Bhutan - Dungse Rinpoche passes away

«Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche
His Holiness Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche, a great teacher of the most learned Buddhist lams and a primary holder of the Düdjom Tersar (Nyingma) lineage, passed away peacefully at 10.25 am (BST) yesterday in New York.

Rinpoche, 81, who was reportedly ailing from chronic diabetes, passed away in a hospital in New York, according to a spokesperson from Garab Rinpoche’s office in Thimphu.

An emergency meeting held yesterday afternoon among the followers of His Holiness in Thimphu decided to bring His Holiness’s kudung (body) to Bhutan. “There are many disciples and close followers of His Holiness in Bhutan,” the spokesperson said. “A date has not been confirmed yet.”

His Holiness the Je Khenpo, who is on a religious tour of the eastern dzongkhags, offered 2,000 butter lamps in Lhuentse yesterday afternoon, while the central monk body offered 1,000 butter lamps in Punakha dzong.

Dungse Rinpoche was the chief architect of the Thimphu Memorial chorten, which he built under the guidance of his father, Chabje Dudjom Rinpoche, former head of the Nyingma lineage. It was built in 1974 to honour the memory of the third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1928-72).

His Holiness Dungse Rinpoche lived in Bhutan since mid-’50s and has many devotees all over Bhutan. He left Bhutan in the mid-’70s in deferment to the directives of his father, the late His Holiness Dudjom Jigdrel Dorji Rinpoche, to teach in the West. Since then, Rinpoche has been residing in upstate New York.

His Holiness last visited Bhutan in October 2009, on the invitation of Prime Minister Jigmi Y Thinley.

Expressing condolence on behalf of the people and government of Bhutan, Lyonchhoen said that His Holiness was a great teacher and a wonderful human being, who lived a humble life, setting the highest of examples. “A great bodhisattva has departed, leaving all of us with a deep sense of painful loss and grief. We pray for his swift return to continue his mission to liberate all sentient beings,” Lyonchhoen Jigmi Y Thinley said.

During his month long visit to Bhutan in 2009, His Holiness performed tshogkhors (feast offerings) and badza guru lungs (oral transmissions of Guru mantra) in Paro, Thimphu and in Rangjung, Trashigang.

Dungse Rinpoche, who is the father of Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche and Garab Rinpoche, is considered to be an emanation of Longchen Rabjam (Longchenpa), the 15th century Nyingma scholar, and incarnation of Terton Drimed Odser, who was one of the seven sons of Dudjom Lingpa (1835-1904).

Revered by practitioners of Buddhism all over the world, Dungse rinpoche was a pre-eminent teacher of the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, and patron of the Vajrayana foundation in California and Hawaii in the US.

By Rinzin Wangchuk

Bhutan - Bhutan Travel Experience and the Asian Switzerland

The myth and fascinating reality of Switzerland showcased in a million stories and anecdotes as Europe's paradise on earth has permeated the global consciousness for generations. From Swiss watches to Swiss cheese and from the Swiss Alps to the breath-taking beauty of Swiss lakes, no other country the same size has made its mark on cultures. With one exception though-Bhutan. This is at least true though for those adventure-seeking globe trotters who have experienced Bhutan travel first hand not by watching a stunning National Geographic special on Bhutan treks, Bhutan holidays or Bhutan vacations but by stepping on Bhutanese soil by traveling to Bhutan as a guest of the monarchy since every tourist is a revered guest.

Bhutan travel encompasses at least a Dozen Twists...
Bhutan isn't called "the Land between Heaven and Earth," or "the Fairyland Kingdom," or "Shangri-la" for nothing. The government has sensibly promulgated a long list of rules that govern Bhutan travel. Here are a few for starters all of which have done the job to letter perfection and preserved the pristine cultural and natural heritage of the country:

Planning your Bhutan travel itinerary
You can't simply pick up your bags, board a flight and hop off at the airport in Bhutan, You can visit Bhutan only by participating in a government sponsored travel program in which you pay approximately $250 per day to enjoy the penultimate Bhutan travel experience. The daily fee includes just about everything-your hotel stay, food, personal tour guide, private transportation, entry tickets to monasteries and other places of interest, and once in a while, a meal at an ethnic Bhutanese restaurant. We have both good and bad news for shopoholics. The bad news is that the Bhutan government won't pay you for your personal shopping. The good news, however, is that there is a mind-boggling array of choices to select from most of which are so cheap that you are going to run out of money before you know it!

Visa for Bhutan travel
The visa for your Bhutan travel program is going to be issued by your tour operator and not by any embassy. It will run you no more than $20 per person. We think that's a deal and we know you will agree. This helps the Bhutan government to cautiously control how many tourists are allowed into the country each year much like non-immigrant visas. Bottom line? Plan early because the whole world is gradually beginning to find out what a genuine deal Bhutan travel happens to be and we obviously wouldn't want you to be disappointed!

Bhutan travel means one airport one airline
There is only one airport in the entire country located at Paro and there is only one airline, Druk Air, which flies into the country and that too from no more than about half a dozen countries. It is therefore a great idea to plan your Bhutan holiday at least three or four months in advance so that you are blessed with all the convenient flight connections there are available. Many travelers, who have shared their Bhutan experience first hand through blogs and wikis, have mentioned that the process of landing and take off in Bhutan is an experience on to itself.

What to see when you travel to Bhutan

Now that we have hopefully peaked your curiosity, we want you to conduct some research on Bhutan. Troll the Internet, check out a few travel guides, and most importantly, post an inquiry on your Facebook page to help you find a friend or business associate who has visited Bhutan. You don't need any Wikipedia articles to convince you because everyone who visits Bhutan, tends to rave about it and often wonders aloud why they didn't take the trip a lifetime ago.

