Bhutan 2024

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Join us for a 12 night, 13 day study-practice pilgrimage to Bhutan featuring guides Lama Liz Monson and Karma Shenden, as well as an audience with Gangteng Tulku Rinpoche at his home monastery. This pilgrimage is designed with practitioners, rather than tourists, in mind. As such, we will focus on sacred Buddhist sites in Pobjikha and Bumthang, as well as a visit to the famed Tiger’s Nest retreat.
Mountains
Statue
Tigers Nest
Stupa
Prayer Flags
Sunset
Prayer Wheels
Paro Bhutan
Institute Support

Each pilgrimage program we offer serves in part as a fundraiser for the Institute. This allows us to offset costs for our core programming. So by joining a pilgrimage, you are also making an offering to the Institute.

YOUR GUIDES
Guide

Lama Liz Monson

Guide

Karma Shenden

Guide

Lama Liz Monson

Elizabeth Monson, PhD, serves as the Spiritual Co-Director of Natural Dharma Fellowship and the Managing Teacher at Wonderwell Mountain Refuge in Springfield, NH, USA. With over three decades of dedicated study, practice, and teaching in Tibetan Buddhism, Liz attained authorization as a dharma teacher and lineage holder in the Kagyu Lineage. Her academic journey culminated in a doctorate from Harvard University in 2015, where she later served as a Visiting Lecturer in the Study of Religion.

Liz is a prolific author, having penned two books: More Than a Madman: The Divine Words of Drukpa Kunley (2014) and Tales of a Mad Yogi: The Life and Wild Wisdom of Drukpa Kunley (2021). She is currently working on a forthcoming book on Buddhist Tantra to be published by Shambhala Publications in 2025. Her writings frequently grace the pages of esteemed publications such as Tricycle, Lion’s Roar, and Buddhadharma.

In her role as a teacher, Liz crafts meditation retreats and curricula aimed at fostering a deeper connection with the natural world and addressing contemporary social and spiritual challenges as pathways to liberation. She passionately explores the integration of Buddhist meditation with indigenous plant medicines and psychedelics as means to access and abide in the natural state.

Liz’s teachings, delivered across New England and online, focus on guiding individuals to tap into their inherent awakened energies, cultivate open awareness, and find liberation in everyday life. She emphasizes incorporating Buddhist teachings through practices of kindness, compassion, and recognition of the natural state in each moment. Drawing inspiration from Anam Thubten, Mingyur Rinpoche, and Tsoknyi Rinpoche, Liz also finds profound solace in the timeless wisdom of native traditions, perpetually flowing from the natural world.

Guide

Karma Shenden

Karma Shenden is from the Pemagatshel District in Eastern Bhutan, allowing him to provide an insider’s perspective on this breath-taking country and culture. After the seventh grade, he became a monk at Tergar Monastery in Bodhgaya, India where he was trained in basic Buddhist philosophy, meditation and ritual, as well as a range of secular subjects. Then, in 2020, he entered into the monastic college at Tergar Oselling in Nepal where he rigorously explored the core philosophy and meditation of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. 

In 2021, Mingyur Rinpoche encouraged Karma Shendon to join the Tergar School Kathmandu, which specializes in weaving together Buddhist principles and practices with secular education. Karma Shenden is tremendously grateful to receive the opportunity to contribute to Rinpoche’s vision in this way. His time at Tergar School Kathmandu has informed how he teaches meditation, broadening his experience beyond the traditional monastic system. 

Karma Shenden’s teaching style embraces the profundity of the tradition while remaining simple and relatable. 

Bhutan Pilgrimage Itinerary

August 29

Kathmandu

Arriving in Kathmandu, we will visit the great stupa of Boudhanath and settle into our guest house for the evening.

August 30

Kathmandu – Paro

Departing Kathmandu for Paro, we will visit the ancient Kyichu Lhakang before taking a rest in our hotel for the evening.

August 31

Tiger's Nest

On our first full day in Bhutan, we will embark on the legendary walk to Tiger's Nest, the famed mountain hermitage of Guru Rinpoche, Padmasambhava and countless practitioners since.

September 1

Paro – Phobjikha

Embarking on a scenic drive to Gangteng Monastery in Phobjikha Valley, we will visit the majestic Wangdue Phodrang Dzong en route.

September 2 and 3

Phobjikha

These two days will be spent practicing in the tranquil beauty of Phobjikha valley where we will have an audience with Gangteng Tulku Rinpoche at his home monastery of Gangteng Gompa.

September 4

Phobjikha – Bumthang

Departing early in the morning, we will enjoy a picturesque drive to Bumthang, stopping at Dochula Pass for panoramic views.

September 5

Tharpaling

Tharpaling and temple visit Traveling to Tharpaling monastery in the morning, we will visit this profound practice space that dates to the 14th century with Dzogchen lineage holder Longchen Rabjam and extends to the present date with Mingyur Rinpoche.

September 6 and 7

Bumthang

These two days will be spent immersing ourselves in the sacred vase-like (Bumthang) valley where great meditators have frequented since the time of Guru Rinpoche, Padmasambhava. This time will include visits to: Mebartso (Burning lake), Kurjey and Jambey Lhakhangs, Jakar Dzong and more.

September 8

Bumthang – Paro

Returning to Paro by flight, the evening will be free for leisure activities and further exploration.

