drivers with certain health conditions. You should consult your to see more of Thimphu, including the National Lib- • $100 frequent traveler credit towards your next Duke/Odysseys physician if you have concerns. rary, with an immense collection of Buddhist manuscripts; Unlimited tour ($200 after three tours; $300 after 10 tours)

For reservations, call Duke Alumni Travels at (800) FOR-DUKE or (919) 684-2988 17 T h e S m a l l G r o u p T r a v e l E x p e r i e n c e

Important Information About Your Tour General Terms and Conditions Please read this information carefully, as payment of a deposit represents your acceptance of the following Terms and Conditions.

Tour Prices Not Included in Your Tour Price Tour prices quoted are guaranteed through Airfare from your hometown to your December 31, 2019, and include accom- departure city; costs of passports and visas; modations based on double occupancy; personal expenses such as beverages, airfare from your departure city; airline laundry, room service, and meals not taxes, surcharges, and fees, and port charges specified; communications charges; airport and cruise line fees (where applicable), transfers when purchasing a land-only which are subject to change until final package; gratuities to your Odysseys payment has been made; internal air, rail, Unlimited Tour Director and shipboard and motorcoach transportation; meals, personnel (if a cruise is included in sightseeing, and transfers as described; your tour) unless otherwise specified, hotel taxes; entrance fees for included which are at your discretion (suggested sightseeing; the services of an Odysseys gratuities $10-$15 per guest, per Unlimited Tour Director; luggage handl- day); and a Travel Protection Plan. ing for one bag per person; and all gra- Additional baggage fees levied directly tuities as described below. Please note that by the airline(s) may apply and are the cost of air upgrades is subject to change. subject to change at any time. You should confirm directly with your Gratuities airline(s) prior to departure. Tour prices include all gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, airport and Registration and Payment hotel porters, and all drivers on base A deposit of $500 per person confirms tours and on optional extensions when your reservation. Full payment is due at accompanied by an Odysseys Unlimited least 95 days prior to departure and may representative. Please note that gratuities be made by personal check or credit card. for the Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director Odysseys Unlimited reserves the right to and shipboard personnel (if a cruise is cancel any reservations that are not paid included in your tour) are not included in full at any time after final payment is unless otherwise specified. These tips due. If you make your reservation after the are optional and should be extended final payment date, payment in full will be on a voluntary basis. Gratuities are not required upon reservation. included on “On Your Own” optional extensions. Cancellations and Refunds to which you are accustomed. If you must cancel your tour, the effective Changes to Your Reservation date of can­cellation will be upon our receipt We will not charge a fee for any changes of your written notification. Refunds for made to your reservation outside of 95 cancellations are subject to the following days before departure. From 94 to 30 per person charges: days before departure, if you make any For all tours (except as noted) changes to your reservation, a $100 per person administrative fee will apply, Prior to departure Charge in addition to any fees or penalties 95 days or more: $200 imposed by airlines, hotels, or other 94-65 days: 25% of tour price third parties. Changes are subject to 64-45 days: 50% of tour price availability and cannot be guaranteed. 44-30 days: 75% of tour price If your reservation changes from double 29-0 days: No refund occupancy to single occupancy for any reason, you will be charged the For & the Eternal Nile, Journey single supplement. No changes to your through , Patagonian Frontiers reservation can be made within 30 days Prior to departure Charge of departure. 95 days or more: $200 Required Information 94-65 days: 50% of tour price Upon reservation, we will need to obtain 64-30 days: 75% of tour price from you passport information including 29-0 days: No refund the following, in accordance with the Transportation Security Administration’s Please note that we will not refund the (TSA) Secure Flight program, as well cost of any unused portion of your tour as by our international travel partners: package. If due to unforeseen circum- your full name as it appears on your stances Odysseys Unlimited cancels your passport, date of birth, and gender (for tour, you will receive a complete refund of further information, please visit tsa.gov). all payments you have made to us. In the event an airline ticket is issued Pre-Departure with incorrect information you have After reserving your tour, you will receive provided, or if you use a different pass- pre-departure mailings that include a port than originally cited, you will be detailed itinerary, visa requirements, and responsible for charges associated with reading list. We will send your final tour the ticket’s reissue. documents, including airline itineraries (with e-ticket numbers) two to three Travel Documents weeks before departure. A passport valid for at least six months after the completion of your tour is Single Travelers required for U.S. citizens on all tours We welcome single travelers, and in this catalog. If your tour requires offer a limited number of single a visa(s), we strongly recommend that accommodations on each tour. Because you have at least six blank visa pages hotel and cruise rates are priced by available; for tours not requiring a visa(s), the room or cabin, the per person cost we recommend that your passport have at for accommodations occupied by one least three blank visa pages. We will send person is higher than that shared by you specific visa and entry requirements two people. We will endeavor to keep after you make a reservation. You single supplements at a reasonable cost. are resp­ onsible­ for obtaining these Please note that single rooms in many documents. If you are not a U.S. foreign hotels may be smaller than those citizen, please contact your embassy or

