Kuzuzangpo La - Bhutan Airlines Inflight Magazine

08/09/2026

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08/09/2026

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐬
I can vividly recollect the day I woke up with my whole body covered in small, fluid-filled red blisters, accompanied by a slight fever and intermittent sharp pain. I was barely 11 then. Although the hospital was just seven kilometres away, my superstitious mother chose to take me to our village astrologer.
The very moment the astrologer saw my blistered body, he knew why I had developed the disease. He asked my mother if there was any lubum, or house of the nagas, around our home. My mother nodded. He then asked if any member of our family had been near the lubum lately. My mother was not sure and had no answer for him.
The astrologer took down my birth year and zodiac animal, then began consulting his astrology book. After going through it, he confirmed his presumption. He told my mother that the lubum, which stood above our house, had been unknowingly defiled and polluted by someone. The lu residing there had been offended and had inflicted the illness on me.
Although I had seen that small shrine above our house ever since I was five years old, I had no idea what it was until that moment.
According to popular Bhutanese belief, the earth is divided into three interconnected realms.
The upper realm belongs to the lha (gods), the middle realm is the habitat of the tsen (mountain spirits), and the lu (nagas or subterranean beings) reside in the lower realm. These three realms play a significant role in the day-to-day lives of human beings. If we are not circumspect in our interaction with the natural world, these beings will not protect us; instead, they may bring misfortune in the form of sickness, death, famine and disease.
The lu, or nagas, are subterranean beings, half-human and half-serpent. We believe they live everywhere. To appease them, we build a small shrine called a lubum, or naga house, of various shapes and sizes on a clean patch of land in or around our homes. Lubums are built of stone and mud and painted with red stripes. To make them more distinctive, we carve or place a cone-shaped stone as a turret on top. The turret is usually painted gold, although this is not mandatory. A sacred vase containing blessed items prepared by a lam or astrologer is placed inside the lubum to protect the household from lusadak, or naga landlords. It also enhances the sanctity of the lubum.
Sometimes we seek the help of a lam or astrologer to determine whether any lu resides in or around our home. The lam or astrologer identifies the exact location where the lu resides, and a lubum is built there. In some cases, however, the lam or astrologer may identify a large rock as the dwelling place of the lu after divination. Once identified, the surrounding area is cleaned, and the lam or astrologer performs a ritual followed by the fumigation of incense to sanctify the rock and designate it as the family's lubum. Thereafter, we offer our reverence and seek blessings for peace, prosperity and protection from obstacles we may encounter in life.
The special relationship between the lu and human beings has significant implications. It instills a sense of the sacredness of the surrounding environment and helps maintain the ecological balance between nature and ourselves.
We believe that the lu reside in clean environments and sacred places such as agricultural land, forests, lakes and springs. They are pure, sacred and territorial beings. Their dwelling places should remain undisturbed. Human interference must be kept to a minimum. Any pollution or defilement (drib) in or around their abode is believed to provoke them. When offended, they seek revenge by causing harm, and we believe no one can easily escape their wrath.
The lu are also believed to be powerful and sensitive beings. If displeased, they can even alter the weather, bringing hailstorms, floods or drought. If we keep them content by maintaining clean surroundings and living harmoniously with nature, they bless us with favourable weather, timely rainfall for crops and vegetation, good health, prosperity and protection from sickness. Peace and social harmony flourish, and obstacles are removed.
For instance, if a drinking water source dries up, it is commonly believed that the lu has moved elsewhere because of disturbance or human pollution (drib). In such cases, we request a lam or astrologer to perform appeasement rituals and seek forgiveness. While this belief may appear superstitious, it also encourages us to reflect on the importance of protecting water sources, refraining from felling trees around them and keeping the environment clean.
The smoke fumigation and other offerings made to the lu are about more than simply pleasing them. They are also acts of repentance for the harm we may have caused by disturbing their environment. Whenever we use land for any purpose, we make offerings and seek their permission. In return, they are believed to bless the land and continue protecting its inhabitants.
A lam or astrologer performs offerings and recites prayers in honour of the lu only on Lu Thep, or Naga Day. Meat, garlic and alcohol are considered impure and must be avoided. A strict vegetarian diet is therefore observed one day before the ritual to cleanse oneself, as the lu are believed to be sensitive even to the scent of impurities. The offerings themselves must be free of animal products, although milk is an exception because it is regarded as pure.
Sometimes we form the wrong impression of the lu, assuming they are inherently harmful beings. In reality, they do not go out of their way to inflict suffering. They become offended only when we are careless and disrespectful of their environment. Once offended, however, they are believed to have the power to cause great harm. Thus, respecting nature and preventing pollution become acts of both spiritual devotion and environmental stewardship.
In the Bhutanese context, the lu, or nagas, play a vital role in preserving both culture and the environment. The deep reverence we show them by refraining from polluting nature means that we are, directly or indirectly, conserving our forests, waters and landscapes. The belief that the lu are earthly deities and protectors of our lands, forests and waters has been deeply ingrained in Bhutanese society since the time of our ancestors and continues to be passed down from one generation to the next.