September 9

Fly back to Kathmandu

Departing Paro for Kathmandu in the morning, we will conclude our journey with a celebrational dinner and time to share our cherished memories.

September 10

Kathmandu

Concluding our pilgrimage with breakfast at the guest house, we will say goodbye and move onward to home or continued travel.

Pilgrimage Map

Featuring an audience with

Gangteng Tulku Rinpoche

Gangteng Tulku Rinpoche is a revered figure in Vajrayana Buddhism, particularly known as one of the main lineage holders of the Pema Lingpa tradition. Born in 1955 in central Bhutan, Rinpoche was identified at an early age as the incarnation of Pema Lingpa, a renowned treasure revealer in the 15th century. As the abbot of Gangteng Monastery, Rinpoche oversees a significant spiritual center deeply rooted in Bhutanese tradition. He holds lineage connections to various Nyingma and Kagyu traditions within Vajrayana Buddhism.

Rinpoche’s influence extends beyond Gangteng Monastery, as he is responsible for overseeing numerous other monastic institutions, temples, and hermitages across Bhutan. Notably, he established a pioneering study and meditation center for women and girls, a significant milestone in Bhutanese spiritual education. Beyond Bhutan, Rinpoche has established lineage centers in Canada, the United States, Europe, and Singapore.

Watch pilgrimage guide Lama Liz Monson discuss her latest book, Tales of a Mad Yogi: The Life and Wild Wisdom of Drukpa Kunley.

Trip Details

  • Pilgrimage fee: $5,500
    •  $1,000 of which is a donation for the Tergar Institute. US citizens can receive a tax deduction for this contribution. 
  • What’s included: 
    • All accommodations and meals in Nepal and Bhutan, beginning with dinner on August 29 and concluding with dinner on September 10. 
    • All flights within Nepal and Bhutan
    • All ground transportation within Nepal and Bhutan
    • All entrance fees
    • Bhutan visa fee
  • Price does not include
    • International airfare
    • Nepali visa fee (~$30 USD cash, to be purchased at the border)
    • Travel insurance (Required for all participants)
    • Laundry services
    • Gifts, additional snacks and/or drinks
  • Single supplement: $1,500
    • This includes single accommodations whenever possible. 
  • Non-refundable deposit: $500 due at registration
  • Payment #2: $2,500 due May 31, 2024 (90 days prior to the pilgrimage)
  • Payment #3: $2,500 due July 30, 2024 (30 days prior to the pilgrimage)
  • If you cancel:
    • Before May 31, 2024, you will be refunded all payments made to date minus non-refundable deposit
    • Between June 1 – July 29, 2024, you will be refunded full program fee minus $2,000
    • Cancellation on or after July 30, 2024, you will forfeit the entire cost of the pilgrimage
  • If Tergar Institute cancels for reasons other than natural or political disaster:
    • All payments to date will be refunded in full
  • Passport requirements: you must have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond the end date of the pilgrimage (February 28, 2025).
  • Visa requirements: you must arrange a multi-entry visa for Nepal prior to arrival. Further details will be provided after registering.
  • Arriving a few days prior to the program can provide the opportunity to acclimate to the timezone. We strongly recommend this if at all possible.
  • We encourage you to visit a travel clinic before venturing to Nepal and Bhutan. They may recommend certain vaccinations and/or medications to keep you safe.
  • Traditionally, Nepal and Bhutan have experienced few instances of mosquito-borne illnesses. However, cases of Dengue fever have risen in Kathmandu over the past couple of years. Traveling with insect repellent is suggested. 
  • The sun can be warm in Nepal and Bhutan. In turn, we recommend traveling with sun screen and/or a sunhat to keep you protected. 
  • We will provide safe, filtered drinking water throughout the program. 
  • We take all precautions possible to ensure the foods you eat are safe and hygienic. However, there is an increased risk of food-born illnesses in this region. 
  • We choose hotels and guest houses that are safe and clean. While basic at times, they are comfortable. 
  • We will travel overland for long distances (upwards of 6 hours in a single day) while in Bhutan. 
  • While nearly all expenses will be covered while on the program, you may wish to purchase gifts and/or extra food items. In turn, you can exchange major foreign currencies and use local ATMs while in Nepal and Bhutan.  
  • Most hotels we stay in will have Wi-Fi.
  • You’ll need electrical adapters to charge electronics in many places in Nepal and Bhutan. Purchasing a universal adapter can be a good choice for many travelers. 
  • We will use email for all major communication in advance of the pilgrimage.
  • For information on Drukair’s baggage allowance, please click here.
  • While Nepal and Bhutan, it is recommended to wear long pants and shirts that cover your shoulders. 
  • The temperature can fluctuate quite a bit during our time in Nepal and Bhutan. Please pack layers of clothing to help regulate your temperature. 
  • Electronics are fine to bring with you. However, please note that we do not take responsibility for any lost, damaged, or stolen items. 
  • Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, etc.) is encouraged. 
  • While it’s fine to bring a favorite book with you, we will provide a course reader that we will distribute upon arrival in Kathmandu.

Registration

Are you ready to come on this once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage? Upon receipt of your completed form, we will provide a link for deposit payment. Once both your registration form and deposit are received, your spot will be officially secured for the event.
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