Paro International Airport - The First Choice Among Bhutan Tour Operators

Located at a whopping 7300 feet above sea level, Paro International Airport is perhaps one of the most elevated airports in the world. It is the first as well as the only aviation landing choice for Bhutan tour operators and visitors alike planning a Bhutan travel experience. Why you ask? Because Paro International Airport is Bhutan's only Airport. Surprised? We were too, but not for too long. After all, Bhutan is a really tiny kingdom and isn't known as the Land of Happiness for nothing.

Paro Airport and the Ultimate Bhutan Travel Experience

Your Bhutan travel experience, which provides you an unprecedented opportunity in cultural immersion not to mention an environment that is virtually pollution-free, commences even before you land at the Paro International Airport. On a bright sunny day, you will be serenaded by breath-taking views of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayan mountain range of which Mt. Everest is an intrinsic part. The Bhutan tour operator with whom you have signed up to experience the real Bhutan in all its majestic and magnificent glory, will provide you precise aireal landmarks and tell you what to look for from your airplane window. The views may seem a tad intimidating but not to worry. Your flight crew has thousands of hours of flight experience and only the most competent pilots are assigned the critical responsibility of piloting aircrafts into Bhutan as we will illustrate in a moment.

A Blessing for all Bhutan tour Operators

Situated in a deep valley on the banks of the Paro river only six km from the city of Paro, which makes it very easy for all the Bhutan tour operators to meet and greet you punctually, the Airport is very sate-of-the-art with a runway that is 6445 feet long and paved with asphalt. The latest navigational gismos, radar technologies and CAT-3 systems not withstanding, the Bhutan government doesn't believe in taking any chances when it comes time to safeguard your safety. Flights are allowed to land only during the day when visibility is excellent. Flights are diverted to neighboring Airports in India at a moment's notice if weather conditions change rapidly and suddenly. After all, the peaks that surround the Paro International Airport at 18,000 feet high! As of October 2009, there were only eight pilots certified to land at Paro International Airport according to a report published in Travel &Leisure Magazine by American Express. To date, the flight safety record of Druc Air, which flies into the airport daily, has been stellar.

The Welcome Mat from Bhutan tour Operators

Regardless of the time of the day or year you fly into Paro International Airport, your Bhutan tour operator will be there to welcome you. It is a small Airport with only one terminal and four gates so you will be easy to spot and aren't going to get lost. Paro International Airport isn't simply your gateway to Mt. Everest but also a meaningful connection, a launching pad for your wonderful Bhutan trip.

Bhutan Tour: A Miraculous and Pleasurable Journey

Bhutan "The land of Thunder Dragon" is a astonishing country in South Asia. Its ancient and rich culture grabs the attention of the visitors. The Himalayas makes nation more beautiful. Its amazing loveliness will make you speechless. Spiritual people of a country have simple and beautiful life and they always use to welcome their tourist with a welcome smile on their face. It is known for its marvelous landscape beauty, wonderful mountain peaks, beautiful art and architecture, striking wildlife, historical relics, etc. Travelers will enjoy a lot in between the breezy atmosphere of the place. On this journey you will feel like that you are in your own world.

The astounding attractions of Bhutan will make your trip more pleasurable. Thimpu and Paro valley are the two prime tourist's attractions of a nation. The miraculous and scenic beauty of these valleys will win the heart of visitors. Some other remarkable attractions which will you visit on your tour are: Ta Dzong, Folk Heritage Museum, Wangdiphodrang, Tongsa, Bumthang Valley, Mongar, National Museum of Bhutan, Lhuntse, Taktsang Monastery, Rinpung Dzong, Druguel Dzong, National Textile Museum, Chendebji Chorten, National Memorial Chorten, Bhutan Palaces and temples, etc. The tremendous monasteries will remind you about Buddhist time and their culture. One will also enjoy the different popular festivals like Crane Festival, Jambe Festival, and the Autumn Festivals.

Apart from all above sightseeing, you will also explore the exotic wildlife on your Bhutan Trips. The well-known wildlife destinations are: Jigme Dorji National Park, Royal Manas National Park, Phipsoo Wildlife Sanctuary, Bomdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, Jigme Singye Wanchuck National Park, Thrumshingla National Park, Torsa Strict Nature Reserve, Khaling Neoli Wildlife Sanctuary, Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, etc. tourists will also engage themselves for shopping. Shopping with hot and delicious food is must for a healthier and pleasant journey. The famous things which you will buy from the popular markets are: hand made textile, wooden products, carpets, metal jewelry, shawls, scarves, old coins, etc. You may also try different and unique traditional dress of a country made up of cotton.

Bhutan tours also offer you superb opportunity to experience the breathtaking adventurous sports. The nation is located on the mountains and valley of Himalayas range that's why it is the preeminent option for adventure lovers. Some popular exciting sports are: trekking, kayaking, rafting, day hikes, bicycling, mountain biking, rock climbing, etc.

After this miraculous journey you will love the place from the bottom of your heart. So come and spend your lovely vacations in between the green valleys, cool atmosphere, natural attractiveness and different culture of Bhutan.

Bhutan - Bhutan Packages for the Wild Life Adventurer

When you begin planning your leisure travel to destinations far and beyond your borders, you are often faced with a bewildering array of choices not simply about the country or region you can visit but also the type of tour package you can consider. traveling to Bhutan doesn't make it on everyone's travel wish list under normal circumstances. However, if we tell you about a few types of Bhutan packages and focus on one of them, may be we will change your mind.

