Land Of The Thunder Dragon

11-day tour of BHUTAN starts/ends in NEPAL. Departs Sept. 4, Oct. 9, ’04 & May 14, ’05. Maximum, 12.

Among highlights: In Kathmandu, Hindu shrines, Buddhist stupas, Tibetan communities/view Himalayas on flight to Bhutan/Taktsang “Tiger’s Nest” Monastery/Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu/from Dochu Pass, walk through mountain villages and rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, Punaka, glacial Phobjikha Valley/return to Thimphu for visits to women’s textile museum and nuns at Drubthob Lhakhang/fly from Paro to Kathmandu and visit temples in ancient Patan.

$2,574, land. Add $418 flights plus, in Nepal, accommodation ($22 double or $34 single) and meals ($30).

Intrepid Travel, Inc., 2511 Ocean Ave., Venice, CA 90291; phone 866/847-8192.