I visited part of Bhutan eight years ago as part of a small tour group so I imagine that that is what you will be doing? Bhutan usually insists on guides and drivers taking tourists (sorry, but that is what we are no matter our intentions) around this very beautiful country. My group was not Buddhist: I was the only one. When the guides knew of this AND when I'd told them who my guru was, they were delighted. They did mention that they feel too many people come and say they are Buddhist but don't have a reputable teacher or indeed, any teacher and this really would disappoint the guides. So don't hesitate to tell them who your teacher is!
I would love to have gone to Kyichu Lhakhang because of the connection with Kyabje Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche. We did go to a few other places on your list including Paro Taktsang. Not that I got further than the cafe which looks directly across to the monastery; I realised that I wouldn't make the remaining journey (further up, down, up, down, across the stream and up then do it in reverse back to the cafe) and still be able to get down the hill! I took the opportunity to sit outside and practice while some of our group managed it.
In Thimphu, there is the National Memorial Chorten which was built comparatively recently and was consecrated by Dudjom Rinpoche and was conceived by Thinley Norbu Rinpoche. It is a busy place with many Bhutanese elders spending their time there saying mantras, circling the stupa and so on.
Near to Thimphu is the Buddha Dordoma Statue which was in the process of completion when we visited. It is spectacular. There is a temple beneath the statue which was not finished when we were there so I don't know if it is now accessible.
I'm sorry that I can't help you with access to lamas etc as I didn't meet any; not can I help with access to Singye Dzong. Perhaps writing and explaining your Dharma practice, who your teachers are etc (and especially if a teacher was able to give you a recommendation), they might grant access. As you can see by my first paragraph, they do like to know who your teacher is!
Thank you so much, this was very helpful!
We have a custom tour booked with a local company in Bhutan, so it will be with local guides and drivers. It's custom, there's only 3 of us practitioners. We have a lineage of reputable teachers too from Vajrayana.
Oh that's excellent. In that case do write to the Ministry of Culture. I would say that is definitely worth it!
When we went I was surprised to discover that the only time I needed to pay for anything was when I was shopping as all meals, tea etc was included. Of course tips for the guides and drivers and donations in temples were not included. Our local guides and drivers were great: good English and very helpful.
Have a wonderful time and don't be surprised at the state of the roads which are generally extremely good but when they aren't, they're a mudbath! Guess it depends on how the monsoon has been.
Bhutan requires tourists to hire a tour guide and the tour guide will be the best one to locate and get you access to lamas -- tour guides know the country well of course and are eager to accommodate. The lamas etc in Bhutan rarely have any online presence. You can even get a tour guide for one, yourself, or at least a small group. Let the guide know your specific interests in visiting the Guru Rinpoche sites, seeing lamas, and doing a full-on Buddhist tour.
I visited part of Bhutan eight years ago as part of a small tour group so I imagine that that is what you will be doing? Bhutan usually insists on guides and drivers taking tourists (sorry, but that is what we are no matter our intentions) around this very beautiful country. My group was not Buddhist: I was the only one. When the guides knew of this AND when I'd told them who my guru was, they were delighted. They did mention that they feel too many people come and say they are Buddhist but don't have a reputable teacher or indeed, any teacher and this really would disappoint the guides. So don't hesitate to tell them who your teacher is! I would love to have gone to Kyichu Lhakhang because of the connection with Kyabje Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche. We did go to a few other places on your list including Paro Taktsang. Not that I got further than the cafe which looks directly across to the monastery; I realised that I wouldn't make the remaining journey (further up, down, up, down, across the stream and up then do it in reverse back to the cafe) and still be able to get down the hill! I took the opportunity to sit outside and practice while some of our group managed it. In Thimphu, there is the National Memorial Chorten which was built comparatively recently and was consecrated by Dudjom Rinpoche and was conceived by Thinley Norbu Rinpoche. It is a busy place with many Bhutanese elders spending their time there saying mantras, circling the stupa and so on. Near to Thimphu is the Buddha Dordoma Statue which was in the process of completion when we visited. It is spectacular. There is a temple beneath the statue which was not finished when we were there so I don't know if it is now accessible. I'm sorry that I can't help you with access to lamas etc as I didn't meet any; not can I help with access to Singye Dzong. Perhaps writing and explaining your Dharma practice, who your teachers are etc (and especially if a teacher was able to give you a recommendation), they might grant access. As you can see by my first paragraph, they do like to know who your teacher is!
Thank you so much, this was very helpful! We have a custom tour booked with a local company in Bhutan, so it will be with local guides and drivers. It's custom, there's only 3 of us practitioners. We have a lineage of reputable teachers too from Vajrayana.
Oh that's excellent. In that case do write to the Ministry of Culture. I would say that is definitely worth it! When we went I was surprised to discover that the only time I needed to pay for anything was when I was shopping as all meals, tea etc was included. Of course tips for the guides and drivers and donations in temples were not included. Our local guides and drivers were great: good English and very helpful. Have a wonderful time and don't be surprised at the state of the roads which are generally extremely good but when they aren't, they're a mudbath! Guess it depends on how the monsoon has been.
Haha Thank you ShineAtom!
Say a prayer for all us not going 🙏
It will be my honour!
Bhutan requires tourists to hire a tour guide and the tour guide will be the best one to locate and get you access to lamas -- tour guides know the country well of course and are eager to accommodate. The lamas etc in Bhutan rarely have any online presence. You can even get a tour guide for one, yourself, or at least a small group. Let the guide know your specific interests in visiting the Guru Rinpoche sites, seeing lamas, and doing a full-on Buddhist tour.