Smithsonian Journeys 2017

SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS / ASIA & THE PACIFIC
Peacock, Jaipur
Tiger’s Nest monastery, Bhutan
Journey Through
India’s Rajasthan
Featuring the Palace on Wheels Train
TRAIN
13 days from $10,950
Feb. 10–22, 2018
Rajasthan is a tapestry of sensory richness, complex
history, and multicultural arts and traditions. For most
travelers, its essence remains in their memory for a
lifetime. Join us for this exotic journey, traveling through
royal Rajasthan aboard the distinctive Palace on Wheels.
Highlights Include
Breathtaking Sites: Experience the ethereal beauty of
Agra’s Taj Mahal and visit spectacular Agra Fort. A day
in Delhi showcases many of its important treasures.
Princely Capitals: Admire regal cities built by maharajas.
In the “pink city” of Jaipur, tour the Amber Fort, City
Palace Museum, and an 18th-century observatory. In
magical Udaipur, the “city of lakes,” discover the vast
riches of the City Palace and enjoy a cruise on scenic
Lake Pichola. Traveling to the “Golden City” of Jaisalmer,
tour its hilltop citadel and palace and experience the
Thar Desert by camel. And in the “blue city” of Jodhpur,
explore Mehrangarh Fort, home to royal palaces.
Wildlife: During game drives, look for the elusive Bengal
tiger at Ranthambore National Park and gaze upon a
myriad of exotic birds in Keoladeo Ghana National Park.
Palace on Wheels: Travel for five nights aboard this
renovated classic train, designed to re-create the splendor
of the maharajas—and sure to enthrall train enthusiasts.
Find more details on our website.
Limited to 34 Smithsonian Journeys guests.
Smithsonian Journeys Expert
Rita Sodha–art historian and studio artist living
in India.
Himalayan Kingdoms
Nepal and Bhutan
LAND
15 days from $6,272
Includes airfare, taxes & all fees
Sept. 4–18, Oct. 9–23, Oct. 26–Nov. 9, 2018
Thought provoking and inspiring, a journey to the
Himalayan kingdoms of Nepal and Bhutan can be spiritual
and life changing. Travel to the “top of the world” to feel
the rarified atmosphere and ambiance of breathtaking
mountains and meet the people of these devout lands.
Highlights Include
Nepal: Explore ancient temples and palaces of legendary
Kathmandu and other notable Buddhist sites, such as
Swayambhunath, Patan Durbar Square, Boudhanath,
and Kopan Monastery. Watch the sun rise over the
Himalayan peaks from mountain-top Nagarkot and stop
at Nepal’s holiest Hindu shrine.
Cultural Enrichment: Dine in the homes of local families
and attend a cultural performance in Bhutan. Plus, stop
at Dochula Pass, amid the Himalayan peaks, to follow the
sacred tradition of raising prayer flags.
Bhutan: In Thimphu, view cultural treasures and visit
the Tashichho Dzong monastery and Memorial Chorten,
one of Bhutan’s best-loved religious landmarks. Elsewhere,
explore the attractive fortress monastery in Punakha and
raft down the Mo Chu River. Your journey concludes with a
pilgrimage hike to Paro Taktsang, the sacred Tiger’s Nest
monastery and temple complex.
Limited to 18 Smithsonian Journeys guests.
Smithsonian Journeys Experts
Ken Hammond (Sept.)–historian with expertise in
Asia. Preston Scott t (both Oct. dates)–expert in the
cultures and traditions of Nepal and Bhutan.
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