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Natural Jewels of Bhutan & Nepal

A Soulful Journey Through the Cultural and Wildlife Treasures of the Himalayas

Streams and waterfalls gushing in untamed abandon; soaring, snowcapped peaks; alpine, flower-filled meadows; and densely forested hills. This is Bhutan. But also in the midst of all this wild nature is a place where spirit infuses every strand of life.

Our small group exploration into Bhutan's spirit and nature includes learning about its friendly people, their traditions and their culture. Buddhist practice is part of the fabric of life here, and the temples and monuments are exceptionally beautiful and evocative of an older, gentler time.

The rich, traditional architecture of this Himalayan kingdom dates back to the seventh century. Mighty "dzongs," or fortresses, housed the civil and monastic headquarters for each valley.

The stunning and peaceful Punakha Dzong is the second oldest in Bhutan. It was constructed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1637. Today, it is the winter home of Bhutan's Central Monk Body.

A glimpse of the snowcapped peaks lining the Tibetan border to the north.

Considered the "ideal" dzong whose form is copied by other buildings across the country, the Paro Dzong was originally built in 1646. The watchtower now serves as Bhutan's national museum.

The colorful children curiously came out to greet us.

Kids carrying wood to school for heating the classroom. And they had to carry their books too!

One of Bhutan’s many prayer wheels. Bhutan is filled with prayer wheels, which are devices for spreading spiritual blessings and well being.

Here a monk sits peacefully turning a prayer wheel. Prayer wheels are always turned clockwise as blessings are sent.

A young monk at Chimi Lhakhamg, a small temple dedicated to the "Divine Madman," one of Bhutan’s favorite saints.

Stunning Taktsang, or "Tiger's Nest," is the most famous monastery in Bhutan. A legend tells of Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) flying there on the back of a tiger. The monastery includes seven temples which can be visited.

Buddhists plant prayer flags outside their homes and places of spiritual practice for the wind to carry the beneficent thoughts across the countryside. Prayer flags are said to bring happiness, long life and prosperity to the flag planter and those in the vicinity.

Ancient and current cultures combine on this trip, opening our eyes to many new experiences.

The first stop in our exploration of colorful Kathmandu is Swayambhunath Temple, one of the oldest and holiest religious sites in Nepal. The stupas are painted with the all-knowing eyes of the Buddha facing each direction and representing Wisdom and Compassion.

Swayambhunath is also called “monkey temple.” Hundreds of monkeys live here, helping themselves to the offerings of food left by worshipers.

Traditionally, prayer flags come in sets of five, one in each of five colors representing the elements. It is believed that the prayers and mantras written on the flags will be blown by the wind to spread goodwill and compassion into all pervading space, thus benefitting all people.

A young Buddhist monk has come to this sacred hill to study.

In Buddhism, symbolic offerings are made to the Three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma (Buddha’s teachings), and Sangha (the community of those who have attained enlightenment). Often the lighting of an oil lamp represents the light of wisdom illuminating the darkness of ignorance.

Cows are sacred animals in Hinduism, the major religion of Nepal – eating or killing them is a felony. Since they are so protected, it’s very common to see them lazing about the streets, even in the busy, crowded city!

A Nepali man is making an offering to a Hindu god.

From Kathmandu we fly to Bardia National Park, where we have exciting and varied opportunities for wildlife viewing. The park is home to over 53 species of mammals including rhinoceros, wild elephant and sambar, a large deer native to southern Asia.

We explore the vast expanse of the park on nature walks and morning and evening game drives. Here a female Asian elephant and her offspring are grabbing a little lunch.

An elephant-back safari is an experience not to be missed! Exploring this way affords us some unique wildlife encounters, like getting up close and personal with a one-horned rhino.

Natural Habitat Adventures
Box 3065
Boulder, CO, USA 80307
(303) 449-3711
(800) 543-8917

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