Buddhas, Peaks, and Festivals: A Glimpse of Inner Bhutan
Duration: 18 days. Dates: Year round. Cost: From $4,500
Duratrion: 7-10 days Dates: Year round. Costs: From $2,500
Duration: 12-21 days. Dates: Year round. From $3,000
Bhutan...Land
of the Thunder Dragon. This Himalayan Buddhist Kingdom remains, at
the dawn of the 21th century, known by many, visited by few. Somehow
this land of high mountains, wooded valleys, kings, princesses and
anchorites has eluded the vicissitudes that have wreaked such havoc on
so many once remotes corners of the earth. It is a privilege for us to
guide here.
Bhutan has wisely limited the number of tourists it lets in each year. Likewise certain monasteries and regions remain closed to outsiders. Even with these restrictions there is an incredible amount of unexplored high country open or slowly opening to the world as well as many monasteries and festivals open to public viewing. For those looking for a glimpse into the world of an intact Buddhist culture-Bhutan is the sole remaining example. The Mahayana (Great Vehicle) form of Buddhism brought here by visionary Tibetan teachers over the last 1,000 years has managed to thrive and develop through the present day. Distracted monk-Thimphu Tsechu
Our cultural tours focus on the magnificent temples, dzongs, monasteries and hermitages throughout the land. These monasteries and dzongs are often spectacularly situated in the landscape. Perhaps the finest and most famous example of this is the Taksang hermitage nestled in a crook atop a 1000m cliff in the Paro district. Others rise out of the verdant landscape often framed by a stunning Himalayan backdrop. We have designed two types of cultural tours; those with some light trekking involved, and others totally supported by landcruisers. Many of these tours take place during Bhutan's famed festivals with a focus on the Tsechus or 'tenth day' celebrations commemorating the deeds of the 8th century Buddhist master -Padmasambhava also known as Guru Rinpoche. These wonderful religious dances attract crowds of Bhutanese who turn out to see these annual events. All of the tours can be customized to include short day hikes or other destinations not specifically mentioned.
Tsechu Religious Festivals of Bhutan
Of all the Mahayana (Great Vehicle) Buddhist countries which have managed to make it into the 21st century, Bhutan has most successfully preserved its traditional Buddhist culture. This is immediately apparent in the well-kept and active monasteries which dot the Bhutanese countryside. Unlike the tragedy that has befallen Tibet's monastic institutions which today are often mere museum-like ghosts of their former grandeur, Bhutan's monasteries are alive. This is most easily seen during the many festivals of both religious and secular nature.
These festivals have much history behind them-enough to fill volumes with Bhutanese Buddhist exegesis. Some of this is briefly outlined below. Though the festivals have great attraction to the academic, the true joy and privilege we experience through attending these festivals actually has very little to do with their history and deep meaning. It has more to do with simply coming together with Bhutanese people and joining them in the role of spectator and admirer of a wonderful aspect of their culture. During these festivals we are no longer just western tourists wondering at the exoticism of Bhutanese culture, but rather partners with them in an atmosphere of mirth and awe. The Bhutanese come dressed in their best finery which adds immensely to the colorful spectacle of the dance itself. The point of the festivals are in part to catch up with old acquaintances, make new ones and generally to relax and hang out. Thus at these festivals, more than at any other time, we lose the label of tourist and just become part of the scene.
In Bhutan the Buddhist festivals generally commemorate aspects of the Buddha's life. There are other similar Buddhist festivals that are geared more towards remembering the deed of the great 8th century Indian Tantric saint Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Rinpoche). He is thought to have introduced the most profound Buddhist teachings to both Tibet and Bhutan. Guru Rinpoche-8th century Mystic teacher of tantra
The second purificatory type are dances of exorcism. One dance centers around the expelling of demonic forces of the actual dancing arena. The costumes are wildly frightening-huge black hats, skeleton costumes, high boots and masks of all sorts.
The third type celebrates the triumph of Buddhism. Depicted in the dances are the founding of the Drukpa Kagyu school of Buddhism in Bhutan, as well as the depiction of Guru Rinpoche's eight manifestations. All of these are done to the accompaniment of an on-sight orchestra utilizing horns, skull drums (damaru), thighbone trumpets, and cymbals.
Where possible, all of our treks and cultural tours of Bhutan are scheduled to coinside with one of these wonderful events. We also customize itineraries for groups interested in attending multiple events. Contact us for more details on this year's Tsechu festivals.
High Asia's Local Bhutanese Staff and Foreign Experts
Our local Bhutanese staff takes immense pride in their culture and environmental heritage. Whether on a trek or examining an arcane wall mural in a remote monastery, attention to detail, precision and expertise is apparent everywhere. We are immensely satisfied with our staff and because of this, we rarely send High Asia experts from abroad to guide our trips unless there is a specific request or need. Please feel free to contact us about our guides and their expertise in various aspects of Bhutanese culture.
