DOCSLIB.ORG

Exploring the Dragon Kingdom

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Exploring the Dragon Kingdom EXPLORING THE DRAGON KINGDOM The Essence of Bhutan 13 Nights and 14 Days No treks but plenty of good day hikes Day 1 BANGKOK TO PARO (8000 feet) Today is your flight to Bhutan. As we near Bhutan (and if the weather is clear), we can see the massive peaks of the eastern Himalaya, including Kanchenchunga (third highest mountain in the world) and Bhutan's holy mountain, Chomolhari. Once we’ve completed visa formalities we proceed through customs and immigration and meet our Bhutanese tour leader and drivers in the arrival gate. We drive for about 20 minutes to Zhiwaling Hotel where will be received with a Chipdrel Ceremony (an elaborate Traditional welcome procession). After settling into our comfortable hotel, we’ll drive a short distance up the valley to Drukyel Dzong, the ruined fortress that protected the Paro Valley from Tibetan armies during the 18th century. If the weather is clear, we might have a glimpse of the white pyramid of Chomolhari, rising over the end of the valley. Today being our first day, we will undergo this gentle 30 minutes hike around the ruined Dzong to acclimatize before we return to our hotel. By early evening we return to our hotel for a welcome dinner and a brief trip orientation session. Zhiwaling Hotel Day 2 PARO We have a full day to explore the Paro Valley. Our first stop in Paro is the Ta Dzong (National Museum), a circular fortress that once protected this valley from Tibetan invasion. The impressive watchtower can be seen above Paro Rimpung Dzong, and it commands sweeping views of the valley below. Dzongs originally served three purposes: as a fortress, an administrative center of local government, and a residence and focus for the monks' religious activity. The ancient watchtower now houses the National Museum featuring an interesting assortment of costumes from different regions of Bhutan and a wonderful collection of painted and appliqued thangkas (loosely translated as “something that can be rolled up”). Thangkas are religion paintings and typically depict Buddhas, bodhisattvas, or aspects of the Buddhist wheel of life. A short walk takes us to the base of the Paro Dzong and across a traditional cantilevered, covered bridge. We then pass Ugyen Pelri, a small jewel-like palace that belongs to the Royal Family of Bhutan. Designed after the celestial paradise of Padmasambhava, the building was completed in the late 1800s. No alterations have been made to the structure or the beautiful carvings and paintings within the palace. A short distance farther is one of the innumerable archery grounds. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan, and most men grow up learning it. We will witness an archery match staged mainly for our group. There will also be opportunities for the adventurous ones to participate in the game. We will have lunch in one of the quaint local restaurants in Paro town. In the afternoon, we will undergo a hike (relatively flat walk) from town till the 7th century Kichu lakhang (temple). On this hike we will get opportunities to interact with locals besides their homes and on their farm. At the end of our hike, we will visit the very sacred Kichu temple (special permits will be obtained) where we will undergo the water purification ceremony by the head lama (monk) of the temple. After this gratifying ceremony, we drive back for 10 minutes to the hotel. Zhiwaling Hotel Day 3 PARO TO WANGDIPHODRANG This morning we set out for central Bhutan. The drive starts along the winding road following the Pa Chu (river) downstream to its confluence with the Wang Chu, then up-valley to Thimphu, the capital. As we enter the Thimphu Valley we pass Simtokha, the dzong built in 1629 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (the man who unified Bhutan). Simtokha is the oldest of the dzongs. Its prayer wheel alcoves contain slate carvings of Buddhist deities that date from the construction of the dzong. Simtokha now houses a language school where scholars of all ages study Dzongkha, the national language. After a brief stop at Simtokha Dzong, we continue our drive eastwards over the Dochu La (la means “pass”), where in good weather 200 miles of Himalayan summits are visible. While enjoying the view, we will serve picnic lunch at the pass nearby the 108 stupas built by the Queen of Bhutan for the sentient beings and world peace. Here, each individual on the tour will (under the guidance of a Lama-monk) hoist prayer flags at Dochula pass (10,300ft) among the many that are already hoisted by people who pray for good luck and for the liberation of sentient beings. After lunch at the pass, we descend experiencing the dramatic change in vegetation. At the lower elevation of the valley floor, cactus, banana plants, poinsettia and other semi-tropical plants dominate the landscape. After a