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.

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 and India: History stays alive

14 May, 2008 - Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh of India is visiting Bhutan in one of the most historic years of the kingdom’s modern history. Bhutan and India have planned a string of historical events for the two-day visit.

India’s ambassador to Bhutan, Mr Sudhir Vyas, said that the government of India considered it a “singular honour” that Dr Manmohan Singh has been asked to address the first joint session of the Bhutanese parliament on May 17. India was honoured and delighted that the prime minister was visiting Bhutan during a year when the kingdom was celebrating the centenary of the monarchy, the coronation of the fifth Druk Gyalpo, the adoption of the constitution, and the installation of the very first elected government in Bhutan.

The visit also comes exactly 50 years after Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru came to Bhutan. “We are attaching particular importance and significance to this visit, both in symbolic as well as in substantive terms,” said Ambassador Vyas. “Just as we had a meeting of minds in 1958 between the third King and Nehru, we are looking at developing a perspective for the future during this visit. It’s tremendously exciting and we are looking at it with enormous anticipation.”

Dr Manmohan Singh will receive an audience with His Majesty the King and with His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo. He will dedicate the Tala hydroelectric project (THP) to the people of Bhutan and India and unveil a foundation stone for 1095 MW Punatsangchu-1 hydroelectric project (P-1HP), which is under construction.

He will meet the Bhutanese prime minister, Lyonchhen Jigmi Y Thinley. “Moving forward under a democratic dispensation, what better moment for the leaders of the two democracies – Bhutan, an emerging democracy, and India, an established one - to put their minds together and try to develop some kind of a vision for the coming decades?” said the Ambassador.

The two governments will discuss a broad agenda that will include Bhutan’s 10th Plan. It is likely that the government of India will announce an indicative amount of assistance for the 10th Plan period. “It is really a reaffirmation of our relationship and a look towards the future,” Ambassador Vyas told Kuensel. “It has always been a our approach to align our cooperation efforts with Bhutan’s own priorities and its own chosen direction of development. And that will be the guiding principle on which our cooperation will be based.”

As Bhutan’s main development partner, India provides assistance for nearly all sections of socio-development, particularly for hydropower development. With the Chukha project, the Kurichu project, and Tala project completed, Bhutan produces about 1,500 MW of hydropower and the power projects are the main sources of national revenue.

Dr Manmohan Singh will be the fifth Indian prime minister to visit Bhutan. Prime minister Nehru’s visit was followed by Mrs Indira Gandhi in 1968, during which the Thimphu-Phuentsholing highway was inaugurated. She was again in Bhutan in 1972 for the cremation of the third Druk Gyalpo. Mr Rajiv Gandhi visited Bhutan in 1985, and 1988. Mr Narasimha Rao visited Bhutan in 1993.

The prime minister will be accompanied by the national security advisor, Mr M K Narayanan, his principal secretary, Mr T K Nair, foreign secretary, Mr Shivshankar Menon, and other senior officials.

Lyonchhen Jigmi Thinley said that, apart from the fact that it was the golden jubilee anniversary of Prime Minister Nehru’s visit, Dr Manmohan Singh’s visit was particularly significant because he was the first head of government to visit Bhutan after the establishment of democracy. He said that India had reason to be satisfied and proud of Bhutan’s successful transition from Monarchy to a full-fledged democracy because, as the closest friend and neighbour, it had supported and encouraged His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo during the transition process.

Lyonchhen Jigmi Thinley said that the Indian prime minister’s visit also coincided with the beginning of the 10th Plan, during which the DPT government intended to raise and engage in programmes and activities that would deepen the economic and trade relations between the two countries.

“We are particularly pleased and happy that we’re able to receive the prime minister of our best friend and neighbour to address the first joint sitting of the parliament,” he said. “The visit will give the new leadership in Bhutan, and myself in particular, the opportunity to discuss and share our perceptions on regional and global issues and create room for further collaboration.”

http://www.kuenselonline.com

Indian PM receives audience with His Majesty the King of Bhutan

May 17: The Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh has arrived in the kingdom on a two day visit. Shortly after his arrival in the capital yesterday, Dr. Manmohan Singh received an audience with His Majesty the King at the Tashichhodzong.

The Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh was escorted in an elaborate chipdrel procession to the Tashichhodzong. In the courtyard of the Tashichhodzong, he was presented a guard of honour by the Royal Body Guards and the Royal Bhutan Army followed by the National Anthems of the two countries. Dr Manmohan Singh was then ushered into the throne room where he received an audience with His Majesty the King.

Dr. Manmohan Singh is the first leader of a foreign country to visit Bhutan after the kingdom became a democratic constitutional monarchy. His visit also coincides with the golden jubilee of the visit of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru to Bhutan in 1958.

The foundation of the close ties of friendship between the two countries was laid by the late King His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Dr Manmohan Singh is the fifth Indian Prime Minister to visit Bhutan.

During the audience, His Majesty the King said that the close ties of friendship and India’s unstinted support have been central to Bhutan’s socio economic achievements and prosperity. Most recently, India had provided important financial and technical assistance in Bhutan’s preparations for democratic elections. His Majesty paid special tribute to the role of Pandit Nehru who visited Bhutan 50 years ago in defining the strength and intimacy of our bilateral ties.

