Buddha Dordenma [boo‑da dor‑den‑ma]
A giant golden Buddha statue overlooking Thimphu, filled with thousands of smaller statues.
When you’ll see this on your trip: Most Thimphu city tours include a visit to Buddha Dordenma for views over the valley.
Cham
Sacred masked dances performed by monks during religious festivals.
When you’ll see this on your trip: At a tshechu, you’ll see monks and lay dancers performing cham in elaborate costumes and masks.
Chorten [chor-ten]
A Tibetan-style Buddhist stupa or monument representating the mind of the Buddha. They are often found at junctions and high passes.
When you’ll see this on your trip: You will often walk around these clockwise as a sign of respect while traveling between valleys.
Desi [de-si]
A historic title for Bhutan's chief minister or head of government before the monarchy, once leading the nation's civil administration.
When you’ll see this on your trip: You may hear about desis when guides explain Bhutan’s early political history
Druk [dru-k]
Means “dragon” and refers to Bhutan as the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
When you’ll see this on your trip: You’ll notice “Druk” in names of airlines, hotels and organizations across Bhutan.
Dzong [zong]
A distinctive type of fortress architecture found mainly in Bhutan and Tibet. They serve as both administrative centers and homes for the monk body.
When you’ll see this on your trip: Most cultural tours visit these grand structures in every major valley.
Goenpa [goen-pa]
A term used for a monastery or hermitage, often located on a hillside or in a remote, peaceful setting.
When you’ll see this on your trip: Your guide may refer to several sites as goenpas as you travel through different valleys.
Joenpalekso [jon-pa-lek-so]
The formal greeting used in Bhutan, similar to saying 'welcome', wishing someone/somebody.
When you’ll see this on your trip: You’ll notice your guide who receives you at the airport on your arrival saying 'Joenpalekso' and offer you a Trashi Khadar
Kabney [kab-nay]
A ceremonial man’s scarf worn over the gho. Its specific color signifies the wearer’s social rank or official status during religious and state events.
Spot kabneys draped over men’s ghos during official meetings, monastery visits, and festive ceremonies throughout Bhutan, particularly on formal occasions.
Kagyu [ka-gyu]
A major school of Tibetan Buddhism known for its emphasis on meditation practice and teacher‑student transmission.
When you’ll see this on your trip: You may hear your guide mention the Kagyu tradition when visiting monasteries or learning about Bhutan’s Buddhist history.
Kira [kee-ra]
The national dress for Bhutanese women. It is an ankle-length dress consisting of a rectangular piece of woven fabric wrapped around the body.
When you’ll see this on your trip: Women in Bhutan wear elegant, often colorful Kiras for work and social gatherings.
Kora [kor‑a]
A clockwise walk around a sacred site as a form of meditation and merit‑making.
When you’ll see this on your trip: You can join locals doing kora around chortens, temples or monasteries.
Kuzuzangpo [koo‑zoo‑zang‑po]
The formal greeting in Dzongkha, similar to saying “hello” and wishing good health.
When you’ll see this on your trip: You’ll hear and use this greeting when meeting guides, hosts and locals.
Lagay [la-gay]
These crisp white cuffs are pinned and folded back at the gho’s wrists, giving Bhutanese men a polished, formal look.
You’ll spot these crisp white cuffs on men’s ghos at festivals, monastery visits, and formal events where traditional attire is showcased.
Mo Chhu [mo choo]
The “female river” that meets the Pho Chhu at Punakha Dzong
When you’ll see this on your trip: You’ll see the Mo Chhu flowing below Punakha Dzong and may cross it by suspension bridge or during rafting or walking tours.
Nyingma [ning-ma]
One of the oldest schools of Tibetan Buddhism, with teachings that emphasize ancient scriptures and meditative practices.
When you’ll see this on your trip: Your guide may mention the Nyingma tradition when explaining Bhutan’s Buddhist history or specific monasteries you visit.
Pelela Pass [pe-lay-la]
A mountain pass that traditionally marked the boundary between western and central Bhutan, known for its prayer flags and panoramic views.
When you’ll see this: You will cross Pelela Pass traveling between Punakha and Trongsa, stopping briefly to admire the prayer flags and highland scenery.
Pho Chhu [po choo]
The “male river” that joins with the Mo Chhu (“female river”) below Punakha Dzong, forming a dramatic confluence.
When you’ll see this on your trip: You may see the Pho Chhu joining the Mo Chhu below Punakha Dzong, or hear your guide mention it when explaining the rivers of the valley.
Rachu [ra-chu]
A colorful, patterned scarf worn by women over the shoulder with a kira. It is required for visiting temples, festivals, or any formal event in Bhutan.
When you’ll see this: You’ll spot rachu on women's shoulders during temple visits, vibrant festivals, and ceremonial events throughout your journey.
Ta Dzong [tah-zong]
A watchtower, usually built in a circular or hexagonal shape, originally used to defend a Dzong. Many have been converted into beautiful museums.
