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Go-BOB-App-News.jpg In Bhutan, a Bank App Widens the Door to Cashless Travel 10/22/25, 2:00 PM With new email-based registration and global card support, GoBoB’s digital wallet aims to make shopping in Bhutan as easy as tapping a screen. Earlier this month (October 2025), the Bank of Bhutan rolled out a major update to its goBoB digital wallet , adding features designed specifically to make financial transactions easier and more secure for international visitors. For the first time, tourists can now register and verify their goBoB wallet accounts using only an email-based one-time password (OTP), even before landing in Bhutan. This streamlined setup eliminates the earlier need for a local SIM card or an annoying visit to a bank branch, allowing visitors to activate and fund their wallets while still home or en route. Once logged in, the revamped goBoB app enables users to add money directly via international Visa and MasterCard , instantly converting currencies into ngultrum for local spending. The new goBoB ecosystem lets travelers explore, dine, split the bill, and shop while staying fully cashless. The app’s evolving feature set now includes: QR-based merchant payments accepted widely in cafés, taxis, and handicraft shops Offline payment mode for settlements in areas with limited network connectivity In-app customer support in English and Dzongkha Beyond convenience, the upgrade strengthens data security with end-to-end encryption and customizable spending alerts—protecting both locals and international users. For visitors arriving and leaving through Paro International Airport, GoBoB counters and QR-enabled merchants are now becoming part of the broader Digital Bhutan cashless campaign, positioning the app as another innovative step toward smart tourism; it turns the challenge of exchanging and handling cash for purchases into a fluid, one-tap experience. So how do you set it up? Here's the Step by Step: Step 1: Download the App You can find the goBoB app on official stores: Android users: Download goBoB Google Play Store iOS users: Download goBoB Apple App Store Doublecheck to make sure it’s published by the Bank of Bhutan Limited . Step 2: Choose Your Registration Method (***Email-Based OTP Reccomended***) The latest version offers two registration modes: Local SIM Registration: For Bhutanese users or travelers with a Bhutanese number. Email-Based OTP Registration: For international visitors — you can register before arriving in Bhutan using your email ID to receive an OTP. Step 3: Register and Verify Once you open the app: Tap “Sign Up Now.” Choose your registration mode (mobile or email). Enter your details (name, ID/passport number, email, and date of birth). Agree to the terms and conditions. You’ll receive an OTP by SMS (for local SIM) or email (for tourist users). Enter the OTP to verify your identity. Your digital wallet is now created! Step 4: Secure Your Account After verification: Create your MPIN (login PIN). Set a TPIN for authorizing transactions. Never share your PINs or OTPs with anyone for security reasons. Step 5: Add Money to Your Wallet You can fund your goBoB wallet through: International VISA/MasterCard (a 3.5% convenience fee applies). mBoB bank transfer (for customers with a Bank of Bhutan account). To add money: Tap Add Funds under the main menu. Select your preferred payment method. Enter the desired amount. Confirm with your TPIN. Step 6: Start Using goBoB You’re ready to explore and pay across Bhutan: Scan merchant QR codes at restaurants, cafés, taxis, and handicraft shops. Use Offline Payment Mode for small purchases even with low or no network. View instant transaction receipts and manage spending categories. Optional: Increase Your Wallet Limit If you plan to spend more during your trip: Go to Settings → Request to Enhance Limit. Submit your passport details and photo ID. Approval usually takes 1–2 working days. Need Help? Within Bhutan: Call 1095 (toll-free) Outside Bhutan: +975 2 349903 Tip for Travelers: You can now complete goBoB setup before your trip. Register with your passport and email, verify via email OTP, and load funds using your international card—making it easy to go cashless as soon as you arrive in Bhutan. Previous Next

Bhutan receives the prestigious Murie Spirit of Conservation Award on October 17, 2023 in Jackson Hole, Wyoming EVENTS Bhutan Honored with Murie Spirit of Conservation Award Karma Dorji, Travel Programs Coordinator, Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Karma Dorji, Travel Programs Coordinator, Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions October 12, 2023 Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Bhutan receives the prestigious Murie Spirit of Conservation Award on October 17, 2023 in Jackson Hole, Wyoming Home > Stories > Current Page Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link With thoughtful itineraries honed since 1999, we unveil the depths of Bhutan's happiness philosophy, the daily physical adventures through the beautiful Himalayan landscape complemented by the intimate and in-depth cultural experiences sensitively curated for you every day. Questions? Get in touch with us Through the eyes of a select few informed leaders we saw the dilemmas of a culture: A hitherto sheltered nation discovering the arguments for and against remaining a cloistered society in this 21st Century. I loved the adventure, and I loved the discovery. Unlike anything else I have ever experienced! Lola W., California Get similar features & travel information straight to your inbox with the Bhutan Himalaya Newsletter WE ARE THRILLED to announce that the Kingdom of Bhutan has been awarded the prestigious Murie Spirit of Conservation Award for its dedication to environmental preservation. This marks the first-ever recognition of an entire country for its outstanding efforts in conservation. Join the Celebration! As esteemed friends of Bhutan, we'd love it if you're able to attend and join the celebration of Bhutan's remarkable achievements for a better planetary future. The annual Murie Spirit of Conservation Awards Presentation will take place at the Teton Science Schools, The Center Theater, 700 Coyote Canyon Rd., Jackson, WY 83001, United States . Tickets for the event hosted by the Teton Science Schools are available at this link . Or you can call their main line at 307.734.8956 ; For the Box Office, please call 307.733.4900 . You can also email them at: info@jhcenterforthearts.org Her Majesty the Queen Mother of Bhutan, Ashi Tseyring Pem Wangchuck Her Majesty the Queen Mother is the co-chair of the Bhutan Foundation, the kingdom's premier charity and international partnerships organization creating, and working with, a global network of supporters to ensure sustainable, broad-based, and holistic development in Bhutan, with a special emphasis on the four pillars of Gross National Happiness: environmental conservation, equitable development, good governance, and cultural preservation. Her Majesty began her schooling at St. Helen’s Convent in Kurseong, Darjeeling District, in the Indian State of West Bengal. After graduation, she married the Fourth King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Her Majesty has a special interest in youth welfare and education. In 1999, Her Majesty the Queen Mother served as the president of the Bhutan Youth Development Fund, a non-profit founded by His Majesty the Fourth King in 1998. Begun with a $1 million dollar endowment fund, Her Majesty strengthened the BYDF by mobilizing philanthropists around the world, and by raising funds for youth-focused development programs in Bhutan. The Queen Mother’s dedication to quality education for youth in the kingdom is recognized by the Ministry of Education in Bhutan. Her unwavering belief that a wholesome education is crucial for shaping a wholesome human being has been the driving force behind the introduction of innovative place-based education in Bhutan. Presently, under Her Majesty's leadership, the Bhutan Foundation is one of the most significant organizations supporting wide-ranging programs in Bhutan aimed at building Bhutanese professional capacity while supporting the work of the government and its civil society partners. Learn more about the groundbreaking work of the Bhutan Foundation here: https://www.bhutanfound.org/about/ Acceptance on Behalf of Bhutan Her Majesty will graciously accept the Murie Spirit Award on behalf of Bhutan, reaffirming our nation's unwavering commitment to environmental conservation and the preservation of our unique Himalayan ecosystem. Royal Acknowledgment During the award ceremony, Her Majesty the Queen Mother of Bhutan, Ashi Tseyring Pem Wangchuck, will receive the Champion of Rising Leaders Award in acknowledgment of her exceptional efforts in inspiring and nurturing the next generation of environmental leaders. It is a truly significant moment for Bhutan's commitment to sustainability and fostering a better future for our planet. Previous Murie Spirit of Conservation awardees Previous recipients of the ward include global conservation icon Dr. Jane Goodall; famed field biologist Dr. George Schaller; Award-winning filmmaker and National Geographic photographer, Jimmy Chin; Rose Marcario, Board Member, Advisor, and Former CEO of Patagonia, Inc.; and the actor Harrison Ford, for his work as Vice-Chair of Conservation International, a global nonprofit dedicated to building a healthier, more prosperous and more productive planet. To receive similar updates in your inbox, please subscribe to our newsletter Email* Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Submit Swipe left above for more See our upcoming journeys The high road to Laya with hidden Trongsa The high road to Laya with tranquil Haa Valley The high road to Laya: an active adventure to Laya, Gangtey and back A Primal Springtime Festival March 2027 Edition Celebrating 40 Years of Bhutan Foundation with a 10-day cultural journey Celebrating 40 Years of Bhutan Foundation with an in-depth cultural journey Trek to Treasure Lake Trans Bhutan Trail: Haa, Punakha & Bumthang Celebrating 40 years of Bhutan Foundation at the spectacular Royal Highland Festival Celebrating 40 years of Bhutan Foundation at the spectacular Royal Highland Festival Marvels & mask dances Timeless Bhutan: In the Footsteps of Monica & Fritz von Schulthess View all journeys _________ Travel Logistics Organizer for CBS 60 Minutes 2024 special report on Bhutan “First, thank you for making my trip to Bhutan run smoothly. Second, for explaining your culture and customs to me and our team in a way that helped our 60 MINS story come alive. Third, for making the visit seriously fun!” ~ Lesley Stahl, Correspondent, CBS 60 Minutes, September 2024 Search Travel Bhutan Abundance: A summer journey DEPARTURES Blessings of Bhutan Bhutan's Jomolhari Trek Heart of Happiness Trek to Treasure Lake On the Wings of Prayer Punakha's Pageant of Warriors Bhutan in the Time of Rhododendrons SEE ALL JOURNEYS Stories Hidden Lands of Happiness SPOTLIGHT Wild Wild East: How an ancient matriarch led her people to Bhutan Our top 10 reasons why you should visit Bhutan in 2023 How the brown trout came to Bhutan's lakes and rivers The top 10 mask dances to see in Bhutan Pomp & circumstance at Bhutan's warriors festival A journey to learn about Gross National Happiness SEE ALL STORIES Us The Bhutan Himalaya Difference ABOUT US Who we are The Bhutan Himalaya Difference What our travelers say Our Team Meet our latest hires CONTACT US

