First Snow Fall in Thimphu, The Capital City of Bhutan

The First snowfall of the year 2009 and that also in a very special day, last day of the year 2009. wow!!!!!

Thimphu, the capital city is covered with white snow... looking cool and wonderful....


HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

bhutan: ACC U-19 Challenge Cup 2009 - China v Myanmar

ACC U-19 Challenge Cup 2009 - China v Myanmar
CHINA CRUSH MYANMAR

Myanmar have been the one team China can consistently beat at this level, but since the last time they met (at senior level) in the ACC Trophy Challenge, Myanmar have narrowed the gap. But there is more than the Gulf of Tonkin between them still as China won by 117 runs in their ACC U-19 Challenge match at the Chiang Mai Gymkhana.

Under the tutelage of Bangladeshi coach Ashfaq-ul Islam Bappy they play straighter, bowl better and field with more aptitude. “We are a long way short of where I would like Myanmar to be, but much advance has happened,” he said while watching today’s match. The 14th wide of the innings passed down the leg-side as he spoke, making him say, “I want them to find out for themselves how much these little things cost. When they know that, they will automatically become better.”

China’s top order play straight but with little power Myanmar, scoring most of their runs behind square. Wides were keeping pace with the batsmen for the first ten overs, as China reached 28 for no loss.

China’s running wasn’t assured, Myanmar’s fielding was enthusiastic if not excellent and there was plenty of dives and dashes into the crease by the batters. Myanmar stuck to their task and though their were more wides than their coach would have liked he was pleased with the way his team stuck to their task.

China always looked like losing wickets until Zhang Yufei their captain came in. He gave a caught and bowled chance to his opposite number Min Hein Khant, the ball after driving him through midwicket. It was a big miss. ‘The Big Man’ as Zhang Yufei is called by his coach, finished the over for a 6. Of course he can score behind square, but he can also score all over the ground.

Zhang took a liking to Saw Phone Tet Phaing’s left arm full-tosses reaching his 50 (46 balls, three 4s, four 6s) with a 6 over square leg. It was China’s first international 50 in three years of men’s international cricket (the women have made three). He looked a class apart today, batting with power and assurance, strong in defence and deft in attack when necessary.

He was seventh out for 75, lbw to Yan Naing Kyaw having scored more than half of his team’s runs and created a landmark for himself and others to pass. The last man was run out off the last ball of the 50th over, and China became the first team to bat out an innings. “We wanted to bat 50 overs today, ‘Big Man’ made the difference,” said China’s coach Rashid Khan, “Myanmar had some good bowlers and didn’t make it very easy for us.” 181 was still the highest score of the tournament so far.

Min Wai, a 17-year old who’s been playing cricket for three years was the pick of them today, taking 3-18. Myat Min Hein took four good catches standing back and had the outfielders been a little sharper, China would have been in trouble.

Extras have been a worry for China’s coach Rashid Khan, “I wasn’t happy with the way they bowled (in China’s win) against Brunei,” when they conceded 27 wides in 27 overs. If Myanmar played through 50 overs today, China’s bowlers would put up a lot of the runs themselves.

Extras were indeed outscoring the batsmen until the 19th over but nine wickets had fallen by then. Aung Aung had played the shot of the day, a back-foot drive which raced to the mid-off boundary but was bowled next ball, which summed up Myanmar’s schizophrenic performance. They were all out for 64.

China celebrated each wicket with rampant joy – they have played a lot and are sick of losing. “I had no idea Myanmar even had a cricket team,” said one of the Australian spectators at the ground. They do, and their day will come eventually.