When you’ll see this on your trip: The National Museum of Bhutan in Paro is located in a stunning former Ta Dzong.
Tshachu [tsa-choo]
Natural hot springs believed to have healing properties.
When you’ll see this on your trip: Some itineraries include a detour to soak in a remote tshachu in winter.
Trashi-khadar [tra-shee-kha-dar]
A ceremonial white scarf offered as a greeting and blessing, symbolizing good luck and auspicious wishes.
When you’ll see this on your trip: You may be welcomed with a trashi-khadar on arrival or see it offered during important meetings, ceremonies, and temple visits.
Wonju [won-joo]
A long‑sleeved blouse worn under the kira by Bhutanese women.
When you’ll see this on your trip: You’ll see the colorful cuffs of the wonju peeking out from women’s sleeves
Yakchoe [yak-cho-ay]
A traditional festival in Bumthang featuring dances, rituals, and community gatherings, often centered around local legends and blessings.
When you’ll see this on your trip: If you visit Bumthang during festival time, your guide may suggest attending Yakchoe to experience local dances and village traditions.
Zorig Chusum [zo-rig chu-sum]
The “thirteen traditional arts and crafts” of Bhutan, from painting and woodcarving to weaving.
When you’ll see this on your trip: You may visit an arts school or workshop to watch students practicing the zorig chusum
Glossary of Bhutanese Terms
To help you immerse yourself in the Land of the Thunder Dragon, we’ve compiled this guide to the local terms you'll encounter. These words are woven throughout Ziibba’s itineraries and cultural stories to deepen your understanding of our heritage.
Chhu [choo]
The Bhutanese word for water or river, essential to the country's geography and the naming of its major valleys.
When you’ll see this on your trip: You will follow the course of the Pa Chhu or Wang Chhu as you traverse the kingdom.
Dochula Pass [do-choo-la]
A mountain pass located on the road from Thimphu to Punakha, featuring 108 memorial chortens and views of the Himalayas.
When you’ll see this on your trip: Your driver will stop here to enjoy the crisp air and the Druk Wangyel Chortens.
Druk Yul [druk-yool]
The traditional name for Bhutan, meaning 'Land of the Thunder Dragon'. 'Druk' refers to the dragon in Bhutanese mythology.
When you’ll see this on your trip: This name appears on documents, souvenirs, and is used proudly by locals to refer to their home.
Kadrinchay [ka-drin-chay]
Kadrinchey is a polite Dzongkha expression meaning ‘thank you,’ used to show gratitude and appreciation.
When you’ll see this on your trip: You’ll hear kadrinchey often when people thank you in shops, homestays, and during daily interactions with your guide and hosts.
Kera [kay-ra]
A traditional belt or sash worn with Bhutanese dress, used to secure the kira or gho and add a decorative touch.
When you’ll see this on your trip: You’ll notice kayras cinching the kira or gho on both men and women.
Koma [ko-ma]
Traditional metal brooches used to fasten the kira at the shoulders, often beautifully crafted and sometimes passed down through generations.
When you’ll see this on your trip: You’ll notice koma on the shoulders of women wearing the kira, especially during festivals and formal occasions.
Kurjey [kur-jay]
A sacred temple complex in Bumthang where Guru Rinpoche is said to have left his body imprint.
When you’ll see this on your trip: Many cultural itineraries in Bumthang include a visit to Kurjey Lhakhang for its deep spiritual significance.
Lhakhang [la-khang]
Literally 'House of Gods'. These are sacred Buddhist temples or shrines found throughout the Bhutanese landscape.
When you’ll see this on your trip: You'll visit many of these peaceful sanctuaries for meditation and quiet reflection.
Penlop [pen‑lop]
A historical title for a regional governor or local ruler in Bhutan, especially used during the pre-monarchy and early monarchy periods.
When you’ll see this on your trip: You may hear about powerful penlops when guides describe Bhutan’s political history before unification
Puta [poo-tah ]
Puta is a classic Bumthang specialty: savory, stir-fried buckwheat noodles prepared with local spices and aromatics.
When you’ll see this on your trip: You will mostly encounter and taste puta at local farmhouses or restaurants while exploring the Bumthang region.
Tego [tay-go]
A short jacket worn over the wonju as part of women’s national dress
When you’ll see this on your trip: Women often wear a matching tego and kira set during festivals and formal visits
Tshechu [tse-choo]
Annual religious Bhutanese festivals held in each district or dzong of Bhutan on the tenth day of a month of the lunar Tibetan calendar.
When you’ll see this on your trip: You may attend a festival to witness vibrant masked dances and community celebrations.
Yotongla Pass [yo-tong-la]
A high mountain pass on the road between Trongsa and Bumthang, offering sweeping views of forests and valleys.
When you’ll see this on your trip: You’ll cross Yotongla Pass when traveling between Trongsa and Bumthang, often stopping briefly to enjoy the high‑mountain views.