EVENTS The Grand Trongsa Tshechu Festival: Where Sacred Dances and Royal History Converge Karma Dorji, Travel Programs Coordinator, Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Karma Dorji, Travel Programs Coordinator, Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Home > Stories > Current Page Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link With thoughtful itineraries honed since 1999, we unveil the depths of Bhutan's happiness philosophy, the daily physical adventures through the beautiful Himalayan landscape complemented by the intimate and in-depth cultural experiences sensitively curated for you every day. Questions? Get in touch with us Through the eyes of a select few informed leaders we saw the dilemmas of a culture: A hitherto sheltered nation discovering the arguments for and against remaining a cloistered society in this 21st Century. I loved the adventure, and I loved the discovery. Unlike anything else I have ever experienced! Lola W., California Get similar features & travel information straight to your inbox with the Bhutan Himalaya Newsletter WHIRLING LIKE A dervish, the masked dancer's flowing silks and brocades center him like the axis of a spinning top, mesmerizing the crowds. The first dancer with a fabled sea-dragon's face is followed by other fantastic beasts drawn from popular Himalayan Buddhist myths — supernatural white snow lions, dark eagle-headed gods, ancient talon-beaked ravens and wild-eyed, crimson-headed bulls signifying an ancient minotaur of legend. Such creatures populate your dreams when you die and enter the Bardo or 'intermediate state,' so say the wise elders. The dances seek to make the figures more familiar, thus transforming them from terrifying creatures into friendly guides who can help you navigate the afterlife toward a quick and favorable rebirth. We're perched high above the roaring Mangde River, pressing our way through the large crowds of colorfully dressed spectators filling the medieval cobblestone courtyards of the Trongsa Dzong. The event has an atmosphere rivaling the old religious festivals of Europe, and we're rubbing shoulders with people of all ages from no less than five great valley systems of the Bhutanese heartland. Many of them are my kin. Both my mother's and my father's ancestral lines converge on this central Bhutanese region. The ancient house and temple my forbears built in Tangbi Valley is no less than 12 miles downriver from where we stand, and my paternal grandfather was once the region's Nyerchen , the district's Chief Financial Officer, and he dispensed his duties from one of the antechambers overlooking the central courtyard with nothing more ornate than a woven rug of Tibetan origin, and a low wooden table with hand-carved dragons behind which he sat cross-legged in the traditional style. The ancient building, to me, is more than just Bhutan’s largest fortress — it’s a living chronicle of the nation’s spiritual devotion and royal legacy. And the once-yearly mask dances within its labyrinthine courtyards and towering whitewashed walls is a communal celebration that weaves together centuries of history, faith, and artistry. A Fortress Forged in Vision and Power The story of Trongsa Dzong began in 1543, when the Drukpa lama Ngagi Wangchuk, guided by the glow of a divine lamp, established a modest temple on this dramatic spur of land. Over a century later, another spiritual figure known as "The Great Unifier," Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, recognized the site’s strategic importance and transformed it into a formidable dzong in 1647. Expanded and fortified through the centuries, Trongsa Dzong became the nerve center of Bhutan’s east-west trade and the seat of the powerful Penlops, or governors, whose control could divide or unite the country with a single command. The fortress’s significance only deepened with the rise of the Wangchuck dynasty. Every Bhutanese king has first served as the Trongsa Penlop before ascending the throne, a tradition that cements the dzong’s role as the crucible of leadership and national unity. Today, its 25 temples, intricate courtyards, and the iconic Ta Dzong watchtower, rising from a forested slope overlooking the dzong, stand not just as relics of the past, but as guardians of Bhutan’s living heritage. The Tshechu: Sacred Dances at the Heart of History When the Grand Trongsa Tshechu arrives toward the end of each year on the annual western calendar, the dzong pulses with life. Villagers from surrounding valleys, monks in crimson robes, and visitors from afar gather in anticipation. The air fills with the sound of ancient skin drums, trumpets, cymbals, and the steady moan of ceremonial horns heralding the start of the sacred masked dances called Chham . Each dance is a vivid tapestry of color and symbolism. The Guru Tshengye Chham brings to life the eight manifestations of Padmasambhava, the 8th-century ‘Buddha of the Himalaya’ who tamed the spirits and brought Buddhism to Ladakh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. Dancers in swirling silks and fierce masks perform the Tsholing Chham, channeling wrathful deities to banish evil and protect the faithful. The haunting Durdag, or Skeleton Dance, reminds all present of life’s impermanence, while the Black Hat Dance purifies the space and honors the tantric power that underpins Bhutanese spiritual practices. These performances are more than mere spectacle. Known to westerners until the early 20th century as 'devil dances,' they are, in fact, sacred rites believed to cleanse misfortune, bestow blessings, and connect the community to the teachings of the Buddha. The festival ends with a viewing of the Thongdrel, a colossal embroidered tapestry depicting Guru Padmasambhava. For a brief, golden moment, the faithful gaze upon it, believing that even a glimpse can bring liberation and good fortune. A Living Symbol of Bhutanese Identity Trongsa Dzong’s walls have witnessed royal investitures, spiritual awakenings, and the unbroken pulse of Bhutanese tradition. After surviving earthquakes, fires and the passage of centuries, the fortress has been lovingly restored, its murals and temples preserved for future generations. The people of Trongsa take immense pride in their dzong, seeing it as both a symbol of sovereignty and a testament to their enduring cultural significance. That pride is most palpable during the festival. As masked dancers spin and leap and turn beneath the gazes of the ancient statues inside the dzong’s sacred shrines, past and present come together together in a cycle that is as timeless as the mountains themselves. For anyone lucky enough to see the Grand Trongsa Tshechu, it’s clear that here, in the heart of Bhutan, history is not just remembered. It’s danced, sung, and lived anew each year. To receive similar updates in your inbox, please subscribe to our newsletter Email* Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Submit Swipe left above for more See our upcoming journeys The high road to Laya with hidden Trongsa The high road to Laya with tranquil Haa Valley The high road to Laya: an active adventure to Laya, Gangtey and back A Primal Springtime Festival March 2027 Edition Celebrating 40 Years of Bhutan Foundation with a 10-day cultural journey Celebrating 40 Years of Bhutan Foundation with an in-depth cultural journey Trek to Treasure Lake Trans Bhutan Trail: Haa, Punakha & Bumthang Celebrating 40 years of Bhutan Foundation at the spectacular Royal Highland Festival Celebrating 40 years of Bhutan Foundation at the spectacular Royal Highland Festival Marvels & mask dances Timeless Bhutan: In the Footsteps of Monica & Fritz von Schulthess View all journeys _________ Travel Logistics Organizer for CBS 60 Minutes 2024 special report on Bhutan “First, thank you for making my trip to Bhutan run smoothly. Second, for explaining your culture and customs to me and our team in a way that helped our 60 MINS story come alive. Third, for making the visit seriously fun!” ~ Lesley Stahl, Correspondent, CBS 60 Minutes, September 2024 Search Travel Bhutan Abundance: A summer journey DEPARTURES Blessings of Bhutan Bhutan's Jomolhari Trek Heart of Happiness Trek to Treasure Lake On the Wings of Prayer Punakha's Pageant of Warriors Bhutan in the Time of Rhododendrons SEE ALL JOURNEYS Stories Hidden Lands of Happiness SPOTLIGHT Wild Wild East: How an ancient matriarch led her people to Bhutan Our top 10 reasons why you should visit Bhutan in 2023 How the brown trout came to Bhutan's lakes and rivers The top 10 mask dances to see in Bhutan Pomp & circumstance at Bhutan's warriors festival A journey to learn about Gross National Happiness SEE ALL STORIES Us The Bhutan Himalaya Difference ABOUT US Who we are The Bhutan Himalaya Difference What our travelers say Our Team Meet our latest hires CONTACT US

A pair of NYTimes journalists get a taste of Bhutan's happiness. FIELD NOTES Traveling to learn about Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness policy Karma Dorji, Bhutan Himalaya Travel Programs Coordinator Karma Dorji, Bhutan Himalaya Travel Programs Coordinator July 21, 2010 Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Children in Lobeysa playing amid the harvested stubble of their ricefields © Karma Dorji, Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Home > Stories > Current Page Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link With thoughtful itineraries honed since 1999, we unveil the depths of Bhutan's happiness philosophy, the daily physical adventures through the beautiful Himalayan landscape complemented by the intimate and in-depth cultural experiences sensitively curated for you every day. Questions? Get in touch with us Through the eyes of a select few informed leaders we saw the dilemmas of a culture: A hitherto sheltered nation discovering the arguments for and against remaining a cloistered society in this 21st Century. I loved the adventure, and I loved the discovery. Unlike anything else I have ever experienced! Lola W., California Get similar features & travel information straight to your inbox with the Bhutan Himalaya Newsletter NEW YORK TIMES journalists get a taste of Bhutan's happiness, in these reflections by Bhutan Himalaya's Travel Programs Coordinator. Bhutan’s Fourth King, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck (center), often told the Bhutanese people to think of the country as one big family © Kuensel, Bhutan's National Newspaper “We are all part of one big Bhutanese family,” Bhutan’s Fourth King (and father of the current king), His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, chief architect of the kingdom’s Gross National Happiness policy, was fond of saying. I heard these words so frequently during the early 1990s—on my multiple assignments covering the monarch’s frequent royal tours crisscrossing all 20 districts of the country—that they are etched in my memory. I mentioned this fact nearly two decades later to New York Times writer Seth Mydans and Times videographer Mariko Takayasu during their assignment to cover Bhutan and Gross National Happiness. The pair were joined by Mariko’s son, Dylan, on break from high school. We traveled together, meeting and interviewing Bhutanese people from different walks of life: government leaders, farmers, professionals, and private individuals, anyone who might have the key to understanding Bhutan’s happiness policy. We arranged for Seth and Mariko to meet the Prime Minister, the Secretary for Gross National Happiness—yes, that’s a major arm of the Bhutanese government! —and some other high-ranking officials along the way. But the true insight came from a source more deeply rooted in the Bhutanese way of life. At one point in an interview with the (then) Prime Minister Lyonchhen Jigmi Y. Thinley, Seth interrupted him in the middle of explaining government policy and asked, somewhat unexpectedly: “What makes you personally happy?” The PM’s instant reply: “My family.” Farmers relax in Lobeysa, Bhutan, where time to socialize and enjoy deep family bonds are important ingredients for human happiness, the ultimate goal of government. © Karma Dorji, Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions The prime minister said his strong family bonds were part of the secret sauce for his happiness and that the same was true for most average Bhutanese citizens. Therefore, extrapolated, it was an essential indicator of Gross National Happiness. The prime minister’s words made sense to me, and it explained the fourth king’s habit of reminding people to work together “like one big family.” It was, after all, the strongest representation of unity and strength in the culture. The word ‘family’ appears 45 times in the most recent national questionnaire for a survey of Gross National Happiness created by the Bhutanese think tank, the Centre for Bhutan Studies & GNH Research. Seth and Mariko nodded and took notes at the interview, but I couldn’t help wondering if my worldly journalist friends would be satisfied with the prime minister’s response. They were visitors with a limited time in Bhutan, working under tight international deadlines; how could we best share the truth of the prime minister’s words with them? We meant to find out. Some days later, driving over the 10,000-foot-high Dochu-La pass, we descended precipitously into the fertile cleft valley of Lobeysa. Our timing could not have been better. We arrived during the first harvest of the year when some fields are partially stubbled with squat golden yurts of harvested rice, but there are still fields full of tall, swaying paddy stalks, heavy with golden ears of grain. Most tours go on to the folklorically colorful village temple, Chimi Lhakhang, a.k.a “the Temple of the Divine Madman.” We decided, instead, to follow the aroma of roasted rice. In a smoky kitchen in Lobeysa, a woman roasts rice over a roaring fire. © Bhutan Himalaya archives It came wafting on the air from the bamboo thatch lean-to beside a traditional two-story home belonging to an elderly farmer, Thoeba, and his wife, Choengyim. As they saw us approaching, the couple stepped out to greet us with a large wok of freshly roasted rice, the newly puffed grains looking like cherry blossoms in miniature. Delighted, we fell to munching the still sizzling rice as the couple’s precocious grandchildren played underfoot. Soon, other family members and neighbors stopped by, some helping with the roasting while others dropped armloads of firewood on the hut’s mud floor, squatted, and began to stoke the flames in the open fire pit. Cheerful banter flowed back and forth; there was good-natured ribbing, punctuated by laughter. The couple’s older son, responsible for the heavy lifting on the farm, joined us sometime later. Then Thoeba and Choengyim invited us next door into their home, an ancient rammed-earth Bhutanese farmhouse with thick walls, heavy wooden beams, and new corrugated metal roofing (a recent change from the traditional slate and wood-shingle common to the region). There they proudly introduced us to a picture of their second son, a Buddhist monk, hanging in a frame beside the family altar. They proffered homemade khabzay , the mildly-sweet fried dough eaten during celebrations, followed by a simple meal of suja , or butter-tea, the newly roasted rice, and the fiery local rice-brew, ara , similar to the Japanese sake wine. Soon, Thoeba and Choengyim made us feel like extended members of the family. They ate shyly, fed us more, and between mouthfuls of the roasted rice soaked in butter-tea, spoke with quiet pride about their children like parents everywhere. When Seth and Mariko finally asked them if they were happy, they looked at each other and nodded. “What more do I need?” Thoeba said to Mariko, explaining. “The government takes care of us by providing agricultural subsidies [for seeds and farming equipment], free healthcare, and education [pointing to the grandchildren]. I work as long as I can. I stop when I need to. My fields provide for my family, and we rely on each other in times of difficulty. I pray if I have time left in the day, and if I’m tired, I cover my head and go to sleep.” Choengyim laughed, nodded her agreement, and said, “Yes, that is the way it is with us.” Farmers in Lobeysa winnowing rice. They 'invite' the wind to blow the chaff by means of whistling sharply in the air. © Karma Dorji, Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions A farmer in central Bhutan at her daily prostrations when the day's work of cultivation is done. © Bhutan Himalaya archives As we made our way back through the rice fields in the gathering dusk, other members of Thoeba and Chongyim’s family appeared at the door. Their farm work done for the day, they stood around the two elders in a tight cluster, silhouetted against the whitewashed walls of their ancestral home, where so many of their generations had lived and died, waving us goodbye. Looking back toward the couple and their brood, I thought again about what the Prime Minister had said earlier about his family and personal happiness. Then I remembered His Majesty’s words about seeing the entire Bhutanese nation as one large family and, somehow, the two ideas melded in my mind and became one. Watch the New York Times video, Measuring Happiness , which includes footage of the Lobeysa farmer, Thoeba, and the Bhutanese Prime Minister’s interview. Credits: Mariko Takayasu & Christopher Flavelle, for the New York Times. Read the New York Times article of this journey: Recalculating Happiness in a Himalayan Kingdom, by Seth Mydans. To receive similar updates in your inbox, please subscribe to our newsletter Email* Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Submit Swipe left above for more See our upcoming journeys The high road to Laya with hidden Trongsa The high road to Laya with tranquil Haa Valley The high road to Laya: an active adventure to Laya, Gangtey and back A Primal Springtime Festival March 2027 Edition Celebrating 40 Years of Bhutan Foundation with a 10-day cultural journey Celebrating 40 Years of Bhutan Foundation with an in-depth cultural journey Trek to Treasure Lake Trans Bhutan Trail: Haa, Punakha & Bumthang Celebrating 40 years of Bhutan Foundation at the spectacular Royal Highland Festival Celebrating 40 years of Bhutan Foundation at the spectacular Royal Highland Festival Marvels & mask dances Timeless Bhutan: In the Footsteps of Monica & Fritz von Schulthess View all journeys _________ Travel Logistics Organizer for CBS 60 Minutes 2024 special report on Bhutan “First, thank you for making my trip to Bhutan run smoothly. Second, for explaining your culture and customs to me and our team in a way that helped our 60 MINS story come alive. Third, for making the visit seriously fun!” ~ Lesley Stahl, Correspondent, CBS 60 Minutes, September 2024 Search Travel Bhutan Abundance: A summer journey DEPARTURES Blessings of Bhutan Bhutan's Jomolhari Trek Heart of Happiness Trek to Treasure Lake On the Wings of Prayer Punakha's Pageant of Warriors Bhutan in the Time of Rhododendrons SEE ALL JOURNEYS Stories Hidden Lands of Happiness SPOTLIGHT Wild Wild East: How an ancient matriarch led her people to Bhutan Our top 10 reasons why you should visit Bhutan in 2023 How the brown trout came to Bhutan's lakes and rivers The top 10 mask dances to see in Bhutan Pomp & circumstance at Bhutan's warriors festival A journey to learn about Gross National Happiness SEE ALL STORIES Us The Bhutan Himalaya Difference ABOUT US Who we are The Bhutan Himalaya Difference What our travelers say Our Team Meet our latest hires CONTACT US

INSIDE INFO Hot Tub Time Machine: Bhutan's ancient practice of mineral baths offer a new experience for travelers Bhutan Himalaya Editors Bhutan Himalaya Editors Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Home > Stories > Current Page Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link With thoughtful itineraries honed since 1999, we unveil the depths of Bhutan's happiness philosophy, the daily physical adventures through the beautiful Himalayan landscape complemented by the intimate and in-depth cultural experiences sensitively curated for you every day. Questions? Get in touch with us Through the eyes of a select few informed leaders we saw the dilemmas of a culture: A hitherto sheltered nation discovering the arguments for and against remaining a cloistered society in this 21st Century. I loved the adventure, and I loved the discovery. Unlike anything else I have ever experienced! Lola W., California Get similar features & travel information straight to your inbox with the Bhutan Himalaya Newsletter THE PROCESS BEGINS by heating smooth river rocks over a roaring fire until they glow red hot. The molten stones are carefully lowered into a wooden tub filled with cold water, instantly heating it and releasing clouds of fragrant steam as bundles of artemisia herbs are added. "It's a very simple but powerful experience," said Sonam Tobgay, who operates a traditional menchu bath house on his family's farm in central Bhutan. "The hot stones transfer their heat and minerals to purify the water, while the herbs provide therapeutic benefits." As the tub's temperature gradually rises, bathers slip into the steamy menchu for an hour or longer. The penetrating warmth is believed to alleviate ailments from arthritis and muscle pain to skin conditions and digestive issues by improving blood circulation. Ancient Roots, Modern Indulgence For generations, Bhutanese families gathered around the menchu after long days working the winter fields, soaking away aches and restoring weary bodies. Some consulted astrologers to determine the most auspicious bathing time based on celestial alignments thought to enhance the ritual's restorative powers. "It was a way to bond as a community and heal not just physically but spiritually," said Kinley Wangchuk, an elder from the village of Gangtey. "We welcomed each season's arrival by bathing in the hot stones and herbs, connecting to the natural cycles." While rooted in humbler village traditions, luxury hotels and spas have reinvented the menchu as a high-end amenity for discerning global travelers. At the more upscale lodges and resorts, guests can indulge in a Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath surrounded by glowing candles and flower petals (not part of the tradition) in traquil surroundings for an extra fee, as an add-on to their packages. "The menchu is a signature experience that allows our visitors to authentically immerse themselves in Bhutan's living heritage," said Thinley Wangchuk, the manager of one such luxury property. "After soaking in the nurturing waters, they emerge feeling rejuvenated yet also spiritually grounded." Sensory Journey The menchu offers a multi-sensory journey that taps into the core of Bhutan's Buddhist beliefs - simplicity, mindfulness and respect for the natural world. Slipping into a fragrant bath, one is meant to release the stress of daily life with each breath of the herb-infused steam. The gentle lapping of the heated water lulls the bather into a state of calm awareness, allowing present moment awareness. "It's not just a physical experience, but also a spiritual one of reconnecting with nature's simple yet powerful elements," said Sangay Tenzin, who offers menchu baths at his eco-lodge in Bhutan's remote Gasa region. "Guests always emerge with a profound sense of peace and rejuvenation." As Bhutan cautiously embraces modern tourism and development, the ancient menchu tradition allows travelers a rare glimpse into the core of this isolated Buddhist culture. By immersing themselves in the centuries-old hot stone bath ritual, visitors can tap into an authenticity increasingly hard to find in our fast-paced world. To receive similar updates in your inbox, please subscribe to our newsletter Email* Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Submit Swipe left above for more See our upcoming journeys The high road to Laya with hidden Trongsa The high road to Laya with tranquil Haa Valley The high road to Laya: an active adventure to Laya, Gangtey and back A Primal Springtime Festival March 2027 Edition Celebrating 40 Years of Bhutan Foundation with a 10-day cultural journey Celebrating 40 Years of Bhutan Foundation with an in-depth cultural journey Trek to Treasure Lake Trans Bhutan Trail: Haa, Punakha & Bumthang Celebrating 40 years of Bhutan Foundation at the spectacular Royal Highland Festival Celebrating 40 years of Bhutan Foundation at the spectacular Royal Highland Festival Marvels & mask dances Timeless Bhutan: In the Footsteps of Monica & Fritz von Schulthess View all journeys _________ Travel Logistics Organizer for CBS 60 Minutes 2024 special report on Bhutan “First, thank you for making my trip to Bhutan run smoothly. Second, for explaining your culture and customs to me and our team in a way that helped our 60 MINS story come alive. Third, for making the visit seriously fun!” ~ Lesley Stahl, Correspondent, CBS 60 Minutes, September 2024 Search Travel Bhutan Abundance: A summer journey DEPARTURES Blessings of Bhutan Bhutan's Jomolhari Trek Heart of Happiness Trek to Treasure Lake On the Wings of Prayer Punakha's Pageant of Warriors Bhutan in the Time of Rhododendrons SEE ALL JOURNEYS Stories Hidden Lands of Happiness SPOTLIGHT Wild Wild East: How an ancient matriarch led her people to Bhutan Our top 10 reasons why you should visit Bhutan in 2023 How the brown trout came to Bhutan's lakes and rivers The top 10 mask dances to see in Bhutan Pomp & circumstance at Bhutan's warriors festival A journey to learn about Gross National Happiness SEE ALL STORIES Us The Bhutan Himalaya Difference ABOUT US Who we are The Bhutan Himalaya Difference What our travelers say Our Team Meet our latest hires CONTACT US

INSIDE INFO Trans Bhutan Trail Stage 1: The Trek from Paro to Haa via the Kaley La pass Bhutan Himalaya Editors Bhutan Himalaya Editors Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Home > Stories > Current Page Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link With thoughtful itineraries honed since 1999, we unveil the depths of Bhutan's happiness philosophy, the daily physical adventures through the beautiful Himalayan landscape complemented by the intimate and in-depth cultural experiences sensitively curated for you every day. Questions? Get in touch with us Through the eyes of a select few informed leaders we saw the dilemmas of a culture: A hitherto sheltered nation discovering the arguments for and against remaining a cloistered society in this 21st Century. I loved the adventure, and I loved the discovery. Unlike anything else I have ever experienced! Lola W., California Get similar features & travel information straight to your inbox with the Bhutan Himalaya Newsletter THE TREK FROM Paro to Haa on the Trans Bhutan Trail via Kalela is a captivating journey that combines natural beauty, cultural heritage, and a touch of adventure. This route covers approximately 25 kilometers and can be completed in a day, depending on your pace and preference for exploring the surroundings. Starting Point: Paro 2000m/6,800ft Paro is a picturesque valley town known for its serene landscapes, traditional architecture, and historic sites. The trek begins from this charming town, offering views of lush rice fields, quaint villages, and the iconic Paro Dzong, a fortress-monastery that stands as a testament to Bhutanese history and culture. Initial Ascent The trek starts with a steady ascent, taking you through thick pine forests and past vibrant rhododendron bushes, especially beautiful in the spring. The trail is well-marked and maintained, providing a clear path amidst the dense foliage. As you climb higher, the air becomes cooler, and the sounds of the valley below fade into a tranquil silence. Highest point: Kalela, approximately 3,500m/11,450ft After a few hours of trekking, you will reach Kalela Pass, which sits at an elevation of around 3,500 meters (11,450 feet). This pass offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. On a clear day, you can see the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas in the distance. Kalela is a great spot to rest, take photos, and soak in the breathtaking scenery. Descent into Haa Valley From Kalela, the trail begins its descent into the Haa Valley. The path winds through green meadows, past traditional yak herding areas, and alongside crystal-clear streams. The descent is gentle, allowing you to enjoy the serene beauty of the landscape at a relaxed pace. Near the end of the trail we take you to visit a beautiful cliffside temple where you have to squeeze between two large boulders to enter. Inside are rare paintings, including those of the goddesses of compassion, protection and wisdom. Arrival in Haa As you approach the Haa Valley, you will notice a change in the landscape, with the valley opening up to reveal expansive fields and traditional Bhutanese homes and raised cultivated fields. Haa is known for its unspoiled natural beauty and rich heritage. The valley is relatively less frequented by tourists, making it a perfect detour for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience. To receive similar updates in your inbox, please subscribe to our newsletter Email* Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Submit Swipe left above for more See our upcoming journeys The high road to Laya with hidden Trongsa The high road to Laya with tranquil Haa Valley The high road to Laya: an active adventure to Laya, Gangtey and back A Primal Springtime Festival March 2027 Edition Celebrating 40 Years of Bhutan Foundation with a 10-day cultural journey Celebrating 40 Years of Bhutan Foundation with an in-depth cultural journey Trek to Treasure Lake Trans Bhutan Trail: Haa, Punakha & Bumthang Celebrating 40 years of Bhutan Foundation at the spectacular Royal Highland Festival Celebrating 40 years of Bhutan Foundation at the spectacular Royal Highland Festival Marvels & mask dances Timeless Bhutan: In the Footsteps of Monica & Fritz von Schulthess View all journeys _________ Travel Logistics Organizer for CBS 60 Minutes 2024 special report on Bhutan “First, thank you for making my trip to Bhutan run smoothly. Second, for explaining your culture and customs to me and our team in a way that helped our 60 MINS story come alive. Third, for making the visit seriously fun!” ~ Lesley Stahl, Correspondent, CBS 60 Minutes, September 2024 Search Travel Bhutan Abundance: A summer journey DEPARTURES Blessings of Bhutan Bhutan's Jomolhari Trek Heart of Happiness Trek to Treasure Lake On the Wings of Prayer Punakha's Pageant of Warriors Bhutan in the Time of Rhododendrons SEE ALL JOURNEYS Stories Hidden Lands of Happiness SPOTLIGHT Wild Wild East: How an ancient matriarch led her people to Bhutan Our top 10 reasons why you should visit Bhutan in 2023 How the brown trout came to Bhutan's lakes and rivers The top 10 mask dances to see in Bhutan Pomp & circumstance at Bhutan's warriors festival A journey to learn about Gross National Happiness SEE ALL STORIES Us The Bhutan Himalaya Difference ABOUT US Who we are The Bhutan Himalaya Difference What our travelers say Our Team Meet our latest hires CONTACT US

Our top 10 on what makes Bhutan a compelling place to visit, still... INSIDE INFO Why visit Bhutan? Karma Dorji, Travel Programs Coordinator, Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Karma Dorji, Travel Programs Coordinator, Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions July 20, 2022 Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The magnificent Jakar Dzong in central Bhutan lit by the rays of an afternoon sun Home > Stories > Current Page Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link With thoughtful itineraries honed since 1999, we unveil the depths of Bhutan's happiness philosophy, the daily physical adventures through the beautiful Himalayan landscape complemented by the intimate and in-depth cultural experiences sensitively curated for you every day. Questions? Get in touch with us Through the eyes of a select few informed leaders we saw the dilemmas of a culture: A hitherto sheltered nation discovering the arguments for and against remaining a cloistered society in this 21st Century. I loved the adventure, and I loved the discovery. Unlike anything else I have ever experienced! Lola W., California Get similar features & travel information straight to your inbox with the Bhutan Himalaya Newsletter WHEN LONELY PLANET named Bhutan their top travel choice for 2020, no one could have known that the kingdom would instead close its borders to protect its citizens from the pandemic. Now, with travel resuming under the 'new normal,' the country has reopened its doors. Table with a variety of the traditional culinary hits laid out at the Folk Heritage restaurant, a favored watering hole for officials entertaining visiting guests and diplomats © Bhutan Himalaya archives The country practices as "low numbers, high value" tourism policy, and your travel pays for national investments in youth and social services, health and education, as well as infrastructure. Further, since the country avoids environment-polluting industries, the government's entry fees underwrite environmental protection as well. With all that in mind, here are our 10 reasons why Bhutan is still a good investment of your precious time time and money. 1. The Food All agricultural produce in the country is grown organically by decree. The use of pesticides and non-organic soil amendments has been banned in the kingdom for nearly a decade now. Today, a growing interest in the diverse food traditions of the kingdom and the availability of local organic produce is fueling a local food revival. Built on the primary ‘nine grains’ of Bhutan—red rice, millet, sweet buckwheat, bitter buckwheat, barley, amaranth, mustard, wheat and maize—Bhutanese food includes many unique flavors and ingredients such as wild foraged bitter cane (in season), the wild matsutake mushroom (in August and early September), country-style buckwheat noodles in the central Bumthang region, and the nutritious (and delicious) buckwheat dumplings of the western Haa region. Among the more exotic items you can try in Bhutan is Cordyceps Sinensis, the allegedly miraculous health-bestowing high-altitude fungus that’s harvested only after it fuses with the remnants of a ‘caterpillar’. Several of the well-known co-ops in the capital such as the OGOP or the CSI carry dried or powdered versions, as well as tea infused with the essence of this fabled fungus, which is now even appearing in high-end health food stores in the US and Europe. In some parts of Bhutan, the Cordyceps ‘worm’ is consumed whole or imbibed after being steeped in Bhutan’s clear alcoholic brew, Ara, which is similar to Japanese Sake (please ask your guide in advance if you'd like to try it as it takes some time to find). Bhutan Himalaya guest photographer Robert surrounded by young monks curious about his work © Bhutan Himalaya archives 2. The people are genuinely good and open Bhutanese people are honest and kind to a fault. You may not realize how exhausting it is to live in societies where everything is a transaction until you arrive in Bhutan. Once you drop your guard and relax into your journey, the natural good humor of the people, their decency, and their honesty begins to shine through. Here, you can appreciate just how truly amazing it is to have people approach you without motives other than to share an experience of genuine human contact. With one of the lowest crime rates in the world, honesty is, in fact, a national attribute. Lost ATM cards in the kingdom are routinely found taped to walls next to ATM machines with helpful handwritten notes to their owners, and taxi drivers commonly track down passengers who forget their purses, wallets and valuables in their cars. The only large signs beside the highway in Bhutan are of the young king and queen and the adorable crown prince or 'Gyalsey' © Bhutan Himalaya archives 3. No advertisement billboards, Starbucks or McDonald's There are no giant billboards pushing the consumer lifestyle here. The only large signs you will see are the ones announcing important public health messages and those celebrating the cutest first family in the world: the handsome young king; the winsome queen; and their adorable, dimple-cheeked sons, the older of whom, Gyalsay (Crown Prince), has already won hearts and minds across the kingdom and beyond. Not here the ubiquitous Starbucks, the omnipresent Golden Arches or the scarlet Pizza Huts you see in neighboring countries in the region, and it will probably remain so, by royal decree. The expansive rooms at our family-owned mountain resort feature tall wood beams and local river rock, built in the traditional style with a modern flair © Bhutan Himalaya archives Style meets tradition at the intimately-curated modern lodges and hotels during our time in Bhutan's capital, Thimphu © Bhutan Himalaya archives 4. Local inns and lodges with traditional character Every local lodge, inn or hotel, while not necessarily up-to-date with the latest modern standards, offers its own unique blend of traditional culture and convenience. Worried about central heating? Check out the kingdom’s spin on an iron wood stove, or bukhari , which lends rustic charm to any hotel interior while giving you the benefits of warming your feet. Using a local lodge or hotel means you're supporting the local economy, the likelihood of striking up a friendship with the local owners or inkeepers and there’s none of the flattening sameness of the international chains you see in many other travel destinations. 