2 G e n e r a l T e r m s a n d C o n d i t i o n s consulate to ensure you obtain­ the proper operator tickets, other restrictions apply, documentation. including but not limited to, frequent flyer mileage accrual, stopovers, alternate Smoking travel dates, upgrades, and airline taxes For the convenience of the majority of our and departure fees. If you prefer to make travelers, Odysseys Unlimited has a No your own travel arrangements, booking Smoking policy on all tour buses. We will the tour “Land Only” is available on most arrange sufficient rest stops so those who tours. Since international and domestic air wish to smoke may do so. schedules are subject to change at any time, Health and Medical Issues we recommend that if you choose to make your own airline reservations, you do not We welcome all travelers, but request that you purchase non-refundable tickets or those be in good health to participate in an Odysseys with high penalties for changes. If you Unlimited tour. All of our tours involve a choose to make your own air arrangements, reasonable amount of walking (typically Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. shall not have any two to three miles per day), often uphill or liability for any loss resulting from cancel- on uneven or cobblestone streets. You must lation of this tour or changes in this tour. be able to get on and off motorcoaches and boats on your own. We regret that we cannot Responsibility provide individual­ assistance; in such cases you The liability of Duke Alumni Association, must be accompanied by a companion who as sponsor, and Odysseys Unlimited Inc., as will assist you. Please note that many of our tour operator, is strictly limited. Odysseys itineraries, for reasons beyond our control, Unlimited, Inc. purchases transportation, do not accommodate wheelchairs. Please hotel accommodations, restaurant and other call or email us to inquire, and we will do services from independent suppliers not under our best to answer any questions you may our control. We serve only as agents for these have. We reserve the right to remove anyone suppliers in securing tour arrangements, and whose physical condition or behavior, in our therefore will not accept responsibility for opinion, com­promises the operation of the wrongful, negligent, or arbitrary acts or tour or detracts from the enjoyment or safety omissions of these independent contractors, of the other tour members. In that event, their employees, agents, servants or repre- the Duke Alumni Association and Odysseys­ sentatives. Duke Alumni Association and Unlimited assume no financial responsibility Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. are not liable for for any unused portion of the tour. injury, damage, loss, accident, or delay Air Transportation that may be caused by events not within our control, including without limitation, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. includes in its acts of terrorism, war, strikes, the defect of tour price round trip economy air from any vehicle, or the negligence or default of designated gateway cities as shown and any third party. All coupons, receipts, and contracts with those airlines they feel tickets issued are subject to the terms and provide the level of service, routings, conditions specified by the air carriers, cruise and value necessary for your entire trip. line, and other independent suppliers. While another airline may offer a more direct connection, it may be at a price We will make every effort to operate our tours unavailable at the lower group rates. as planned, but we reserve the right to make You will receive your preliminary air itinerary changes as necessary. If unforeseen schedule approximately 2½ months circumstances require us to change a hotel, prior to departure. Please note that seat we will select alternative accommodations of assignments on your international flight are the same or better quality. Cruise itineraries usually done at airport check-in. Odysseys may change due to factors such as government Unlimited is unable to guarantee any seat regulations, water levels, or weather conditions. assignments. Due to the nature of tour

G e n e r a l T e r m s a n d C o n d i t i o n s 3

T h e S m a l l G r o u p T r a v e l E x p e r i e n c e

THE DUKE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION RESERVATION FORM Enclosed is my/our deposit for $______($500 per person) for ____ person/people on the tour listed below. I/we understand the final payment is due at least 95 days prior to departure. Payment may be made by American Express, Discover, MasterCard, or VISA or by personal check. Please make check payable to Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. and mail deposit check to: Duke Alumni Travels, Box 90572, Durham, NC 27708. Or you may fax this form securely to (919) 660-0148. For more information, please call Duke Alumni Association at (919) 684-2988. For trip information only, please contact Odysseys Unlimited, Inc., at (888) 370–6765.

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Please Note: The undersigned has read the schedule of activities for the above-referenced tour, and agrees that their signature below represents their acceptance of the General Terms and Conditions.

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Signature ______Final invoicing will be sent by our tour operator, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. The balance of the program price must be paid to Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. Final payment is due 95 days prior to departure and can be paid by check or credit card.

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