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Buddhism & the Himalayas: Bhutan, Nepal & Tibetwith Kurt A. Behrendt, Associate Curator of South Asian Art

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October 2–17, 2019

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Met Adventures

Dear Members and Friends of The Metropolitan Museum of Art,

Please join me for a journey through the captivating lands of Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet, where artistry, rich cultural tradition, and spiritual enlightenment come together amid the majesty of the mighty Himalayas. In Bhutan we will visit stunning monasteries perched on high cliffs, living temples, and massive palaces. Learn how a resilient people thrived by preserving their environment and culture in a communal effort to promote “Gross National Happiness.” In the capital city of Thimphu, we will spend time with local artisans who create meticulously designed textiles and admire the throne of the Bhutanese kingdom, housed inside the country’s largest monastery.

Our next stop is Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, where we will have the opportunity to see diverse Hindu and Buddhist temples, shrines and relic stupas that populate and overlook this valley. Exquisite sculptures in wood, bronze, and stone produced over the last 1,300 years can be seen at many of these sites. We will meet a Nepalese writer and a diplomat who will speak about contemporary society and politics, and a curator who will provide insight into the country’s history. We will see the local communities celebrate their traditions through colorful art forms and festive gatherings.

Then, it is on to the city of Lhasa in Tibet. Visit the Jokhang the oldest temple in Tibet, which is a World Heritage Site and the focus of intense pilgrimage. Step inside Potala Palace, the primary home of the Dalai Lama until 1959. Admire its treasure trove of paintings, sculptures, and fine objects in silver and gold. Later, witness a debate among Tibetan monks at Sera Monastery, one of the country’s three university monasteries associated with the newest school of Tibetan Buddhism.. I hope you will join me for this awe-inspiring adventure and travel experience of a lifetime.

Sincerely,

Kurt A. Behrendt Associate Curator of South Asian Art The Metropolitan Museum of Art

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— Meet a government minister, a historian, and a spiritual leader in Bhutanto discuss Buddhism and Bhutan’s policy of “Gross National Happiness”

— Enjoy Bhutan’s breathtaking mountain views from Dochula Pass, on anoptional hike to “Tiger’s Nest,” and at the spectacular fortress and capital city of Thimphu

— Admire Nepal’s exquisite stupas, monasteries, and temples

— Attend special meetings with a Nepalese writer, a diplomat, and a curator

— Visit Lhasa’s Potala Palace, the impressive chief residence of the Dalai Lama until 1959

— Witness a debating ceremony by Tibetan monks at Sera Monastery

Buddhism & the Himalayas: Bhutan, Nepal & Tibet

Traveling with YouKurt A. Behrendt

Kurt A. Behrendt, has been at The Met since 2006. He has curated more than a half-dozen exhibitions including Buddhism along the Silk Road (2012) and Tibet and India: Buddhist Traditions and Transformations (2014), and Cosmic Buddhas in the Himalayas (2017). He has published widely on Buddhist art and architecture and is currently working on How to Read Buddhist Art (forthcoming fall 2019). Before coming to The Met, he taught graduate and undergraduate courses on South Asian art. Ongoing field research in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Tibet, and Southeast Asia provides a foundation for his exhibitions and publications. He received his PhD from UCLA, with a dissertation focused in the Buddhist architecture of Gandhara.

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Yong Zin Khon Shogpel: Seventh Abbot of Ngor Monastary (detail)Tibet. 16th century. Paintings. Distemper and gold on cloth. Seymour Fund, 1971 (1971.189)

Trip Highlights


East

Beijing

Shanghai

SuzhouDazu

CHINA

BHUTANKathmandu Thimphu

Bay of Bengal

NEPALPatan

Paro

Lhasa

INDIA

Photos clockwise from top right: Chakrasamvara Mandala. ca. 1100. Nepal, Distemper on cloth. Paintings. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Rogers Fund, 1995 (1995.233); Swayambhunath Stupa, Kathmandu, photo by Kurt Berendt; Prayer flags, Potala Palace, photo by Dennis Jarvis; Detail of Jokhang Temple, Lhasa; Decorated Tibetan yak, Nepal; Map of the region. Front cover: The Bodhisattva Padmapani Lokeshvara; Thakuri periods; 11th–12th century; Nepal, Kathmandu Valley; Sculpture; The Metropolitan Museum of Art; Bequests of Mary Clarke Thompson, Fanny Shapiro, Susan Dwight Bliss, Isaac D. Fletcher, William Gedney Beatty, John L. Cadwalader and Kate Read Blacque, Gifts of Mrs. Samuel T. Peters, Ida H. Ogilvie, Samuel T. Peters and H. R. Bishop, F. C. Bishop and O. M. Bishop, Rogers, Seymour and Fletcher Funds, and other gifts, funds and bequests from various donors, by exchange, 1982. (1982.220.2). Back Cover: Swayambhunath Stupa, Kathmandu, photo by Kurt Berendt (top) and the Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery (bottom).


