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Adventures In The Hidden KingdomEA03BhutanECO ADVENTURESponsorDennis SteigerwaldIan PagePriceS$3,700Course Length8 daysPost-Interim Experience:Parent’s night / OnlineReflectionsCourse Difficulty:Rigorous adventure;Students must bephysically fitDescriptionThis interim provides students with the opportunity to explore the cultureand countryside of the world’s last remaining Himalayan kingdom. All thisthrough outdoor adventure activities like camping, trekking and heartpumpingbiking through the mountainous regions of Western and CentralBhutan. Students will experience Paro and Thimpu, including the Ta DzongNational Museum, filled with art, relics and artifacts; Drukgyel Dzong,an ancient fortress; and the Tiger’s Nest, one of the most beautiful andholiest sites in Bhutan. Beyond Thimphu, the National Highway leads east,over the 10,000 ft Dochu-La pass into the Punakha valley, where Bhutan’sancient capital offers its majestic Dzong situated at the confluence of twomighty glacial rivers, as well as remote villages and temples. Students willexperience unique Cultural events and/or Festivals in the Dzongs where thetrue spirit and culture of the Bhutanese people will further unfold. CentralBhutan offers remote adventures through the most unspoiled and beautifulexamples of the Himalayan Buddhist way of life in existence today. It is alsohome to the rarest Himalayan species of birds, animals and flowers. Thekingdom is an adventure like no other. There may be no Shangri La in themodern world, but this is as close as students will ever come.Note: Due to the physical demands of this course, students with asthma, a heartcondition, or those susceptible to altitude sickness, should consult with theirphysician. In addition, some periods during this course, immediate telephonecommunication will not be available.Objectives• Offer a first-hand experience of Bhutan’s unique Himalayan ecosystem,ancient history of tantric Buddhism and hidden culture.• Trek, Bike and Adventure through untouched villages with uniqueopportunities to interact with the local Bhutanese people and theircustoms.• Gain an overview of the socio-religious structure of Bhutan including itsGross National Happiness policy and exploring its effectiveness.• Build awareness of Bhutan’s seclusion and preservation of cultureincluding restrictive tourism.• Participate in meaningful cultural activities that offer an immersionopportunity in Bhutan’s untouched culture and religion.RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Students must be able to handle the physical demands associated withhiking and biking at elevation.• Students will attend all scheduled meetings.• Students must submit all forms and paperwork that applies to thecourse. Late paperwork could result in a student’s inability to get aBhutanese visa.• Students will research their assigned topic, creating an informationaloutline to be used in future presentations.Post-Course requirements:• Students will present their research and reflections during the courseand on Parent’s Night.14 interim semester HANDBOOKSINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL