DOCSLIB.ORG

Explore the Hidden Kingdom of Bhutan Our Itinerary Is Flexible Tour Details

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Explore the Hidden Kingdom of Bhutan Our Itinerary Is Flexible Tour Details Explore the Hidden Kingdom of Bhutan 6 Days 5 Nights Tour Program This tour covers Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha Valley in Gangtey Our itinerary is flexible This is a private journey with flexible itinerary which can be adjusted even while the tour is in progress depending your ability, interests and needs. A trip to Bhutan is often once-in-a-lifetime experience for many visitors. Our itinerary is prepared carefully keeping in mind what Bhutan has to offer as one of the most extraordinary destinations in the world. Rather than as a fixed schedule, it can be used as a guide. Your expert guide will discuss with you and prioritize the attractions as per your preference. If you think the programmes are too tight or you feel tired, you can go on your own pace or do more of what is interest to you. Tour Details Tucked away deep in the eastern Himalayas between the mighty neighbours – China to the north and India to the south, there lies a tiny independent country that remained isolated for centuries with the rest of the world until it opened its door to the outside world in 1960s. Bhutan is one of the most beautiful and least travelled countries in the world and the last living Vajrayana Buddhist Kingdom. Lower Motithang, Thori Lam, Thimphu, P.O. Box – 2024, BHUTAN +975-77655137 (Bhutan) | +66-89-494-2064 (Thailand) | [email protected] | www.BhutanAcorn.com Bhutan has both natural beauty and cultural wealth so carefully preserved and passed down from generation to generation, that visitors are not surprised to hear its nickname ‘Kingdom of Happiness’. On this 6 Days 5 Nights adventure through the hearts of 4 western districts of Bhutan, you’ll go on nature hikes and appreciate pristine natural environment, explore and ramble through rural villages and gain firsthand experience on its culture and people. Come visit Bhutan with us and explore one of the most unique and extraordinary countries in the world. Trip Highlights • Travel to 4 western districts of Bhutan – Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang (Phobjikha valley). • Immerse yourself into the mindful Buddhist way of life, away from the materialistic world, and discover why Bhutan is dubbed as ‘Kingdom of Happiness’. • Visit ancient temples and magnificent Dzongs (fortresses) and marvel at the fine wall paintings, exquisite architecture and craftsmanship that still continues to influence the Bhutanese architecture today. • Hike to 8th century sacred site where Bhutan’s iconic landmark, 17th century Paro Taktsang or Tiger’s Nest is located, perched on the face of a precarious 800m rock cliff. • Hike to the 13th century religious site and visit Tango Monastery built in 1689 on the steep mountain side. • Visit Phobjikha, one of the pristine glacial valleys in Bhutan and venture out on an exhilarating nature hike through farmlands and traditional houses and understand the life of people in rural Bhutan. • Spend a night at a family farmhouse and get insights into the life of Bhutanese farmers and participate in preparing traditional cuisine for dinner. • Ramble through isolated farms, quaint villages and picturesque scenery along the way. Day 01: Arrive Paro International Airport & Excursion / Transfer to Thimphu Day 02: Sightseeing in Thimphu / Transfer to Punakha Valley Day 03: Sightseeing in Punakha / Transfer to Phobjikha Valley in Gangtey Day 04: Gangtey Nature Hike / Transfer back to Paro Valley Lower Motithang, Thori Lam, Thimphu, P.O. Box – 2024, BHUTAN +975-77655137 (Bhutan) | +66-89-494-2064 (Thailand) | [email protected] | www.BhutanAcorn.com Day 05: Hike to the famous Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Day 06: Departure from Paro International Airport Day 01: Arrive at the Paro International Airport / Transfer to Thimphu Arrive Paro International Airport. After passing through the immigration and customs formalities, your guide and driver will receive you and then take you on first excursion in the Kindomg of Bhutan. After lunch you will be transferred to the captial city Thimhu. Vsit the National Museum of Bhutan housed in the 17th century watch tower/fortress called Ta Dzong. The collection of artefacts at the museum displays a snap-shot of the rich cultural traditions of Bhutan. Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong which literally translates to “Fortress of the heap of jewels”. Built in 1646, this Dzong serves as office of the governor and head of the monk body of Paro district. From there walk to the beautiful traditional wooden cantilever bridge that runs over Paro river. Lunch will be served either in Paro town or on arrival in Thimphu. This will depend on your flight arrival time. Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan and it is 55km away from the main Paro town. The drive should not take more than 2 hours including stop overs on the way. Thimphu is home to approximately 115,000 residents. This bustling little city is the main centre of commerce, religion and government in the country. Arriving Thimphu, our guide will assist you to check into the hotel so that you can relax for a while and then have your first taste of Bhutanese cuisine for lunch. If you arrive early, lunch will be served after one or two sightseeings. You begin the sightseeing by first visiting Distance to Thimphu 55 km National Memorial Chorten – A Buddhist Driving Time 1.5 hours Stupa built in 1974 in memory of the Late Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck who Thimphu Altitude 2,334m/7,655ft passed away in 1972, is an important Paro Altitude 2,195m/7,200ft landmark in Thimphu. You will see people from all walks of life circumambulating and offering prayers. Then visit the 169ft Buddha Dordhenma Statue located at Kuensel Phodrang overlooking the Thimphu valley. After lunch, visit National Library of Bhutan considered as national treasure of Bhutan and fundamental source of Bhutanese history, religion, medicine, arts and Lower Motithang, Thori Lam, Thimphu, P.O. Box – 2024, BHUTAN +975-77655137 (Bhutan) | +66-89-494-2064 (Thailand) | [email protected] | www.BhutanAcorn.com culture. Opens during working weekdays & on Saturdays 10am – noon. Just nearby is the National Institute of Zorig Chusum (Institute of Traditional Arts & Crafts) where 13 traditional arts & crafts of Bhutan are taught. If the class is in session, you can hop in and observe while the students gets hands-on training. Opens during working weekdays & on Saturdays 10am – noon. Visit Royal Textile Museum which showcases collection of artifacts to impart understanding of Bhutan’s rich textile traditions and way of life Leisure time around Thimphu town. Note: The coverage of excursion on the first day depends on your flight arrival time. If you arrive in the morning, you should be able to visit all of the sites. Dinner and overnight at Kuenphen Rabten Resort / City Hotel or Tashi Yoedling. Day 02: Hike to Tango Monastery / Transfer to Punakha Today, after early breakfast, we will do 2-3-hour return hike to Tango Monastery and then after lunch drive to Punakha valley via beautiful Dochu La Pass (3,150m/10,335ft). Located at about 14km north of Thimphu on a pristine mountain side, Tango Monastery was founded in 13th century by the Tibetan saint Phajo Drugom Zhigpo who first established the Drukpa Kagyu School of Buddhism in Bhutan and subsequently became the state religion. Drive back to Thimphu town where a traditional lunch will be served at the Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant. After lunch, pass by the Changlimithang Archery ground to witness the game of archery if the match is in progress. You will see archers dancing and singing each time they hit the target which is 145m away. Archery is the national game of Bhutan. Then you will be transferred to Punakha. Distance to Punakha 74 km En route stop briefly at Dochula – a Driving Time 3 hours sacred mountain pass at an elevation Punakha Altitude 1,200m/3,935ft of 3150m and enjoy a grand view of some of the highest mountains of Bhutan on a clear day. From there continue driving towards Punakha and gradually descend to a subtropical valley within an hour. Lower Motithang, Thori Lam, Thimphu, P.O. Box – 2024, BHUTAN +975-77655137 (Bhutan) | +66-89-494-2064 (Thailand) | [email protected] | www.BhutanAcorn.com Just about 11km before reaching Punakha town, visit the famous 15th century Chimi Lhakhang popularly known among tourists as “Temple of Fertility”. A gentle walk through the terraced rice fields and traditional farmhouses painted with phalluses will give you a unique experience. Dinner and overnight at Meri Puensum Resort or Hotel Lobesa. Day 03: Sightseeing Punakha / Transfer to Phobjikha Valley in Gangtey After breakfast, visit the two most popular places in Punakha valley – Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten and the most beautiful fortress in Bhutan, a 17th century Punakha Dzong. After lunch you will be transferred to Phobjikha valley. Drive to the nearest roadhead and hike to the picturesque Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten located on a serene hilltop overlooking the fertile Punakha valley with glacial fed Mochu river meandering through the valley. The hike leads through the terraced rice fields and takes about 2.5-hours round trip for most visitors. Retrace your footstep back to the roadhead and drive to visit the most beautiful 17th century Punakha Dzong which displays fine Bhutanese arts and craftsmanship which continues to influence the Bhutanese architecture to this day. You will spend sometime appreciating the intricate wood works and sacred wall paintings. After lunch, transfer to Phobjikha Distance to Phobjikha 80 km valley in Gangtey. Phobjikha is a vast Time 3 hours U-shaped glacial valley at an elevation Phobjikha Altitude 3,000m/9,840ft of about 3,000m/9,840ft and it is a winter home for endangered Black Necked Crane from November to March and migrates back to Tibetan Plateau by the beginning of spring season.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Geographical and Historical Background of Education in Bhutan
    Chapter 2 Geographical and Historical Background of Education in Bhutan Geographical Background There is a great debate regarding from where the name of „Bhutan‟ appears. In old Tibetan chronicles Bhutan was called Mon-Yul (Land of the Mon). Another theory explaining the origin of the name „Bhutan‟ is derived from Sanskrit „Bhotanta‟ where Tibet was referred to as „Bhota‟ and „anta‟ means end i. e. the geographical area at the end of Tibet.1 Another possible explanation again derived from Sanskrit could be Bhu-uttan standing for highland, which of course it is.2 Some scholars think that the name „Bhutan‟ has come from Bhota (Bod) which means Tibet and „tan‟, a corruption of stan as found in Indo-Persian names such as „Hindustan‟, „Baluchistan‟ and „Afganistan‟etc.3 Another explanation is that “It seems quite likely that the name „Bhutan‟ has come from the word „Bhotanam‟(Desah iti Sesah) i.e., the land of the Bhotas much the same way as the name „Iran‟ came from „Aryanam‟(Desah), Rajputana came from „Rajputanam‟, and „Gandoana‟ came from „Gandakanam‟. Thus literally „Bhutan‟ means the land of the „Bhotas‟-people speaking a Tibetan dialect.”4 But according to Bhutanese scholars like Lopen Nado and Lopen Pemala, Bhutan is called Lho Mon or land of the south i.e. south of Tibet.5 However, the Bhutanese themselves prefer to use the term Drukyul- the land of Thunder Dragon, a name originating from the word Druk meaning „thunder dragon‟, which in turn is derived from Drukpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. Bhutan presents a striking example of how the geographical setting of a country influences social, economic and political life of the people.
    [Show full text]
  • Updated Geographical Distribution of Species of the Genus Nemorhaedus Hamilton Smith, 1827
    6–71RYHPEHU 2019, Brno, Czech Republic Updated geographical distribution of species of the genus Nemorhaedus Hamilton Smith, 1827 Petr Hrabina Department of Zoology, Fisheries, Hydrobiology and Apiculture Mendel University in Brno Zemedelska 1, 613 00 Brno CZECH REPUBLIC [email protected] Abstract: The paper listed distribution data of all species of the genus Nemorhaedus, combining 257 field observations supplemented by information from the labels on the museum specimens. The localities data are defined by GPS coordinates and altitude. The species determination was carried out on the basis of the pelage colour characters, which allows work directly in the field. Key Words: Nemorhaedus, zoogeography, distribution, conservation INTRODUCTION The native distribution of gorals ranges from Himalayan foothills of northern Pakistan and India, further east across Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar, northwestern Thailand, central and eastern China, the Korean Peninsula to coastal region of Russian Far East (Grubb 2005, Hrabina 2015). The delimitation of distribution range of individual goral species shows considerable variation depending on the taxonomic concept used by different authors (see e.g. Lydekker 1913, Adlerberg 1932, Groves and Grubb 2011, Hrabina 2015). This has led to inconsistencies both in the nomenclature and in the understanding of individual species' ranges. The knowledgeability of goral distribution differs from country to country. Extensive research has been devoted to goral populations in Pakistan, western India, Thailand, South Korea and Russia (Cavallini 1992, Chen et al. 1999, Lee and Rhim 2002, Voloshina and Myslenkov 2010, Abbas et al. 2012), whereas for Nepal, eastern India, Bhutan, Myanmar, south-east China and North Korea we have no data available.