𝐁𝐘: 𝐏𝐄𝐌𝐀 𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐙𝐈𝐍
𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊𝐒 𝐀𝐓 𝐁𝐇𝐔𝐓𝐀𝐍 𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒

04/09/2026

𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐞 : 𝐀 𝐑𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲
Bhutan’s legendary Snowman Trek is a journey of 268 kilometres through one of the world’s toughest high-altitude trails. Seasoned trekkers typically take 25 to 30 days to complete it. However, 39-year-old Jigme Tenzin, Bhutan’s "Mountain Man", completed the trek in just five days. He ran. He hiked. He climbed. And he did so through relentless rain, eleven towering mountain passes, glacial lakes, snow, slippery rocks and fast-flowing rivers. It was five days of solitude.

Many would consider this impossible. It is almost beyond imagination. There were no cheering crowds, no roads and no rescue teams waiting around the corner. Only silence, towering peaks and the constant awareness that one wrong step could mean the end.

And that almost happened.
On the third day, at an altitude of about 5,000 metres, disaster struck. While crossing a river, the icy torrent swept him away for more than 30 metres. Bruised, soaked and trembling from the freezing cold, he somehow managed to pull himself to safety. With night closing in and temperatures dropping, he sought refuge in an abandoned yak herder’s temporary shelter, where he spent the night recovering from the ordeal.

The danger did not end there.
For the next two days, Jigme disappeared into one of the most isolated landscapes on Earth. There was no mobile network and no communication of any kind. There was no way to tell anyone whether he was safe. Beyond the mountains, people could only wait.

Only when he finally emerged at the end of the trail did his family, friends and supporters learn that he had survived.
Adding to this extraordinary journey was another challenge. Unlike the first section of the trail, the second half - from Laya to Bumthang - was completely unfamiliar territory. Jigme had never trekked it before, not even as a tourist. Every valley, every pass and every river was unknown. Every turn carried uncertainty.

What compels a person to keep moving through such hardship?
This journey had a purpose. Jigme was documenting the fragile beauty of Bhutan’s high mountains and the growing impact of climate change. He wanted the world to witness landscapes that are changing before our eyes.

But was this the only reason?
“The mountains, the lakes and the vast wilderness are never adversaries to be conquered. They are our greatest teachers. They remind us how small we are. We see a world of breathtaking beauty, and we also witness the changes and challenges unfolding before our eyes,” Bhutan's "Mountain Man" says.
“As I journey through these landscapes, I am reminded that life, like the mountains, is shaped by constant trials and changing seasons. Every hardship, every peak and every uncertain path becomes a lesson in resilience.”

The words are short, but powerful.
“Above all, I learn about the limitless strength of the human spirit. When the body is exhausted, when fear whispers that it is time to stop, something deeper awakens. It is the quiet resolve to take one more step, to keep moving despite the odds. In those moments, the human spirit grows beyond measure because it refuses to surrender.”

His story is ultimately not about speed or records. It is about courage in the face of uncertainty. It is about choosing to move forward when no one knows where you are. It is about believing that the greatest limits are not found in the mountains, but within ourselves.

Perhaps this is why his five-day journey across Bhutan’s Snowman Trek will be remembered not simply as an extraordinary athletic achievement, but as a powerful reminder that the human spirit, when guided by purpose, can travel farther than anyone ever imagined.

And this human spirit - particularly Jigme Tenzin’s spirit - is once again moving forward.
This time, however, it will not be the Himalayan Mountains. He is moving from the solitude of the Snowman Trek to an international stage. The Mountain Man is moving west, to Europe.
On August 28, 2026, Jigme will participate in the UTMB World Series, one of the world’s most demanding ultra-trail challenges, where athletes run through some of the planet’s toughest mountain landscapes, pushing the boundaries of human endurance over 100 kilometres of rugged terrain. He will run alongside thousands of world-renowned athletes. The run will begin in Italy, cross through Switzerland and finish in France.

