Embrace Photography and Spirituality on a Sacred Journey to Bhutan

03-25-2008

 

 

Nestled in the eastern Himalayas, the stunningly beautiful and serene country of Bhutan, Land of the Thunder Dragon, has attracted visitors from all walks of life. From mystics to scholars, pilgrims to teachers, all those who have touched upon this land have blessed it with an invaluable spiritual legacy that has shaped the life of the Bhutanese and which continues to inspire all those who now journey here.  Vancouver based travel company, Sacred Earth Journeys, is offering a unique journey “Bhutan – Land of the Thunder Dragon, a Photographic and Spiritual Journey”, November 10-20, 2008, to this exotic land to capture its essence and beauty through photography.

 

Leading the journey is Vancouver professional photographer, author, publisher and social entrepreneur, Jaime Kowal.  Jaime has worked in an educational capacity with National Geographic Traveler Seminars and the Santa Fe Photographic Workshops. She specializes in creating commercial and editorial images encompassing global travel, unique lifestyles, authentic portraiture, and all things green for clients around the world. Some of the intriguing, dynamic personalities she has photographed include politicians, celebrities, business leaders, musicians, artists, authors and healers including His Holiness The Dalai Lama, Goldie Hawn, Dr Jerilynn Prior, recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, Carol Newell, recipient of the Order of Canada, Elizabeth May, Leader of Canada’s Green Party and many more. She will bring her knowledge and passion for photography and integrate it with the teachings and wisdom of Bhutanese Local Tour Guide, Pema Tashi.

 

The journey, which includes a visit to Zorig Chuksum, the School for Thirteen Arts & Crafts, the famed Dochula Pass, the fascinating National Museum, the awe-inspiring Taktshang Monastery, and more, will wind travellers along scenic backroads through the spectacular Himalayas to capture captivating scenes and panoramas. 

A special visit to Kurjey Lhakhang Monastery, will immerse travellers in the essence of Buddhist spirituality with lectures and teachings from resident Buddhist monks.  The group will also receive a memorable initiation and empowerment from His Holiness the10th, Tuskey Rimpoche.

 

The highlight of the journey is the spectacular Jambay Lhakhang Festival. This vibrant celebration of colourful costumes and intricate masks, Fire Dances, and traditional blessings ceremonies, is a wonderful way to learn of the traditional spiritual practices of the Bhutanese, and a fantastic scene to be captured through photography.

 

“I'm really excited to help our participants take their photography to the next level” says Jaime Kowal. “I can't image a more phenomenal place to play, learn, experiment and develop one's imaging skills.  We will have photographers at every level joining us and they are going to experience the absolute exhilaration of the majestic landscapes, friendly people and the Jambay Lhakhang Festival, which encompasses a kaleidoscope of colour, light, fire, dancing, and celebration - any photographer's dream!”

 

“This is truly a unique and special journey”, says Helen Tomei, president of Sacred Earth Journeys.  “Tourism in Bhutan is strictly regulated by the government in order to protect the heritage, culture and natural environment, so immersing ourselves in this mystical land of mountains and cliff-side temples is a rare opportunity and a wonderful honour.”

 

Sacred Earth Journeys, has been featured in several newspaper and magazine publications as well as on the BBC World Service and was honoured twice with the “Inspiration Entrepreneur of the Year” award, presented by the BC Urban Entrepreneurial Development Association in 2004 and 2005.  She was also featured in the new book Waking up the West Coast: Healers & Visionaries published by Catalyst Publications (www.catalystpublications.com)

 

For more information please contact Helen Tomei or Daniela Masaro at (604) 874-7922, toll-free 1-877-874-7922, E-Mail info@sacredearthjourneys.ca or visit www.sacredearthjourneys.ca 

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