few hours, we come to the green terraced fields of Punakha Valley, where red rice and winter wheat are the staple crops. By late afternoon we arrive to our comfortable riverside hotel for the night. Chuzomsa hotel or Similar Day 4 WANGDIPHODRANG TO TRONGSA After breakfast we depart for a long day of driving to reach Trongsa. We cross one pass named Pelela (11286 ft) en route to central Bhutan and our drive will take approximately 6-7 hours (depending of course, on the length of each photo and bathroom stop). We continue following the Dang Chu River drainage up towards its source. Climbing steadily, we pass through semi-tropical vegetation -- banana plants and cactus, which eventually give way to pine forests, and then to an alpine environment of rhododendrons and dwarf bamboo. Grey langur monkeys are often seen on this portion of the drive. After crossing Pele La, we’ll make a brief stop at Chendibji Chorten, a shrine of ancient lineage built on the old walking path across the country. The first sight of Trongsa Dzong, the largest in Bhutan, is from across the valley, but the road winds another 20 kilometers before reaching Trongsa. Once in Trongsa, we will visit the Trongsa Dzong, built in 1644 (escorted by a senior lama monk), used to be the seat of power of the Wangchuck dynasty before it became rulers of Bhutan in 1907. Traditionally the King of Bhutan first becomes the Penlop (governor) of Trongsa before being named Crown Prince and eventually King. Built on a mountain spur high above the gorges of the Mangde Chhu, the dzong controlled east-west trade for centuries. The only road connecting eastern and western Bhutan (the precursor to the modern Lateral Road), passed through the courtyard of the dzong. At the command of the penlop the massive doors could be shut, dividing the country in two. Yangkhil Hotel or Similar Day 5 TRONGSA TO BUMTHANG As today’s drive is relatively short, we have time in the morning to explore Trongsa. Before setting out, we’ll visit the Ta Dzong, the watch tower located above the town that houses a wonderful temple to Gesar of Ling, an epic hero of Tibet. Today, this watch tower serves as the museum of the Monarchy. From Trongsa, we continue driving about 2-3 more hours to Bumthang. The road crosses two more mountain passes, the Yutong La (11,155 feet) and the Kiki La (9,515 feet) before reaching Jakar. As we enter the Chume Valley (the first of the four valleys which comprise the Bumthang region) we visit the village of Zugney, which is one of several centers of Yathra weaving. Yathra is the name for the locally produced hand-woven woolen cloth. Distinctive patterns and bright, earthy colors enliven the fabric, which is used for a wide variety of purposes and sought after throughout Bhutan. Here, we will stop for special tea (arranged exclusively for you) and interact with the owners of the weaving center and also provide some opportunity to shop. By early afternoon, we arrive at Jakar. Jakar (altitude 2,800 m or 8680 ft) is the principal administrative town of Bumthang district in central Bhutan. Spacious and surrounded by tree covered mountains, the valley in which Jakar is located (Choekor Valley) is considered to be one of the most beautiful in all Bhutan, and it is commonly referred to as "Little Switzerland". The Jakar area is known as a bastion of Vajrayana Buddhism, especially the Nyingma tradition, and there are many monasteries and sacred sites located here. The clusters of villages below the dzong, which are collectively known as Jakar Town, have a population of around 5,000. The main bazaar is currently a row of single storey buildings. However, due to the danger of the nearby river, this will soon be replaced by a new row of two storey shops currently under construction. Jakar was the first place in Bhutan that Guru Rinpoche visited, and as the ruler of the region subsequently converted to Buddhism, Jakar is accorded the title of the birth place of Buddhism in Bhutan. In addition, one of most venerated and accomplished teachers of the Vajrayana school of Buddhism, Pema Lingpa, was born in the Jakar area. Tonight, we will have dinner with local Bhutanese family and guests will have the opportunity to indulge in preparing the famous Bumthang buck wheat pancake and buck wheat noodle that will be served for dinner. Yugarling or Similar Day 6 DAY TRIP TO URA VALLEY Today we drive to the highest of the four smaller valleys that make up the Bumthang region. Enroute, we stop at Membartsho, the “burning lake” - a sacred place associated with Pemalingpa. Membartsho is not actually a lake but rather a water-worn defile in a granite streambed where the water moves slowly.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Bhutan's Accelerating Urbanization