As always, Jigme will not stand on the starting line carrying only the dreams of an athlete. He will carry something far greater.
This time, he will carry the spirit of the 108 Jangchub Chortens (Stupas of Enlightenment).

He will run not merely to reach a finish line, but to tell a story - a story of a King and His extraordinary vision to raise 108 Stupas of Enlightenment in a single day, a sacred undertaking that has inspired people from every corner of the world to come together in an unprecedented spirit of generosity, unity and love.

“I am a proud Bhutanese. And every stride I take in the run will be an expression of gratitude to His Majesty The King for offering the world an extraordinary gift of compassion, a vision that invites humanity to come together in building the 108 Stupas of Enlightenment as enduring symbols of love, peace and wisdom,” Jigme says.

And he has another aspiration.
“At the same time, I want to thank the countless people across the world who have embraced this noble vision, joining hearts and hands to raise a monument that will stand as a timeless testament to unity, compassion and our shared humanity.”
The words are yet again short and powerful.
“With every kilometre, I hope to share the joy of building something extraordinary in the most extraordinary way possible, not through power or ambition, but through love, unity and compassion.”

04/09/2026

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐞 𝐄𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬
For an entire month, Kuenselphodrang in Thimphu became far more than a gathering place. It became a sanctuary of faith, devotion and spiritual renewal as tens of thousands of devotees from across Bhutan and abroad assembled to receive the Kyilchok Dorji Threngwa and Kathrid empowerments administered by His Holiness the Je Khenpo.

As the month-long programme concluded, many returned home carrying more than blessed substances, sacred texts or treasured memories. They departed with something far less visible but infinitely more profound—a renewed commitment to cultivate wisdom, compassion and inner transformation.

In a world increasingly driven by speed, distraction and material pursuits, the significance of these empowerment extends well beyond the boundaries of Buddhist ritual. They remind us that the greatest journey any human being undertakes is not across mountains or oceans, but within one's own mind.

At first glance, an empowerment may appear to be a religious ceremony performed by a revered spiritual master. But within Vajrayana Buddhism, an empowerment is much more than a ritual. It is an invitation. It opens the door for practitioners to enter a deeper path of spiritual practice and establishes a sacred connection between the teacher, the teachings and the disciple.

The word "empowerment" itself can sometimes be misunderstood. In the Buddhist context, it is not about acquiring power over others. Rather, it is about awakening the innate potential that already exists within every sentient being—the potential to attain enlightenment.
Buddhism teaches that every person possesses Buddha nature. Like a seed lying dormant beneath the soil, this enlightened potential awaits the right conditions to blossom. Empowerments provide one of those conditions, planting the blessings of an unbroken lineage and inspiring practitioners to cultivate the qualities that lead towards awakening.

The Kyilchok Dorji Threngwa, one of the most revered cycles of Vajrayana teachings, occupies a special place in Bhutan's spiritual heritage. Passed down through generations of realised masters, it embodies profound methods for transforming ordinary perception into enlightened awareness.
Its symbolism is rich and multilayered.
The vajra, or dorji, represents the indestructible nature of wisdom—unchanging, clear and beyond all confusion. The garland or threngwa symbolises the continuous and inseparable chain of enlightened qualities that connect teachers, disciples and generations of practitioners. Together, they remind practitioners that wisdom and compassion are not isolated virtues but living traditions transmitted through devotion, practice and realisation.
Equally significant is the Kathrid, or oral instructions, which form the practical heart of Buddhist practice. While philosophical teachings explain the path intellectually, Kathrid offers guidance on how to walk that path in everyday life. They bridge the distance between understanding and experience.

As the teachings say, one may read countless books on compassion, but true compassion arises only through practice. One may understand impermanence intellectually, yet genuine wisdom emerges only when impermanence is deeply realised.
The oral instructions guide practitioners towards this lived experience.

Throughout the month, thousands patiently waited for hours each day to receive these precious teachings. Elderly devotees walked with prayer beads in hand. Young parents carried infants. Students sat quietly beside monks. Farmers travelled from distant villages. Civil servants took leave from work. Families came together, often spanning three generations.

In those vast gatherings, social distinctions quietly dissolved. There were no barriers of profession, wealth or status.
All were simply seekers.

