Visit The Astrology School- Pangrizampa
Pangri Zampa Lhakhang is idyllically in the middle of a meadow by the river. The temple appeared in Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel’s vision which directed him from Tibet to Bhutan. The temple was built by Ngawang Choegyel, the great-grandfather of the Zhabdrung, and was the Zhabdrung’s residence when he arrived in Bhutan in 1616.
Today,the temple is used as an astrology centre of the state clergy, and is the home to around 50 monks studying astrology. During a visit to Pangri Zampa you can learn more about astrology, and also have your personal reading done.
US$ 50 per reading. Please let us know at least one day in advance if you wish to have your reading done. We can also arrange for a private astrology reading in the lodge upon requested.
Blessings And Meditation
Dechen Phodrang, ‘Cave of Consummate Bliss’, is located close to Trashi Chhoe Dzong , a 10 minute drive from the lodge. It houses the state monastic school which provides an eight years course for more than 450 students. This peaceful and very sacred location is a pertinent place for rituals. We can arrange for the following blessing at this lhakhang, on advance notice.
Thrisel is a 20 to 30 minutes blessing using holy water to cleanse the mind, spirit and soul under the guidance of a revered lama. As an ample quantity of holy water is used, the warmer months may be preferable.
US$50 per person or couple, US$ 15 for every additional person.
Tshewang is a one-hour ritual performed by 6 – 8 monks to promote a long life. This elaborate ceremony involves an abundance of prayers, mantras and final blessings using a Dorji (Thunderbolt) as well as sacred scriptures touched to the head.
US$150 per person or couple, US$ 15 for every additional persons.
Rimdo is an auspicious full day ceremony performed by 8 – 10 monks to grant long life, bestow prosperity, well being and the fulfillment of any personal requests. To a symphony of drums, horns, cymbals and bells, the monks will chant the holy texts and mantras. Your actual presence is only required for a short duration as the blessing continues to flow from morning to night.
US$ 500 per person or couple. US$ 20 for every additional person.
Meditation Instruction can be arranged under the guidance of a versed monk.
US$ 100 per person or couple, US$ 50 for every additional person.
Morning and evening prayers take place in the temple daily, and if you wish to join in, we will gladly take you there.
Prayer Flag Hoisting And Chorten Nyeabu
A short and peaceful hike to this special 15th century temple to see the largest statue of Jowo Jampa- the future Buddha , and Gum Shing- ‘ the upside – down tree’ can be combined with hosting of prayer flags and lunch on the temple’s scenic hilltop.
Prayer flags are hoisted for happiness, long life, prosperity, luck and merit, clear one’s sins, and to offer karmic merit to all sentient beings. When the winter blows, it is believed that it carries the prayers on the flags, blessing and all beings. Find the spot where you want to hoist your flags, a local monk will accompany you to consecrate the hoisting.
US$ 50 per booking and consecration 24 hours or less prior to the Prayer Flag hoisting will be fully charged.
Offer A Meal To The Monks Or Nuns
The three daily meals mainly consists of rice. Breakfast includes rice with ezay( Chili paste) and Suja( butter tea). Lunch and dinner consists of rice and one curry.
Offering meals to the monk is gesture of your generosity and kindness towards all the living beings and very rewarding feelings with blessings as you can personally get involved in. We will gladly accompany you to the local shops in valley where you can take part in purchasing rice and vegetables.
Breakfast is serves at 06: 30 am, lunch at 11:30 am and dinner at 06: 30 pm. In addition to offering a meal, if you also wish to participate in purchasing the food supplies, please give us at least one day prior notice. Offering of US$ 100 – 250 (depends on the number of monks in the monastery or nunnery.
Gangtey – Visit to Yak Herders Camp
The Brokpas, Bhutanese yak herders, can be found at elevation higher than 9,800 ft / 3,000 m. Rising yaks has been and continues to be the centre of their livelihood. Aptly referred to as the “ camel of the snow” , the yak is the multipurpose animal providing milk, meat, warmth and manure. The animals are used for carting loads and transportation in the high altitude and rugged terrain. They also add to the aesthetic value of the Himalayas. From November to March, the yak herders keep their livestock in Phobjikha, and set up small camps in the yak fields where they stay throughout the winter season. Two such camps are located just below the Lowala pass, a fifteen minute drive from the lodge. To provide you with insight into the life of a yak herder, we would be happy to take you there. You will get the chance to see some of the yak products such as cheese, butter and milk, and learn about the nomadic existence of the herders.