    Document of The World Bank Public Disclosure Authorized Report No.: 62072 Public Disclosure Authorized PROJECT PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT REPORT KINGDOM OF BHUTAN URBAN DEVELOPMENT PROJECT (CREDIT 3310) June 13, 2011 Public Disclosure Authorized IEG Public Sector Evaluation Independent Evaluation Group Public Disclosure Authorized Currency Equivalents (annual averages) Currency Unit = Bhutanese Ngultrum (Nu) 1999 US$1.00 Nu 43.06 2000 US$1.00 Nu 44.94 2001 US$1.00 Nu 47.19 2002 US$1.00 Nu 48.61 2003 US$1.00 Nu 46.58 2004 US$1.00 Nu 45.32 2005 US$1.00 Nu 44.10 2006 US$1.00 Nu 45.31 2007 US$1.00 Nu 41.35 2006 US$1.00 Nu 43.51 2007 US$1.00 Nu 48.41 Abbreviations and Acronyms ADB Asian Development Bank BNUS Bhutan National Urbanization Strategy CAS Country Assistance Strategy CPS Country Partnership Strategy DANIDA Danish International Development Agency DUDES Department of Urban Development and Engineering Services (of MOWHS) GLOF Glacial Lake Outburst Flood ICR Implementation Completion Report IEG Independent Evaluation Group IEGWB Independent Evaluation Group (World Bank) MOF Ministry of Finance MOWHS Ministry of Works & Human Settlement PPAR Project Performance Assessment Report RGOB Royal Government of Bhutan TA Technical Assistance Fiscal Year Government: July 1 – June 30 Director-General, Independent Evaluation : Mr. Vinod Thomas Director, IEG Public Sector Evaluation : Ms. Monika Huppi (Acting) Manager, IEG Public Sector Evaluation : Ms. Monika Huppi Task Manager : Mr. Roy Gilbert i Contents Principal Ratings ...............................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • On Bhutanese and Tibetan Dzongs **
    ON BHUTANESE AND TIBETAN DZONGS ** Ingun Bruskeland Amundsen** “Seen from without, it´s a rocky escarpment! Seen from within, it´s all gold and treasure!”1 There used to be impressive dzong complexes in Tibet and areas of the Himalayas with Tibetan influence. Today most of them are lost or in ruins, a few are restored as museums, and it is only in Bhutan that we find the dzongs still alive today as administration centers and monasteries. This paper reviews some of what is known about the historical developments of the dzong type of buildings in Tibet and Bhutan, and I shall thus discuss towers, khars (mkhar) and dzongs (rdzong). The first two are included in this context as they are important in the broad picture of understanding the historical background and typological developments of the later dzongs. The etymological background for the term dzong is also to be elaborated. Backdrop What we call dzongs today have a long history of development through centuries of varying religious and socio-economic conditions. Bhutanese and Tibetan histories describe periods verging on civil and religious war while others were more peaceful. The living conditions were tough, even in peaceful times. Whatever wealth one possessed had to be very well protected, whether one was a layman or a lama, since warfare and strife appear to have been endemic. Security measures * Paper presented at the workshop "The Lhasa valley: History, Conservation and Modernisation of Tibetan Architecture" at CNRS in Paris Nov. 1997, and submitted for publication in 1999. ** Ingun B. Amundsen, architect MNAL, lived and worked in Bhutan from 1987 until 1998.
    [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]
  • Survey Report on the Protection of Cultural Heritage in the Kingdom of Bhutan
    Japan Consortium for International Cooperation in Cultural Heritage 2009 International Cooperation Survey Survey Report on the Protection of Cultural Heritage in the Kingdom of Bhutan March 2011 Japan Consortium for International Cooperation in Cultural Heritage 報告書(英文）110701最終版_島田.indd 0001 2011/07/25 15:46:01 Contents Introduction 1 Forward 2 Preface 1.Overview of the Survey 5 （1）Purpose and members of the Survey 6 （2）Reasons for survey in Bhutan 7 （3）Cultural Heritage in Bhutan ① Uniqueness of Bhutan from the Viewpoint of Cultural Heritage ② Types of Cultural Heritage in Bhutan 10 （4）Survey Method 2.Overview of the Cultural Heritages Sites Visited 12 （1） Temples 16 （2） Dzongs 28 （3） Other Structures 28 （4） A Bhutanese Festival (Intangible Cultural Heritage) 3.Discussion 37 （1） Summary of Field Survey 45 （2） Potential for Cooperation in the Field of Cultural Heritage Protection 49 （3） Conclusion 4.Survey Records 53 （1） List of Interviewees 54 （2） Record of Action 59 （3） Notes from Interviews 76 （4） Survey Photos 報告書(英文）110701最終版_島田.indd 001 2011/07/25 15:46:01 Introduction Forward The present report is the result of a survey conducted in Bhutan by the Japan Consortium for International Cooperation in Cultural Heritage (hereinafter referred to as “the JCIC”) as part of its research on partner countries for international cooperation. The surveys, which are among the primary activities of the JCIC, are for the purpose of collecting basic data in order to determine potential fi elds of cooperation, and their feasibility, in partner countries, thus contributing to the promotion of international cooperation.
