Bhutan & the Indigenous Monpas
Please join us on our journey to
the Land of the Thunder Dragon!
November 11th - 22nd, 2022
12 Days | 11 Nights
$22,000* per person ($3,000 tax deductible donation.
Central Bhutan is home to the Monpas, believed to be the first inhabitants of Bhutan. Also at the heart of Bhutanese culture are Buddhism, majestic dzongs, colorful festivals and tightly knitted community and family life.
You can also learn more about this and other upcoming trips by clicking here.
Come on an Adventure of a Lifetime!
This is an extraordinary opportunity to travel to Bhutan.
Please join the Tribal Trust Foundation for this highly curated five star eco‐cultural trip through western and central Bhutan! Explore numerous ecosystems, including the rugged Himalayas, pristine rivers, verdant valleys, marshlands and forests. Visit historic fortresses, Buddhist shrines and temples, hikes, and cultural traditions. Meet with monks, nuns, farmers, and artisans; take part in ancient rituals; and witness firsthand the mindfully guided evolution of this tiny kingdom.
The Kingdom of Bhutan is facilitating this trip, granting us access to areas of the country where tourists do not travel. Bhutan's sustainable methodologies prioritize Gross National Happiness over Gross National Product ‐ a model for flourishing socially and economically. Join this once in a lifetime adventure exploring an enchanting country and share in a rare visit to the Monpas, an indigenous tribal people living in harmony with nature. You will see your donation at work, the transfer of indigenous nettle cloth weaving knowledge from one generation to the next.
"The Tribal Trust enabled us to experience the extraordinary country of Bhutan and some of its most special people in the finest way possible. The logistics were completely and ideally handled, the accommodations were five star and of highest character, we had customizable levels of physical activity, and the most insightful, darling and brilliant guides. Bhutan is now my favorite country in the world, not only because of its dramatic terrain, gorgeous architecture and beautifully spiritual people, but also because we were able to experience it as very special guests of the Tribal Trust."
Susan Budinger
What Makes This Trip Unique
Meet the Monpas
In central Bhutan, south of Trongsa, scattered on the slopes of the Mangde Chhu valley, live the Monpas, believed to be the first inhabitants of Bhutan. Spiritual guidance is a blend of animistic Shamanism and Buddhism and livelihood depends on the bounty of the forest. A close-knit people, they live in small bamboo thatch huts and also larger traditional homes. Monpas believe that sickness is caused by evil spirits and bad karma and prefer superstitious and traditional cures.
Your Tribal Trust Foundation Donation
An advocate for indigenous peoples, the Tribal Trust Foundation (TTF) has been documenting ancient ways of life before they disappear, for over 20 years. The TTF has helped complete various media projects to use as tools for cultural preservation, which saves lives and revitalizes endangered cultures. These projects include documentation of the way of life of the San Bushmen in Namibia, the Mbuti in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Monpas of Central Bhutan. The Monpa have lived sustainable in the Himalaya for thousands of years. The elders are concerned their language and customs are disappearing as change is forced upon them. The TTF partnered with the Tarayana Foundation to document the Monpa Natural Healer’s ancient wisdom and also implement grassroots sustainable projects with the Monpa. Visit www.TribalTrustFoundation.com
Trip Leader Barbara Savage
