The future lies along the avenue where religious enlightenment meets personal freedom Some years ago a young man chafing under what he imagined to be the restraining strictures of Buddhism posed the following question to His Holiness Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rimpoche: “Didn’t the Buddha say one should question and test every spiritual experience for oneself,...Read More
Two men face off amid a small circle of spectators. The young women in the crowd are aflutter and boys wait anxiously for the fight to begin. Pitting the strength, agility and stamina of one young male against another, wrestling fulfills a primal urge across all cultures. Keshey, the Bhutanese version, is no different. The word...Read More
There is an interesting myth behind the creation of the Takin ((Budorcas Taxicolor) that contributed to its high religious significance and therefore led to its adoption as Bhutan’s national animal. Legend has it that in the 15th century when Lam Drukpa Kunley also referred to as “The Divine Madman” arrived in Bhutan from Tibet...Read More
Of all the eyebrow raising objects in the wide world, the phallus, surprisingly, for centuries, has had the most loyal following in the tiny Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. It is painted on the walls of houses or hanging from them, it is seen in vehicles and on unexpected road bends. In fact, the phallus...Read More
1.Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery The Tiger’s Nest is without a doubt the most visited and the most photographed of all the monuments in Bhutan. Nestled on the edge of a 3,120m-tall cliff, above a beautiful forest of blue pine and rhododendrons, overlooking the Paro valley, the monastery is of tremendous religious significance to the Bhutanese....Read More
Jumolhari Trek This magical mountain trek takes you to the base of Mount Jumolhari, the second highest unconquered peak in the world revered by local yak herders in the north as the abode of their mythical goddess “Jomo”. The classic nine-night trek starts off at the Drukgyal Dzong ruins and progresses on northwards along the...Read More
Thank you very, very much for all the help you gave me before and during my trip to your beautiful country!! You provided perfect planning and everything was so well organized for my short trip. I only wish I could have had more time in Bhutan as I was having such a positive experience. I...Read More
An interview with Mr. Joe Hoffmann, our first snowman trekker for 2014: At first glance, one would not think that Joe Hoffman from Luxembourg, Europe is an experienced trekker. He is tall, thin and does not have a hardy built. Instead, he has a soft-spoken and gentle bearing. But he has been trekking for some...Read More
Early in the morning you will be greeted by the rising sun and twittering of busy birds. Normally at this time, the farmhouse owners will also have risen up and will in all probability be puttering around the day’s house chores. You will complete your ablutions (usually you will wash up with a bowl of...Read More
A definite must-stay for visitors to Bhutan is the Gangtey Goenpa Lodge in Wangduephodrang. From adventure ballooning to the comfort and luxury of a fine country home, the multi-award winning Gangtey Goenpa Lodge, is located near a cluster of farmhouses in the picturesque village of Gangtey Goenpa just 5 minutes’ walk away from the monastery....Read More