    [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]
  • A Historical Background of the Chhoetse Penlop∗ Dorji Wangdi+
    A Historical Background of the Chhoetse Penlop∗ Dorji Wangdi+ The institution of the Chhoetse Penlop (later called Trongsa Penlop) is more than 350 years. It was started by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1647 after he appointed Chhogyel Minjur Tenpa as his representative in Trongsa. This royal institution with a unique blend of mythology and history represents Bhutan’s past. The Trongsa Dzong was founded by Yongzin Ngagi Wangchuk (1517-1554), the son of Lam Ngawang Chhoejay. According to the legend, Ngagi Wangchuk was guided in a vision by Palden Lhamo, the guardian deity of the Dragon Kingdom, to go to a place in central Bhutan which resembled a bow and which was abundant in food grains (mang-dru). The name Mangdey has its origin in this word. Accordingly, Pal Ngagi Wangchuk arrived at Trongsa in 1541 where he took residence in the village of Yueli which was located on the northern hill-slopes overlooking the then bare hillock upon which the Trongsa Dzong is presently located. One night when Pal Ngagi Wangchuk was meditating in Yueli, his attention was drawn by a flicker of light, resembling that of a butter-lamp burning in the open air, at the spot where the present day Goenkhang in the Trongsa Dzong is located. Upon visiting the spot, he was deeply overwhelmed by discovery of Lhamoi Latsho (a sacred lake of Palden Lhamo) and the hoof prints of Palden Lhamo’s steed. In 1543, Pal Ngagi Wangchuk established a small tshamkhang (meditation quarter) in the sacred spot brought ∗ This is a longer version of the paper printed in Kuensel, Vol XIX No.
    [Show full text]
  • Masked Dance of Sumthrang Mountain Deity
    Masked Dance of Sumthrang Mountain Deity Gengop Karchung * Abstract Masked Dance of Mountain Deity ( Tsän Cham ) of Sumthrang Samdrup Chödzong in Ura, Bumthang is a unique performing art that has been inherited since the 15th century. When the 23rd ’Nyörab Jam’yang Drakpa Özer (’Jam-dbyang grags-pa ’od-zer; 1382–1442) planned to slip away to Tsari (Tibet) for meditation clandestinely, the Drak Tsän Dorje Dradül appeared and beseeched lama to stay at Sumthrang, simultaneously performing this masked dance along with four of his retinues. Consenting to the plea made by the deity, the lama then taught the dance to his disciples. The dance then became part of annual festival called Sumthrang Kangsöl held from 25th Day of 9th Month of the Bhutanese lunar calendar for 5 days. The dance is known by various names: Lha Cham (dance of god), Tsän Cham (dance of mountain deity), and Ta Cham (dance of horse) as the masked dancers ride horses. Today, some episodes of this dance is performed at Zhongmä lhakhang in Lhuntse Dzongkhag as this lhakhang was built by Jam’yang Drakpa Özer. This paper will try to give detailed information on this unique festival, especially the Tsän Cham as it is critically endangered. Further, it will also try to bring out the historical accounts of the lhakhang and other associated sites. This paper will be based on limited available manuscripts, historical publications and other written sources which will be further supplemented with the existing myths and legends that are available. Introduction Bhutan having embraced its culture as one of the core lifelines of every Bhutanese has ensured its sovereignty and independence since time immemorial.