5. Here you can truly get away from it all! In Bhutan, you probably have the best chance anywhere of truly getting away from it all! Remote valleys with a pristine environment (and great weather in the spring and the fall) means that you can go deep into the country if you choose. Once you leave the hustle and bustle of the capital and the few major towns, the true heart of Bhutan opens up. You can still find many places where there are no landlines, no television sets or radios, or even newspapers. But if you truly seek escape from the world, you’ll have to take the ultimate plunge and unplug your cellphones. That's because the local sattellite-beamed network coverage is excellent, and you’ll likely pick up a connection in most places, even the more remote valleys. The bucolic Tang valley which can often seem far, far from the madding crowd © Bhutan Himalaya archives The Bhutanese countryside and the reflective pace of life invites you to explore deeper, physically and spiritually © Bhutan Himalaya archives 6. Bhutan invites you to explore the deeper meaning of our lives From taking a longer, more cosmic view of things to a deeper inquiry toward peace and equilibrium, an encounter with the Bhutanese culture encourages us to ask the bigger questions in life—questions we may not have time for in our busier societies with more materially-defined ideas of success, happiness and meaning. 7. Bhutan offers an opportunity for personal transformation This is not a tall claim. For those who find it at the right time in their lives, Bhutan can be a catalyst for personal transformation. The 17th century Japanese Haiku poet Basho believed that travel can be a process of spiritual rebirth. He wrote that "when you visit sacred sites and explore sacred landscapes, you enter a liminal space of the heart and the mind, where your old habitual self dies, and you enter an in-between state in which a new awareness arises." He believed that, in this elevated form of travel, "we undertake such journeys seeking to be reborn in a higher state of consciousness by encountering all the sublime influences in the places that we experience." The sheer number of sacred sites in Bhutan, the numerous ancient temples and monasteries in every village and town that have remained virtually unchanged since they were built, as well as the open spirits of the people mean this country just may be where you awaken to your higher state. The Buddha and the "Wheel of Dharma" still inform life and values in Bhutan to this day, providing a perfect learning opportunity © Bhutan Himalaya archives 8. Here you can take an inner and an outer journey Like the best places in the world, you can take both an inner and an outer journey in Bhutan. There's the physical journey through the history, the temples, the monasteries, the ancient landscape, the valleys and gorges, the rushing waterfalls, the aquamarine rivers roaring down from the snow-capped peaks. Then there's the inner journey in which the visitor can travel in their own hearts and their minds over some of the paths that the Bhutanese people follow in their own learning and study, their beliefs, their spiritual practices and their way of life. In this way you can travel simultaneously on two planes and connect with the hearts and minds of the people to get an understanding of where their culture comes from, their version of reality, and their perspectives on the nature of existence. Along the way you're invited to immerse yourself in a way of seeing the world differently, which is the greatest gift of travel. The depth of cultural learning that Himalayan cosmology offers, and the lived generosity of spirit in the daily lives of the people can be an inspiration for many travelers to Bhutan © Bhutan Himalaya archives 9. You can bring home the practical lessons for your own life The stated national goal of Bhutan is perfecting a formula for happiness. A large part of the country's population are monks and nuns whose job it is to daily contemplate the ways of finding peace and teaching it to the people. Meet a government official and they will tell you about protecting the four pillars of Gross National Happiness: cultural preservation, environmental well-being, equitable socioeconomic development and good governance. Bhutanese people are wonderful at sharing their stories and their perspectives, which means that, if you're willing to listen, you will likely find more than a few practical gems and reminders you can bring home to enrich your own life. Our journeys sometimes offer remarkable meetings with the living masters of Buddhism who often share their hard-won insights with our travelers © Bhutan Himalaya archives 10. We are all connected The ultimate lesson of Bhutanese culture is that we are all warmed by the same spiritual fire. That we are all, each of us, "Buddhas in the rough." To break down the delusions that separate us, and to seek a higher understanding of the interconnected nature of all things are the true goals of Bhutanese Buddhism. When an entire country believes that all of us in the world have been each other’s mothers in our previous lives, it makes the people that much more open to visitors. Bhutanese people also respect all other religious traditions. By sharing perspectives grounded in the Dharma (the teachings of the Buddha), Bhutanese people are not expressing a belief that their view is somehow superior. Instead, they are sharing the belief that a close examination and training of our own minds, no matter who we are, can vastly improve the depth and meaning of our lives no matter what or where we come from. And that, ultimately, is what makes Bhutan a truly worthy destination whether in 2023 or beyond. Karma Singye Dorji has been leading and coordinating close and intimate journeys to Bhutan since 1999 . He is the author of Dreaming of Prayer Flags: Stories and Images from Bhutan . A print version of this post appeared in the year-end issue of Tashi Delek, the inflight magazine of Drukair, Royal Bhutan Airlines, the national carrier of Bhutan. The ultimate lesson of the Bhutanese way of life is that we are all warmed by the same spiritual fire of our common humanity, without exception © Bhutan Himalaya archives To receive similar updates in your inbox, please subscribe to our newsletter Email* Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Submit Swipe left above for more See our upcoming journeys The high road to Laya with hidden Trongsa The high road to Laya with tranquil Haa Valley The high road to Laya: an active adventure to Laya, Gangtey and back A Primal Springtime Festival March 2027 Edition Celebrating 40 Years of Bhutan Foundation with a 10-day cultural journey Celebrating 40 Years of Bhutan Foundation with an in-depth cultural journey Trek to Treasure Lake Trans Bhutan Trail: Haa, Punakha & Bumthang Celebrating 40 years of Bhutan Foundation at the spectacular Royal Highland Festival Celebrating 40 years of Bhutan Foundation at the spectacular Royal Highland Festival Marvels & mask dances Timeless Bhutan: In the Footsteps of Monica & Fritz von Schulthess View all journeys _________ Travel Logistics Organizer for CBS 60 Minutes 2024 special report on Bhutan “First, thank you for making my trip to Bhutan run smoothly. Second, for explaining your culture and customs to me and our team in a way that helped our 60 MINS story come alive. Third, for making the visit seriously fun!” ~ Lesley Stahl, Correspondent, CBS 60 Minutes, September 2024 Search Travel Bhutan Abundance: A summer journey DEPARTURES Blessings of Bhutan Bhutan's Jomolhari Trek Heart of Happiness Trek to Treasure Lake On the Wings of Prayer Punakha's Pageant of Warriors Bhutan in the Time of Rhododendrons SEE ALL JOURNEYS Stories Hidden Lands of Happiness SPOTLIGHT Wild Wild East: How an ancient matriarch led her people to Bhutan Our top 10 reasons why you should visit Bhutan in 2023 How the brown trout came to Bhutan's lakes and rivers The top 10 mask dances to see in Bhutan Pomp & circumstance at Bhutan's warriors festival A journey to learn about Gross National Happiness SEE ALL STORIES Us The Bhutan Himalaya Difference ABOUT US Who we are The Bhutan Himalaya Difference What our travelers say Our Team Meet our latest hires CONTACT US

REVIEW COMO Metropolitan Bangkok: A modern oasis in Thailand's bustling capital Karma Dorji, Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Karma Dorji, Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Home > Stories > Current Page Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link With thoughtful itineraries honed since 1999, we unveil the depths of Bhutan's happiness philosophy, the daily physical adventures through the beautiful Himalayan landscape complemented by the intimate and in-depth cultural experiences sensitively curated for you every day. Questions? Get in touch with us Through the eyes of a select few informed leaders we saw the dilemmas of a culture: A hitherto sheltered nation discovering the arguments for and against remaining a cloistered society in this 21st Century. I loved the adventure, and I loved the discovery. Unlike anything else I have ever experienced! Lola W., California Get similar features & travel information straight to your inbox with the Bhutan Himalaya Newsletter NESTLED IN BANGKOK'S vibrant Sathorn district, the COMO Metropolitan offers a refreshing blend of sophistication and tranquility. From the moment you arrive, greeted by twinkling lights adorning tall terminalia trees, the hotel sets itself apart. Gone are the stuffy check-in desks; instead, sink into Nordic-inspired sofas while sipping a chilled welcome drink. Your bags? Magically whisked away, only to reappear in your room. It's such small details that define the COMO experience. We stayed at the hotel for four nights in the late fall of 2023, and this is what we found. Rooms and Amenities The rooms are modern, harmonious and comfortable. The aesthetic is a cross between zen-like simplicity and a Northern European sensibility. The beds are cloud-like, and the views – particularly of the breeze-ruffled trees – evoke a sense of serenity rarely found in such urban hotels. Thoughtful touches abound, from complimentary bamboo slippers to daily fresh fruit platters. Dining Breakfast by the pool is a treat for both the palate and the eyes. As you savor perfectly cooked eggs, watch the morning unfold around the turquoise pool, where golden leaves from the surrounding trees dance on the water's edge. For a lovely in-house dining experience, try the Michelin-starred Nahm restaurant downstairs. Or try something truly local and authentic: ask the staff for directions to Baan Khanitha , a renowned dinner spot next door, housed in one of one of those graceful old Thai bungalows one occasionally finds amid the bristling high rise towers of Bangkok; it has an extensive menu representing all the major culinary traditions of Thailand. Wellness and Relaxation The COMO Shambhala spa lives up to its billing as a "haven of tranquility." Start your day with a yoga session or indulge in one of their renowned wellness therapies. The pool area, with its towering terminalia trees, offers a serene escape from the city's hustle. Location and Value At around $150 per night for an upgraded Metropolitan room (Late 2023), the COMO offers excellent value. Its location in the Sathorn district provides easy access to Lumphini Park and the vibrant Silom area, while still