The Prime Minister of India felicitated His Majesty the King, the people and the government of Bhutan on the successful start of democracy and expressed India’s support for Bhutan’s democratic and economic endeavors. He also reiterated India’s support for the 10th Five year Plan.

His Majesty said that as Bhutan faces the challenges of building a new democracy founded on a strong economy, it is only natural that we should strive to do so with the cooperation and support of India, the world’s largest democracy and economic giant.

His Majesty and the Prime Minister of India emphasized the complete commitment of the leadership of both countries to Bhutan-India friendship cooperation in this new era.

Following the audience with His Majesty the King, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh met with his Bhutanese counterpart Lyonchen Jigmi Y. Thinley.

Speaking to BBS after the meeting, the Prime Minister Lyonchen Jigmi Y. Thinley said the visit of the Prime Minister of India to Bhutan is significant for many reasons. He said the Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh has come to express India’s solidarity with His Majesty the King in supporting the realization of His Majesty’s vision of a democratic Bhutan.

Describing the discussions between the two Prime Ministers as fruitful, he said Dr. Manmohan Singh has assured the royal government of India’s full support for the realization of the aims and objectives of the 10th five year plan.

The Foreign Secretary of India Mr. Shivshankar Menon said the Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh was deeply touched by the extraordinarily warm welcome extended by the government of Bhutan. He said this reflects the unique, close, and warm nature of the relationship that Bhutan and India enjoy.

Mr. Shivshankar Menon was speaking at a press briefing yesterday evening at the Phuntsho Pelri hotel in the capital. He said in keeping with the tradition of high level exchanges, the Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has invited his Bhutanese counterpart Lyonchen Jigmi Thinley to visit India.

He said they have been instructed by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to look at doubling the hydropower generation in Bhutan from the original target of 5000 megawatt to 10,000 megawatt by 2020.

He said Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has made it clear that they would not just be responsive but committed to support Bhutan’s developmental efforts.

www.bbs.com.bt

A meeting of minds

21 May, 2008 - On May 17 the members of the National Council and the National Assembly stood up to offer a “silent ovation” in response to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh’s address to the Bhutanese people. It was a historic moment and the Indian prime minister was the first international figure to address Bhutan’s new parliament.

“The Indian prime minister’s visit to Bhutan has given me and our new government tremendous confidence that we will be able to fulfill the high expectations with which we have been voted into power,” said the prime minister, Lyonchhen Jigmi Y Thinley. “India’s commitment for the next five years was beyond our expectations. Our government has been assured that India will continue to support Bhutan just as it has over the years and, in fact, we can expect continued and even greater support as a democracy.”

“It was such an opportunity to have been able to receive the prime minister of India, our most important development partner, as our democratically elected government starts work,” added Lyonchhen Jigmi Thinley, who is scheduled to visit India some time at the end of July. “We share the same perceptions and we indeed have a common destiny with the same ideals and same perceptions on global issues and challenges.”

Dr Manmohan Singh’s visit to Bhutan was widely covered by the Indian media, which focused on the prime minister’s pledge of Rs 100 billion for “economic engagement” with Bhutan.

The Indian prime minister said that India was a friend and admirer of Bhutan. “As Bhutan enters a new era in its history, you can continue to count on India … to stand by you as a factor of stability in your quest for greater prosperity and happiness,” he said in a televised address to the Bhutanese people.

Bhutan had witnessed unprecedented social and economic development during the reign of the fourth Druk Gyalpo, the architect of Bhutan’s constitution and polity, said the prime minister and “today, His Majesty’s vision of vesting sovereignty in the people of Bhutan has borne fruit”.

He reminded the Bhutanese parliament that democracy was not merely about holding elections. “Democracy requires sustained commitment to tolerance and the judicious exercise of power as a societal trust to be used for public good. It requires a deep commitment to the rule of law. It requires the building of strong institutions of governance and respect for the other’s viewpoint.”

“As we enter a new era in our ties and a new century, I come to seek and reinforce the same meetings of minds, the same depth of understanding and the same confluence of thoughts and aspirations, that have characterized our relations thus far, to guide us in the future,” said Dr. Manmohan Singh. “As partners, confident in our friendship and mutual security, we will work together to make our friendships gain added strength with the passage of time.”

Dr. Manmohan Singh pointed out that, over the past four decades and more, the two countries had worked closely in the process of Bhutan’s planned development. “We remain committed to working with Bhutan in support of the 10th five-year plan (FYP),” he said. “This period will lay the building blocks for Bhutan’s development and support your vision for tomorrow. We will develop our cooperation during the 10th plan with imagination and flexibility, in accordance with your priorities in human resource development, education, information and communication technologies, health, infrastructure and numerous other fields.”

“We know we are on the right path when electricity generated in the mountains and valleys of Chukha, Kurichu and Tala lights homes in Bihar, West Bengal and Delhi and generates wealth for Bhutan,” he added.

India’s ambassador to Bhutan, Mr Sudhir Vyas, told Kuensel that the prime minister had put his own thought processes and his own vision into his words. “It was framed with a vision,” he said. “He has a sense of the Indo-Bhutan relationship and he tried to communicate that with the parliament.”

