BHUTAN – Welcome to the Kingdom
16 June 2006BHUTAN – Welcome to the Kingdom
Adventure Associates are pleased to announce that their speciality fully escorted tours to Bhutan in April and October 2007, will be even more fascinating than those in the past. The incredible kingdom of Bhutan has become one of the few must-see destinations left for world adventurers, yet while the wise and benevolent King Jigme Singye Wangchuck recognises and appreciates the world’s interest, he is adamant that the cultural and spiritual integrity of his country will not be spoiled by outside influences. As a result, carefully limited visitors are treated to a land steeped in history, culture and deep Buddhist piety-adding to and maintaining its mysterious allure.
The April departure is timed to coincide with the festival - Ura Yakchoe. An unique festival which involves both the religious people and the farmers. The farmers celebrate the festival as a large colourful gathering for all the inhabitants of Ura village. Dating back to the 11th century. They are great believers in Shamanism which the Bhutanese acknowledge as one of their greatest blessings for the conservation of their ecology. For the Bhutanese, nothing belongs to them permanently and they are just guests on this planet.
The farmers still believe that they should make offerings and ask permission before cutting a tree in the forests, climbing a mountain, visiting a lake or river. There are several ceremonies for whatever a Bhutanese wishes to do and the Ura Festival is one such demonstration.
In keeping with our philosophy, participation is limited, not only to ensure ease of travelling but also of necessity as we will be mainly staying in charming smaller hotels with limited accommodation. Highlights of the tours in 2007 is to see not only the splendid Bhutanese landscapes, magnificent Dzongs (Fortress Temples) and wonderful flora and fauna, but also the cultural aspects, including the rare experience of regional Bhutanese food.
Join us in 2007 and visit the Land of the Thunder Dragon. A place where time seems to have stood still – a blissful and peaceful haven in our fast, furious and oft troubled world. This 16-day fully escorted tour is from $7,990 per person twin share.
Intending passengers should contact Adventure Associates on (toll free) 1800 222 141 or visit the website at www.adventureassociates.com
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Adventure Associates, founded by current chairman and managing director, Dennis Collaton, in 1973, is Australia's longest established tour operator throughout Latin America, specialising in group and FIT travel to South America, Mexico and Central America. Tours range from general interest to city stopovers to eco tours such as the Galapagos and Amazon. Adventure Associates also pioneered travel and cruises to Antarctica - with expedition cruises sailing from South America to the Antarctic Peninsula, as well as icebreaker cruises ex Australia to Antarctica's Ross Sea region. Other travel products from Adventure Associates include Arctic expedition cruises, Kimberley cruises, Bhutan and Madagascar.
For further information, press-ready images or brochures please contact.
Davyyd Bressington – Adventure Associates
Level 7,12-14 O’Connell St Sydney NSW 2000 Tel (02) 8916 3007
Email: davyyd@adventureassociates.com
