Friday, March 25, 2011

Bhutan Treks - The Brokpa Folks and Their Legends

Jap Bhutan is arguably one of the world's most beautiful areas - and it is dwelling to the culturally unique Brokpa individuals, who live in Merak and Sakten. For almost two decades, Bhutan treks in that part of the country were not permitted by the government for undisclosed causes - rumours alleged the will to protect the Yeti - however the regions of Merak and Sakten are now open again. Bhutan treks there provide the actually memorable alternative to fulfill these wonderful people.


Ethnically Unique

The Brokpas speak Sharchop, a different language to that spoken elsewhere in Bhutan - extra noticeable to visitors on Bhutan treks, they gown uniquely. Brokpa individuals are easily recognised by their woven red jackets, typically detailed with stitched animals, and curious black yak hats. These hats have five spidery legs, designed to channel rainwater away from the wearer's head and body. As befitting the title Brokpa, which can be translated to mean 'nomad' or 'herder', the folks remain semi-nomadic yak herders, counting on the animal for clothes, food and transport. For anyone with an interest in minority ethnic groups and the preservation of traditional methods of dwelling in an more and more trendy, homogenous world, Bhutan treks in Merak and Sakten are a must.

Aum Jono and the King's Demand

Like many Himalayan peoples, the Brokpa have a story of their origin. They moved to Bhutan many tons of of years in the past - according to them, this is because they as soon as lived in Tibet, until a conflict with a ruler. This king demanded that his people remove the top of a mountain as a consequence of it blocked the solar, covering his palace in shadow. One lady, Aum Jono, who didn't assume this ridiculous order should be obeyed, informed her folks that it was far simpler to remove a head than a mountain-top. The Brokpas agreed. After killing the king, Aum Jono led them to security and prosperity in japanese Bhutan. She is now revered as a defending deity, with a competition held in her honour.

Brokpas and the Yeti

Anyone planning to go on Bhutan treks will certainly have heard of the Yeti. To the Brokpas this creature is named Megay, and yak herders to this day report encountering Megay in high, thickly forested altitudes, typically when they have pursued a straying yak. In accordance with their remarkable tales, the Megay consumes bamboo shrubs, is white or gentle pink in color, and smells of garlic. The Megay is simply not a curiosity, as it's to Westerners, however a guardian deity of remote mountainous areas - and the Brokpas accordingly treat it with respect.

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