Bhutan packages for just about everyone

First a gentle introduction. bhutan is a small kingdom in Asia just north of India nestled quietly in the foothills of the Himalayan range of mountains seriously far away from the madding crowd as Thomas Hardy would have put it. The mountain kingdom, as it is often referred to, didn't let too many visitors into the country until recently. Why you ask? The royal family wanted to keep the country "as it is" without compromising the incredible beauty and magnificence of the nation's topography and landscape that is so often corroded by millions of tourists. Even today, every Bhutan travel agency offering a Bhutan package is required to register and seek permission from the government through a tightly monitored visa process before a tour group or individual tourist is permitted to enter the country. Except for a beach vacation experience, the country offers literally every type of organized travel including:

• Hiking and trekking packages
• Relaxing and slow-paced sightseeing packages
• Honeymoon packages
• Photography packages
• Spiritual and religious packages
• Outdoor adventure packages such as packages which include river rafting and kayaking

And the most popular which we have kept for the last, wildlife adventure packages.

Bhutan Packages Featuring Himalayan Wildlife

Some years ago, an internationally acclaimed wildlife expert named Dr. Alan Rabinowitz decided to visit Bhutan to find out if the high altitudes for which the country is so popular could actually support wildlife in the real sense of the term. He turned to technology combined with his keen instinct for an answer. With assistance from an experienced photography veteran named Gordon Buchanan who was employed with BBC at that time, he set up several cameras with built-in infra red motion sensors covering a wide expanse of the Himalayan range. The cameras were monitored remotely for performance and when the team returned three months later, they were amazed by the results. They found that wildlife in Bhutan was alive and kicking for sure. Leopards, red foxes, Jungle cats, Himalayan black bears, monkeys and even tigers were all co-existing in pure and pristine harmony in the lap of nature. What is more, wildlife enthusiasts and researchers were amazed to learn that the cameras had captured the images of two wild tigers, a male and a female. The footage clearly revealed that the male tiger was busy scent-marking which indicated that he was well ensconced in the habitat of his choice. The female tiger was seen lactating which was grounds to conclude that there were many more tigers in the area than was evident in the footage. Like everyone else, tigers didn't seem to have a problem with the altitude.

It goes without saying that for an avid wildlife adventurer, Bhutan packages that showcase the country's magnificent fauna would be a dream come true. Many Bhutan travel agencies offer opportunities for organized Bhutan travel which include five star hotel accommodation, four meals, hotel and airport transfers, English-speaking tour guides and transportation for less than $300 a day all inclusive. So the next time you are all set to plan a vacation, why not come to the fairy kingdom of Bhutan and check out what you have been missing.

Bhutan - Traveling to Bhutan, the Mystical Land of the Thunder Dragon

If you have the cash saved up, a little time and planning can get you to this land locked Himalayan Kingdom and open up a wonder world of picturesque landscapes, enchanting villages, snow capped mountains, ageless forests, erotic sculptures, dark musty monasteries and a culture so rich and steeped in time you will think you have indeed been transported back a few hundred years.

Firstly you have to get to Paro. The government imposed rule is that you must fly at least one way with the National Carrier, Druk Air. As Druk is actually the only carrier that flies into Paro, Bhutan's airport, then the choice is easy. Druk flies a couple of times a week from Kathmandu, Bangkok and Dehli.

Booking your trip is no easy task with so many online tour operators all offering package tours to Bhutan. The Government of Bhutan has set a daily tariff fee for foreigners visiting the country. Many people confuse this with the visa fee and think that is what costs so much. In fact the visa to visit Bhutan is only US$25. Tours are expensive due to the imposed daily tariff.

Many companies offer what look like value for money Bhutan Tours, but inspect the itineraries closer, especially for tours that commence in places like Kathmandu, Bangkok or Delhi, they may include your flight to Paro, but check out how many days you will actually be spending inside Bhutan as that is where the money should be spent. Some tour agents fluff out tours by selling a ten day trip, where only five days may actually be in Bhutan and the rest doing sightseeing around the joining point country.

Look for a tour that you can meet in Paro, making your own way there will ensure that you get 100% value for money inside Bhutan. If you book a tour with an agent they will most likely be able to help you with arranging your flights.

The best time to visit Bhutan is of course the main festival seasons where the culture and colour is at its best. During these times, normally March, April, September and October, it can be very hard to book a flight. So make sure you book well ahead and get your agent to arrange and confirm flights for you (most airlines can be booked up to 10 months in advance only). Also double check that if you are booking your tour to coincide with a festival, that you will get the chance to see one. During these festival times the tariff rate will be at a premium. If festivals are not your thing, then try going outside of season and you should be able to get as much as a 30% discount on your tour.

As a trip to Bhutan is such a 'once in a lifetime experience' a true travel investment you should choose your tour operator wisely. As all tours to Bhutan are pre arranged, it's all too easy for a travel company to tack Bhutan tours onto their list of tours without having properly made contacts with agents inside Bhutan. As Bhutan tours are 100% operated by Bhutanese tour companies, you should be looking for a company that either represents a Bhutan Agent or is a certified tour operator for Bhutan. I could not think of anything worse than spending a lot of money and not getting to see half the things mentioned on the itinerary or having a poorly arranged holiday.

When planning your trip, obviously your budget will factor the amount of days you are able to spend in Bhutan. Here are a few places that you must see, so make sure that your itinerary and time frame covers them.

Kichu Lhakhang- This Monastery is one of the 108 monasteries built across the Himalayan region by the Tibetan King to subdue the Demoness that lay across the Himalayan region.

Taktsang Monastery- The Tigers Nest. This is one of the most famous sights in Bhutan. The monastery is perched on a cliff in the midst of a lush green jungle. It is reached by a short walk and offers stunning views. This is one of the most memorable sights to visit in Bhutan and the main reason why a lot of visitors come here. The primary Lhakhang was built around Guru Rimpoche's meditation cave in the 1684 by the Penlop of Paro Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, flew here on the back of a flying tiger, Dorji Drolo, said to be his favorite consort.