The visit was a historic milestone in Indo-Bhutan relations and it captured and reflected the ethos of the bilateral relationship, said Mr Vyas. “The prime minister was received by goodwill and warmth wherever he went. There were many gestures along the way. He stopped to meet children; the children responded so beautifully. At every event, the warmth and goodwill was so evident.”

The prime minister’s audiences with Their Majesties, his discussions and meetings with the prime minister, saw the same identity of thought, the same commonality of vision, and the determination to raise this bilateral relationship to its fullest potential, said the ambassador.

“It’s extraordinary the way the thinking of leadership of Bhutan and India came together to develop their vision for the future,” he told Kuensel. “As ambassador, I would say that I’m incredibly encouraged by the visit, by the discussions that took place, by the whole atmosphere in which the visit took place, and by the goodwill … all the signals are very very positive. The whole visit radiated positive energy and I feel very encouraged for the future of our bilateral relationship.”

http://www.kuenselonline.com

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.

Refugees warn of Bhutan's new tide of ethnic expulsions

The small Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan is hailed as the last Shangri-la in a region plagued by conflict and poverty. Attracted by its policy of Gross National Happiness, Western media have held up the country's apparently peaceful transition to democracy as a model of wise governance by a Buddhist regime protecting its culture from the ravages of consumerism.

But behind its facade of otherworldly charm, Bhutan holds a secret. Twenty years ago, its monarchy, threatened by an increase in Bhutan's ethnic Nepalese population, hit on a simple solution: ethnic cleansing. Families who had been living in Bhutan for generations were stripped of their citizenship. One hundred thousand Hindu Bhutanese - around one sixth of the country's entire population - were driven into exile and their land redistributed among the Drukpas, Bhutan's Buddhist elite.

Now a combination of divisions among the refugees, renewed tension inside Bhutan and the surprise election victory by Maoists in Nepal, is threatening a plan that finally gives hope to 107,000 refugees who have been languishing in camps in eastern Nepal for the last 17 years. Tens of thousands of unregistered refugees are living stateless and in abject poverty in Nepal and India.

There are also fears among exiled Bhutanese leaders that a new wave of expulsions from the remaining ethnic Nepalese population, called Lhotshampas, is imminent. 'The process is happening already,' said Ratan Gazmere, a leading human rights activist and a refugee himself. 'But I cannot convince the international community of that.'

Gazmere, who was tortured and jailed for two years in the capital Thimpu, said widespread discrimination continues inside the country.

Lhotshampas are denied education and in the last census, held in 2005, around 13 per cent of the whole population of Bhutan, most of them Nepalese, were classified as 'non-nationals'. As a result, 82,000 Bhutanese were denied a vote in last month's first-ever general election. Non-nationals, lacking an identity card, are not allowed freedom of movement or to start a business.

Paradoxically, it is a potential solution to the crisis that seems to have tipped the Lhotshampa community into fresh uncertainty. In 2006, with the international community facing an apparently endless bill for maintaining the refugee camps, an agreement was reached whereby some refugees would be resettled in the West while others would stay in Nepal and pressure would be brought on the Bhutanese government to allow others to return.

The US assistant secretary of state Ellen Sauerbrey said her country would offer citizenship to 60,000 of the refugees. Other countries, including Canada, have stepped in with similar offers.

With the prospect of around half of the refugees leaving the camps, leaders fear pressure on Bhutan to allow the rest home will evaporate. Put simply, they say, the government of Bhutan will be rewarded for its ethnic cleansing.

Extremists in the camps, including a new Maoist organisation, have allegedly threatened refugees not to apply to leave for the US. Gazmere echoes human rights groups who say refugees must be allowed to make up their own minds. 'My concern is that the refugees should not suffer more than they already have,' he said.

Disaffected young Lhotshampas who have grown up in the camps or suffered discrimination in southern Bhutan are turning to violence. Several bombs exploded in Bhutan in January, including one in Thimpu. Although no one was killed, the escalation resulted in Bhutanese security forces shooting dead five men they described as Maoists.

Now Bhutanese leaders in exile are adjusting to the prospect of a Maoist government in Katmandu that may not welcome what it regards as American interference in the region. The US still classifies the Maoists as a terrorist organisation.

'The Maoists will try to destabilise the resettlement process,' said Gazmere, 'because Americans are involved.' Other Bhutanese leaders disagreed, arguing that Maoist leaders in Nepal have warned them not to expect support.

The question remains how Bhutan got away with such a large-scale expulsion of its own citizens. A recent report by the Norwegian Refugee Council blames the world's media for helping 'perpetuate the myth of an exotic land of happiness. However, what we have before us is a silent tragedy occurring in a media-created Shangri-la.'

Ratan Gazmere said Bhutan's close relationship with India was critical. India had shielded Bhutan in return for access to hydro-power and timber.The Bhutanese had shut down camps in the south hat were used by the United Liberation Front of Assam to launch attacks across the border. 'India doesn't want to push Bhutan too hard,' Gazmere said.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world

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 to join WTO by 2009

7 June, 2008 - Bhutan will be joining the World Trade Organisation by 2009 and has so far agreed to open up 54 of 155 services and all of 5,820 goods with fixed maximum duty rates, including all agricultural items, according to trade officials (see box).