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An optional two-night prelude in Bangkok, Thailand, is offered September 30 to October 3, 2019.

Departure Wednesday, October 2 Depart on an overnight flight to Paro, Bhutan, via Bangkok. Paro, Bhutan Thursday, October 3Arrive in Bangkok and connect to a flight to Paro, Bhutan, with dazzling views of the Himalayas en route. Check in to the Le Meridien Hotel for a four-night stay. In the afternoon, visit Puna Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, and admire the fine architecture of Rinchen Pung Dzong, an administrative office and a monastery of 200 holy men. D Paro / Thimpu Friday, October 4Travel to Bhutan’s capital city, Thimphu, and visit the Zorig Chusum, a school for traditional stone carving, needlework, and fiber arts. At the National Textile Museum admire exquisite Bhutanese weavings. Spend the end of the day touring Tashichho Dzong, home of the region’s largest monastery and the throne of the Bhutanese kingdom. Our welcome dinner is tonight. B, L, D

ParoSaturday, October 5At the Kyichu Lhakhang temple, partake in a traditional Buddhist lamp-lighting ceremony. Later, explore art, relics and intricate thangkha paintings exhibited in the National Museum rotunda. On your way back to the hotel, explore the Dumtse Lhakhang, a 15th-century temple with murals representing heaven, hell, and earth, and featuring some of the finest artworks in Bhutan. B, L

Paro / Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest)Sunday, October 6At nearby Ramthankha gather for an optional half-day hike to the legendary Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) a breathtaking Buddhist monastery perched on a Himalayan mountainside cliff 10,000 feet above the Paro Valley. It is one of the most sacred of all Buddhist sites. A less strenuous option will also be offered around Paro. B, L, D

Paro / Kathmandu, NepalMonday, October 7Fly to Kathmandu and check in at Dwarika’s Hotel for a four-night stay. Explore the multi-faceted Pashupatinath Temple on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple attracts elderly religious followers seeking end-of-life spirituality and is considered a masterwork of Hindu architecture. B, D

Kathmandu, NepalTuesday, October 8Arrive at Patan Durbar Square and stroll among ancient palaces, pagodas, shrines, and terra cotta stone carvings. Step inside the Patan Museum for a guided tour. After lunch at the museum café, visit the Mahabodhi Temple and the monasteries Uku Baha and Kwa Baha. Return to the hotel or spend the evening at the holy stupa of Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist shrine in Nepal. B, L KathmanduWednesday, October 9In the morning, drive to Bhaktapur, one of the “royal cities” in the Kathmandu Valley and deemed the cultural gem of Nepal.

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Swiss Sophistication: Zurich & Basel Featuring Art Basel June 12–20, 2019

Persian Odyssey: Almaty to Tehran October 1-18, 2019

A Journey into Antiquity: Egypt & the Nile October 14–25, 2019

For details please go to metmuseum.org/travel

More Travels with The Met

Buddhism & the Himalayas: Bhutan, Nepal & TibetOctober 2–17, 2019

Called the City of Devotees, it is renowned for its elegant art, colorful festivals, and traditional dances. Later, enjoy a drive to the peaceful, rural village of Panauti. B, D KathmanduThursday, October 10Depart for Swayambhunath, a 2,500-year-old hilltop stupa displaying four sets of painted eyes, representing the all-seeing presence of Buddha. Explore the National Museum and visit the impressive Budhanikantha Temple with tremendous floating statue of the sleeping Hindu god, Vishnu. Return to the hotel or opt for a walking tour through the national park. B, L, D

Kathmandu / Lhasa, TibetFriday, October 11Fly to Lhasa, Tibet. From the airport, stop to see the colorful carved image of the Buddha Nyetang Lhachenmo. Arrive in the historic center of Lhasa and check in at the St. Regis Hotel. Drive to Norbulingka, a Tibetan arts-preservation institute and the former summer palace of successive Dalai Lamas since the 1780s, embellished with lavish gardens and precious relics. Dine at the hotel. B, D