    [Show full text]
  • The Next Generation Bhutan Foundation Annual Report 2016
    The Next Generation Bhutan Foundation Annual Report 2016 Our nation’s vision can only be fulfilled if the scope of our dreams and aspirations are matched by the reality of our commitment to nurturing our future citizens. —His Majesty the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck Table of Contents 4 A time to invest in the Future: Letters from our Co-Chairs and President 8 Youth citizen scientists research how environment responds to climate change 10 Tiger, tiger, burning bright! 13 How solving a community problem can protect snow leopards 15 Bhutan’s history, my history: A student explains the importance of cultural heritage 16 Teaching the next generation of health-care workers 18 Young medical professionals take health care to mountains, glaciers, and beyond 21 Specialized training means better services for children with disabilities 23 How simple agricultural innovation can provide hope 24 How the young and old bring a community back to life 26 Civil society organizations play important role in youth participation 29 Our Partners 30 Bhutan Foundation Grants Fiscal Year 2016 34 Financial Overview 36 Ways to Give 38 Our Team Table of Contents 4 A time to invest in the Future: Letters from our Co-Chairs and President 8 Youth citizen scientists research how environment responds to climate change 10 Tiger, tiger, burning bright! 13 How solving a community problem can protect snow leopards 15 Bhutan’s history, my history: A student explains the importance of cultural heritage 16 Teaching the next generation of health-care workers 18 Young medical professionals take health care to mountains, glaciers, and beyond 21 Specialized training means better services for children with disabilities 23 How simple agricultural innovation can provide hope 24 How the young and old bring a community back to life 26 Civil society organizations play important role in youth participation 29 Our Partners 30 Bhutan Foundation Grants Fiscal Year 2016 34 Financial Overview 36 Ways to Give 38 Our Team A Time to Invest .
    [Show full text]
  • Itinerary Land of the Thunder Dragon Paro – Thimpu – Punakha – Paro Tour Code – CT SPDY 6 Nights – 07 Days
    Itinerary Land of the Thunder Dragon Paro – Thimpu – Punakha – Paro Tour Code – CT SPDY 6 nights – 07 days The work of J. R. R. Tolkiens is world famous as a fictional account of magical lands, mystical black mountains, dragons & Kings. Very few know that there is a land where such things are very much real and a part of everyday life. A land whose people call it “Druk – yul” or Land of the Thunder Dragon, a kingdom ruled by a Dragon King, who wears a raven crown. A land of mystical valleys resounding with magic, tranquility and happiness, complete with black mountains and sacred peaks which touch the skies. We invite you to a magical experience in this land, where even in this modern world happiness is given more importance, a world which moves with its own unique pace towards a better and more serene existence. We invite you to visit the Kingdom of Bhutan Creative Travel | [email protected] | page 1 Day 1: Arrive Paro – Thimpu Arrive at Paro International Airport. Welcome on arrival & Transfer to Thimpu. Afternoon visit King’s memorial Chorten and Trashichhoedzong Stay Overnight at the hotel Arrive at Paro International Airport. Our representative will introduce to the vehicle for an interesting 1 ½ hrs drive through scenic Himalayan countryside to your hotel in Thimphu, the modern capital of the Kingdom. Welcome to the Kingdom of Bhutan! Many eastern classics and books of wisdom have referred to the Himalayas as the abode of gods and home to the immortals, resulting in visits to this country by a great many saints, mystics, scholars and pilgrimswho blessed this land and its people with an invaluable spiritual and cultural legacy that has shaped every facet of Bhutanese lives.
    [Show full text]
  • Pdf Banco Mundial
    Estudios de Asia y África ISSN: 0185-0164 ISSN: 2448-654X El Colegio de México A.C. Rodríguez-Calles, Luis Breve historia de Bután. Una identidad y un horizonte común en torno a la felicidad como objetivo político Estudios de Asia y África, vol. 54, núm. 2, Mayo-Agosto, 2019, pp. 373-390 El Colegio de México A.C. DOI: 10.24201/eaa.v54i2.2434 Disponible en: http://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=58660239007 Cómo citar el artículo Número completo Sistema de Información Científica Redalyc Más información del artículo Red de Revistas Científicas de América Latina y el Caribe, España y Portugal Página de la revista en redalyc.org Proyecto académico sin fines de lucro, desarrollado bajo la iniciativa de acceso abierto ESTUDIOS DE ASIA Y ÁFRICA, VOL. 54, NÚM. 2 (169), 2019, PP. 373-390 ISSN 0185-0164 e-ISSN 2448-654X CULTURA Y SOCIEDAD https://dx.doi.org/10.24201/eaa.v54i2.2434 Breve historia de Bután. Una identidad y un horizonte común en torno a la felicidad como objetivo político A brief history of Bhutan. An identity and a common horizon around happiness as a political objective LUIS RODRÍGUEZ-CALLES* Resumen: Se hace un repaso histórico de los acontecimientos más re- levantes ocurridos en el territorio que ahora pertenece a Bután, en el periodo que llega a la instauración de una monarquía hereditaria a principios de siglo XX. En un cuadro se resumen esos acontecimien- tos. Así se pretende dar luz al periodo histórico más desconocido del país con objeto de complementar otros análisis académicos sobre la felicidad, el budismo y las particularidades del modelo de desarrollo en Bután.