    [Show full text]
  • Gross National Happiness Commission the Royal Government of Bhutan
    STRATEGIC PROGRAMME FOR CLIMATE RESILIENCE (SPCR) UNDER THE PILOT PROGRAMME FOR CLIMATE RESILIENCE (PPCR) Climate-Resilient & Low-Carbon Sustainable Development Toward Maximizing the Royal Government of Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness GROSS NATIONAL HAPPINESS COMMISSION THE ROYAL GOVERNMENT OF BHUTAN FOREWORD The Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) recognizes the devastating impact that climate change is having on Bhutan’s economy and our vulnerable communities and biosphere, and we are committed to address these challenges and opportunities through the 12th Five Year Plan (2018-2023). In this context, during the 2009 Conference of the Parties 15 (COP 15) in Copenhagen, RGoB pledged to remain a carbon-neutral country, and has successfully done so. This was reaffirmed at the COP 21 in Paris in 2015. Despite being a negative-emission Least Developed Country (LDC), Bhutan continues to restrain its socioeconomic development to maintain more than 71% of its geographical area under forest cover,1 and currently more than 50% of the total land area is formally under protected areas2, biological corridors and natural reserves. In fact, our constitutional mandate declares that at least 60% of Bhutan’s total land areas shall remain under forest cover at all times. This Strategic Program for Climate Resilience (SPCR) represents a solid framework to build the climate- resilience of vulnerable sectors of the economy and at-risk communities across the country responding to the priorities of NDC. It also offers an integrated story line on Bhutan’s national
    [Show full text]
  • Population and Migration in Thimphu Thromde
    Population and Migration in Thimphu Thromde Sangay Chophel* Abstract As a developing country, Bhutan is on the upward trajectory of urbanization. While it has benefits it also exerts pressures. Within Bhutan, Thimphu thromde has the largest urban population, which exhibit many forms of urbanization. Using the data from 2017 Population and Housing Census of Bhutan, the paper projects the population of Thimphu city till 2027 due to lack of its population projection. The cohort-component method is used for projection. The net-migration from 2005 to 2017 is calculated using residual method. Further, employing probit regression, the determinants of migration to Thimphu thromde is examined. Age, marriage, unemployment, land, household composition, household income and education are significant determinants of migration. Introduction Urbanization in Bhutan has continued apace. The urban population has increased from 30.9% in 2005 to 37.8% in 2017, and largest share of the overall population reside in Thimphu thromde (city) at 15.8%1 where most of the government offices are based. The other three cities are Phuntsholing, Samdrup Jongkhar and Gelephu thromdes. There are relatively smaller urban areas in each of the 20 districts. The annual growth rate of Thimphu thromde (3.72%) has * Senior Research Officer, Centre for Bhutan & GNH Studies. Email: [email protected], [email protected] 1 See the report of the first census conducted in 2005, Population and Housing Census of Bhutan 2005, and the second census conducted in 2017, 2017 Population and Housing Census of Bhutan. 114 Population and Migration in Thimphu Thromde outpaced the national population growth rate (1.3%) as it is evident from the last two censuses.
    [Show full text]
  • 6 Dzongs of Bhutan - Architecture and Significance of These Fortresses
    6 Dzongs of Bhutan - Architecture and Significance of These Fortresses Nestled in the great Himalayas, Bhutan has long been the significance of happiness and peace. The first things that come to one's mind when talking about Bhutan are probably the architectures, the closeness to nature and its strong association with the Buddhist culture. And it is just to say that a huge part of the country's architecture has a strong Buddhist influence. One such distinctive architecture that you will see all around Bhutan are the Dzongs, they are beautiful and hold a very important religious position in the country. Let's talk more about the Dzongs in Bhutan. What are the Bhutanese Dzongs? Wangdue Phodrang Dzong in Bhutan (Source) Dzongs can be literally translated to fortress and they represent the majestic fortresses that adorn every corner of Bhutan. Dzong are generally a representation of victory and power when they were built in ancient times to represent the stronghold of Buddhism. They also represent the principal seat for Buddhist school responsible for propagating the ideas of the religion. Importance of Dzongs in Bhutan Rinpung Dzong in Paro, home to the government administrative offices and monastic body of the district (Source) The dzongs in Bhutan serve several purposes. The two main purposes that these dzongs serve are administrative and religious purposes. A part of the building is dedicated for the administrative purposes and a part of the building to the monks for religious purposes. Generally, this distinction is made within the same room from where both administrative and religious activities are conducted.
    [Show full text]
  • Farming and Biodiversity of Pigs in Bhutan
    Animal Genetic Resources, 2011, 48, 47–61. © Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2011 doi:10.1017/S2078633610001256 Farming and biodiversity of pigs in Bhutan K. Nidup1,2, D. Tshering3, S. Wangdi4, C. Gyeltshen5, T. Phuntsho5 and C. Moran1 1Centre for Advanced Technologies in Animal Genetics and Reproduction (REPROGEN), Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Australia; 2College of Natural Resources, Royal University of Bhutan, Lobesa, Bhutan; 3Department of Livestock, National Pig Breeding Centre, Ministry of Agriculture, Thimphu, Bhutan; 4Department of Livestock, Regional Pig and Poultry Breeding Centre, Ministry of Agriculture, Lingmithang, Bhutan; 5Department of Livestock, Regional Pig and Poultry Breeding Centre, Ministry of Agriculture, Gelephu, Bhutan Summary Pigs have socio-economic and cultural importance to the livelihood of many Bhutanese rural communities. While there is evidence of increased religious disapproval of pig raising, the consumption of pork, which is mainly met from imports, is increasing every year. Pig development activities are mainly focused on introduction of exotic germplasm. There is an evidence of a slow but steady increase in the population of improved pigs in the country. On the other hand, indigenous pigs still comprise 68 percent of the total pig population but their numbers are rapidly declining. If this trend continues, indigenous pigs will become extinct within the next 10 years. Once lost, this important genetic resource is largely irreplaceable. Therefore, Government of Bhutan must make an effort to protect, promote and utilize indigenous pig resources in a sustainable manner. In addition to the current ex situ conservation programme based on cryopre- servation of semen, which needs strengthening, in situ conservation and a nucleus farm is required to combat the enormous decline of the population of indigenous pigs and to ensure a sustainable source of swine genetic resources in the country.
    [Show full text]
  • Guru Padmasambhava and His Five Main Consorts Distinct Identity of Christianity and Islam
    Journal of Acharaya Narendra Dev Research Institute l ISSN : 0976-3287 l Vol-27 (Jan 2019-Jun 2019) Guru Padmasambhava and his five main Consorts distinct identity of Christianity and Islam. According to them salvation is possible only if you accept the Guru Padmasambhava and his five main Consorts authority of their prophet and holy book. Conversely, Hinduism does not have a prophet or a holy book and does not claim that one can achieve self-realisation through only the Hindu way. Open-mindedness and simultaneous existence of various schools Heena Thakur*, Dr. Konchok Tashi** have been the hall mark of Indian thought. -------------Hindi----cultural ties with these countries. We are so influenced by western thought that we created religions where none existed. Today Abstract Hinduism, Buddhism and Jaininism are treated as Separate religions when they are actually different ways to achieve self-realisation. We need to disengage ourselves with the western world. We shall not let our culture to This work is based on the selected biographies of Guru Padmasambhava, a well known Indian Tantric stand like an accused in an alien court to be tried under alien law. We shall not compare ourselves point by point master who played a very important role in spreading Buddhism in Tibet and the Himalayan regions. He is with some western ideal, in order to feel either shame or pride ---we do not wish to have to prove to any one regarded as a Second Buddha in the Himalayan region, especially in Tibet. He was the one who revealed whether we are good or bad, civilised or savage (world ----- that we are ourselves is all we wish to feel it for all Vajrayana teachings to the world.
    [Show full text]
  • The Kingdom of Bhutan Health System Review
    Health Sy Health Systems in Transition Vol. 7 No. 2 2017 s t ems in T r ansition Vol. 7 No. 2 2017 The Kingdom of Bhutan Health System Review The Asia Pacific Observatory on Health Systems and Policies (the APO) is a collaborative partnership of interested governments, international agencies, The Kingdom of Bhutan Health System Review foundations, and researchers that promotes evidence-informed health systems policy regionally and in all countries in the Asia Pacific region. The APO collaboratively identifies priority health system issues across the Asia Pacific region; develops and synthesizes relevant research to support and inform countries' evidence-based policy development; and builds country and regional health systems research and evidence-informed policy capacity. ISBN-13 978 92 9022 584 3 Health Systems in Transition Vol. 7 No. 2 2017 The Kingdom of Bhutan Health System Review Written by: Sangay Thinley: Ex-Health Secretary, Ex-Director, WHO Pandup Tshering: Director General, Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Health Kinzang Wangmo: Senior Planning Officer, Policy and Planning Division, Ministry of Health Namgay Wangchuk: Chief Human Resource Officer, Human Resource Division, Ministry of Health Tandin Dorji: Chief Programme Officer, Health Care and Diagnostic Division, Ministry of Health Tashi Tobgay: Director, Human Resource and Planning, Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan Jayendra Sharma: Senior Planning Officer, Policy and Planning Division, Ministry of Health Edited by: Walaiporn Patcharanarumol: International Health Policy Program, Thailand Viroj Tangcharoensathien: International Health Policy Program, Thailand Asia Pacific Observatory on Health Systems and Policies i World Health Organization, Regional Office for South-East Asia. The Kingdom of Bhutan health system review.
    [Show full text]
  • Democracy in Bhutan Is Truly a Result of the Desire, Structural Changes Within the Bhutanese Aspiration and Complete Commitment of the Polity
    MARCH 2010 IPCS Research Papers DDeemmooccrraaccyy iinn BBhh uuttaann AAnn AAnnaallyyssiiss ooff CCoonn ssttiittuuttiioonnaall CChhaannggee iinn aa BBuuddddhhiisstt MMoonnaarrcc hhyy Marian Gallenkamp Marian Gallenkamp IInnssttiittuuttee ooff PPeeaaccee aanndd CCoonnfflliicctt SSttuuddiieess NNeeww DDeellhh1 ii,, IINNDDIIAA Copyright 2010, Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS) The Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies is not responsible for the facts, views or opinion expressed by the author. The Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS), established in August 1996, is an independent think tank devoted to research on peace and security from a South Asian perspective. Its aim is to develop a comprehensive and alternative framework for peace and security in the region catering to the changing demands of national, regional and global security. Address: B 7/3 Lower Ground Floor Safdarjung Enclave New Delhi 110029 INDIA Tel: 91-11-4100 1900, 4165 2556, 4165 2557, 4165 2558, 4165 2559 Fax: (91-11) 4165 2560 Email: [email protected] Web: www.ipcs.org CONTENTS I. Introduction.................................................................................................2 II. Constitutional Change: A Comprehensive Analysis ..................................3 III. Conclusion: Bhutan a Unique Case?...................................................... 16 VI. Bibliography............................................................................................ 19 I. Introduction “Democracy in Bhutan is truly a result of the desire, structural changes within the Bhutanese aspiration and complete commitment of the polity. While the historical analysis might monarchy to the well-being of the people and the appear to be excessive, it nevertheless is an country” important task to fully understand the uniqueness of the developments in Bhutan. (Chief Justice of Bhutan, Lyonpo Sonam Democratic transition does not happen Tobgye, 18 July 2008) overnight; it is usually a long process of successive developments.
    [Show full text]
  • Trip Itinerary
    Bhutan | SPIRITUALITY & WELLNESS JOURNEY CULTURAL IMMERSION | 8 DAYS April 7-14, 2021 October 8-15, 2021 TRIP ITINERARY 1.800.941.8010 | www.boundlessjourneys.com How we deliver THE WORLD’S GREAT ADVENTURES A passion for travel. Simply put, we love to travel, and that Small groups. Although the camaraderie of a group of like- infectious spirit is woven into every one of our journeys. Our minded travelers often enhances the journey, there can be staff travels the globe searching out hidden-gem inns and too much of a good thing! We tread softly, and our average lodges, taste testing bistros, trattorias, and noodle stalls, group size is just 8–10 guests, allowing us access to and discovering the trails and plying the waterways of each opportunities that would be unthinkable with a larger group. remarkable destination. When we come home, we separate Flexibility to suit your travel style. We offer both wheat from chaff, creating memorable adventures that will scheduled, small-group departures and custom journeys so connect you with the very best qualities of each destination. that you can choose which works best for you. Not finding Unique, award-winning itineraries. Our flexible, hand- exactly what you are looking for? Let us customize a journey crafted journeys have received accolades from the to fulfill your travel dreams. world’s most revered travel publications. Beginning from Customer service that goes the extra mile. Having trouble our appreciation for the world’s most breathtaking and finding flights that work for you? Want to surprise your interesting destinations, we infuse our journeys with the traveling companion with a bottle of champagne at a tented elements of adventure and exploration that stimulate our camp in the Serengeti to celebrate an important milestone? souls and enliven our minds.
    [Show full text]
  • Assessing Livestock Herding Practices of Agro-Pastoralists in Western Bhutan
    Tshering and Thinley Pastoralism: Research, Policy and Practice (2017) 7:5 Pastoralism: Research, Policy DOI 10.1186/s13570-017-0077-1 and Practice RESEARCH Open Access Assessing livestock herding practices of agro-pastoralists in western Bhutan: Livestock vulnerability to predation and implications for livestock management policy Kencho Tshering1 and Phuntsho Thinley2* Abstract As in many developing countries, agro-pastoralism is the major form of livelihood for rural communities in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. Although livestock rearing is part and parcel of rural Bhutanese agricultural system, Bhutan also has a high percentage of natural forest cover that supports a diversity of endangered wild predators. The loss of cattle to these predators is an on-going source of conflict between predators, farmers, and wildlife managers. Despite awareness of predation losses, there has been no empirical assessment of livestock herding practices in Bhutan in terms of livestock vulnerability to predation. We conducted a questionnaire and a field survey in three districts of western Bhutan to assess current livestock herding practices with regard to predation vulnerability. We interviewed farmers using a semi-structured questionnaire to determine their livestock herding practices and losses. We also traversed human trails in the nearby forests and took note of livestock encountered to gain further insights into herding dynamics. Generally, livestock were more vulnerable to predation when released into the forests without accompanying herders. Seasonally, livestock were more vulnerable during summer and early autumn, which coincided with the peak farming period during which animals are typically released into forests with minimal care. Our study underscores the importance of livestock herding with accompanying herders to minimize predation losses and highlights the challenges posed by farm labour shortage in rural areas.
    [Show full text]
  • Bhutan's Political Transition –
    Spotlight South Asia Paper Nr. 2: Bhutan’s Political Transition – Between Ethnic Conflict and Democracy Author: Dr. Siegried Wolf (Heidelberg) ISSN 2195-2787 1 SSA ist eine regelmäßig erscheinende Analyse- Reihe mit einem Fokus auf aktuelle politische Ereignisse und Situationen Südasien betreffend. Die Reihe soll Einblicke schaffen, Situationen erklären und Politikempfehlungen geben. SSA is a frequently published analysis series with a focus on current political events and situations concerning South Asia. The series should present insights, explain situations and give policy recommendations. APSA (Angewandte Politikwissenschaft Südasiens) ist ein auf Forschungsförderung und wissenschaftliche Beratung ausgelegter Stiftungsfonds im Bereich der Politikwissenschaft Südasiens. APSA (Applied Political Science of South Asia) is a foundation aiming at promoting science and scientific consultancy in the realm of political science of South Asia. Die Meinungen in dieser Ausgabe sind einzig die der Autoren und werden sich nicht von APSA zu eigen gemacht. The views expressed in this paper are solely the views of the authors and are not in any way owned by APSA. Impressum: APSA Im Neuehnheimer Feld 330 D-69120 Heidelberg [email protected] www.apsa.info 2 Acknowledgment: The author is grateful to the South Asia Democratic Forum (SADF), Brussels for the extended support on this report. 3 Bhutan ’ s Political Transition – Between Ethnic Conflict and Democracy Until recently Bhutan (Drukyul - Land of the Thunder Dragon) did not fit into the story of the global triumph of democracy. Not only the way it came into existence but also the manner in which it was interpreted made the process of democratization exceptional. As a land- locked country which is bordered on the north by Tibet in China and on the south by the Indian states Sikkim, West Bengal, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, it was a late starter in the process of state-building.
    [Show full text]