Source: http://www.asiancricket.org
Source: http://damcrick.blogspot.com/

TENTATIVE FESTIVAL DATES FOR 2010

FESTIVAL	PLACE	DATES
PUNAKHA DROMCHE	Punakha Dzong; PUNAKHA	20th- 23rd FEB (7th-9th first Bhutanese, 9th nobtsho)
PUNAKHA TSHECHU	Punakha Dzong; PUNAKHA	24th – 26th FEB (10th-12th of 1st Bhutanese month)
CHORTEN KORA	Chorten Kora; TRASHIYANGTSE	28th FEB & 15th MAR
THARPALING THONGDROL	Tharpaling Lhakhang, Chummi, BUMTHANG	28th FEB
TANGSIBI MANI (URA)	Tangsibi Lhakhang, Ura, BUMTHANG	27th FEB – 3rd MAR
BULLI MANI (CHUMMI)	Buli Lhakhang, Chummi, BUMTHANG	1st – 3rd MAR
GADEN CHODPA (URA)	Gaden Lhakhang, Ura, BUMTHANG	13th – 15th MAR
GOMKORA	Gom Kora Lhakhang; TRASHIGANG	23rd – 25th MAR
PARO TSHECHU	Rinpung Dzong; PARO	26th – 30th MAR
CHUKHA TSHECHU	CHUKHA	28th – 30th MAR
DOMKHAR TSHECHU	Domkhar, Chummi, BUMTHANG	23rd – 25th APR
URA YAKCHOE	Ura Lhakhang; BUMTHANG	24th – 28th APR
PADSEL-LING KUCHOD	Padsel-ling Gonpa, Choekhor, BUMTHANG	2nd – 3rd JUN
NIMALUNG TSHECHU	Nimalung Dratshang, Chummi, BUMTHANG	19th – 21st JUN
KURJEY TSHECHU	Kurjey Lhakhang, Choekhor, BUMTHANG	21st JUN
THIMPHU DRUBCHEN	Tashi Chhodzong, THIMPHU	12th – 16th SEPT
WANGDI TSHECHU	Wangdi Dzong, WANGDUE PHODRANG	15th – 17th SEPT
TAMSHINGPHALA CHOEPA	Tamshing Lhakhang, Choekhor, BUMTHANG	16th – 18th SEPT
THIMPHU TSHECHU	TaashiChhodzong, THIMPHU	17th -19th SEPT
TANGBI MANI	Tangbi Lhakhang, Choekhor, BUMTHANG	22nd – 24th SEPT
SHINGKHAR RABNEY (URA)	Shingkhar Lhakhang, Ura, BUMTHANG	13th – 17th OCT
JAKAR TSECHU	Jakar Dzong, Choekhor, BUMTHANG	15th – 18th OCT
JAMBAY LHAKHANG DRUP	Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, BUMTHANG	22nd – 26th OCT
PRAKHAR DUCHHOED	Prakar Lhakhang, Chummi, BUMTHANG	23rd – 25th OCT
SUMDRANG KANGSOL(URA)	Sumdrang Lhakhang, Ura, BUMTHANG	2nd – 6th NOV
CRANE FESTIVAL	PHOBJI KHA; WANGDUE PHODRANG	12th NOV
MONGAR TSHECHU	Mongar Dzong, MONGAR	13th – 16th NOV
PEMAGATSHEL TSHECHU	Pemagatshel Dzong, PEMAGATSHEL	13th – 16th NOV
TRASHIGANG TSHECHU	Trashigang Dzong, TRASHIGANG	14th – 17th NOV
TANG NAMKHA RABNEY (TANG)	Tang Namkha Lhakhang, BUMTHANG	15th – 16th NOV
JAMBAY LAHKHANG SINGYE CHAM	Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, BUMTHANG	21st NOV
NALAKHAR TSHECHU (Zhey)	Ngaa Lhakhang, Choekhor, BUMTHANG	21st – 23rd NOV
CHOJAM RABNEY (TANG)	Chojamrab Lhakhang, Tang, BUMTHANG	20th – 24th NOV
TRONGSA TSHECHU	Trongsa Dzong, TRONGSA	15th – 17th DEC
LHUNTSE TSHECHU	Lhuntse Dzong, LHUNTSE	15th – 17th DEC
SHINGKHAR METOCHODPA (URA)	Shingkhar Lhakhang, Ura, BUMTHANG	21st DEC
NABJI LHAKHANG DRUP	Nabji Lhakhang, Nabji, TRONGSA	21st – 25th DEC

Bhutan Jakar Festival Tour

Bhutan Jakar Festival Tour

The regional Dzong and remote village communities hold their distinct annual Tsechu festival, providing the local populace with a wonderful occasion to dress up, gather together, and enjoy, in a convivial light-heated atmosphere. It is also an occasion to renew their faith and receive blessings by watching the sacred dances, or receiving 'empowerment' from a lama or Buddhist monk.

The dances, each aspect of which has a symbolic meaning, are performed by trained monks and laymen wearing ornate costumes, and, in some cases, impressive masks. At Paro, Wangdu, Mongar and Tashigang, among other places, a large 'thanka' scroll known as a Tongdrol is exhihited for a few hours, at day break of the final day of the festival, enabling the people to obtain its blessing, since such scrolls 'confer liberation by the mere sight of it' (tongdrol in Bhutanese).

Day 1: Arrival Paro International Airport.
During the journey to Paro, one will experience from the left hand side of the plane, breath taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Chomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On the arrival at Paro International Airport, The representative, your tour guide will receive you and escort you to the hotel. After a brief rest at the hotel and tea/coffee. Drive to the National Museum (Ta-Dzong). This was actually the Watch Tower of Paro Rinpung Dzong. It was converted to the National Museum in 1968. Visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong. This massive fortress is located on a hill top above the Pachu (Paro River) of Paro Valley. You have to walk about 15 minutes by crossing an ancient wooden bridge built in typical Bhutanese architect. The Dzong houses the District Administration Office and the District Monk Body. It was built in 1645 A.D. Lunch at Hotel. After Lunch Visit Kyichu Lhakhang (Lhakhang means Monastery). Kyichu Lhakhang was built in 659 A.D. by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet. It is considered one of the holiest places in Bhutan as it marks the advent of Buddhism in the country. It is one of the 108 such temples built by him for spreading Buddhism in this region. Drive to the Paro village town and explore the town. Altitude of Paro is 2260m.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro.

