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\u201cIf the fabled Shangri-La exists beyond the legend, this is it.\u201d \u2013 Michael Palin<\/p>\n <\/em><\/p>\n English comic and now celebrated travel documentary maker, Michael Palin, is currently enthralling television audiences with his enriching odyssey, Himalaya.*<\/p>\n Over six, one hour episodes and through a lavish accompanying book, Michael regales the viewer with his adventures through the various countries and kingdoms in this enchanting part of the world.<\/p>\n Western travellers have long been attracted to the Himalayas for its magnificent mountains, deep mysticism and colourful cultures.<\/p>\n Outside of the more heavily trafficked regions of Nepal and India, lies the secluded and peaceful kingdom of Bhutan. Once a reclusive and isolated country, Bhutan is now cautiously opening its doors to tourism, ever mindful of the \u201ccorrupting\u201d influences of western culture.<\/p>\n This remote, isolated kingdom appears to stand still in time while the world rages around it. Like some real-life Brigadoon, Bhutan carries on untroubled and unfussed by the tribulations elsewhere on the planet, providing a whole new meaning to the hackneyed old phrase \u201cgetting away from it all\u201d.<\/p>\n Bhutan is truly one of the last remaining outposts available to the world-weary traveller. Parochial without being backward, introspective without being paranoid or hostile, the Bhutanese appear blissfully ignorant of the stresses and anxieties that plague us in the so-called modern world.<\/p>\n In final episode of the series, Michael passes Tiger\u2019s Nest Monastery and treks towards the Base Camp of Chomolhari where he meets Dorji, a nomad with a penchant for yak songs. Heading down to Paro in time to enjoy the great Buddhist festival, or Tsechu, he witnesses the sacred Black Hat Dances in the fortress-like Dzong; archery contests in town; and the unfolding of the giant scroll, or thankha, during the night of the full moon. In a bar in the capital, Thimphu, Michael discusses reincarnation and the pursuit of happiness with Dash Benji and Ashi Khendum, the King\u2019s cousins, and en-route to Bangladesh is taken by Benji to Popshika valley to see the extremely rare black neck cranes.<\/p>\n Adventure Associates invites you to experience some of this magical kingdom with their 16-day, fully escorted tour; \u201cBhutan, the Last Shangri-La.\u201d Departing Australia on April 15, 2005 there are only a scant few places remaining on this much sought-after tour. And with strict tourist quotas applied by the Bhutanese Government, these numbers are definitely limited. Please book immediately!<\/p>\n Tour cost is A$8500 per person twin share, fully inclusive. For bookings and further information, please call Grahame Dann at Adventure Associates on (02) 9389 7466 or visit the website at: www.adventureassociates.com\/bhutan\/<\/a><\/p>\n![](\"http:\/\/www.adventureassociates.com\/images\/Covers\/Bhutan.jpg\")
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