Bhutan Into The Heart of Dragon Bhutan07.indd 1
B H U TA N Journey to the heart of the ancient kingdom of the Thunder Dragons, guided by Khandro Thrinlay Chodon, a genuine lineage holder of this ancient tradition. You are invited to be a personal guest of Khandro Thrinlay Chodon as she travels through this land with which she has a deep connection. This intimate journey of the heart will take you from the masked lama dancers of Bhutan s famous festivals to the innermost temples of its monasteries and Dzongs. You will see its gigantic mountains, luscious rhododendron forests, local crafted architecture and meet local people from high Rinpoches to simple farmers. Eating local food and mingling with the true heart of the spiritual depth of this great country is the intimate focus of this pilgrimage. Khandro-la is in a unique position to show you this land. She is the consort of the late His Holiness Ngawang Jigme, the ninth Shabdrung of Bhutan an indispensible figure in the history of Bhutan. In addition she is the great granddaughter of the renowned yogi Togden Shakya Shri an integral master of the esoteric meditation lineage of the Thunder Dragons. With her deep spiritual knowledge, her connections to the Land of Thunder Dragons as well as her understanding of the Western world, Khandro Rinpoche is the perfect host for this very special journey. Join us on this unforgettable journey Bhutan07.indd 2
was miraculously created by yogi Drukpa Kunley The Divine Madman by combining different animals! There will also be cultural show of song and dance offered to Khandro-la and her guests! Day 4 (Oct 23) Thimphu to Punakha Drive 70 km via Duchula Pass where you can see majestic mountains on a clear day. Punakha is the most fertile valley of Bhutan and sits on the confluence of two rivers (male and female). Lush and flowing this valley hosts good food, a beautiful and majestic dzong and an extended village area, called Wangduephodrang - a district famous for bamboo work, stone carvings and slate. Day 5 (Oct 24) Punakha to Gantey to Tongsa I T I N E R A RY 1 5 d a y s f r o m 2 0 t h O c t t o 3 r d N o v 2 0 1 0 Day 1 (Oct 20) Traditional greeting in the cool, fresh mountain air then drive to the lively capital of Thimphu (7,825ft) where you will settle into your cosy hotel rooms. Day 2 /3 (Oct 21/22) Thimphu sightseeing you will visit the National Memorial stupa, and your first dzong of the tour. Dzongs are magnificent regional fortresses built to house the religious and administrative functions of the country s rule. They are still actively used and are a highlight of architecture and art. Also visit handicraft shops and the famous monastery and nunnery overlooking the city. See the national animal takin wild looking creature, that defies classification, Today we travel up the winding mountain road through oak and rhododendron forests, and down into a glacial valley the home of the black neck cranes that migrate from Tibet. The afternoon we drive across the Pele-la pass at 10,830 ft and stop at the Chendebji Stupa. Built in Nepali style it sits in a remote pasture to fend off an evil spirit. Khandro-la will lead us in a meditation that will strengthen our inner and outer journey. The road continues to Trongsa where you first see the huge dzong, spectacularly stretched along a ridge high above a ravine. Welcome home to Yangkhil Resort. Day 6 (Oct 25) Tongsa to Bhumthang Now we are in the heart of central Bhutan and will explore the massive Tongsa dzong and its watchtower in the morning. Later we wind up to the high Yutong-la pass (11155ft) then wind again down through dense coniferous forests into the wide and open cultivated valley known as Chumey. This is our entrance to Bumthang, the furthest east we travel on this trip. Here we settle at the Mountain Lodge. Bhutan07.indd 3
Day 9 (Oct 28) Bumthang to Punakha This day we return through the mountains and via the Chorten where we lunch to Punakha. Day 10 (Oct 29) Punakha to Paro Drukpa Kunley, the Divine Madman, was an outrageous yogi revered by the Bhutanese. We hike from Lobsea village through a beautiful valley to visit Chimey temple to receive blessings from his precious objects. The phallus is one such symbol, which you often see in Bhutan! It will take only a few stories about him to understand why the Bhutanese revere him, taking blessings of his power and fertility! In the afternoon we drive to Paro with its beautiful local architecture, red rice fields, shopping and temples. Day 7/8 (Oct 26/27) Bumthang This central religious heartland, which comprises four valleys, is home to some of the oldest temples in Bhutan and stories of Guru Rinpoche (8th century) are legendary. In these monasteries we will witness the famous festival dances. Lamas perform masked dances for spiritual purposes that will be explained and young monks become clowns who entertain all. Jambey Lhakhang (temple) was one of 108 monasteries built to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayas, Kuje Lhakhang (temple) has the body print of Guru Rinpoche and is surrounded by a beautiful chorten wall. Tamshing was founded by treasure revealer, Pema Lingpa and has beautiful paintings. Jakar Dzong, built in 1549 is used today as an administration centre and houses monks. Day 11 (Oct 30) Paro Sightseeing Paro valley and its picturesque town is crowned by Mt. Chomolhari at its northern end. Its glacial waters flow into the clear Paro River through deep gorges. Drukgyel Dzong, was built by the first Shabdrung in 1646, to commemorate his victory over Tibetans. Ta dzong is actually a round watchtower, which now houses the National Museum and its collection of art, relics, spiritual thangka paintings, coins, stamps and handicrafts. The Rinpung dzong, also built by the first Shabdrung, lies on a hill and its entrance is via a wooden bridge and a stone path that runs alongside the imposing outer walls. Paro is a glorious place to relax and enjoy the culmination of our Bhutan visit. Day 12 (Oct 31) Taktsang Monastery in Paro Tigers Nest is a very sacred place of pilgrimage. It is perched on the edge of a cliff 900 feet above the Paro valley. Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress. The power of his meditation can still be felt at this powerful holy site Bhutan07.indd 4
Day 13 (Nov 1) Excursion to Haa valley This day begins with drive to Chele-la pass (12,600feet) famous for its mountain views. Then we drive down into the very special Haa valley, which is fringed by three hills, each representing a different deity. We picnic, see the black and white temples, meditate, reflect and enjoy! The Black Lhakhang is said to be no different than that of the Lhasa Jowo in Tibet. Day 14 (Nov2) Paro sightseeing, shopping and farewells Day 15 (Nov 3) Early morning breakfast and transfer to airport for homeward bound flights to Delhi or Bangkok, via Calcutta. ABOUT THIS ITINERARY This is a pilgrimage and is about an inner journey of the heart so please give holiday to your judgemental and critical mind and come enjoy with an open heart! In addition to the tour itinerary as set out below, Khandro Rinpoche will offer meditation, our group will raise prayer flags on high passes, make offerings for ceremonies and blessings at various holy sites, and we will have opportunities to meet and share with spiritual leaders and the local community in their own culture. We travel with respect to the land and the people and proceeds from this tour will be utilised for community projects in memory of the late His Holiness, Ngawang Jigme, the ninth Shabdrung. (Khandrola s husband). Truly a Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Bhutan07.indd 5
COST: 15 days 20th Oct - 3rd Nov 2010 AUD $4700 Price includes twin share hotel accommodation, all transport and food. Also includes donations to monasteries visited and a donation to Khachodling which engages in community projects in memory of Khandro-la s husband, the late Ngawang Jigme, the ninth Shabdrung of Bhutan. Cost is ex Paro. All international flights to and from Paro are an individual responsibility. Deposit of $2000 due by 1st August 2010 For Registration and more information: Main Contact : Jane Miknius Email : jane@khachodling.org Australia Contact : Robyn North Zaman Cell: 0416 165 922 Home: 02-98100026 Journey to the heart of the ancient kingdom of the Thunder Dragons, guided by Khandro Thrinlay Chodon, a genuine lineage holder of this ancient tradition. KHANDRO THRINLAY CHODON is a lay female Buddhist practitioner and teacher who was born in the Indian Himalayas to a family of great Tibetan yogis. Her great grandfather Togden Shakya Shri is renowned all over the Himalayas, including Bhutan.Khandro Rinpoche has since childhood been fully trained in her lineage and she later married His Holiness the ninth Shabdrung of Bhutan, living with him in exile and serving all his activites with full dedication, till his early demise in 2003. Khandro Rinpoche holds a Masters Degree in East-West Psychology from the United States. She is devoted to bringing the wisdom of her ancient tradition alive in our modern world. She focuses on spirituality in daily life. After the passing of her late husband Khandro-la s life s work and vision Khachodling engages in spiritual and humanitarian projects in the remote Indian Himalayas. Khachodling translates as a place where the heart essence of wisdom, known as the feminine principle in Buddhism, is nourished and respected. Khandro-la is the embodiment of warmth and humanness and her teachings skilfully inspire us to deepen our awareness and courageously expand into the path of wisdom, joy and compassion. For more information on Khandro Thrinlay Chodon and her Khachodling organisation please visit her website : www. khachodling. org Bhutan07.indd 6