feeling like a secluded retreat. The Verdict The COMO Metropolitan Bangkok strikes an excellent balance of price, comfort and functional elegance. It's an ideal base for exploring the city, with the added bonus of returning to a peaceful sanctuary each evening. From the attentive staff to the thoughtful amenities (including pre-dawn breakfast boxes for early departures), every aspect of your stay is carefully considered. For us, it was a sophisticated escape in the heart of Bangkok. Remember to book directly for perks like room upgrades and flexible check-in and check-out times. Perhaps request a room with freshly cleaned windows for the restful views of the tall, waving Terminalia trees. Book direct at https://www.comohotels.com/thailand/como-metropolitan-bangkok To receive similar updates in your inbox, please subscribe to our newsletter Email* Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Submit Swipe left above for more See our upcoming journeys The high road to Laya with hidden Trongsa The high road to Laya with tranquil Haa Valley The high road to Laya: an active adventure to Laya, Gangtey and back A Primal Springtime Festival March 2027 Edition Celebrating 40 Years of Bhutan Foundation with a 10-day cultural journey Celebrating 40 Years of Bhutan Foundation with an in-depth cultural journey Trek to Treasure Lake Trans Bhutan Trail: Haa, Punakha & Bumthang Celebrating 40 years of Bhutan Foundation at the spectacular Royal Highland Festival Celebrating 40 years of Bhutan Foundation at the spectacular Royal Highland Festival Marvels & mask dances Timeless Bhutan: In the Footsteps of Monica & Fritz von Schulthess View all journeys _________ Travel Logistics Organizer for CBS 60 Minutes 2024 special report on Bhutan “First, thank you for making my trip to Bhutan run smoothly. Second, for explaining your culture and customs to me and our team in a way that helped our 60 MINS story come alive. Third, for making the visit seriously fun!” ~ Lesley Stahl, Correspondent, CBS 60 Minutes, September 2024 Search Travel Bhutan Abundance: A summer journey DEPARTURES Blessings of Bhutan Bhutan's Jomolhari Trek Heart of Happiness Trek to Treasure Lake On the Wings of Prayer Punakha's Pageant of Warriors Bhutan in the Time of Rhododendrons SEE ALL JOURNEYS Stories Hidden Lands of Happiness SPOTLIGHT Wild Wild East: How an ancient matriarch led her people to Bhutan Our top 10 reasons why you should visit Bhutan in 2023 How the brown trout came to Bhutan's lakes and rivers The top 10 mask dances to see in Bhutan Pomp & circumstance at Bhutan's warriors festival A journey to learn about Gross National Happiness SEE ALL STORIES Us The Bhutan Himalaya Difference ABOUT US Who we are The Bhutan Himalaya Difference What our travelers say Our Team Meet our latest hires CONTACT US

INSIDE INFO Hiking the Dochula to Lunchutse trail Bhutan Himalaya Editors Bhutan Himalaya Editors Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Home > Stories > Current Page Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link With thoughtful itineraries honed since 1999, we unveil the depths of Bhutan's happiness philosophy, the daily physical adventures through the beautiful Himalayan landscape complemented by the intimate and in-depth cultural experiences sensitively curated for you every day. Questions? Get in touch with us Through the eyes of a select few informed leaders we saw the dilemmas of a culture: A hitherto sheltered nation discovering the arguments for and against remaining a cloistered society in this 21st Century. I loved the adventure, and I loved the discovery. Unlike anything else I have ever experienced! Lola W., California Get similar features & travel information straight to your inbox with the Bhutan Himalaya Newsletter THE HIKE FROM Dochula pass to Lungchutse monastery offers a unique and rewarding travel experience in Bhutan. Here are the key highlights: The hike starts at the iconic Dochula Pass (3,140m/10,300ft), marked by the 108 Druk Wangyal chortens and fluttering prayer flags against the backdrop of the Himalayas. The trail gradually ascends through lush forests of rhododendrons, hemlocks, junipers, and bamboo undergrowth, providing a serene and picturesque setting. At around 3,300m, you'll reach Pang Melong, a clearing with a yak herder's camp, offering a resting spot with panoramic views. Continuing on, the trail becomes steeper as you approach Lungchutse Monastery, perched at an elevation of 3,566m (11,700ft). Upon reaching the monastery, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of the Himalayas, including some of Bhutan's highest peaks like Gangkar Puensum (7,570m), the highest unclimbed mountain in the world.[4][5][6] The sight of these snow-capped giants towering above the forest is a truly awe-inspiring experience. The hike back descends through a magical rhododendron forest, with colorful prayer flags adding to the enchanting atmosphere The vibrant hues of the rhododendron blooms in April-May create a fairytale-like setting. Overall, the Lungchutse hike offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and physical challenge, making it a memorable and rewarding experience for adventurous travelers in Bhutan. To receive similar updates in your inbox, please subscribe to our newsletter Email* Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Submit Swipe left above for more See our upcoming journeys The high road to Laya with hidden Trongsa The high road to Laya with tranquil Haa Valley The high road to Laya: an active adventure to Laya, Gangtey and back A Primal Springtime Festival March 2027 Edition Celebrating 40 Years of Bhutan Foundation with a 10-day cultural journey Celebrating 40 Years of Bhutan Foundation with an in-depth cultural journey Trek to Treasure Lake Trans Bhutan Trail: Haa, Punakha & Bumthang Celebrating 40 years of Bhutan Foundation at the spectacular Royal Highland Festival Celebrating 40 years of Bhutan Foundation at the spectacular Royal Highland Festival Marvels & mask dances Timeless Bhutan: In the Footsteps of Monica & Fritz von Schulthess View all journeys _________ Travel Logistics Organizer for CBS 60 Minutes 2024 special report on Bhutan “First, thank you for making my trip to Bhutan run smoothly. Second, for explaining your culture and customs to me and our team in a way that helped our 60 MINS story come alive. Third, for making the visit seriously fun!” ~ Lesley Stahl, Correspondent, CBS 60 Minutes, September 2024 Search Travel Bhutan Abundance: A summer journey DEPARTURES Blessings of Bhutan Bhutan's Jomolhari Trek Heart of Happiness Trek to Treasure Lake On the Wings of Prayer Punakha's Pageant of Warriors Bhutan in the Time of Rhododendrons SEE ALL JOURNEYS Stories Hidden Lands of Happiness SPOTLIGHT Wild Wild East: How an ancient matriarch led her people to Bhutan Our top 10 reasons why you should visit Bhutan in 2023 How the brown trout came to Bhutan's lakes and rivers The top 10 mask dances to see in Bhutan Pomp & circumstance at Bhutan's warriors festival A journey to learn about Gross National Happiness SEE ALL STORIES Us The Bhutan Himalaya Difference ABOUT US Who we are The Bhutan Himalaya Difference What our travelers say Our Team Meet our latest hires CONTACT US

Trip Preview 2025 Punakha Festival & overland to Bumthang Private journey From March 09-21, 2025 Service includes: Guides, drivers, private vehicles, lodges, meals, visas, permits, admissions to temples & monuments, museums & all ground costs & fees (***Tips & Gratuities are not included***) Attend a colorful masked dance festival Visit lovely Punakha valley, ancient Bhutanese capital ...an event at the 💗 of the kingdom's spiritual traditions First stop: Paro, West Bhutan ...a place of serene rice fields and ancient temples Search Travel Bhutan Abundance: a summer journey JOURNEYS Blessings of Bhutan Bhutan’s Jomolhari Trek Heart of Happiness Trek to Treasure Lake On the Wings of Prayer Punakha’s Pageant of Warriors Bhutan in the Time of Rhododendrons SEE ALL JOURNEYS Stories Hidden Lands of Happiness SPOTLIGHT Wild Wild East: How an ancient matriarch led her people to Bhutan Our top 10 reasons why you should visit Bhutan in 2023 How the brown trout came to Bhutan's lakes and rivers The top 10 mask dances to see in Bhutan Pomp & circumstance at Bhutan's warriors festival A journey to learn about Gross National Happiness SEE ALL STORIES Us The Bhutan Himalaya Difference ABOUT US Who we are The Bhutan Himalaya Difference What Our Travelers Say Our Team Meet our latest hires CONTACT US Next, drive 4 hours to Punakha Follow the lush Mochu River Valley ...to arrive at the mythically-inspired Pemako Fly from Bangkok to Paro, March 9, 2025 Return flight from Paro to Bangkok March 21, 2025 Drive 3 hours from Punakha to Gangtey Check in at the Gangtey Tented (safari style) Camp; visit the Black-necked Crane center to learn about local conservation efforts to save the endangered cranes; hike the serene nature trail where you may see a few final remaining flocks of cranes before they fly off to the Tibetan Plateau. Enter the grand fortress of Punakha & get festive with the local people of Punakha. Join them at their biggest religious mask dance festival of the year, walk the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, and meet our dear friend, the celebrated national artist, Kama Wangdi, in his open-air village studio. Tour and photograph the magnificently-restored Wangduechhoeling Palace Museum; Take the 'Pilgrim's walk,' visiting temples and monasteries from 7th to 17th centuries; Taste Red Panda Beer, local Swiss cheese, apple juice and fresh homemade Stroopwafel for the young & young-at-heart 💛 Take relaxed rambles through the scenic countryside and walk to villages upriver on both sides of the Chamkhar River, stopping at local heritage sites like Thangbi and Ngang Lhakhang with delicious picnic lunches in between discovering spectacular local temples in the cultural heart of the kingdom. Next, explore the lovely valleys of Bumthang Take a 2 hour drive along winding mountain roads to Tang, where we cross a bridge and hike uphill through frozen-in-time villages to the Ogyen Choling Manor and Museum. Stay overnight and discover why this lovely place has been featured in Dwell Magazine and the NYTimes. Drive 4-5 hours from Gangtey to Bumthang, royal heart of the kingdom Includes all guides and ground services, lodges, meals, visas, permits and all entrances, fees and attractions Return after breakfast to the Tang Nunnery and trek over the mountain pass to Jakar; spend the late afternoon at a Buddhist lamp lighting ceremony at the Kharchu Dratshang monastery before returning to the lodge. Drive to Thimphu to check in at your secluded lodge set amid pine trees; Visit the Bhutan Foundation offices & meet Country Director Norbu Dema for an interesting conversation about their projects. See the city's markets, meet artisans, visit the textile museum & the school of traditional arts and crafts. Visit the 14th century Changangkha Temple & light butter lamps for world peace, followed by a 2-hour uphill hike to the giant Buddha. Lunch is at our secret spot for the tastiest Himalayan dumplings in town, followed an afternoon stroll through the interesting centenary farmer's market. Drive to 1.5 hours to the trailhead in Paro and hike up to famous Tiger's Nest Monastery; in the afternoon, a final opportunity to browse the Paro market and buy local gifts and souvenirs, or enjoy a round of traditional archery with your Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions crew. Includes all guides and ground services, lodges, meals, visas, permits and all entrances, fees and attractions Take the domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro To read more about the lodges on this trip, please visit the following links: Pemako Punakha | Gangtey Tented Camp | Mountain Resort, Bumthang | Ogyen Choling Heritage Lodge, Tang | The Zhiwa Ling Ascent, Thimphu | The Paro Uma Resort by COMO We bid farewell following a final breakfast, after which we bring you back to the airport in time for your return flight to Bangkok & onward connections home.

