ARMCHAIR TRAVEL: THE VANISHING KINGDOMS OF THE HIMALAYAS

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The Himalayas are the highest mountains on Earth and one of the most spectacular, dotted with sacred peaks, ancient monasteries and cliff-hanging temples. This lecture will focus on the art and culture of the Buddhist areas that lie along this mountain chain, the spiritual domain of Tibetan culture and religion stretching 2000 miles from Ladakh in the west to Bhutan in the east. Most of these areas were at one time kingdoms or principalities, but today the only Buddhist kingdom that remains is Bhutan. What shaped and inspired the culture of these different areas - Ladakh, Zanskar, Lahoul, Spiti, Nepal, Mustang, Sikkim and Bhutan; and what if any are the cultural characteristics that distinguish one area from another? And will Bhutan be able to survive as a kingdom? This broad ranging lecture will be given by Himalayan Cultural historian Zara Fleming, who has travelled extensively in the region following her first visit in 1973. Since 2006, Zara has accompanied over ten journeys for the alumni to the Himalayas.

This talk is part of the Oxford and Cambridge Universities Alumni Travel Programme and is organised by Distant Horizons who will be arranging the alumni tour to Bhutan with Zara.

This event will be recorded and will be available to view on our website after the event.

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