These numbers may go up or down slightly after some final discussions. In return, Bhutan now has 152 countries as potential trading partners. A WTO negotiation team of key ministries will be leaving on Saturday to WTO headquarters in preliminary rounds before the fourth main meeting or working party meeting. Bhutan will be able to join after the fifth working party meeting in 2009.

“The opening up of the service sectors, however, is not uniform and all foreign companies will have to have Bhutanese partners, with maximum equity limited to 70 percent to a minimum of 49 percent. They’ll also have to be registered as a legal Bhutanese company and will be subject to our domestic laws on trade, tax, labour laws and on,” said the trade director and deputy WTO negotiator, Sonam P Wangdi. In the financial sector, only a portion may be opened up.

On all the non agricultural and agricultural goods, Bhutan will be allowed to impose a maximum duty going up to 100 to 150 percent on sensitive products but, once applied, they can never be applied higher than that. Bhutan’s average duty so far is 48.7 percent on agriculture, with red rice having a protective 100 percent maximum duty. For non-agricultural items, the average duty rate is so far 26.3 percent, but both may be slightly changed after more discussions. Both duty rates were originally higher but brought down to accommodate other countries’ wishes.

So far, USA has expressed interest in Bhutan’s finance and energy sector, China in exporting some goods, Japan in establishing direct car showrooms and workshops, Canada in increasing days of business visa. The European Union has also expressed interest in Bhutan’s services and goods. Officials say that even other smaller countries have shown interest. Any agreement to any one country in opening up services or goods will be applicable to all other countries as well. “Even if we’re a small market, we still matter because we’re a growing one and countries can come in when they think the opportunities are right,” said WTO officer Pema Rinchen.

Sonam P. Wangdi said, “Getting in investments, capital, skills and transfer of technology to Bhutan is now possible because a WTO tag means that you are safe and credible for any business. A major advantage is also that it will now also be easier for the government and commercial sectors to look for markets in any of these countries for our export items like bio-food and handicrafts.” Another advantage would be a set of transparent strong domestic trade laws based on international trade laws, which will promote good governance, according to officials.

Bhutan, as a least developed country (LDC), will also get some concessions, including tariff rates and the pace of opening up, apart from some assistance from WTO.

However, on the downside, unlimited exports from non-rupee countries could have an impact on trade balance and foreign exchange reserves. There could be increased competition to domestic players, smaller and weaker ones may have to shut down. Also laws, relating to market access of services and duty on goods, cannot be changed easily, which could lead to domestic policy inflexibility.

Another area of possible negative impact is agriculture, which is plagued by poor technology, accessibility and marketing, all unfriendly to exports. “In spite of free trade with India and agricultural imports, our farmers’ products are much more popular on the market. Moreover, joining WTO doesn’t mean we develop overnight but we have time,” said Sonam P Wangdi.

On the issue of some Bhutanese industries suffering, Sonam P Wangdi said, “Market forces will determine the best and most competitive are left, so that consumers benefit in the end.” On Bhutanese jobs being lost, he said, “We’ve made sure that any company that comes into Bhutan will have to employ a majority of Bhutanese, except in exceptional circumstances where unavailable skill is required.”

Also both an advantage and disadvantage for Bhutan will be the disputes settlement mechanism of WTO, whereby Bhutan can take even big countries to court for unfair trade practices, but similarly Bhutan can also be taken to task for barring anyone against WTO trade laws.

For Bhutan, the process started in 1999, when it applied for membership. Since then it has made legislative changes in conformity with WTO regulations. Some are agreements on sanitary and phyto-sanitary, which means that sanitation and health issues are not misused to block trade, the TRIPS agreement to protect intellectual property rights and TBT to make sure that duty on products are applied in a transparent manner, as well as standards of quality.

The final decision to join or not join WTO will lie in the hands of the National Assembly, who will take a vote on the issue.

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Bhutan : Carbon-cash for Bhutan

11 June, 2008 - Bhutan’s well preserved environment and environment-friendly projects may allow the country to earn some money in the near future in the form of carbon trading. The agriculture ministry is looking into taking part in the global carbon trade on the basis of the country’s more then 60 percent forest cover, large nature reserves and also in terms of its hydro projects.

Carbon trading, under the Kyoto Protocol, basically allows big carbon emitters in developed countries to buy carbon points from developing countries that emit less carbon. According to a World Bank study, the international carbon trade market was worth US $ 64 billion in 2007 alone.

“Carbon trading is a viable resource generation method for Bhutan because of our environmental friendly policies,” said agriculture minister Lyonpo Pema Gyamtso.

Officials in the ministry’s planning and policy department have already been instructed to study the viability and details of carbon trading.

Detailed studies will have to be done on carbon emissions and intake and the viability of various parts of the project. “Only after we know the exact figures on the carbon sink potential of our nature parks and programs and other environment friendly projects can Bhutan apply for carbon trading on a large scale,” said the minister. Bhutan will have to hire international carbon trading lawyers and experts and also find countries willing to buy carbon points.