Day 2: Paro – Paro
Drive for 15kms and reach the base of Famous Tiger’s Nest “TAKTSANG” Monastery and hike up which would take Two Hours up and approximately One Hour down. Stop at Taktsang Tea House “Cafeteria” for refreshment of Tea & Coffee. Taktsang is at 2900mts. Hike for another half an hour and you reach the Great and Magnificent Taktsang where you will be greets by the monks who live there and Special Bhutanese Butter Tea will be served with Snacks. Visit the most important monastery were the Guru Rimpoche was flying on a Flamming Tigress from Singye Dzong in Eastern Bhutan to here and meditated for Three Months and flourishment of Buddhism in Paro started from 8th Century. Walk down hill and drive to Drugyal Dzong and on the way enjoys the view of the Taktsang Monastery, also known as “Tiger’s Nest temple”. Near the Drugyal Dzong, if the sky is clear we can see the Mt. Chomolhari on the background.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro.

Thimphu is the Capital City of Bhutan but for the Buddhist Monk body moves to Punakha in Winter and their Summer Capital District is Thimphu but Winter s Punakha because it is cold in Thimphu during winter and Punakha is just perfect at 1300mts

Day 3: Paro – Thimphu
The drive to Thimphu will take roughly Two Hours. Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan since from 1974. Punakha used to the capital city of Bhutan before that.
For the first one hour you will follow the Pa-Chu (Paro River) and reach Chuzom where the Thimphu River meets the Paro River and forms Wang-Chu (Chu means Water, River or Stream). Chuzom is a four direction motor road junction where one road leads to Thimphu, one to Phuentsholing the border town to India, one to Haa valley and one where you drove from Paro. It will take another One hour from here to Capital city, Thimphu. Check in the Hotel and after short rest visit National Memorial Stupa, built in 1874 by Royal Queen Mother and dedicated to the father of Modern Bhutan, the Late His Majesty the Third King of Bhutan. The Memorial Stupa, built in 1974 by Royal Queen Mother and dedicated to the Father of Modern Bhutan, The Third King of Bhutan. This Tibetan & Bhutanese Architecture mixed Stupa has got three different sects of Buddhism such as Gongdu on the Top floor, Drukpa Kagyud on Middle with Second Buddha figure facing the Sun Rise and on the Ground Floor it is the Phurba.

Day 4: Thimphu - Thimphu
Visit the Post Office with Money exchange as the bank is next door. Lunch in Town, after lunch drive to BBS Tower to get the magnificent picture and view of Thimphu and you can also see our Queens Palaces. Visit to Thimphu Mini Zoo where you can see our National Animal “TAKIN” which has a head of a goat and body of a cow, believed to be made by great Devine Madman in the 16th Century. Visit national Library, School of Thirteen Arts and Crafts, National institute of Traditional Medicines. Visit to Thimphu Tashi Cho Dzong, the office of the King and the Throne Room and also the Summer Capital of Monastic Body lead by His Holiness the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) who spend six months here during summer and move to Punakha for winter for another six months.
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 5: Thimphu – Punakha
After breakfast drive to Winter Capital for the Monastic Body, Punakha at 1300m.
One hour drive reach you to Dochula Pass at 3150mts where you can see and enjoy the Eastern Himalayas in a Panoramic View and best picture time for group of Bhutanese Style of Stupas, as there are 108 Stupas built by Her Majesty for the well being of the Nation and Love Live His Majesty. It descends to Punakha and Wangdue at 1300mts which will take another two hours. Visit Historic and one of the most beautiful Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Great Zhabdrung Rimpoche who unified Bhutan in 17th Century.
Overnight: Hotel in Punakha

Day 6: Punakha - Punakha
After breakfast walk to the famous Devine Madman’s Monastery the Chhimi Lhakhang “No Dog Monastery” built in 1499. Today it is very popular because couples who are married for so many years and don’t have children’s but always desired go there and get blessed from the wooden Phallus and in another Nine months the wife gets pregnant. We will visit the monastery and meditate and picnic lunch will be served outside the monastery in a lush green ground. After Lunch drive to Punakha and visit the beautiful and legendary Khamsum Yuley Namgyal Monastery built by Her Majesty the Queen mother of our Crown Prince.
Overnight: Hotel in Punakha