Such scenes reveal something beautiful about Bhutanese society. Despite rapid modernisation, the country continues to cherish a spiritual heritage that places inner development alongside material progress. While the world often measures success through economic achievement, these gatherings remind us that many Bhutanese still value qualities that cannot be quantified—faith, humility, generosity, patience and compassion.

These are not merely religious virtues. They are also social virtues.
A compassionate individual contributes to a compassionate family. Compassionate families strengthen communities. Compassionate communities build peaceful nations. In this sense, spiritual practice becomes an act of nation-building.

The timing of these empowerments also carries particular significance.
Humanity today stands at an extraordinary crossroads. Artificial intelligence is transforming industries. Technology connects billions of people instantly. Scientific breakthroughs continue at unprecedented speed.

However, alongside these remarkable achievements, many societies struggle with anxiety, loneliness, conflict and moral uncertainty. While knowledge has expanded rapidly, wisdom has not always kept pace. This is where ancient spiritual traditions continue to offer timeless relevance.

The empowerments remind practitioners that genuine happiness cannot be downloaded, purchased or programmed. Lasting peace arises from transforming the mind—reducing attachment, overcoming anger, cultivating compassion and recognising the interconnectedness of all life. These lessons are perhaps more necessary today than ever before.

His Holiness the Je Khenpo's month-long administration of these sacred teachings also reflects a profound act of service.
Day after day, for an entire month, His Holiness dedicated himself to transmitting blessings preserved through centuries of uninterrupted lineage. Such dedication is itself a teaching.
It demonstrates that spiritual leadership is ultimately an expression of compassion—sharing wisdom not for personal recognition but for the benefit of countless beings.

The immense participation witnessed throughout the programme likewise speaks to Bhutan's enduring spiritual vitality. In many parts of the world, religious traditions struggle to engage younger generations.
Bhutan offers a different picture. Young people continue to attend empowerments alongside their parents and grandparents, ensuring that sacred traditions remain living practices rather than historical memories.
This continuity matters.
Culture survives not merely through monuments or museums but through living participation. Faith is preserved not in books alone but in hearts willing to receive, practise and pass it on.
Similarly, the hundreds of volunteers spoke about something that is deeply related to every teaching and blessing. Retired members of the armed forces worked tirelessly to feed the thousands who were gathered as other volunteers looked into the basic conveniences of everyone who were part of this spiritual festival.
As devotees returned home, the true conclusion of the programme was, in many ways, only the beginning.

An empowerment does not end when the ceremony concludes. Its deepest purpose unfolds afterwards—in how one lives.
It is reflected in greater patience towards family members, deeper honesty in one's work, kindness towards strangers, generosity towards those in need and mindfulness in everyday actions.
Additionally, the greatest offering one can make after receiving an empowerment is not simply another prayer, but becoming a better human being.

That may ultimately be the enduring message of the Kyilchok Dorji Threngwa and Kathrid empowerments.
They invite us to recognise that enlightenment is not distant or reserved for a privileged few. It begins with ordinary acts performed with extraordinary awareness. A gentle word, a forgiving heart, an honest livelihood, a compassionate decision—these become the building blocks of spiritual transformation.
As Bhutan continues its journey towards progress and modernity, such teachings remain a quiet but powerful reminder that true development is measured not only by stronger economies or taller buildings, but by the quality of the human heart.

For in the end, the highest empowerment is not simply one that is received from a spiritual master. It is the empowerment we give ourselves each day—to live with greater wisdom, deeper compassion and unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of all sentient beings.

04/09/2026

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04/09/2026

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04/09/2026

Dawa At Hilltop

04/09/2026

𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐞 - 𝐬𝐮𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞 - 𝐬𝐮𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞
When the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe, it didn’t just pause life but shattered routines, dreams, and livelihoods in an instant. For Dema Lham, a young Bhutanese woman whose world revolved around the vibrant hum of the tourism industry, the sudden silence was overwhelming. The bustling streets emptied, the laughter of travelers faded, and the heartbeat of her work was replaced by stillness. Overnight, the life she had built was suspended in uncertainty, leaving her to grapple with loss of income and an aching void of purpose.

Before the pandemic, Dema worked alongside her elder brother in their travel agency, welcoming visitors eager to discover Bhutan’s beauty. Tourism was thriving, and the future seemed secure. But when borders closed, bookings vanished, and life slowed to a halt, she was forced to search for hope in uncertainty. In that silence, she began to look inward, believing that even in disruption, renewal was possible.

It was in this moment that Dema felt a stronger call within her,a call to serve. In June 2020, she joined the De-suung Training Programme, stepping forward not just as a volunteer, but as someone seeking purpose through service.

