Bhutan & the Indigenous Monpas

Please join us on our journey to
the Land of the Thunder Dragon!

October 10th - October 18th, 2025

9 Days | 8 Nights

$20,500* per person ($5,000 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.
 
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Come on an Adventure of a Lifetime!

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This is an extraordinary opportunity to travel to Bhutan.

Barbara Savage will lead you on an exclusive once in a lifetime luxury adventure. Her highly curated itinerary offers a unique travel experience to witness an ancient way of life, indigenous people living as one with nature. Along the way, you will be treated to cultural encounters and deeply personal interactions while enjoying the best in accommodations, food and service.  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.

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"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

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

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Over the past twenty-five years, Barbara Savage has dedicated her time, energy, expertise, and resources to further the mission of the Tribal Trust Foundation to share indigenous wisdom. She has personally witnessed the struggle for survival of indigenous peoples throughout the world and identified the sustainable cultural preservation projects supported by the foundation. An activist, educator, and thought leader, Barbara produced two award winning documentary films that required her to risk her life in politically hostile environments to support the threatened indigenous people requesting her help. For more information about this trip, please email her at bsavage@tribaltrust.org. 
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