The Tango Monastery- The trail Tango is a climb of 280 meters and it takes an hour to reach the monastery. Lama Gyalwa Lhanampa founded the monastery in 12th century. The building was re-built in 15th century by the "Divine Madman". This is one of the best places for meditation in Bhutan.
Chimi Lhakhang- Built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley in 15th century. (This monk is popularly known as the Devine Madman for his philosophy, "Salvation through sex"). He subdued the demons with his "Magical Thunder bolt". The Temple is also known as "The Temple of Fertility". Sterile women from far and wide come to this Temple to get blessed.

Wangdiphodrang Dzong- Built in 1638. Legend has it as the people were searching for the site of this Dzong, four ravens were seen flying away in four directions. This was considered an auspicious sign, representing the spread of religion to the four points of the compass.

Chendebji Monastery- This Monastery is patterned after Swayambhunath in Kathmandu and was built in the 19th century by Lama Shida, from Tibet, to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was killed at this spot.
Trongsa Dzong- I think that this is the most impressive fort in Bhutan. The present form was built in 1644 and was built in aim to unify Eastern Bhutan. The Dzong, which means fort in Bhutanese is the present home of the Royal Family and the first two hereditary kings who rule the country from this place.

Gangtey Gompa - This is famous for the Black Necked Cranes during winter. These cranes are very rare and endangered and highly protected by the Government. These cranes fly to Phobjikha valley which is their winter habitat. The Cranes circle three times in a clock-wise direction around the Gangtey Gompa as a reverence to the Monastery before landing in the valley. They repeat the same practice before flying back to Tibet in early spring.

Tag : Bhutan,Mystical Land,Thunder Dragon

Bhutan : Totality starts at 06:58

21 July, 2009: A few hours after the sun comes up tomorrow, darkness will descend, temperatures will drop and, for about four minutes, it will feel like night, even stars may be visible, as the moon completely eclipses the sun.

Bhutan is one of the few countries, apart from parts of India, China and the Marshall Islands in the Pacific, where one of nature’s grandest spectacles, the longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century, will be visible. As Bhutan falls in the path of the eclipse, the phenomenon can be seen from almost anywhere in the country.

The moon will start eating into the sun at around 5:58 am (Bhutan time), when the shadow of the moon starts falling somewhere in the Arabian Sea. The entire phenomenon will last for about two hours in Bhutan with the total eclipse or totality starting at 6:58 am. A total eclipse occurs when the moon completely blocks the sun.

Assuming that it is a clear cloudless day, totality will be visible from 6:58 am to 7:00:54 am, about three minutes duration. The southern part of the country should be able to see the eclipse for about four minutes, according to calculations by the national aeronautical space administration (NASA). The maximum totality, six minutes 39 seconds, can be seen from the Pacific Ocean.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the sun and the earth, blocking out the sun from the areas in the moon’s shadow. Without the sun’s light, the sky darkens enough for stars to be seen and the corona makes a spectacular halo around the moon.

Meanwhile, experts warn that it is not safe to directly look at the sun with the naked eye, particularly when the partial eclipse is occurring. NASA expert, Dr Donald M Hassler, who gave a talk on solar eclipse in Thimphu yesterday, said that directly looking at a partial eclipse, even for a short time, could permanently damage the eyesight. But it was safe to look at the sun when the total eclipse occurs although timing it could be complicated.

Dr Hassler said that, on the day of the eclipse, there would be unusual and strange happenings that could be interesting to observe. “As the eclipse starts, you’ll notice a gradual drop in temperature and, at total eclipse, the sun will be one million times dimmer than its usual shine,” said Dr Hassler. “Animals will start behaving like they do at nightfall as the ‘moon starts biting the sun’.” Shadows of objects, like the leaves of trees, during partial eclipse will also bear crescent shape shadows.

Traditional Bhutanese belief is that a supernatural animal is attacking the sun or the moon during an eclipse. The Bhutanese language for eclipse, Za, also means, “to eat”. It is a common tradition to beat drums and blow trumpets or beat dogs, so that the cacophony frightens the Za into leaving the sun or the moon.

Dr Hassler, who described the phenomenon as a treat in the sky, distributed 800 solar filter glasses to students of Yangchenphug higher secondary school and others, who attended his talk at the royal institute of health and sciences.

The total solar eclipse tomorrow corresponds to 30th day of the 5th month of the lunar calendar (nam gang). The director of the National Museum in Paro, Khenpo Phuntshok Tashi, in an article said that the period provides a “rare and special opportunity for Buddhist lamas to practice and dedicate positive blessings for the world through meditation, recitation, and performance of pujas”.

“I’m particularly worried about how I might be able to control my children from looking at the partial eclipse,” said a parent, who attended Dr Hassler’s talk. The BBS plans to telecast live the rare phenomenon.

by Ugyen Penjore

http://www.kuenselonline.com/

Tag : bhutan,thimpu,bhutan king,bhutan tour,bhutan news

Bhutan : Drukair launches new online system

July 19, 2009 - Flying with the national airline Drukair can sometimes be an arduous affair. But the chances of your Drukair experience being a pleasurable one may have just increased with the airline launching a new online information, reservation and ticketing service yesterday.

Services that are available on the system include online reservations, electronic ticketing, information accessibility to air fares and real time seat availability, and departure control services which includes checking in before your departure date, not just for Drukair but any airline that is a member of IATA (International Air Transport Association).

Drukair IT engineer, Tshultrim Dorji, said, the new system was only operational at the airline’s offices currently. The system will be accessible on any computer connected to the internet by the end of October. He said the new system would be more reliable and secure than the present one. Technical support, in case of network problems will be available 24x7 for Drukair, ensuring less problems than the present system which will be discontinued on October 24.

Drukair has chosen an airline reservation system operated by SITA HORIZON, a multinational company that specializes in providing telecommunications and other information technology for the airline industry.