Day 7: Punakha – Bumthang (210 Kms, 8 hours, 2500mts)
After breakfast drive to Bumthang via Wangdi village town. Have the pack lunch around the Pelela pass (3390 Mts) or you have the option to continue to Chendebji Stupa. Chendebji Stupa is a massive stupa built in Sherpa style. We have only two such stupas in Bhutan and the other one is in Tarshi Yangtse, eastern Bhutan. After lunch, drive onto Bumthang via Trongsa. At Trongsa, stop to visit the Trongsa Dzong which is one of the most magnificent Dzongs in Bhutan with many old and holy temples inside the Dzong, also visit the ancient WatchTower which has a temple dedicated to Ling Geyser (Alexandra the Great) and have your evening tea and continue to the Bumthang for the night.
Overnight: Hotel in Bumthang

Day 8: Bumthang – Bumthang
Full Day witness the Jakar Festival
Overnight: Hotel in Bumthang

Day 9: Bumthang – Bumthang
Full Day witness the Jakar Festival
Overnight: Hotel in Bumthang

Day 10: Bumthang – Ura - Bumthang
Day excursion to beautiful Ura Valley and visit to Burning Lake
Overnight: Hotel in Bumthang

Day 11: Bumthang – Trongsa (3 hrs drive, 2100mts)
After breakfast drive to Kurjey monastery and Jakar Dzong, District Administration Centre.
Overnight: Hotel in Trongsa

Day 12: Trongsa – Wangdue/Punakha (3 hrs drive)
After breakfast drive to Wangdue and if time permits then drive to Gangtey/Phobjikha which is located in one of Bhutan’s most picturesque valley, Phobjikha. Visit Gangtey Gompa, which now houses one of the only Nyingmapa Monasteries in Bhutan. The valley is also the winter home to the rare Black-Neck cranes (Grus Nicorocolis), which migrate from remote parts of Tibet, China and Siberia to winter in this valley.

Day 13: Punakha – Thimphu
After breakfast drive to Thimphu. On the way hike to the legendary Chimi Lhakhang built in 15th Century by a saint popularly known as Devine Mad Man “Drukpa Kuenley”. It is believed that the couple who are married for so long years and doesn’t result in pregnancy, they go there and pray and in next coming months the wife gets pregnant.
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu

Day 14: Thimphu – Paro
After breakfast leisure time, shopping and relax hour till lunch. Lunch in Thimphu and after lunch drive to Paro, arrive Paro and relax and explore the town
Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Day 15: Depart Bhutan
Early morning drive to Airport and board flight for onwards journey.
Wishing you safe journey and thanks for visiting Bhutan with us

Bhutan Tangbi Mani Festival

Bhutan Tangbi Mani Festival Tour

Join the Bumthang Festival Tour. Visit Bhutan at the time of Jambey Lakhang, Nalakhar and Jakar Festivals - some of the grandest festivals in Bhutan. The Bumthang Festivals are religious festivals where masked dances are performed to instruct the onlookers in the ways of Buddhist Dharma. These are also occasions where Bhutanese people dress in their finest ethnic costumes. During the Bumthang Fesitval Tour you can witness various religious masked dances performed in the courtyards of the Dzongs of the area. The special Bumthang festival tours visit Bhutan during the famous and colourful festival in the picturesque valleys of Bumthang.

Day 1: Arrival Paro International Airport.
During the journey to Paro, one will experience from the left hand side of the plane, breath taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Chomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On the arrival at Paro International Airport, The representative, your tour guide will receive you and escort you to the hotel. After a brief rest at the hotel and tea/coffee, you can drive to the Paro village town and explore the town. Altitude of Paro is 2260m.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro.

Thimphu is the Capital City of Bhutan but for the Buddhist Monk body moves to Punakha in Winter and their Summer Capital District is Thimphu but Winter s Punakha because it is cold in Thimphu during winter and Punakha is just perfect at 1300mts.

Day 2: Paro – Thimphu: Distance (65 Kms, 2 Hrs Drive, 2260mts)
After breakfast drive to Thimphu, the drive will take roughly Two Hours. Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan since from 1974. Punakha used to the capital city of Bhutan before that.
For the first one hour you will follow the Pa-Chu (Paro River) and reach Chuzom where the Thimphu River meets the Paro River and forms Wang-Chu (Chu means Water, River or Stream). Chuzom is a four direction motor road junction where one road leads to Thimphu, one to Phuentsholing the border town to India, one to Haa valley and one where you drove from Paro. It will take another One hour from here to Capital city, Thimphu. Check in the Hotel.
After Lunch drive to Tashi Chodzong to witness the Thimphu Festival. After that drive to town and visit the National Memorial Stupa, built in 1874 by Royal Queen Mother and dedicated to the father of Modern Bhutan, the Late His Majesty the Third King of Bhutan.
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 3: Thimphu – Thimphu
After breakfast drive to Dzong to witness the festival. After lunch drive to the BBS Tower to get the magnificent picture and view of Thimphu and you can also see our Queens Palaces. Visit to Thimphu Mini Zoo where you can see our National Animal “TAKIN” which has a head of a goat and body of a cow, believed to be made by great Devine Madman in the 16th Century. Visit national Library, School of Thirteen Arts and Crafts, National Institute of Traditional Medicines.
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu

Day 4: Thimphu – Punakha (77 Kms, 3 hours, 1300mts)
After breakfast drive to Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan. On the way stop at Dochula Pass (3100 Mts), which offers a breathtaking view of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day. On reaching Punakha chek in the hotel and have lunch. After lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong. The Punkaha Dzong is one of the most religiously important dzongs in Bhutan as it was the main head quarter of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgye, the founder of Bhutan. Besides visiting several holy temples, you can also visit the new temple built inside the Dzong which is really very beautiful. Drive up to Nynzergang to see the view of the Khamsung Yuelley Namgyal Stupa which was built for the crown prince. If you are interested to visit this stupa, you have to walk about 20 minutes uphill from the motor road.
Overnight: Hotel in Punakha

Day 5: Punakha – Bumthang (210 Kms, 8 hours, 2500mts)
After breakfast drive to Bumthang via Wangdi village town. While passing through Wangdi, you can also visit the Wnagdi Phodrang Dzong and continue driving to Bumthang. Have the pack lunch around the Pelela pass (3390 Mts) or you have the option to continue to Chendebji Stupa. Chendebji Stupa is a massive stupa built in Sherpa style. We have only two such stupas in Bhutan and the other one is in Tarshi Yangtse, eastern Bhutan. After lunch, drive onto Bumthang via Trongsa. At Trongsa, stop to visit the Trongsa Dzong which is one of the most magnificent Dzongs in Bhutan with many old and holy temples inside the Dzong. Also visit the ancient WatchTower which has a temple dedicated to Ling Geyser (Alexandra the Great) and have your evening tea and continue to the Bumthang for the night.
Overnight: Hotel in Bumthang

Day 6: Bumthang – Bumthang – Tangbi Mani Festival
Witness the Tangbi Mani Festival. After lunch drive to visit the Tamshing temple, Kharsumpey temple, Kenchosum temple, Jakar town and the Swiss Farm where they produce Bhutanese Red Panda Beer and Swiss cheese.
Overnight: Hotel in Bumthang

Day 7: Bumthang – Ura - Bumthang
Day excursion to beautiful Ura Valley and visit to Burning Lake
Overnight: Hotel in Bumthang

Day 8: Bumthang – Trongsa (3 hrs drive, 2100mts)
After breakfast drive to Kurjey monastery and Jakar Dzong, District Administration Centre.
Overnight: Hotel in Trongsa

Day 9: Trongsa – Wangdue/Punakha (3 hrs drive)
After breakfast drive to Wangdue and if time permits then drive to Gangtey/Phobjikha which is located in one of Bhutan’s most picturesque valley, Phobjikha. Visit Gangtey Gompa, which now houses one of the only Nyingmapa Monasteries in Bhutan. The valley is also the winter home to the rare Black-Neck cranes (Grus Nicorocolis), which migrate from remote parts of Tibet, China and Siberia to winter in this valley.

Day 10: Punakha – Thimphu
After breakfast drive to Thimphu. On the way hike to the legendary Chimi Lhakhang built in 15th Century by a saint popularly known as Devine Mad Man “Drukpa Kuenley”. It is believed that the couple who are married for so long years and doesn’t result in pregnancy, they go there and pray and in next coming months the wife gets pregnant.
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu

Day 11: Thimphu – Paro
After breakfast drive to Paro. Check in the Hotel, after brief rest drive to the National Museum (Ta-Dzong). This was actually the Watch Tower of Paro Rinpung Dzong. It was converted to the National Museum in 1968. Visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong. This massive fortress is located on a hill top above the Pachu (Paro River) of Paro Valley. You have to walk about 15 minutes by crossing an ancient wooden bridge built in typical Bhutanese architect. The Dzong houses the District Administration Office and the District Monk Body. It was built in 1645 A.D. Lunch at Hotel. After Lunch Visit Kyichu Lhakhang (Lhakhang means Monastery). Kyichu Lhakhang was built in 659 A.D. by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet. It is considered one of the holiest places in Bhutan as it marks the advent of Buddhism in the country. It is one of the 108 such temples built by him for spreading Buddhism in this region. Drives to Drugyal Dzong and on the way enjoy the view of the Taktsang Monastery, also known as “Tiger’s Nest temple”. Near the Drugyal Dzong, if the sky is clear we can see the Mt. Chomolhari on the background.

