Retreats & Vacations

Item Description

Situated in the Himalayas between Tibet and India is Bhutan, the last intact Buddhist Kingdom. The successful bidder for this pilgrimage will be escorted by partners Two Truths and Bhutan Wisdom Tours on a 15-Day/14-Night Pilgrimage Tour of Bhutan from May 30 to June 13, 2015.

It is said that Guru Rinpoche, the emanation of the Buddha, flew on the back of a tigress in the 8th Century, to bring tantric Buddhism to this remote Kingdom. Today 750,000 Bhutanese live in this pristine jewel box the size of Switzerland and old growth forests cover 85% of the country. Primarily an agricultural and rural society, vehicles share the one-lane national highway with yaks and cattle. It is in Bhutan that the enlightened 4th King introduced his subjects to the Gross National Happiness and its emphasis on sustainability and quality of life. Monks, lamas, and scholars will be presenting on subjects including Tibetan Buddhism and Gross National Happiness. 

Two Truths founders Charles and Marla Simmons have led Insider Tours to sacred places in Mexico (Oaxaca, Chiapas, San Cristobal, the Palenque Pyramids and Monte Alban Pyramids), Guatemala (Chichicastenango, Tikal Pyramids, and the Maya Highlands, and Antigua), Peru (Machu Picchu and Cuzco), and Bhutan.

Bhutan Wisdom Tours  strives to provide its customers with the best service in the Bhutan tourism industry today. They are dedicated to offering travel services of the highest quality, combining their energy and enthusiasm with their years of experience in Bhutan.

For more reading on Bhutan and the tour check out the following links:

• Why The Kingdom of Bhutan Matters: http://twotruths.org/index.php/our-tours/bhutan-tour-2015-new/why-bhutan-matters
• NY Times article on Bhutan: http://twotruths.org/index.php/our-tours/bhutan-tour-2015-new/ny-times-article-on-bhutan

Note: Two Truths and Bhutan Wisdom Tours are generously donating 20% of the estimated value of each of two places (Item # 599 and Item # 601) on their 2015 trip. An opening bid of $3195 is in effect to ensure that basic costs are met.

Item Special Note

Costs are based on double occupancy, ie. shared twin hotel accommodation, and includes all taxes. If accompanied by a companion that person will pay at the published standard rate.

Journey price includes: airport transfers and ground and air transportation in Bhutan, Daily Tariff mandated by the Bhutanese government ($250/ day May; $200/day June), guides, museum entrance fees, food (three meals per day), and lodging.

All inclusive Cultural Immersion Tour. For Single Supplement, add $630.00 outside of the auction bidding.

The price does not cover: International airfare to and from Bhutan, $40.00 Bhutan Entry Visa, and any expenses related to days spent outside Bhutan, prior to or beyond the dates of the tour, excess baggage on the flights, phone calls and faxes during the tour, laundry, medical and travel insurance coverage.

All prices $USD

At the conclusion of the auction, the winning bid will be charged to the credit card on file.