The airline hopes the new system will improve its information accessibility and ticketing services, which has in the past, come under criticism.

A spokesperson for the airline said the system would make traveling with Drukair a much more convenient experience.

By Gyalsten K Dorji

http://www.kuenselonline.com/

Tag : bhutan,bhutan tour,druk air,bhutan king

Bhutan : Government failed to address youth issues: Prime Minister

July 16: A week long programme of the golden youth camp concluded yesterday. Addressing the youth as the leaders of the future of Bhutan, the Prime Minister, Lyonchhen Jigmi Y. Thinley, congratulated all the 72 participants. He also urged them to lead their fellow students towards the right direction by being the role model.
Expressing his concern over the youth issues the Prime Minister said that the government has failed to address them.

“We see more and more youths engaging themselves in the unproductive activities like gang fights, drug abuse and alcohol. It is even more heart aching to learn that young girls are taking up prostitution. And many are school dropout but unemployed. Government could not do much to prevent and help address the problems,” said the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister, however, thanked the Non-government organizations like the Youth Development Fund, RENEW, and Tarayana for addressing the youth related issues.

During the programme, some 72 best students competed in various disciplines of games and sports, literature, and cultural activities. The Prime Minister attended the closing ceremony.

Four best students were awarded trophies and certificates. A lot of emotional exchanges took place in the green room, hugging and embracing.

Thinley Dorji from YHS was awarded the Golden Youth Title Holder Trophy. He said it took his academic performances and other co-curricular excellence to achieve the title.

The participants said that the experiences they have gained in the program were enriching.

The participants also performed cultural activities.

www.bbs.com.bt

Tag : bhutan,druk air,bhutan tour,paro

Bhutan : His Majesty the King returns from a weeklong tour to the south

May 29: His Majesty the King returned yesterday to Thimphu following a weeklong tour of Southern Bhutan. During the days of unusually heavy rainfall His Majesty was visiting on foot and studying various affected villages, rivers, services and infrastructure.

His Majesty walked from Umling to Manas area in Gelephu, surveying the Maochhu, Taklaichhu, Lhag-khar-chhu, and other rivers and villages in between the two areas.

After that, His Majesty moved through Panbang across the Drang-mey-chhu and visited Tung-ku-demba, Gerong, Rebati and other villages. After crossing the Changar zam over the Mangdechhu, His Majesty toured the valley and camped along the Darang-chhu. His Majesty proceeded up to Shilangtoe village where His Majesty met the students and villagers of Tashibi and other settlements.

Throughout, His Majesty visited homes, reassured the people and granted Kidu.

Enroute to Thimphu, His Majesty visited the Sunkosh Township in Dagana and flood affected people in Wangduephodrang and Punakha.

His Majesty will proceed to Monggar for the Cadastral Resurvey discussions with the people as soon as study of Kidu measures for people badly affected by the recent rains is completed.

www.bbs.com.bt

Bhutan : Paro Tshechu sees a sharp drop in the number of tourists

April 7: The Paro Tshechu, one of the most popular festivals in the kingdom, has begun. Every year it attracts thousands of tourists from across the world. But this year, because of the global economic crisis, the festival is seeing a sharp drop in number of tourists. The slump has not only affected tour operators but also hoteliers and resort owners in Paro.

Thousands of people throng the Deyangkha ground as the Paro Tshechu begins. Usually there will be as many camera totting tourists in the Tshechu ground as people from Paro, Thimphu and other neighbouring dzongkhags. This year, there aren’t as many tourists.

The Tshechu is an important occasion for the people. Apart from the religious and cultural significance, the festival is an important social occasion. For the elderly, coming to the Tshechu is an act of devotion. The young come here to socialize and generally have a nice time. It is also an occasion to flaunt the sesho ghos and kiras. The fairer sex come bedecked with jewelry.

The Paro Tshechu attracts thousands of tourists from across the world. But this year, the situation is quite different. In the Dey-yang-kha ground, there aren’t as many tourists jostling among the crowd as they try and focus their cameras on the mask dancers or the atsaras joking with the people. The sitting gallery is mostly occupied by Bhutanese.

The Dzongkhag Administration Officer Tshewang Dorji has been coordinating the festival for the last few years. He told BBS that compared to the past years, tourist arrival at the Tsechu this year is minimal.

The economic slump has also hit hotels and resorts in Paro. There are over 40 resorts and hotels in Paro. Most of them remain packed during the Tshechu season. But this year, most of the proprietors and managers have the same story to share. Most of the rooms are lying vacant.

Tour operators, hoteliers, and resort owners are all reeling from the global economic crisis. For them, the Paro Tshechu this year will not be as festive as the previous years or as lucrative.

The Tshechu will end with the unfurling of Guru Thongdrel in the wee hours of Thursday morning.

www.bbs.com.bt

Bhutan : His Majesty the King arrives in Trongsa enroute to Lhuentse and Monggar

March 9: His Majesty the King has arrived in Trongsa enroute to Lhuentse and Monggar. His Majesty is accompanied by His Royal Highess Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck and Her Royal Highness Ashi Dechen Yangzom Wangchuck.

Upon arrival in Trongsa, His Majesty was received by dzongkhag officials, rabdey monks, grassroots leaders and the public.

His Majesty left on a tour of Lhuentse and Monggar this morning.

As the Royal entourage departed from Thimphu, His Majesty was seen off by Her Royal Highness Ashi Sonam Dechan Wangchuck, the Prime Minister Lyonchhen Jigmi Y. Thinley, Cabinet Ministers, the Chief Justice Lyonpo Sonam Tobgye, the National Assembly Speaker Jigme Tshultim, and the Chairperson of the National Council Namgay Penjore.