However, a problem for Bhutan is that the Kyoto Protocol does not recognize standing forests or country’s efforts to protect them. It only awards carbon points to new forest planting initiatives and has been criticized for not taking into account countries like Bhutan, which are major carbon sink areas.

“A way out for us for now is that around eight percent of Bhutan consists of degraded forests and shrub areas which, if planted anew, will mean significant carbon points for us,” said director of national conservation division, Dr Sangay Wangchuk.

He also said that by 2012 the Kyoto protocol would be revised and already pressure was building from many countries like Brazil to award carbon points for standing forests. Another plus point for change is that currently deforestation accounts for around 20 percent of global emissions, apart from other implications. Bhutan will also stand to gain from any revision because the highest carbon point in forests will be given for sub-tropical broadleaf forests, which constitute a majority of our forest cover. Even conifers and pasturelands will garner carbon points.

“We’ll also look at internal carbon trading whereby, for example, an upstream community will be rewarded for making efforts to keep the river clean for downstream people,” said Lyonpo Pema Gyamtsho. So far, Costa Rica in S. America has already put its carbon points in the stock market earning millions of dollars.

For hydropower projects and industries, cooperation with India in the mega hydropower projects also allows Bhutan to use India’s carbon emission baseline within the Kyoto Protocol, making Bhutan eligible for carbon trading through our hydro projects. This means that Bhutan will receive compensation for its contribution to the reduction of emissions.

“The fact that our clean hydro energy helps to reduce thermal pollution in neighbouring countries will allow us to claim carbon points,” said …

Bhutan is a signatory of the Kyoto Protocol of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

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Bhutan - HRH launches her book “Raven Tells a Story

Coinciding with the celebration of the 56th birth anniversary of the fourth Druk Gyalpo and Children’s Day today, November 11, Her Royal Highness Ashi Sonam Dechan Wangchuck launched her book The Raven Tells a Story at the Folk Heritage Museum in Kawajangsa, Thimphu.

This is Her Royal Highness’s first published work dedicated to the Father of Bhutan’s Constitution, the fourth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

The Raven Tells a Story is set in a small, bucolic village in Bhutan resonating the life found throughout the country. The story follows the protagonist, Singye, on a quest for answers about a ‘curious book’. His journey towards ‘constitutional’ enlightenment is populated with often transient and ethereal interactions with his close-knit family, his friend Wangyal, schoolteachers and classmates, and the mythic Raven, which is much alike (and in deference to) the historical significance of a Raven that guided the great Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel to Bhutan in the early 17th century.

The book articulates that the constitution of Bhutan is a collection of the finest values and ideas to create a system of government that would ensure the best chance for Bhutan’s progress and stability. It is a statement of [our] faith in a great leader’s vision and hopes for Bhutan’s future as a nation.

The 65-page medium richly illustrates the milieu in which is set the fundamental principles and basic tenets of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan. The ideas of sovereignty, justice, harmony, unity, equality, and good governance are but a few examples of the pillars of a democratic society that are highlighted by this book in a simple yet colourful manner.

The Raven Tells a Story is primarily written for a school-going audience. Nevertheless, both young and old alike will enjoy it for its rich and authentic symbolism and thought-provoking themes of education, participation, empowerment, and public service.

The book serves as a powerful medium, particularly for the Bhutanese youth, for illustrating the broader development realities and challenges that Bhutan faces as a small landlocked nation in an era of rapid globalization. The book also provides, through common incidences of everyday lives in Bhutan, valuable insights into the unique and fundamental values, customs, traditions and the importance of a harmonious balance between the individual, family and community.

The Raven Tells a Story is an extension of Her Royal Highness’s efforts and association with the Bhutan National Legal Institute as its first president. The institute was established in July 2011 to serve as a provider of legal training and education to strengthen the capacity of Bhutan’s judicial personnel and legal professionals; as a forum and resource bank for discourse and research; and, as a key establishment of the Judiciary in conducting legal dissemination and awareness programmes.

Copies of The Raven Tells a Story will be distributed to all schools in Bhutan. The book is published with the financial assistance from the UNICEF.

The Raven Tells a Story is illustrated by Bhutan Observer’s artist, Chimi R Namgyel, and designed by Sonam Phuntsho.

Bhutan : The balanced path of GNH

21 June, 2008 - "We’ve a very special event with very special people here today.”

The speaker was the president of the Asia Society, Dr Vishakha N Desai. The special event was a discussion on Gross National Happiness and a mask dance programme held at Asia Society’s head office in New York. The special people referred to were His Royal Highness Dasho Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck and 23 Bhutanese people, who were in New York for a programme on Bhutan.

Opening the event, His Royal Highness told the gathering that GNH underpinned Bhutan’s entire development strategy in the pursuit of harmony, contentment, and happiness for the people of Bhutan. He said that the concept was gaining popularity as societies everywhere grappled with a balancing act between material development on one hand and social well being - in its broadest sense – on the other.

“… it is important for all of us, especially in Bhutan, not to lose sight of the deeper vision underpinning the concept of Gross National Happiness,” he said. “… and if some way of measuring happiness in numbers is the target of development economists, then it’s important that the numbers remain the servant, and not the master, of the concept.”

