A Study Tour In Bhutan

This study tour is especially designed for those in the healing and helping professions. It offers a unique opportunity to learn from, experience, and interact with an isolated Himalayan community that few Westerners have visited. Bhutan is a Buddhist kingdom where the last king proclaimed himself more interested in “gross national happiness” than gross national product; where vegetation and wildlife are preserved in woodlands and reserves that cover some 70% of the country; where ancient Buddhist rites of medicine, healing and meditation are still practiced; where famous monasteries hang from cliff faces; and where snow-laden Himalayan pinnacles reach to the heavens. As a professional group of therapists, we have been granted permission to visit temples, sit in on ceremonies, and interact with “a great deal of traditional medicine, doctors and Buddhist meditation masters who practice healing in various ways.” We go at the best time of the year to get clear views of the high Himalayan peaks, a unique masked dance festival, and sightings of yaks and the endangered black-necked cranes. Our six previous tours have enabled us to assess the best places to visit in terms of our study goals, and to meet some wonderful and influential people who are only too willing to share their knowledge, wisdom and skills with us. 

The study tour includes:

• Integrated workshops and dialogues with colleagues
• Visits to Buddhist temples with the opportunity to participate in meditation
• Visit to the Institute of Traditional Medicine or Centre for Bhutan Studies
• Meeting Bhutan’s senior psychiatrist who blends Eastern and Western approaches
• Side trips to major cultural and religious centres
• Short hiking treks into this stunningly beautiful country
• A day hike to the spectacular, cliff-hanging Taktshang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery
• A masked dance festival (if available)
• Visit to the valley of the rare black-necked cranes
• A unique opportunity for professional and personal development
• Experienced tour leader and local English-speaking guide
• Return airfares Bangkok-Paro-Bangkok
• Accommodation (Day 1) in Bangkok
• All accommodation, meals and transport in Bhutan
• A group of like-minded colleagues to make this a personal and unique experience

 



 

Your Tour Leader

 

George Burns, will share with you a much-loved part of his world.  With some twenty visits to the Himalaya in Indian, Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan, he is as familiar with the environment as he is with the culture, religion and traditional practices of healing.  George is a clinical psychologist, Chapter Convenor of the Australian Bhutan Friendship Association, author of six professional books, and international lecturer.  He will bring the richness of his clinical experience, the passion of his life as an adventure traveller, and the skills of his warm, pragmatic teaching style into this once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunity.

 

 

What is not included?

1. Return airfares from your home to Bangkok, Thailand

(Please arrange these independently with your travel agent)

1. Visa fees for Bhutan, departure taxes and festival entries
2. Personal expenses (eg drinks, laundry, shopping, tipping)

 

Estimated costs:           Study Tour: $US 5250              

                                    Study Tour + Trek: $US 6250

Single accommodation:  Tour Only: $US 300 extra. Tour + Trek: $US 390 extra.

While single accommodation must be booked and paid for in advance, it cannot be guaranteed.

                                    NB:  Prices quoted are current at the time of printing.  Being in US dollars they should remain fairly stable, but may be subject to change with notice.

 

Accompanying Persons:          Are welcome to join the tour at the per person costs above.

 

Booking:                      Please contact us (details below) for the full itinerary, contract and booking form.

Please note: places are strictly limited due to availability of accommodation, flights and desired group size. All our past tours have filled quickly and we have not been able to offer places to everyone who wanted to go.  There are many people on this year’s ‘interested list’ so please ensure you book early to avoid disappointment.  To be fair places will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis of received deposits.

 

Tax deductibility:         Please discuss this with your accountant or tax adviser. Attendance certificates will be provided

 

 

 




Contact details:            George Burns

62 Churchill Avenue

SUBIACO

WA 6008

AUSTRALIA

Ph        +61 (0)8 9388 2733

Fax       +61 (0)8 9388 3740

Email    georgeburns@iinet.net.au