His Majesty is traveling to Lhuentse and Monggar to sit with the members of each household and discuss the findings of the cadastral re-survey and possible solutions to the problems facing the people. The cadastral re-survey has been completed in Lhuentse and some geogs of Monggar.

His Majesty will also grant Kidu to students, landless farmers, and the old and disabled. His Majesty will grant audience to students who have excelled in their studies in the past year and meet dzongkhag, community and local officials and leaders.

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Bhutan : His Majesty to leave for Lhuentse and Monggar

March 4: His Majesty, attending his first National Assembly session as King in December 2006, had stated that all Bhutanese deserving of Kidu would receive it. In this regard, because land issues are the single most pervasive problem for Bhutanese of all walks of life, His Majesty stated that he would find a complete solution to such difficulties faced by the people.

The newly formed National Land Commission was advised by His Majesty in August 2007 to begin work on a comprehensive Cadastral Re-survey that would facilitate a lasting solution to land issues. This survey, begun in June 2008, has now been completed in Lhuentse Dzongkhag and parts of Monggar.

His Majesty will travel to all the geogs in Lhuentse including the remotest villages and to those geogs in Monggar where the re-survey has been completed.

During the royal visit, His Majesty will sit with the members of each household and discuss the findings of the re-survey and possible solutions to the problems facing the people.

Officials of the National Land Commission and the Dzongkhag as well as people’s representatives and local leaders will accompany His Majesty. The Dzongkhags and National Land Commission encourage all affected Thram holders and heads of households to avail of this special opportunity to resolve their problems during the royal visit.

His Majesty will also grant Kidu to students, landless farmers and the old and disabled. His Majesty will grant Audiences to students who have excelled in their studies in the past year and meet Dzongkhag, community and local officials and leaders.

His Majesty leaves for the Royal Tour at the end of this week and consultations will begin early next week.

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Bhutan : Global economic recession hits the Bhutanese tourism industry

January 6: The global economic recession has hit the Bhutanese tourism industry. More than 1,500 tourists have cancelled their trip to Bhutan in 2009.

2008 was a good year for the Bhutanese tourism industry. The Coronation and Centenary celebrations also attracted a good number of tourists taking the official record to close to 28,000 compared to a little over 21,000 in 2007. But the prospects in 2009 look bleak for the tourism sector. Tour operators are now worried that more tourists may cancel their visit to Bhutan because of the global economic downturn.

So far, more than 1,500 tourists have cancelled their trips to Bhutan for this year. March and April is a peak tourist season for Bhutan but some tour operators said they will have only a few tourists coming to Bhutan through them. They are also worried that more tourists may cancel their trip for September and October, another peak tourist season.

Tshewang Rinzin from Sakten Tours and Travels says about 200 of his clients have cancelled their trip.

Likewise, other tour operators have seen similar cancellations. Some tourists are keeping their travel plans on hold.

As an interim measure, the tour operators along with the Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators (ABTO) have requested the Tourism Council of Bhutan to keep its plan to increase the tariff to 250 dollars on hold. Tour operators fear that the new revision will lead to further cancellations.

The Tourism Council of Bhutan has decided to increase the tariff to 250 dollars, an increase of $50, from July 1. The tour operators have requested the tourism council to keep the plan on hold till the global economic situation improves.

The Tourism Council of Bhutan says they are working with ABTO, the Druk Air and the hoteliers to address the problem. The Council has also had discussions with stakeholders and their recommendations have been put up to the government for approval.

ABTO and the Tourism Council are also working on tourism promotion strategies. This month, around twelve tour companies from Bhutan will participate in an International Travel Fare in Spain while nine other tour operators will take part in one of the World’s Biggest Travel fare in Germany in March.

ABTO and the Tourism Council are also requesting the Druk Air and the hoteliers to keep the tariff low at least for this year.

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Bhutan : Move over steel, tourism’s sick too

24 December, 2008 - The sick steel industry’s hope of help from the government is set to face a serious setback with tourist operators asking for a similar aid. The operator’s contention: the financial calamity has hurt their business too.

If the government is ready to shore up the steel industry, then it’s only fair that it provide the same support to tourism, according to the association of Bhutanese tour operators (ABTO), which is planning to approach the government this week.

ABTO’s general secretary Sonam Dorji said that, already, more than 1,500 tourists have cancelled their trip to Bhutan in 2009 following the international credit crunch. More bad new may be in store. In 2007, during the initial period of recession, only 250 operators out of 400 got business.

“Even the ones coming in do not or will not stay long,” said Sonam Dorji.

The United Nations world tourism organisation has also come out with a very bleak forecast, said Sonam Dorji. It said that the credit crisis will injure Asia’s tourism more than any others, because of its distance from source, the western countries.

Besides being beneficial to communities and service industries, such as hotels, tourism employs 3,000 regular staff and about 2,500 every tourist season. In 2008, it generated US$ 40 million in royalty to the government.

ABTO is requesting “interim measures,” such as deferment of the planned tariff revision in 2009 from US$ 200 to US$ 250 till things normalise, and concession on the royalty amount and Druk Air tickets. It also wants hotels to keep a lid on their annual tariff increase.

Observers, however, think ABTO’s plan may face difficulties. Tourism is not an intensive investment business, not for the operators anyway. At any rate, said the observer, it is a more superior revenue-generating business than most, not only for the government, but also for the operators themselves, from comparably less investment.

“Our tourism industry have had it good for a long time, they should be able to ride this storm, which too will pass,” said an observer, who did not want to be named.

What about steel?
Which is not to say that there is general consensus among the officials, or even the public, that the sick steel industries should be rescued.

The Nu 1.3B steel factories in Pasakha, following the international financial crisis that led to a dip in demand for steel in the Indian market, approached the government recently for aid. They asked for additional working capital, interest rate of their loans to be reduced, interest and principal of their loans to be deferred for one year, and power and lease rates to be frozen till they recovered.