“In recent years, some may feel that too much emphasis has been placed worldwide on the material aspects of development – often at the expense of the individual,” Dasho Jigyel said. “But we in Bhutan hope that greater awareness of GNH can help redress the balance – and, if we can succeed, I believe our tiny nation can be an example to others too.”

Speakers – the home and culture minister, Lyonpo Minjur Dorji, advisor to the National Environment Commission, Dasho Paljor Dorji, Chime Pedan of Tarayana Foundation, and Dasho Kinley Dorji of Kuensel – elaborated on the four pillars of Gross National Happiness.

The in-depth discussions covered a range of topics, from monarchy and politics to education, from alcoholism and youth issues to the environment, and from spirituality and culture to the economy. “Happiness has become a frivolous term in the United States,” said one participant. “We thank Bhutan for giving the concept true meaning.”

The discussion, on the four pillars of GNH, was attended by about 110 prominent people from organizations involved in a variety of art and culture projects around Asia and from families that have ties with Bhutan. More than 200 attended a programme of mask dances.

The programme was organized by Asia Society, in partnership with the Bhutan Foundation, which raises funds for projects in Bhutan.

“The event helped raise awareness of Bhutan among influential New Yorkers,” said the president of the Bhutan Foundation and Bhutan’s honorary consul in the U.S., Dr Bruce Bunting. “It was clear that people really did understand GNH better and became excited about it. The pursuit of happiness is in the U.S. Constitution but the society is moving toward materialism. We appreciate that Bhutan is trying to maintain a more balanced path.”

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India commits Nu 100 billion to Bhutan

17 May, 2008 - Addressing the joint session of the newly elected Bhutanese parliament today in Thimphu the prime minister of India, Dr Manmohan Singh, committed Nu 100 billion for Bhutan’s 10th Five Year Plan.

“Our bilateral engagement with Bhutan over the next five years will be of the order of Rs 100 billion,” said the prime minister in his address.

The prime minister, who was on a two-day visit, also laid the foundation stone of the Punatsangchhu I hydro project in Wangduephodrang and dedicated the 1020 MW Tala Hydroelectric Project to the people of India and Bhutan.

Addressing the joint sitting, which was attended by representatives of the royal family, high level delegation from the government of India and senior officials of the Bhutanese government, the prime minister said that as Bhutan entered into a new era in its history it could always continue to count on India as a friend. “As an admirer of Bhutan, India will stand by you as a factor of stability and support in your quest for greater prosperity and happiness,” he said.

The prime minister reminded the parliamentarians that as the first ever elected representatives of the people, they should bear a special responsibility and have a unique opportunity to translate the aspiration of the people into reality.

“Democracy is not merely about elections. It requires sustained commitment to tolerance and the judicious exercise of power as a societal trust to be used for public good. It requires a deep commitment to the rule of law, building of strong institutions of governance, and respect for other’s viewpoint,” he said. “I can assure you that you have wholehearted support as you enter this new and exciting phase in your country’s history. We'll work with you to realize your full potential, in a manner and pace that suits your own chosen path of development and priorities.”

Prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh also informed the parliament that the two countries would develop two new mega hydropower projects; the Punatsangchhu-II and Mangdechhu. He said that the government of India would commence the preparation of detailed project reports for four new projects. “Implementation of these projects will help us achieve the target of at least 5,000 MW of electricity from Bhutan to India by 2020,” he said.

The prime minister also said that the construction of the first ever rail link between India and Bhutan called the “Golden Jubilee Rail Link”, commemorating the late Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru’s visit in 1958, will start soon to connect Hashimara to Phuentsholing.

Bhutan-India relation, according to the prime minister was no political construct. “It draws its strength from geography, from history, scholarship, religion culture, and ancient commercial and people to people contacts. Just as strands of many colours are woven together to make a beautiful kira, so the many and varied strands that constitute the tapestry of our relationship come together,” said the prime minister.

He said that the relations between India and Bhutan was a model of how neighbouring countries, uneven in physical size and attributes, can coexist in perfect harmony and understanding. "Both our countries have a vital stake in each other’s well-being and prosperity,” he said. “As we enter a new era in our ties and a new century, I come to seek and reinforce the same meetings of minds, the same depth of understanding and the same confluence of thoughts and aspirations that have characterized our relations thus far, to guide us in the future. As partners, confident in our friendship and mutual security, we will work together to make our friendship gain added strength with the passage of time.”

Visiting at a historic time when it was the centenary year of the Wangchuck Dynasty, the year of the coronation of His Majesty Jigme Khesar, and of Bhutan’s transition to democracy, the prime minister said that it was a tribute to the enlightened leadership and statesmanship provided by the Fourth Druk Gyalpo that Bhutan has succeeded in reaching these milestones in an atmosphere of utmost peace and stability while steadily improving the welfare of her people.

The chairman of the National Council, Namgay Penjore, thanked the prime minister on behalf of the parliament. “Your words of wisdom will go a long way in reminding us of onerous duties as members of parliament in ensuring the success of parliamentary democracy in Bhutan,” said the chairman.

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The first session of parliament begins

May 9: His Majesty the King graced the first session of parliament under democratic constitutional monarchy yesterday.

In age old tradition His Majesty was received and escorted in a chibdrel ceremony to the parliament where the members of the political parties offered Kusung Thukten Mendrel, followed by the Zhugdrel Phuensum Tshogpai ceremony.

During these auspicious ceremonies, the Draft Constitution of Bhutan was submitted to His Majesty by the Chairman of the Drafting committee, Chief Justice Lyonpo Sonam Tobgay and distributed to the members.

The parliament’s viewer galleries were filled as former ministers, civil servants, diplomats, expatriates, businessmen and people, young and old came to witness an historic moment in Bhutan’s evolution.

His Majesty the King reminded the people of the 100 years of hard work, sacrifice and commitment of our forefathers under successive kings. And, of the 34 years of selfless service and visionary leadership of the fourth Druk Gyalpo, that had led to this moment when Bhutan enters world history for our unique transition to democracy and our development philosophy of GNH.

His Majesty dedicated this first session of parliament and the democratic endeavours ahead to our kings, our forefathers and the fourth Druk Gyalpo. His Majesty said that the parliament must now pledge to the people of the 20 dzongkhags and the fourth king that we will build a strong democracy and nation.

His Majesty told the parliament that on this historic day, the powers that have been submitted to the first king of Bhutan by the people were - having been exercised by four successive Kings in the interest of strengthening the unique nation that exist today – now being granted back to the people by Their Majesties, Father and Son.

At such a momentous time, His Majesty said he wished to share with the members of parliament his hopes for the future of Bhutan. His Majesty said “It is my prayer that we will all be united in our efforts to build a stronger nation so that, at the end of our lives, when we hand over our country, our children will inherit a stronger nation where all obstacles to their happiness and prosperity will have been overcome and where we have created the conditions for the fulfillment of their aspirations. And that above all, we will work to nurture a future generation who are brighter, better skilled, and more capable than us.”

In order to realize this prayer, His Majesty said the first step is to build a strong democracy. In doing so, politicians must be mindful of the experiences of nations where democracy had failed and hardship, disunity, internal strife and violence have plagued their people. Such developments must never be allowed into Bhutan.

His Majesty said “In Bhutan, democracy is another important step towards strengthening our country. It continues the work of nation building started by our forefathers and our kings.” His Majesty said that this unique nation, this ‘Norbu’ of the world was now being placed in the hands of the members of the first parliament of Bhutan, the ministers and democratic Bhutan’s first Prime Minister Jigmi Y. Thinley.

His Majesty said that they must now bear the duty of building a strong democracy by setting up the right examples, laying a good foundation and promoting the best practices of democracy. “We, the people and king, on our part have complete confidence and faith in the new government. As long as you work to serve the country and people, you will have our full support. However if you should falter in your service to the nation, then the duty to counsel you also rests with the people and the king.”

His Majesty expressed his confidence that the new democratic system, the qualifications and experience of the new parliament, their hard work and loyalty to Tsa Wa Sum would bring progress and growth to Bhutan. His Majesty prayed for the everlasting peace prosperity and happiness of the people of Bhutan.

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Bhutan : Thimphu – Financial hub of SAARC fund

6 August, 2008 - A SAARC development fund (SDF), which would serve as the umbrella financial institution for all SAARC projects and programmes, will be based in Thimphu.

Leaders of the SAARC nations endorsed the decision during the 15th SAARC Summit held in the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo on August 2 and 3. It had been proposed by His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo in 1991.

Lyonchhen Jigmi Y Thinley told the Bhutanese media in Colombo that there were several SAARC member countries interested in hosting the fund in their capitals. “We were able to convince leaders on the appropriateness and the merit of Bhutan as the venue,” he said.

SDF will finance the social, economic, and infrastructure development sectors in the region through various arrangements, the principal source being membership contributions.

Lyonchhen Jigmi Y Thinley said that India’s contribution will be about 300 million dollars, Bhutan’s could be 15 to 20 million dollars and other countries would make contributions according to their capability. “There will be floating of equities and it’s possible that banks like ADB and World Bank may participate. We’re talking about a major financial institution here,” he said.

According to the agreement, funds may be mobilised and generated from both within and outside the SAARC region. Technical and financial assistant from UN agencies, multilateral and regional funds, and other non-regional partners, as approved by the governing council, may also be availed.

According to the agreement, SDF would become operational after all the member countries ratify the agreement in their respective parliaments. The institution will then have to be established a year after ratification.

“We’d like to start working on the framework immediately, come to an agreement on how it should function,” he said.

“The institution arrangements that have to be put in place, and how the funding will be organized. We’ll do it by employing experts within the country as well as consulting those of member states”.

“Aside from contributing to the SAARC process, the bank itself, being located in Bhutan, will create many employment opportunities, as well as help in establishing Bhutan as a major financial centre,” said the prime minister.

“The SAARC leaders were unanimous in coming to an agreement on His Majesty’s proposal and accepting Bhutan as the venue for the SDF,” he added. “They were paying tribute to His Majesty and also welcoming Bhutan as a democracy.”

He said that the leaders wished to pay tribute to the extraordinary leader, that the fourth Druk Gyalpo had been, for the way in which he had ushered in democracy to Bhutan and for the extraordinary manner in which he had abdicated his throne at the age of 51.

“These were examples all the leaders admired and so SDF was in a way a gift to young democratic Bhutan,” he said.

Meanwhile, the charter for SDF was finalised with a signing by the foreign ministers of member states at the concluding session of the 15th Summit.

Bhutan’s foreign minister Lyonpo Ugyen Tshering said that Bhutan, as the host country, would make sure SDF becomes a premier banking institution and makes a positive development in tackling poverty among SAARC countries.

“This was something His Majesty foresaw many years ago and it’s now for us to ensure that it’s realised,” he told Kuensel.

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Bhutan : A tribute in appreciation

10 December, 2008 - The serrated ridges around Trongsa form a vast rim from where hill slopes run sharply to the valley floor. The slopes are covered by a lush forest of evergreen and seasonal colours. Numerous white waterfalls streak the hillsides and drop into the Mangdue Chhu, which rushes down to the great plains of India. At the centre of this massive natural cradle sits the majestic Trongsa Dzong, crafted from a vision of Palden Lhamo.

This was where Bhutan’s Monarchy was born. For centuries the dzong was a centre of religious and political evolution and now stands as one of the greatest monuments in the land.

High above the valley, at a strategic vantage point over Trongsa Dzong, rises its watchtower, the Ta Dzong. This “tower of Trongsa” now tells the stories of the dzong and the valley that it has watched over for centuries.

His Majesty the King inaugurates the Ta Dzong today as a museum dedicated to the Wangchuck dynasty, landmarking yet another significant event as the nation celebrates 100 years of the Monarchy.

The Ta Dzong, a cylindrical stone structure rising five storeys, was built in 1652 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, a task entrusted to him by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. After more than 350 years, it has been resurrected into a classy museum, that represents a tasteful blend of tradition and modernity.

The central Utse structure is connected to two four-storey towers by multi-floor wings. A total of 11 galleries sit comfortably at split-levels over five floors to a rooftop that functions as a viewing gallery. Overall, the tower, that kept enemies at bay, exudes a feel of history as well as a sense of change.

At the heart of the museum sits the Raven Crown worn by Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck. The Crown symbolises the triumph of the Bhutanese Monarchy and the supreme protector role of the Druk Gyalpo. The third floor of the Utse is dedicated to the Wangchuck dynasty, with ceremonial and personal belongings of the Kings and Queens of Bhutan. The displays include Jigme Namgyel’s sword, Gongsar Ugyen Wanghcuck’s gho, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck’s wine flask and radio, and a full dress set of the fourth Druk Gyalpo His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

There are 224 items on display. They include a sacred image of Sung Joenma Dorji Chang (self spoken Vajradharna), a bronze statue of Pema Lingpa, made by himself, and a number of centuries-old treasures like dance and ritual costumes and objects, ancient prayer books, paintings and scrolls, and textiles.

The Ta Dzong is a living museum and the main lhakhang in the Utse is dedicated to the Maitreya Buddha (Gyaltsab Jampa), also known as the Future Buddha). A Khesar Lhakhang is dedicated to Khesar of Ling. The tower has always been a place of retreat and there are hermits in practice, including two yogis, who are in life long meditation.

Marie Christine Weinberger, the former counsellor of the Austrian development cooperation office (ACO) in Bhutan, became a familiar figure in Trongsa through the project. It was her last project before she retired and she said that her satisfaction came from being able to help create a world class museum, that would make Trongsa, and Bhutan, more valuable and attractive for visitors.

The present counsellor, Christian Mazal, said that ACO was deeply honoured that His Majesty the King himself was inaugurating the Ta Dzong Museum. He described the museum as “a new landmark in Austria-Bhutan relations”, a project that was completed after the restoration of Trongsa Dzong. The Nu 120 million project included the improvement of the foot trail across the river to the dzong along with the Bazam foot bridge. Apart from being a place of prayer for the people, he said it would play an important role in educating the people on culture and religion, and contribute to Bhutan’s economic development as a tourist attraction.

The museum, which has been designed and rebuilt under the supervision of professional architects and restorers from Austria, is a state-of-the-art monument. Veteran Bhutanese culturists say that it is a good example for Bhutanese restorers, who have to take up similar work in future.

With the inauguration ceremony, an important element of Bhutan’s past comes alive and merges with the present to provide lessons for the future.

Lyonchoen Jigmi Y Thinley said that the restoration of the unique Ta Dzong into a museum was a tribute to five successive great Kings of Bhutan’s Monarchy. “Bhutanese officials and people have always wanted to express our deep appreciation to the dynasty, that has made all of us proud to be Bhutanese,” he said. “We’re confident of continued peace and prosperity in the knowledge that the royal dynasty will always be with us.”

Expressing his appreciation to the government of Austria for helping the people of Bhutan offer this tribute to their Kings, the prime minister said that the restoration of the Ta Dzong was also a tribute to the great builders of the past, “who were our ancestors”. “It symbolises our determination to preserve and protect our cultural heritage and our unique identity. We must not just look at creating wealth but at recognising our cultural wealth and consolidating our assets.”

The Ta Dzong is the only structure, that has been restored specifically to tribute the Wangchuck dynasty as Bhutan celebrates the centenary of the Monarchy.

By Kinley Dorji & Rinzin Wangchuk

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