Machig Labdrön in Bhutan Pilgrimage (Updated Application)

We are happy that you are applying to join us for this special Bhutan pilgrimage in 2023. During this trip we will be learning practices and melodies from Zangri Khamar in Tibet and Dakini Dances from the Tibetan tradition. This is as close as we can get to the actual tradition from the historical time of Machig Labdrön in Tibet. 

We will also be visiting many temples and monasteries, as well as reconnecting with old friends at our sister temple, Rawabi Monastery. Our intention is to deepen our understanding of traditional Machig Labdrön practices and with your help be able to bring them back to Tara Mandala.  Please click here to view our prospective itinerary.

Important! If you are hoping to go on this unique pilgrimage, please do not wait to apply. All application materials and information must be submitted by December 24th, 2022. Please read the information below carefully before starting your application.

We look forward to traveling and practicing together with you in Bhutan. 

Thank you!

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PRACTICE PREREQUISITES

Our intention for the Machig Labdrön in Bhutan Pilgrimage is to deepen our understanding of Machig Labdrön’s lineage and practices and then bring that understanding back to the Tara Mandala community. For that reason, it is important that all participants have experience with Machig Labdrön’s lineage and practices as embodied and expressed at Tara Mandala. 

Lama Tsultrim would like all applicants to have completed three retreats (online or in person), directly with her or with one of the Tara Mandala authorized teachers. In addition, all applicants need to know the CHÖD practice and be competent with the bell and drum, as you will be engaging in this practice and learning it more deeply while in Bhutan.  

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Important Information:

You should know that travel in Bhutan is unpredictable and can be challenging. There may be last minute changes and disruptions due to weather conditions, as well as discomforts of various kinds along the way. We feel that this is an important aspect of going on pilgrimage––which is much more than a tourist trip. However, if you think that you will not do well under these kinds of challenging travel conditions, it is probably better to not apply.

The exact travel dates are subject to slight changes. This will depend on the final size of our group and the possibility of needing to form two groups (since total group size is limited to 80 people). We will be able to confirm the exact dates once we know the final size of our group, which should be sometime in September.          

Please note also that everyone arriving in Bhutan will be required to be tested for Covid and do a 24-hour quarantine  (dependent on test results turnaround). In the event of a positive Covid test result, participants may be required to quarantine in Bhutan for a specific number of days and secure their return flight home

If for any reason we need to limit the number of people participating in this pilgrimage, we will give first priority to those who were previously registered in 2020. After this first group, if necessary, we will give preference to those of you who are registered in long-term programs at Tara Mandala (such as Magyu, Gateway or Ösel Nyingtig).

If you have questions or would like to discuss any aspect of the prerequisites or conditions described above, please contact +1 (978) 697-0255, or  jeremy.marple@taramandala.org.

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FINANCIALS

The cost for each pilgrimage participant is $9,570. This is reflective of Bhutan’s updated Sustainable Development Fee.

The Machig Labdrön Bhutan Pilgrimage travel package costs include:

• Roundtrip flight from Bangkok, Thailand to Paro, Bhutan
• Roundtrip flight from Paro, Bhutan to Bumthang, Bhutan
• All local ground transportation within Bhutan
• All overnight lodging in Bhutan (15 nights in shared standard deluxe rooms)
• Three daily meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus bottled water)
• Visa fees for Bhutan
• All entrance fees to temples on the itinerary
• Tara Mandala support staff
• English-speaking guides and driver fees
• All teachings given by Tara Mandala teachers 

Travel package costs do not include:

• Airfare to and from Bangkok, Thailand (approx. $1000 – $1400)
• Any accommodation, transportation, or meals in Bangkok (approx. $200/day)
• Any additional costs incurred in the event the participant tests positive for Covid upon arrival in Bhutan (extra days of accommodation, meals, early return flight home, etc)
• Travel or emergency medical insurance  
• Dana at Druk Zangri Khamar (suggested Dana is $250 to $500 per person)
• Tips for the guides, drivers, cooks, waiters, and housekeepers 
• Additional beverages and alcoholic drinks
• Optional rental horse for hike to Tiger’s Nest
• Optional single-occupancy rooms

The travel package fees will be due in three installments. The first installment (33% of total) will be due January 7th of 2023, $850 of which will be nonrefundable, the second installment (33% of total) will be due February 14th, 2023, and the third installment (33% of total) will be due March 24th, 2023. 

At this time the only financial commitment you need to make is a non-refundable $50 application fee. See below for more details. 

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PASSPORT AND VISA

Every pilgrimage participant must have a valid passport and a visa to enter and travel in Bhutan. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of your entry to Bhutan. 

There are no exceptions to this rule, so please make sure that you have checked your passport! If you do not have at least six months on your passport, you will not be allowed to enter or travel in Bhutan.

All Bhutan visas must be processed by a licensed Bhutanese Tour Operator. Our Bhutanese partner, Tshering, from Sky Travels will handle the application process to obtain visas for all Tara Mandala pilgrimage participants (important: you cannot do this on your own). To apply for Bhutan visas, Tshering must have a photocopy of your valid passport. If you do not submit a valid passport with your application, your application will not be processed. 

Before departure, the Bhutan government will confirm the visas for our entire group. The official visa will be stamped into your passport upon arrival at Paro International airport. Depending on your itinerary and citizenship, you may also need a visa for Thailand or other countries that you are transiting to and from. You are responsible for making your own visa arrangements for all travel destinations other than Bhutan.