Nestled deep within the black mountains of Bhutan lies a world less touched by time — the serene, spiritually rich homeland of the Monpa people, the last remaining people who still practice Bonism and Shaminism in Bhutan. Among the least-known ethnic groups in the country, the Monpa live primarily in Trongsa District, especially in the remote village of Jangbi, Wangling and Phumjor perched on a forested ridge above the Mangde Chhu River and is also a part of Jigme Singye National Park. Their way of life offers a compelling glimpse into Bhutan’s ancient cultural mosaic and the delicate balance between tradition and nature.
How to get there?
A one-hour drive from Trongsa takes us to Langthel Gewog. From there, the journey continues through several villages, including Dang Dung, until we reach Tongtophy village after approximately 45 minutes. At Tongtophy, a dirt road branches off—this is the route we follow for about 10 kilometers. This path leads us to Janbi village, winding through pristine forests, across hanging bridges, and over ancient stone steps. Along the way, other branches of the dirt road diverge toward the two Monpa villages of Wangling and Phumjor. The entire journey from Trongsa to Janbi takes roughly 2.5 hours.
The drive from Trongsa to Langthel Gewog is scenic. You will come across women at work, paddy fields and many a number of beautiful villages or farmers at work.
You can also enroute Kuenga Rabten Palace , Taktsi School .
Along the way if you are lucky you will see Golden Langur and other rare species of birds.
A Glimpse into Monpa Identity
The Monpas are believed to be among the earliest settlers of Bhutan, and they are considered to have close ethnic and linguistic ties with the indigenous people of Arunachal Pradesh in India and Doya of Dagana. Though small in number, their identity is deeply preserved in their language, rituals, and close-knit communities.
They speak a language known as Monkha, part of the Tibeto-Burman family. However, with increasing exposure to Dzongkha (Bhutan’s national language) and modern influences, Monkha is now listed as endangered — a sobering reminder of how easily ancient traditions can fade away.
Village Life: Harmony with Nature
Jangbi and other Monpa villages are surrounded by dense subtropical forests, they are situated in the heart of Jigme Singye National Park home to an astonishing array of flora and fauna. The Monpa people are traditionally shifting cultivators, practicing slash-and-burn agriculture (locally known as tsheri farming), growing maize, millet, and barley. They have also started transitioning into more sustainable farming techniques in recent years.
Bamboo and cane craft is an essential skill passed down through generations. Monpa artisans create intricately woven baskets, tools, and other daily-use items entirely by hand, using forest resources with care and reverence. These skills not only serve practical needs but are also a symbol of resilience and cultural pride.
Spiritual Beliefs and Traditions
Though many Monpas practice Bon and animist traditions, there is also a deep reverence for Buddhism, which has blended into their spiritual practices over time. Their festivals, like Chudhar, are intimate affairs, marked by storytelling, mask dances, and rituals that honor spirits of the forest, ancestors, and Buddhist deities alike.
Monpa homes are typically built from stone and wood, with open hearths that serve as the heart of the family. Oral traditions — folktales, songs, and proverbs — form the basis of education and moral guidance for the young.
Bonism Practice in Bhutan
They primarily observe 2 rituals as a part of Bonism or Shaminism Practice in Bhutan
i) Emergency Ritual
11) Yearly Ritual
Procedure for Annual Ritual
- Preparation of the Annual Ritual
2. Essential Material For Rituals
3. Locally Made offering to the deities
4. Making Deities Weapon
5.Offering Sequence
5. Shaman continue Rituals till next morning and bidding farewell to the deity.
https://studio.youtube.com/video/U6eIcbj_KSU/
If this is something you want to witness then you need to inform your tour operator months ahead so necessary preparation is made
Where to stay ?
There are no certified homestay at Monpa village. There is a designated campsite where you can pitch the tent and stay or the other option is to make an excursion from Trongsa which is 2 to 3 hours drive or you can stay in the guest house which is 10 Km drive from Jangbi village. The facilities at the guest house is very basic.
Preserving a Living Heritage
As Bhutan modernizes, the Monpa way of life stands at a crossroads. While education, healthcare, and connectivity bring new opportunities, they also pose challenges to preserving linguistic and cultural heritage. Bhutan’s government and local NGOs have taken steps to document Monkha, promote cultural tourism, and empower Monpa youth to take pride in their roots.
You can also stop at Jangbi School cosisting of 50-60 number of Students. The place is very remote so children will be happy to receive some color pencil, books, toys etc
The children visit the school in the traditional Monpa dress only on Tuesday
Conclusion
In tracing the spiritual and cultural journey of the Monpa people, we uncover a profound harmony that exists quietly within the folds of Bhutan’s remote mountains. The interweaving of Shamanism and Bonism in Monpa life is not merely a legacy of the past. It is a living, breathing tradition that continues to shape their worldview, rituals, and relationship with nature. These belief systems, rooted deeply in the rhythms of the land and the spirits that dwell within it, reveal an indigenous wisdom that values balance, reverence, and resilience.
As we explore their secluded villages, sacred sites, and ceremonial practices, we are reminded that Bhutan’s cultural richness is not only found in its monasteries and temples but also in the ancestral voices of its lesser-known communities. The spiritual path of the Monpa people is a hidden harmony—quiet yet profound, ancient yet enduring—inviting us to reflect on the many ways that culture, belief, and the natural world are deeply intertwined.