Day 12: Paro – Paro
After breakfast drive for 15kms and reach the base of Famous Tiger’s Nest “TAKTSANG” Monastery and hike up which would take Two Hours up and approximately One Hour down. Stop at Taktsang Tea House “Cafeteria” for refreshment of Tea & Coffee and on your return back from monastery you will have your Lunch here.
Taktsang is at 2900mts. Hike for another half an hour and you reach the Great and Magnificent Taktsang where you will be greets by the monks who live there and Special Bhutanese Butter Tea will be served with Snacks.
Visit the most important monastery were the Guru Rimpoche was flying on a Flamming Tigress from Singye Dzong in Eastern Bhutan to here and meditated for Three Months and flourishment of Buddhism in Paro started from 8th Century.
Walk down to the Tea House for Vegetarian Lunch.
After Lunch walk down hill and drive to Paro valley town to explore the town and shopping.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Day 13: Depart Bhutan
Early morning drive to Airport and board flight to Delhi.
Wishing you safe journey and thanks for visiting Bhutan with us

Bhutan Thimphu Festival

Bhutan Thimphu Festival Tour

Join the colourful Thimphu Festival Tour. Visit Bhutan at the time of Thimphu Tsechu the grandest festivals in Bhutan. The Thimphu Festival is a religious festival where masked dances are performed to instruct the onlookers in the ways of Dharma. These are also occasions where Bhutanese people dress in their finest ethnic costumes. During the Thimphu Festival Tour you can witness various religious masked dances performed in the courtyards of the Dzong of the area. Our special festival tours visit Bhutan during the famous and colourful Thimphu Festival.

Day 1: Arrival Paro International Airport.
During the journey to Paro, one will experience from the left hand side of the plane, breath taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Chomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On the arrival at Paro International Airport, The representative, your tour guide will receive you and escort you to the hotel. After a brief rest at the hotel and tea/coffee, drive to the National Museum (Ta-Dzong). This was actually the Watch Tower of Paro Rinpung Dzong. It was converted to the National Museum in 1968. Visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong. This massive fortress is located on a hill top above the Pachu (Paro River) of Paro Valley. You have to walk about 15 minutes by crossing an ancient wooden bridge built in typical Bhutanese architect. The Dzong houses the District Administration Office and the District Monk Body. It was built in 1645 A.D. Lunch at Hotel. After Lunch Visit Kyichu Lhakhang (Lhakhang means Monastery). Kyichu Lhakhang was built in 659 A.D. by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet. It is considered one of the holiest places in Bhutan as it marks the advent of Buddhism in the country. It is one of the 108 such temples built by him for spreading Buddhism in this region. Drive to the Paro village town and explore the town. Altitude of Paro is 2260m.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro.

Day 2: Paro – Paro
Drive for 15kms and reach the base of Famous Tiger’s Nest “TAKTSANG” Monastery and hike up which would take Two Hours up and approximately One Hour down. Stop at Taktsang Tea House “Cafeteria” for refreshment of Tea & Coffee. Taktsang is at 2900mts. Hike for another half an hour and you reach the Great and Magnificent Taktsang where you will be greets by the monks who live there and Special Bhutanese Butter Tea will be served with Snacks. Visit the most important monastery were the Guru Rimpoche was flying on a Flamming Tigress from Singye Dzong in Eastern Bhutan to here and meditated for Three Months and flourishment of Buddhism in Paro started from 8th Century. Walk down hill and drive to Drugyal Dzong and on the way enjoys the view of the Taktsang Monastery, also known as “Tiger’s Nest temple”. Near the Drugyal Dzong, if the sky is clear we can see the Mt. Chomolhari on the background.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro.

Thimphu is the Capital City of Bhutan but for the Buddhist Monk body moves to Punakha in Winter and their Summer Capital District is Thimphu but Winter s Punakha because it is cold in Thimphu during winter and Punakha is just perfect at 1300mts

Day 3: Paro – Thimphu
The drive to Thimphu will take roughly Two Hours. Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan since from 1974. Punakha used to the capital city of Bhutan before that.
For the first one hour you will follow the Pa-Chu (Paro River) and reach Chuzom where the Thimphu River meets the Paro River and forms Wang-Chu (Chu means Water, River or Stream). Chuzom is a four direction motor road junction where one road leads to Thimphu, one to Phuentsholing the border town to India, one to Haa valley and one where you drove from Paro. It will take another One hour from here to Capital city, Thimphu. Check in the Hotel and after short rest visit National Memorial Stupa, built in 1874 by Royal Queen Mother and dedicated to the father of Modern Bhutan, the Late His Majesty the Third King of Bhutan. The Memorial Stupa, built in 1974 by Royal Queen Mother and dedicated to the Father of Modern Bhutan, The Third King of Bhutan. This Tibetan & Bhutanese Architecture mixed Stupa has got three different sects of Buddhism such as Gongdu on the Top floor, Drukpa Kagyud on Middle with Second Buddha figure facing the Sun Rise and on the Ground Floor it is the Phurba.