Stakeholders economic affairs ministry, finance ministry, Bhutan power corporation limited (BPC), the national environment commission (NEC), and the country’s two banks are studying the situation.

The private steel industries in Pasakha, which sell their products to India, reap the benefits of the difference in tax and cost of power, which are lower in Bhutan. BPC charges Nu 1.51 per unit to the industries, and a higher Nu 2 per unit to India.

Steel industries are power intensive. BPC has built a substation with a capacity of 189 MVA near Pasakha solely for the industries there. There are nine (operational) industries, out of which five are steel. Lhaki steel is sanctioned 20 MW of power.

“We’ve spent Nu 540 million for the substation, I don’t think we can further approve the steel industries’ proposal,” said a power official.

If BPC sold the 189 MVA of power, it would earn not less than Nu 3 million every year. From the total power sanctioned to the industries, only 40 MVA is known to be used, the rest is not withdrawn, say BPC officials. BPC recently fined five Pasakha industries Nu 11 million for not drawing power. Lhaki Steel was charged Nu 3.24 million.

Pasakha industries were also fined for exceeding the pollution standard set by NEC. The steel industry is also a heavy polluter. Besides emitting sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, they also contaminate water with slag (thick sootlike material), say NEC officials.

Revenue and customs officials say Pasakha industries do not have to pay corporate income tax and business tax for three years. They are also exempted from duty on import of raw materials.

“With various incentives provided, there is now no space for any fiscal measures,” say a customs official.

Record maintained by the employment department show that the five private steel industries employed 186 nationals and 296 non-nationals. The figures were given by the industries and not confirmed.

Meanwhile, Lhaki steels managing director, Tashi Wangdi, in a letter to Kuensel wrote: “The failure of the manufacturing companies in Bhutan will have a negative impact on BPC, financial institutions, present and potential employment opportunities, indirect employment derived from direct employment opportunities and trading sector in Bhutan who supplies to manufacturing sector.”

By Passang Norbu
passa@kuensel.com.bt

http://www.kuenselonline.com

Bhutan : New tourist hotspot – The spas of Ura

20 October, 2008 - What was earlier a mere hot spring source at Duethang in Ura, Bumthang, will soon be a major tourist attraction site after being converted into a public establishment offering hot spring baths.

The hot springs, flowing from two different sources (known as male and female), will be brought together through pipelines and collected in big containers.

The entire site development was being initiated by the Thrumsingla national park (TNP) as a component of tourist package and would be handed over to a tour operator group in Ura.

Assistant forest officer of TNP told Kuensel that a caretaker would be deployed and made responsible to heat stones and warm water. Dining hall and changing rooms would also be constructed.

“Once these constructions are done, we’ll fix an amount as tariff to be imposed on local people and tourists,” he said.

Earlier, people in the community bathed at one of the sources called Khandomai Drupchu, that flows from the left. The one on the right, called Guru Rinpoche’s Drupchu, was located a bit farther away.

Today, Guru Rinpoche’s Drupchu is being collected in a wooden rectangular container placed in the middle of the cliff from where a pipeline is connected.

Lam Thinley from Gaydhen said that Guru Rinpoche’s Drupchu, also known as Brakchu (water from the cliff), was very popular and it was believed that one must bath in the drupchu at least once a year.

“I heard that many people, who suffered from different diseases, got cured after taking bath in the drupchu,” he said. Locals said it helped in curing arthritic ailments, stomach, shin and eye disorders.

The old belief is that the drupchu contained magical power which could cleanse, just by drinking and bathing in it, impurities of body and soul.

By Nima Wangdi
nimasharma@kuensel.com.bt

http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=11326

Bhutan : His Majesty arrives in the capital

October 14: His Majesty the King has arrived in the capital after a 10 day tour to some of the eastern and central Dzongkhags. Their Royal Highnesses the Princesses Ashi Sonam Dechan Wangchuck and Ashi Dechen Yangzom Wangchuck accompanied His Majesty during the royal tour.

Last week, His Majesty the King visited Punakha Dzong and Talo Lhakhang and offered prayers and butter lamps for the peace and prosperity of the nation and the well being of the people.

His Majesty also visited Lekeythang Higher Secondary School and Ugyen Academy in Punakha and met with the students and teachers.

On October 9, His Majesty visited Endruchholing Dzong in Trongsa, the resting abode of the Machen of Terton Pema Lingpa. While in Endruchholing, His Majesty met with the students, teachers and people of the community and granted soelra to them. The students and people of the community presented a cultural programme to welcome His Majesty.

Prior to visiting Endruchholing, His Majesty hosted a lunch and granted audience to 63 student beneficiaries of Royal Kidu at the Thruepang Palace. These students, many of whom are orphans or were raised by single parents, come from the most vulnerable sections of society. His Majesty told them that they should not be afraid of hard work and challenges. Instead they should strive for academic excellence which aide them to avail better jobs to serve and support themselves, their families and ultimately the nation.

Later His Majesty the King and their Royal Highnesses granted soelra to the students. His Majesty also visited Sherubling Higher Secondary school and Taktse Middle Secondary School to meet with the students and teachers.

On October 10, His Majesty visited Trongsa Dzong. In the Dzong, His Majesty granted audience to the Gups and the geog administrators. While in Trongsa, His Majesty visited Ta Dzong as well.

On the October 8, His Majesty visited Kurjey, Jambay and Tamzhing lhakhangs in Bumthang to offer prayers and butter lamps. His Majesty then visited Jakar Higher Secondary School and joined the students for lunch. In addition, His Majesty granted audience to 62 student beneficiaries of Royal Kidu. His Majesty also visited Jakar Dzong and the construction site of Royal lhakhang at Tang Dechenpelrithang.