Established on 14 February 2011 under the visionary leadership of His Majesty the King, De-suung,meaning “Guardians of Peace”,was founded to inspire volunteerism, civic responsibility, and service among Bhutanese citizens. It became a platform for unity, discipline, and compassion, enabling individuals like Dema to serve the nation in times of need.

From its humble beginning with 125 volunteers, De-suung has grown into a nationwide movement with over 55,000 trained De-suups. Guided by the motto “Serving with Pride, Protecting with Compassion,” they have become a trusted force in disaster response, community service, and national development.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, De-suups played a critical role in supporting quarantine facilities, assisting health teams, safeguarding public welfare, and ensuring national resilience. Yet their contribution extended far beyond the crisis.

In the years that followed, De-suups engaged in national service projects across Bhutan. They supported clean drinking water initiatives, irrigation systems, road construction, fruit tree plantation, and animal welfare programmes such as the National Dog Population Management initiative and many others. They also assisted border security alongside the Armed Forces and contributed to the construction and preservation of temples and dzongs.

Through these efforts, De-suups proved they were not only protectors in crisis but also builders of the nation’s future embodying His Majesty’s vision of unity, compassion, and selfless service.
Surrounded by this spirit of service, Dema slowly regained confidence. Yet she also needed a path to rebuild her livelihood. That opportunity came with the establishment of the De-suung Skilling Programme (DSP) in April 2021, a visionary initiative from His Majesty the King, transforming service into empowerment.
The programme was designed to equip De-suups and youth with practical, market-relevant skills for employment, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance. As His Majesty the King stated, “Our De-suups have answered the call of duty… The State must reciprocate.”
Guided by the vision of “building skillsets and transforming mindsets,” with passion discovery as its genesis, DSP expanded across Bhutan, offering training in IT, hospitality, culinary arts, construction, electrical works, entrepreneurship, and more. Since its inception, it has enrolled over 19,000 participants and trained more than 10,000 individuals.

For Dema, DSP became a turning point. She enrolled in bakery and pastry training under internationally trained instructors, including Chef Boon from Thailand. She later completed Bhutan’s first barista training programme.

What began as skill-building soon became passion. The emptiness she once felt was replaced by the aroma of freshly baked bread. Baking became healing, purpose, and hope. A defining moment came on 17 September 2021, when DSP trainees had the honor of meeting His Majesty the King and Her Majestythe Gyaltsuen at Pemako Hotel for a cake-tasting session. His Majesty guided the trainees on refining taste and discipline, encouraging excellence and attention to detail. These lessons left a lasting imprint on Dema’s journey.

Inspired, she took a bold step and opened Southhall Café on 6 August 2022. Today, the café stands as a story of resilience, courage, and transformation. From uncertainty to entrepreneurship, Dema’s journey reflects the impact of the De-suung spirit and DSP. Her café is known not only for its pastries but also for the dedication and standards she continues to uphold.Beyond her own success, Dema has become a source of opportunity for others. She employs fellow De-suups, supports unemployed youth, and provides On-the-Job Training placements through DSP. For many, Southhall Café has become a space of learning, mentorship, and hope.

Dema’s story reflects that true success lies not only in personal achievement but in lifting others along the way. Her café stands as proof that when one person rises with courage, many can rise together.As Southhall Café approaches its fourth anniversary, she remains deeply grateful for the visionary leadership of His Majesty the King and the opportunities created through De-suung and DSP. What once felt like an ending became a new beginningbuilt on service, resilience, and purpose.

Her journey reflects a deeper truth:when a nation comes together under a shared vision of service and responsibility, lives are transformed, potential is unlocked, and communities are strengthened. Through initiatives like De-suung and DSP, His Majesty’s vision continues to show that national progress is most powerful when it uplifts every individual.

Building on this vision, we are looking to invite global trainers and individuals with passion in their craft to be part of the initiative as expert contributors. As the De-suung Skilling Programme continues to expand, such engagement can bring diverse skills, practical knowledge, and broader exposure for trainees, further empowering youth with the tools they need for self-reliance and growth.
This aligns with His Majesty’s vision of nation-building through human capital development, where empowering people through knowledge and skills transforms individual lives and strengthens the nation.

If you are interested in contributing as a trainer or expert, please visit the link shared below for more details and application.
https://dsp.org.bt

17/08/2026

12/08/2026

Bhutan Hotels and Restaurants - BHR