Day 4: Thimphu – Thimphu
Full Day Thimphu Festival
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu

Day 5: Thimphu – Thimphu
Full Day Thimphu Festival
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu

Day 6: Thimphu - Thimphu
AM Thimphu Festival, Lunch in Town, after lunch drive to BBS Tower to get the magnificent picture and view of Thimphu and you can also see our Queens Palaces. Visit to Thimphu Mini Zoo where you can see our National Animal “TAKIN” which has a head of a goat and body of a cow, believed to be made by great Devine Madman in the 16th Century. Visit national Library, School of Thirteen Arts and Crafts, National institute of Traditional Medicines.
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 7: Thimphu – Punakha
After breakfast drive to Winter Capital for the Monastic Body, Punakha at 1300m.
One hour drive reach you to Dochula Pass at 3150mts where you can see and enjoy the Eastern Himalayas in a Panoramic View and best picture time for group of Bhutanese Style of Stupas, as there are 108 Stupas built by Her Majesty for the well being of the Nation and Love Live His Majesty. It descends to Punakha and Wangdue at 1300mts which will take another two hours. Visit Historic and one of the most beautiful Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Great Zhabdrung Rimpoche who unified Bhutan in 17th Century.
Overnight: Hotel in Punakha

Day 8: Punakha - Punakha
After breakfast walk to the famous Devine Madman’s Monastery The Chhimi Lhakhang “No Dog Monastery” built in 1499. Today it is very popular because couples who are married for so many years and don’t have childrens but always desired go there and get blessed from the wodden Phallus and in another Nine months the wife gets pregnant. We will visit the monastery and meditate and picnic lunch will be served outside the monastery in a lush green ground. After Lunch drive to Punakha and visit the beautiful and legendary Khamsum Yuley Namgyal Monastery built by Her Majesty the Queen mother of our Crown Prince.
Overnight: Hotel in Punakha

Day 9: Punakha – Paro
After breakfast drive to Paro. Lunch at Thimphu. Afterlunch further drive to Paro
Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Day 10: Depart Bhutan.

After breakfast drive to Paro International Airport to board.

Thank You very much for visiting Bhutan with us and we look forward in hearing and re-organizing same Pilgrimage Tour for you, your family members and Friends!!!

Bhutan Paro Festival Itinerary

Bhutan Paro Festival Tour

Be a part of only a few westerners who have enjoyed the fascinating Tsechu festivals of Bhutan. The Tsechus are Buddhist religious festivals where masked dances depicting the events from the life of Padmasambhava, the eighth century Nyingmapa Buddhist teacher, are staged. The dances are performed by trained monks wearing ornate costumes and impressive masks.

Day 1: Arrival Paro International Airport.

During the journey to Paro, one will experience from the left hand side of the plane, breath taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Chomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On the arrival at Paro International Airport, The representative, your tour guide will receive you and escort you to the hotel. After a brief rest at the hotel and tea/coffee. Drive to the National Museum (Ta-Dzong). This was actually the Watch Tower of Paro Rinpung Dzong. It was converted to the National Museum in 1968. Visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong. This massive fortress is located on a hill top above the Pachu (Paro River) of Paro Valley. You have to walk about 15 minutes by crossing an ancient wooden bridge built in typical Bhutanese architect. The Dzong houses the District Administration Office and the District Monk Body. It was built in 1645 A.D. Lunch at Hotel. After Lunch Visit Kyichu Lhakhang (Lhakhang means Monastery). Kyichu Lhakhang was built in 659 A.D. by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet. It is considered one of the holiest places in Bhutan as it marks the advent of Buddhism in the country. It is one of the 108 such temples built by him for spreading Buddhism in this region. Drive to the Paro village town and explore the town. Altitude of Paro is 2260m.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro.

Day 2: Paro – Paro
Full Day Paro Festival
Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Day 3: Paro – Paro
Full Day Paro Festival
Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Day 4: Paro – Paro
After breakfast drive for 15kms and reach the base of Famous Tiger’s Nest “TAKTSANG” Monastery and hike up which would take Two Hours up and approximately One Hour down. Stop at Taktsang Tea House “Cafeteria” for refreshment of Tea & Coffee. Taktsang is at 2900mts. Hike for another half an hour and you reach the Great and Magnificent Taktsang where you will be greets by the monks who live there and Special Bhutanese Butter Tea will be served with Snacks. Visit the most important monastery were the Guru Rimpoche was flying on a Flamming Tigress from Singye Dzong in Eastern Bhutan to here and meditated for Three Months and flourishment of Buddhism in Paro started from 8th Century. Walk down hill and drive to Drugyal Dzong and on the way enjoys the view of the Taktsang Monastery, also known as “Tiger’s Nest temple”. Near the Drugyal Dzong, if the sky is clear we can see the Mt. Chomolhari on the background.
PM Visit Festival
Overnight: Hotel in Paro.

