Bhutan Pilgrimage—Day 8 – Her Eminence Mindrolling Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche

Wednesday, March 30 | Thimphu to Paro

In the morning, before departing for Paro, a small group set off to visit the King Jigme Dorje Wangchuk Memorial Chorten, where the shrine was dedicated to Vajrakilaya, and joined local people in circumambulating the chorten. After a visit to a textile centre and an art gallery, the group offered khatags and received blessings at the wonderful Chang Gangkha Monastery built around the 12-14th century. Monks were offering prayers at a corner shrine dedicated to Hayagriva under a large statue of Avalokiteshvara. Before boarding buses to travel from Thimphu to Paro, a lovely buffet luncheon with traditional Bhutanese dishes was offered by the family of Choenyid Choedron, one of the senior nuns of Samten Tse. After the relaxing meal, everyone climbed aboard buses for the 2-hour drive to Paro—the base of operations for the final five days of the pilgrimage. There was great anticipation about the upcoming treks to the Tiger’s Nest and the Vajrayogini Cave at Chumphung Nye.

Click on the first thumbnail to begin the slideshow.

The Memorial Chorten, conceived by Thinley Norbu, was built in 1974 to honor the third Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1928–1972). It is frequented by many townspeople who come to circumambulate.

Statue of an offering goddess at the entrance to the grounds of the Memorial Chorten in Thimphu.

Turning the prayer wheel at the Memorial Choten in Thimphu.

Group members join the locals in circumambulating the chorten.

Turning a prayer wheel at the Memorial Chorten.

Prostration boards at the Memorial Chorten.

Weaver at her loom in the textile centre.

Display of Bhutanese textiles. Weaving is considered one of the 7 great crafts of Bhutan.

More Bhutanese textiles on display in Thimphu.

View of Thimphu from Chang Gangkha Monastery.

Gathering at a Thimphu hotel for a special luncheon.

The passengers of bus number 4 gather for a photo.

The luncheon is sponsored by the family of Choenyid Choedron, one of the senior nuns of Samten Tse.

The luncheon features many delicious Bhutanese dishes.

Alex Ryan surprises everyone by arriving dressed in the traditional Bhutanese men's outfit, the <em>gho</em>.

Jetsün Rinpoche and Lisa Cyrus showing off their traditional<em> Bhutanese garments for women called </em>kira.

Choenyid Choedron's family members who kindly sponsored the luncheon.

Jetsön Khandro Rinpoche introduces the family of Choenyid Choedron and thanks them on behalf of the entire group.

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