Lhasa, TibetSaturday, October 12We arrive at the celebrated Jokhang Temple, a World Heritage Site and religious center of Tibet exhibiting a vast collection of spiritual treasures. Along the circular Barkhor Street, worshippers walk clockwise from dawn to dusk holding traditional prayer wheels. After lunch, visit the Ani Tsankhung Nunnery where the holy sisters pray, study, and assemble traditional crafts. B, L

Bhutanese prayer wheels

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To secure your reservation, please call Arrangements Abroad at 844-TRVLMET (844-878-5638); or complete this form and return it with your deposit of $1,000 per person (of which $500 is non-refundable for administrative fees), to be paid by debit card, credit card, wire transfer, or check payable to Arrangements Abroad. Mail to: Arrangements Abroad, 1040 Avenue of the Americas, 23rd Floor, New York, NY 10018-3721.

Names in full as on passports. Please print.

Address City State Zip

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Accommodations Hotel room preference One bed Two beds Single

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Buddhism & the Himalayas: October 2–17, 2019Reservation Form

Program Rate$14,499 per person, double occupancy$17,499 single rate

Rate Includes — Thirteen nights’ hotel accommodations

as per itinerary

— Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B=Breakfast,L=Lunch, D=Dinner); bottled water and coffee/tea with all meals, house wine at welcome and farewell dinners

— Internal flights – Bangkok, Thailand to Paro,Bhutan / Paro – Kathmandu, Nepal / Kathmandu – Lhasa, Tibet / Lhasa – Kathmandu

— Enrichment program of lectures and talks

— Visa fees for Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet

— Escorted sightseeing, transportation, and entrance fees for all included visits

— Airport/hotel/airport group transfers for allparticipants on suggested flights

— Gratuities to local guides and drivers

— Taxes, service, and porterage charges

Not included in rate International airfare; passport fees; meals not specified; alcoholic beverages other than as noted in inclusions; optional prelude in Thailand; optional postlude to Tibet; personal items and expenses; trip insurance; baggage in excess of one suitcase; any other items not specifically mentioned as included.

For additional information, please call 844-TRVLMET (844-878-5638) or to opt out from receiving mail, email [email protected]

Optional Prelude & Postlude

I/We wish to join the optional prelude in Bangkok, Thailand

I/We wish to join the optional postlude in Gyantse and Shigatse, Tibet

Hotel Room Preference One bed Two beds Single

Form Of Payment

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3- or 4- digit security code Expiration date

Each participant must sign below. I/We have read, understand and agree to the Terms & Conditions at www.arrangementsabroad.com/terms and detailed in program documents. I/We agree to full payment 120 days prior to departure.

Signature (required) Date

Signature (required) Date

LhasaSunday, October 13Take a scenic drive to Drathang Monastery for a look at ancient paintings depicting the teachings of Buddha. Continue to Potala Palace, the former winter retreat of the Dalai Lama, fortressed by massive walls, gates, and turrets and sitting hundreds of feet above the valley. Inside are murals, painted scrolls, sutras, sculptures, carpets, porcelain, jade, and other fine objects in silver and gold. B, L, D

LhasaMonday, October 14Drive along the Yerpa-chu tributary to arrive at Drak Yerpa, ancient meditation temples and caves embedded in a shallow hillside. Afterwards, visit Ganden Monastery, one of the “Three Great Temples” in Tibet and a national preservation site recognized for its religious, artistic, political, and cultural significance. Gather for a festive farewell dinner tonight at the hotel. B, L, D

Lhasa / KathmanduTuesday, October 15Depart for your flight back to Kathmandu. Gather for dinner at the hotel this evening. B, D

Kathmandu / DepartWednesday, October 16Depart for your return flight, arriving home on October 17. B

A four-night postlude to Gyantse and Shigatse, Tibet, is offered from October 15-19, 2019.

Dwarika’s Hotel, KathmanduRooms have terra-cotta floors, intricately carved woodwork, and fabrics woven by local artisans.

Le Meridien Paro, RiverfrontThis elegant hotel offers rooms with scenic views, a heated outdoor pool, a spa, and more.

The St. Regis Lhasa Resort Amenities include a meditation garden, yoga studio, pool, spa, and four restaurants.

Accommodations

Dwarika’s Hotel, Kathmandu

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This itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Arrangements Abroad. For complete details, please carefully read the terms and conditions at www.arrangementsabroad.com/terms.

Rice fields, Bhutan

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Buddhism & the Himalayas: Bhutan, Nepal & TibetOctober 2-17, 2019

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