Bhutan's mask dances are fascinating windows into Himalayan Buddhist Cosmology. More about our top 10 dances to see. INSIDE INFO The 10 best mask dances to see in Bhutan if you're traveling during the spring & fall festival 'Tshechu' seasons Bhutan Himalaya Editors Bhutan Himalaya Editors July 13, 2022 Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Home > Stories > Current Page Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link With thoughtful itineraries honed since 1999, we unveil the depths of Bhutan's happiness philosophy, the daily physical adventures through the beautiful Himalayan landscape complemented by the intimate and in-depth cultural experiences sensitively curated for you every day. Questions? Get in touch with us Through the eyes of a select few informed leaders we saw the dilemmas of a culture: A hitherto sheltered nation discovering the arguments for and against remaining a cloistered society in this 21st Century. I loved the adventure, and I loved the discovery. Unlike anything else I have ever experienced! Lola W., California Get similar features & travel information straight to your inbox with the Bhutan Himalaya Newsletter BHUTAN'S MASK DANCES are fascinating events where you can learn about Bhutanese culture and the rich mythic cosmology of the Himalayas. Here’s our take on Bhutan’s top 10 mask dances to see, based on our decades-long experience attending these annual festivals all across the country. Our team shares what makes each one unique and why they make great additions to any Bhutan travel itinerary. The Dance of the Drums of Dramitse (pictured above), is among the primary ‘vision’ dances, or Chaams, of Bhutan. 10. Dance of the Drums of Dramitse (locally, Dramitse Nga Cham ) Recognized as a “Masterpiece of Intangible Heritage” by UNESCO, this dance features 16 performers wearing exotic masks representing real and mythic animals. Among them are the vulture-headed Garuda , the Dragon, the Snow Lion, Tiger, Bear, Pig, and Dog, each one representing a different form of enlightened energy. The dancers wear colorful silk skirts, stylized shoulder mantles, waist-length felt or brocade jackets, and crossed sashes front and back with decorative elements. The ritual music of skin drums—which the dancers beat with a long, curved stick in time to their steps—and monks playing the oboe, longhorns, bells, and hand-held cymbals, adds a rich and layered ambiance to the performance. The dance depicts visions of the heavenly court of Padmasambhava (patron saint of the Himalayas) described by the Buddhist sage Kunga Gyeltshen in the early sixteenth century. Today this regional dance from Dramitse in eastern Bhutan is a familiar crowd-pleaser at most state celebrations and annual Tshechu festivals across the kingdom. 9. The Black Hat Dance (Locally, Zhanak Cham ) Bhutan’s answer to Istanbul’s whirling dervishes, the black hat dancers perform this spinning, mesmerizing dance with similar trance-like intensity. The flowing brocade robes, the blaring temple music, and the intricate ritual accouterments make this dance compelling. Although the dancers appear without masks, the vibrant costumes, the somber ceremony, and its deep religious significance for the Bhutanese make the Black Hat Dance a worthy candidate for our list. The gracefully turning dancers gather speed as the performance moves along, their graceful movements and secret hidden meanings purifying the space and generating the dynamic forces of altruism and spiritual liberation. A Black Hat 'Shanag' dancer in ceremonial silks performs in a trance-like state 8. The Dance of the Stags and Hounds (locally, Shawa Shachi ) The Dance of the Stags and Hounds is an immensely watchable comic-lyric play with an uncomplicated plot progression. A proud hunter, his manservant, and their vicious hounds chase a frightened stag that seeks the protection of Milarepa, the great tenth-century Himalayan yogi, who gives religious teachings that cause the men to give up hunting and devote their lives to Buddhist compassion. The first act opens with the playful air of a Shakespearean comedy, with the hunter’s obtuse manservant and several jesters causing much of the laughter and the fun. The second half evolves into a lesson on Buddhist morality, sung in poetic verse, that devout Bhutanese Buddhists generally take to heart. The Dance of the Stags and Hounds is a comic-lyric play drawn from a famous episode in the life of the tenth-century Himalayan yogi, Milarepa. 7. Dance of the Noblemen and Ladies (Locally, Pholek Molek ) Played in the vein of a comic farce—think A Midsummer Night’s Dream —this play-dance has two couples (each a nobleman and a lady) who arrive dressed in traditional finery and masks that emphasize the men’s good looks and the pleasing feminine qualities of the women. Other characters include a lascivious crone and an assortment of lewd clowns. The men leave for battle, giving tokens of remembrance and saying tender goodbyes to their wives. As soon as the men go, the clowns stir up trouble, seducing the wives with the rude older woman alternately helping and hindering their attempts to sleep with two young ladies. Confusion and comedy ensue. The men return to learn what has happened. They fly into a jealous rage and fight with the clowns. Finally, the gentlemen and the ladies reconcile. This improvisational, folksy nature of the comedy makes this performance fun to watch, so long as one doesn’t examine the plot too closely. The Dance of the Noblemen and Ladies is a morality play that is earthy, irreverent, and rustic in its humorous take on the follies and foibles of men and women. The Achey Lhamo is an ancient, rarely seen traditional mask dance from the far eastern horizons of Bhutan, including the valleys of Merak and Sakteng. 6. Dance of the Divine Sisters (locally, Achey Lhamo ) This rarely seen dance from Bhutan’s far-flung eastern regions of Merak and Sakteng makes our list for its fascinating origins and atmosphere. According to legend, the great fifteenth-century spiritual adept, religious architect, and bridge builder Drubthob Thangthong Gyalpo gathered seven sisters together and taught them the Achey Lhamo dance. As they danced, Thangthong Gyalpo played on the skin drums and collected fees to help pay for a bridge to improve access in one of Tibet’s remote regions. In time the dancers became so popular that the people began calling them Lhamo , or goddesses. The name stuck and became Achey (Sisters) Lhamo (Goddesses). The staccato beat of the skin drums; the energetic, leaping dancers; the rudimentary masks fashioned from yak hair, wool, and animal skin all serve to heighten this dance’s primal atmosphere. It is among the handful of religious dances performed by the lay population rather than monks. 5. The Dance of the Fearsome Drums (locally, Ging Tsholing ) As the dance’s local name implies, there are two sets of dancers in this performance. The Tsholing dancers, wearing fearsome masks, represent a class of wrathful deities who take on terrifying aspects to destroy negative tendencies. They wear red and maroon robes and make slow, graceful movements, brandishing long silken banners to summon evil influences in the world before dispatching them. The Ging , in similarly colorful masks, wear leopard print pantaloons and tiger-stripe skirts. In contrast to the slower, more graceful rhythms of the Tsholing , the Ging leap, whirl, and beat their drums vigorously as they run through the crowds, tapping on people’s heads with the drumsticks in a ritual spiritual cleansing. They chase fleeing spectators gleefully through the crowds and lean precariously out of tall windows and balconies while drumming vigorously, a fact that underlines their impressive stamina and prowess. Watching the two sets of dancers and their contrasting performance styles makes for an alternately meditative and thrilling experience. Athletic and vigorous, the fearsome Ging mask dancers of Bhutan are a thrill to watch. A high-ranking Buddhist abbot in the titular role of the legendary Himalayan King Gesar of Ling 4. The Dance of the Great Warrior King Gesar of Ling (locally, Gesar Ling Cham ) This dance presents a visually stunning performance of excerpts from the 12th century (oral) epic of the mythic Himalayan King Gesar of Ling. King Gesar and his warriors appear in shining armor, intricately carved breastplates, and royal brocades. Performers play battle scenes in period military regalia. There are the usual ceremonial temple music and chanting of the Buddhist sutras, but the martial drumming, the elaborate orchestration, and the vibrant costumes take center stage. Exciting interludes to the main feature include an energetic Tibetan Snow Lion Dance (Sengye Cham ). 3. Lords of the Charnel Grounds (locally, Dhurdag Cham ) A spectacular dance performed in white full-body costumes, the principal dancers appear wearing bony skeletal death masks. They rake long, ghoulish fingernails through the air as they backbend, spin, and dance with agility. In Tantric Buddhism, the skeletons represent powerful spirits and deities who destroy negative human tendencies of fear, attachment, ego-grasping, and judgmental perceptions, which constitute obstacles to Buddhist enlightenment. In this view, the charnel grounds are transformational power spots because, in such spaces, one confronts the body’s impermanence to attain spiritual clarity. Thus a symbolic killing by the Lords of the Charnel Grounds toward the end of the dance represents the ego’s death. Stark and gripping, this dance is a palate-cleanser for the other color-saturated performances you may see at the same event. 'The Lords of the Charnel Grounds' represent supernatural beings who 'destroy' the human tendencies of ego-grasping and attachment-forming seen as obstacles to enlightenment 2. The Eight Forms of the Precious Guru Padmasambhava (locally, Guru Tshen Gye ) This dance is among the most anticipated events in what is usually a multi-day Tshechu festival celebration. It begins with Guru Padmasambhava, the great 8th-century spiritual hero and patron saint of the Himalayas. A senior monk playing the role appears on the scene bedecked, bejeweled, and escorted in a regal procession—including silken parasols, shining mystic banners, musical fanfare, crowds monks, and civilians. A reverent hush falls over everyone as the Guru, clad in royal silks, and wearing a beatific golden smile, makes his way through the crowd. The Bhutanese audience members strain to reach for a blessing from the Guru’s heavy golden hand. Making the moment powerful is the Bhutanese understanding that trained practitioners can channel divine presence through rigorous monastic practices, meditation, trance-work, and visualization. Next, dancers embodying the Guru’s eight classical forms appear. They give superb performances in correspondingly impressive masks and costumes. The final dancer enacts the destruction of the hostile energies in the world. Finally, the Guru departs amid a crescendo of oboes, longhorns, cymbals, drums, fluttering flags, and banners, leaving a profoundly moved audience, some of whom appear tearful. Sheltered under silken parasols, the beatific Guru Padmasambhava (in gold mask) srrives in a procession ahead of the 'Dance of the Eight Forms of the Precious Guru Padmasambhava,' Guru Tshen Gye 1. Judgment of the Dead (locally, Raksha Mangcham ) This dance gets our top billing for spectacle, folksy humor, and spiritual depth. A towering, red-faced figure of the Lord of Death moves in an impressive procession around the performance grounds. Once he is seated, his animal-headed minions go offstage to bring, alternately, two recently dead men for their judgments. The first man in a dark, tortured mask appears dressed as a hunter. His name is ‘The Great Sinner Destined for 100,000 Hells.’ The second dead man arrives wearing a white mask and holding a prayer book in his hand, signaling his virtue. His name loosely translated means ‘The Householder who was a Propagator of Peace and Tranquility.’ Thus begins an object lesson in the karmic fruits of good and evil. A Dark Demon and a White Angel each seek to alternately condemn and save the souls of the two dead men. Ultimately, despite the angel’s best efforts to help the sinner, the condemned man’s lapses far outweigh his good deeds, and, consequently, the demon drags him away by his feet to the lower realms for his punishment. Fortunately for the man in white, his merits outweigh his sins, and he is escorted to the celestial realms with the angel as heavenly music plays overhead. This dance is an excerpted play drawn from the eighth-century classic Himalayan Buddhist text, the Bardo Thodrol , or Liberation through Understanding in the Between (popularly known in the West as The Tibetan Book of the Dead ). The voice-over narrations to the dance press the audience to practice kindness, compassion, and generosity while they still have time. They encourage the faithful to give up karmically burdensome habits such as killing, self-cherishing, and cruelty. This dance leaves viewers with many stunning impressions and a profound reflection on the perils of an unexamined life. Performed on an epic scale, the Dance of the Judgment of the Dead begins with the towering Lord of Death's arrival A Note on Atsaras, the 'Sacred Clowns' You'll see them at every festival, those leering pranksters who poke fun at the crowds and prod people (often with wood phalluses), spouting their sexual innuendos from behind wildly exaggerated, usually scarlet, masks. These 'clowns' sprinkle the proceedings with levity and prevent the heavily ceremonious religious performances from droning on. The name comes from the Sanskrit 'Acharya,' which means 'Honored Teacher,' and in the same way the learned Archaryas of India became the Buddhist teachers of the Himalayas—Atisha, Shantarakshita, and Naropa, to name a few—the Atsaras of today remind us to keep our feet firmly on the ground. In their antics poking fun at one and all, including religious figures, they teach the audience to not take their learning or spiritual accomplishments too seriously lest, becoming puffed up, they are propelled once more into the realm of ego-cherishing, which mires us in the coils of Samsara. If ego is the disease, their rude, often rustic antics are the antidote. By poking fun at us they invite us to examine our own failings and foibles with the light touch of humor. Atsaras or 'festival clowns' bring the laughs in Bhutan's grand religious festivals To receive similar updates in your inbox, please subscribe to our newsletter Email* Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Submit Swipe left above for more See our upcoming journeys The high road to Laya with hidden Trongsa The high road to Laya with tranquil Haa Valley The high road to Laya: an active adventure to Laya, Gangtey and back A Primal Springtime Festival March 2027 Edition Celebrating 40 Years of Bhutan Foundation with a 10-day cultural journey Celebrating 40 Years of Bhutan Foundation with an in-depth cultural journey Trek to Treasure Lake Trans Bhutan Trail: Haa, Punakha & Bumthang Celebrating 40 years of Bhutan Foundation at the spectacular Royal Highland Festival Celebrating 40 years of Bhutan Foundation at the spectacular Royal Highland Festival Marvels & mask dances Timeless Bhutan: In the Footsteps of Monica & Fritz von Schulthess View all journeys _________ Travel Logistics Organizer for CBS 60 Minutes 2024 special report on Bhutan “First, thank you for making my trip to Bhutan run smoothly. Second, for explaining your culture and customs to me and our team in a way that helped our 60 MINS story come alive. Third, for making the visit seriously fun!” ~ Lesley Stahl, Correspondent, CBS 60 Minutes, September 2024 Search Travel Bhutan Abundance: A summer journey DEPARTURES Blessings of Bhutan Bhutan's Jomolhari Trek Heart of Happiness Trek to Treasure Lake On the Wings of Prayer Punakha's Pageant of Warriors Bhutan in the Time of Rhododendrons SEE ALL JOURNEYS Stories Hidden Lands of Happiness SPOTLIGHT Wild Wild East: How an ancient matriarch led her people to Bhutan Our top 10 reasons why you should visit Bhutan in 2023 How the brown trout came to Bhutan's lakes and rivers The top 10 mask dances to see in Bhutan Pomp & circumstance at Bhutan's warriors festival A journey to learn about Gross National Happiness SEE ALL STORIES Us The Bhutan Himalaya Difference ABOUT US Who we are The Bhutan Himalaya Difference What our travelers say Our Team Meet our latest hires CONTACT US

FIELD NOTES Primal Connections: Honoring my shaman ancestors Karma Dorji, Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Karma Dorji, Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Home > Stories > Current Page Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link With thoughtful itineraries honed since 1999, we unveil the depths of Bhutan's happiness philosophy, the daily physical adventures through the beautiful Himalayan landscape complemented by the intimate and in-depth cultural experiences sensitively curated for you every day. Questions? Get in touch with us Through the eyes of a select few informed leaders we saw the dilemmas of a culture: A hitherto sheltered nation discovering the arguments for and against remaining a cloistered society in this 21st Century. I loved the adventure, and I loved the discovery. Unlike anything else I have ever experienced! Lola W., California Get similar features & travel information straight to your inbox with the Bhutan Himalaya Newsletter THE OLD SHAMAN has a face like an ancient Mongol warrior. The ends of his eyes sweep upwards, and the skin on his face is taut over sharp, tilted cheekbones. He is 80, but his back is strong, his belly flat. “Grandfather is old and weak now,” he says, referring to himself, but his bull-neck and heavy, corded forearms belie his words. Butter, fermented barley beer, K5 whiskey, libations, and incense are smeared, poured and lit over the ritual figures he smashes and raises from shapeless rice like a master origamist. He populates the large aluminum bowl in front of him with Lamas , spiritual teachers; Yidams , or visualization deities; Dralhas , the fierce warrior protectors of the mundane plane; and Gektor , little rice effigies that are reverse voodoo dolls: Instead of putting a hex on you they take away your troubles and misfortunes. Their backs bristle with "the thorns of your worldly afflictions,” the old shaman says. “When scattered to the four winds, they take your barchhey [karmic shortfalls] and give you lamdrel [good luck] in all your endeavors.” This is an ancient ritual my family has practiced for centuries. The shaman says he’s happy I’m back. “Not everyone believes it’s important anymore,” he says, shaking his head. “Many people—especially the young ones—think it’s old rubbish.” Embedded in the elder shaman’s prayers are the muttered names of my ancestors. Now he joins my name to the flow of ancient invocations, as well as those of my sons, connecting us through an unbroken river of timeless incantations to the primal forces that connect us to our past, present, and the future. The drumming and chanting finally reaches a crescendo, the old man’s supplications for our annual spiritual renewal ascending towards the mountain that is not a mountain but the protective 'grandfather' of our people, an ancient spirit who watches over us in mountain form. Then several things happen at once. First there’s a loud buzzing, a heavy vibration in the air, as if the earth itself is murmuring with the man. A cloud of bees circles a nearby tree. Several celebrants point delightedly at the insect cloud, seeing it as an auspicious sign. Then a large black raven —sacred bird of Bhutanese myths—descends on the forest glade, and eats the offerings, another good omen. Several aggressive, flowing-tailed striped magpies hop among the branches above the makeshift rock altar eyeing us sideways. And, as if on cue, a loud, rolling thunderclap, a cosmic tearing, ripping, rippling sound that shoots clean across from one end of the sky to another. The taut skin-drum doesn't miss a beat. Boom! Boom! Boom! says the Shaman drum. Crackle! Crash! says the electric sky, releasing a quick shower that washes away all negative potentialities, leaving us damp but inexplicably unburdened, the world suddenly transformed into an emerald, sparkling, dewy place, full of promise and renewal. We walk into a crystalline world, washed clear of murky uncertainty. *** To receive similar updates in your inbox, please subscribe to our newsletter Email* Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Submit Swipe left above for more See our upcoming journeys The high road to Laya with hidden Trongsa The high road to Laya with tranquil Haa Valley The high road to Laya: an active adventure to Laya, Gangtey and back A Primal Springtime Festival March 2027 Edition Celebrating 40 Years of Bhutan Foundation with a 10-day cultural journey Celebrating 40 Years of Bhutan Foundation with an in-depth cultural journey Trek to Treasure Lake Trans Bhutan Trail: Haa, Punakha & Bumthang Celebrating 40 years of Bhutan Foundation at the spectacular Royal Highland Festival Celebrating 40 years of Bhutan Foundation at the spectacular Royal Highland Festival Marvels & mask dances Timeless Bhutan: In the Footsteps of Monica & Fritz von Schulthess View all journeys _________ Travel Logistics Organizer for CBS 60 Minutes 2024 special report on Bhutan “First, thank you for making my trip to Bhutan run smoothly. Second, for explaining your culture and customs to me and our team in a way that helped our 60 MINS story come alive. Third, for making the visit seriously fun!” ~ Lesley Stahl, Correspondent, CBS 60 Minutes, September 2024 Search Travel Bhutan Abundance: A summer journey DEPARTURES Blessings of Bhutan Bhutan's Jomolhari Trek Heart of Happiness Trek to Treasure Lake On the Wings of Prayer Punakha's Pageant of Warriors Bhutan in the Time of Rhododendrons SEE ALL JOURNEYS Stories Hidden Lands of Happiness SPOTLIGHT Wild Wild East: How an ancient matriarch led her people to Bhutan Our top 10 reasons why you should visit Bhutan in 2023 How the brown trout came to Bhutan's lakes and rivers The top 10 mask dances to see in Bhutan Pomp & circumstance at Bhutan's warriors festival A journey to learn about Gross National Happiness SEE ALL STORIES Us The Bhutan Himalaya Difference ABOUT US Who we are The Bhutan Himalaya Difference What our travelers say Our Team Meet our latest hires CONTACT US