Afterwards, His Majesty visited Chumey Middle Secondary School and spoke to the students. His Majesty said that for a better future of the country they must always keep in mind the peace, unity, sovereignty and security of the country and people, a vibrant democracy, and Gross National Happiness.

His Majesty said that students must learn to love the country in the most intelligent manner. His Majesty said that students are the wealth of the country and they must excel in their studies as education is the single most important thing in life.

On October 6, His Majesty visited Monggar Dzong and Monggar Higher Secondary School. His Majesty granted audience to 75 student beneficiaries of Royal Kidu from schools across Mongar. Later in the afternoon, His majesty visited Gyelposhing HSS.

On October 5, His Majesty visited Lhuentse Dzong. Following the visit, His Majesty granted audience to local leaders, Dzongkhag and survey officials.

His Majesty said the cadastral re-survey taking place in the Dzongkhag would solve many land related problems. His Majesty said it is crucial to ensure that there is no corruption involved in the survey.

On Bhutan’s transition to parliamentary democracy, His Majesty said that democracy must start at the grassroots and that its ideals should be nurtured and instilled in the minds of every Bhutanese.

While in Lhuentse His Majesty the King visited Tangmachu Middle Secondary School. Speaking to the students, His Majesty expressed that each student must strive for academic excellence. His Majesty said every student must contribute and make a difference.

http://www.bbs.com.bt/His%20Majesty%20arrives%20in%20the%20capital.html

An overwhelmingly large crowd for the Bhutanese Star shows

October 02: The top ten singers of the Bhutan Star are touring the Dzongkhags staging shows. They are currently in Paro attracting an overwhelmingly large crowd.

Hundreds of people gathered outside the cinema hall in Paro as the top ten Bhutan stars prepared for the show.

As the cinema hall had a seating capacity of over 200 many had to return home.

Our reporter Karma Choden who has been following the event says the hall was packed with people making it almost impossible for people to walk in and out.

However, the organizer rearranged additional night shows to accommodate the remaining audience. Nidup Dorji, the organizer from Jigdrel Trophel told BBS that they will stage the show for the third night in Paro upon request from the public. He says the crowd is overwhelmingly large.

The crowd was all cheers as the singers performed different songs in Zhungdra, Boedra and Rigsar.

Organizers said the program will help build the confidence of the singers. The tickets were sold for one hundred Ngultrums each. Nidup Dorji told BBS that the proceeds from the show will be used to offset some of the losses the company has incurred.

It will also be used to sponsor the cash prizes for the top five winners. The team will be performing in Wangdiphodrang today. It will then head to Trongsa, Bumthang, Phuntsholing and Gedu.

Meanwhile, the Bhutan Star voting lines are still open and the results of the top five best singers will be declared once the tour is over.

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Bhutan : His Majesty returns from tour

20 September, 2008 - His Majesty The King was received by the people of Choekhor gewog in Bumthang this week after a comprehensive tour of the northern regions that began on August 7 from Gasa.

His Majesty traversed over 300 km, in the northern most areas of Gasa, Wangdiphodrang, Punakha, Bumthang and Lhuentse. His Majesty met the people in remote villages, schools and yak herders’ camps scattered across the region. His Majesty also studied the potential and opportunities for bringing greater socio-economic benefits to this region. His Majesty granted various Kidu to the poorest villagers and students.

His Majesty visited places of historical and spiritual significance as well as community lhakhangs. He stressed the need to preserve these important monuments and also commanded the renovation of some of the important community lhakhangs.

Soon His Majesty will leave on a final tour before the traditional Coronation. From the historic birthplace of Jigme Namgyel in Dungkhar, Lhuentse, His Majesty will travel to different dzongkhags to meet the people. His Majesty will visit dzongs and important spiritual sites to pray for the happiness and well being of the people and for the continued peace, prosperity, and security of Bhutan..

http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=11179

Bhutan : Logo fee frightens potential users

4 September, 2008 - More than a year after the centenary and coronation logo was franchised, most private and corporate agencies have resisted using the logo because of the high fee imposed by the government.

An official of the construction association of Bhutan (CAB) said that the office wanted to use the logo on their website and on the letter head but was surprised when a finance ministry letter asked them to pay Nu 0.5 million. “Though we want to contribute and celebrate the occasion by using the logo, the amount is just too much and the office simply can’t afford it,” he said.

A tour company proprietor based in Thimphu said that he wanted to use the logo, which will be used this year only, but resisted because of the size of the fee being imposed for it.

There are also many agencies, which are still unaware that a certain fee would have to be paid to the finance ministry for using the centenary and coronation logo.

However, finance officials said that the fee varies from agency to agency. “We charge ranging from Nu 0.1 million, 0.5 million and 1 million, depending on the strength and the size of the agency,” he said.

Media organizations are exempted from paying the fee only if the logo is used in the newspaper.

On the other hand, an official of the steering committee said that all private individuals and companies should be well aware of the fees because it was already explained during the launch of the logo.

The logo was franchised in June 2007.

Observers reason that the logo is a good way of informing people of the celebrations taking place in the country this year but the fee is deterring them from using it. “The logo has to be used and promoted as much as possible and this isn’t the best way to do it,” said 40-year-old Karma, a private employee.

An official of the finance ministry and of the steering committee said that the fees collected from the use of the logo will support the celebrations.

As of May this year, the finance ministry has been able to license only seven of the 50 items that the coronation and centenary logo can be used on. The various items, on which the logo could be used, include T-shirts, khadar, caps, banners, badges, calendars, passport covers, bags, mugs, stationery, stickers, posters, watches and clocks, balloons and post-cards.

By Phuntsho Choden
phuntshochoden@kuensel.com.bt

http://www.kuenselonline.com