    [Show full text]
  • Tentative Festival Dates for 2016
    TENTATIVE FESTIVAL DATES FOR 2016 SL# FESTIVAL PLACE DATES 1. NOMAD FESTIVAL BUMTHANG 23rd February 2. BHUTAN INTERNATIONAL (Annual event organized by Bhutan 5th March MARATHON Olympic Committee) 3. PUNAKHA DRUBCHEN Punakha Dzong, PUNAKHA 14th -16th February 4. PUNAKHA TSHECHU Punakha Dzong, PUNAKHA 17th -19th February 5. THARPALING THONGDROL Tharpaling Lhakhang, Chhumi, 22nd February BUMTHANG 6. CHHORTEN KORA Chorten Kora, 22nd February & 9th March TRASHIYANGTSHE 7. GOMPHU KORA Gom Kora Lhakhang, 17th -18th March TRASHIGANG 8. TALO TSHECHU Talo Gonpo, PUNAKHA 16th -18th March 9. GASA TSHECHU Gasa Dzong, 14th -17th March GASA 10. ZHEMGANG TSHECHU Zhemgang Dzong, ZHEMGANG 16th -18th March 11. PARO TSHECHU Rinpung Dzong, 20th – 24rd March PARO 12. RHODODENDRON Lamperi Botanical Garden, 18th -20th April FESTIVAL Dochula, THIMPHU 13. DOMKHAR TSHECHU Domkhar, Chummi, BUMTHANG 16th -18th April 14. URA YAKCHOE Ura Lhakhang, 18th -23rd April BUMTHANG 15. SAKTANG FESTIVAL Saktang Khakhang, 12th -16th June TRASHIGANG 16. NIMALUNG TSHECHU Nimalung Dratshang, 13th -15th June Chummi, BUMTHANG 17. TRELDA TSHECHU Drametse, MONGAR 12th -24th June 18. KURJEY TSHECHU Kurjey Lhakhang, Choekhor 15th June 19. HAA SUMMER Town Festival Ground, HAA 5th–6th July FESTIVAL 20. MERAK TSHECHU Merak Lhakhang, 2nd -3rd August TRASHIGANG 21. MASUTAKE Ura, BUMTHANG 22nd – 23rd August MUSHROOM FESTIVAL [email protected] www.tibetantrekking.com 22. CHHA FESTIVAL Tagmochhu,LHUENTSE 15th -19th August 23. TOUR OF THE DRAGON Bumthang to Thimphu 5th September (BICYCLE RACE) 24. THIMPHU DRUBCHEN Tashi Chhodzong, 7th September THIMPHU 25. WANGDUE TSHECHU Tencholing Army Ground, 9th – 11th September WANGDUEPHODRANG 26. THIMPHU TSHECHU Tashi Chhodzong, 11th – 13th September THIMPHU 27. GANGTEY TSHECHU Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha, 9th -11th October WANDUEPHODRANG 28.
    [Show full text]
  • Mar 21, 2018 Departure
    Mar 21, 2018 Departure FULL ITINERARY: Day 1: Depart USA Your exotic journey to Bhutan begins this evening as you check in for your flight to Bangkok, via Taipei. Day 2: En route Cross the International Dateline and lose a day en route to Thailand. You will recover this day on the return portion of your trip Day 3: Bangkok Accommodations: 1 night Chatrium Riverside, Bangkok. Included meals: Dinner. Late morning arrival in Bangkok, the bustling, captivating and fascinating capital of Thailand, situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River Our representatives will meet you upon arrival, assist with passport and customs formalities, and transfer you to your hotel Later, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant Day 4: Bangkok, Paro & Thimphu Accommodations: 2 nights Osel Hotel, Thimphu, Bhutan. Included meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner. Transfer to the airport to continue your journey to Paro, Bhutan via Druk Air After customs formalities, board your vehicle for the scenic drive to Thimphu Full Day Itinerary: Transfer to the airport to continue your journey to Paro, Bhutan via Druk Air. On a clear day, you may experience breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayas. A representative will greet you upon arrival at Paro International Airport. After customs formalities, board your vehicle for the scenic drive to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital city, passing through a bucolic landscape dotted with rice paddy fields, apple orchards, and quaint villages. Time permitting, enjoy a panoramic tour of Thimphu Valley upon arrival. Thimphu is situation at an elevation of 8,200 feet. On your way to Thimphu, make a stop at the Tachogang Temple, built in the 15th century by Thangtong Gyalpo, builder of many iron bridges in Bhutan.
    [Show full text]