Thimphu is the Capital City of Bhutan but for the Buddhist Monk body moves to Punakha in Winter and their Summer Capital District is Thimphu but Winter s Punakha because it is cold in Thimphu during winter and Punakha is just perfect at 1300mts

Day 5: Paro – Thimphu
The drive to Thimphu will take roughly Two Hours. Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan since from 1974. Punakha used to the capital city of Bhutan before that.
For the first one hour you will follow the Pa-Chu (Paro River) and reach Chuzom where the Thimphu River meets the Paro River and forms Wang-Chu (Chu means Water, River or Stream). Chuzom is a four direction motor road junction where one road leads to Thimphu, one to Phuentsholing the border town to India, one to Haa valley and one where you drove from Paro. It will take another One hour from here to Capital city, Thimphu. Check in the Hotel and after short rest visit National Memorial Stupa, built in 1874 by Royal Queen Mother and dedicated to the father of Modern Bhutan, the Late His Majesty the Third King of Bhutan. The Memorial Stupa, built in 1974 by Royal Queen Mother and dedicated to the Father of Modern Bhutan, The Third King of Bhutan. This Tibetan & Bhutanese Architecture mixed Stupa has got three different sects of Buddhism such as Gongdu on the Top floor, Drukpa Kagyud on Middle with Second Buddha figure facing the Sun Rise and on the Ground Floor it is the Phurba.

Day 6: Thimphu - Thimphu
Visit the Post Office with Money exchange as the bank is next door. Lunch in Town, after lunch drive to BBS Tower to get the magnificent picture and view of Thimphu and you can also see our Queens Palaces. Visit to Thimphu Mini Zoo where you can see our National Animal “TAKIN” which has a head of a goat and body of a cow, believed to be made by great Devine Madman in the 16th Century. Visit national Library, School of Thirteen Arts and Crafts, National institute of Traditional Medicines. Visit to Thimphu Tashi Cho Dzong, the office of the King and the Throne Room and also the Summer Capital of Monastic Body lead by His Holiness the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) who spend six months here during summer and move to Punakha for winter for another six months.
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 7: Thimphu – Punakha
After breakfast drive to Winter Capital for the Monastic Body, Punakha at 1300m.
One hour drive reach you to Dochula Pass at 3150mts where you can see and enjoy the Eastern Himalayas in a Panoramic View and best picture time for group of Bhutanese Style of Stupas, as there are 108 Stupas built by Her Majesty for the well being of the Nation and Love Live His Majesty. It descends to Punakha and Wangdue at 1300mts which will take another two hours. Visit Historic and one of the most beautiful Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Great Zhabdrung Rimpoche who unified Bhutan in 17th Century.
Overnight: Hotel in Punakha

Day 8: Punakha – Punakha
After breakfast walk to the famous Devine Madman’s Monastery The Chhimi Lhakhang “No Dog Monastery” built in 1499. Today it is very popular because couples who are married for so many years and don’t have childrens but always desired go there and get blessed from the wodden Phallus and in another Nine months the wife gets pregnant. We will visit the monastery and meditate and picnic lunch will be served outside the monastery in a lush green ground. After Lunch drive to Punakha and visit the beautiful and legendary Khamsum Yuley Namgyal Monastery built by Her Majesty the Queen mother of our Crown Prince.
Overnight: Hotel in Punakha

Day 9: Punakha – Paro
Drive to Paro, lunch stop at Thimphu. After lunch further drive to Paro
Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Day 10: Depart Bhutan.

After breakfast drive to Paro International Airport to board.

Thank You very much for visiting Bhutan with us and we look forward in hearing and re-organizing same Pilgrimage Tour for you, your family members and Friends!!!

Bhutan Observed World AIDS Day

As the nation observed World AIDS Day yesterday in Zhemgang, health officials said that harmful practices in the village like ear and nose piercing with the same sharpened bamboo sticks, using the same scissors to cut hair, and the same razor blade to cut skin and suck out blood to cure headaches need to be done away with.

“Despite a multi-sectoral task force functioning in the dzongkhag, all sections of people, including students and civil servants, don’t have clear knowledge on HIV/AIDS,” said the public health director Dr Ugyen Dophu, after the question-answer session, where students and the public of Zhemgang asked various basic questions on HIV/AIDS. “Ignorance is a big challenge in Zhemgang dzongkhag.”

Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck, told the gathering of about 900 people that December 1 is the day observed to show compassion to all HIV positive patients and commit to prevent the disease. “It’s not important to know who is infected with HIV/AIDs, but what’s important is to know how to protect from infection,” she said, adding that those infected should not spread it to others.

Of the 33 million people infected with HIV/AIDS around the world, 185 are in Bhutan.

According to Dr Ugyen Dophu, anti retroviral drugs (ARD), given to HIV/AIDS patients, are only available in the three referral hospitals of Gelephu, Mongar and Thimphu. “When HIV positive people come for the CD4 count (a CD4 count below 200 indicates serious immune damage), their blood is sent to any of the referral hospitals,” he said. “The patient has to go to the referral hospital in the initial phase, but the hospital decides whether he needs ARD or not.”

Referral hospitals send patients, along with medicines, to the hospital that is nearer to the patient’s place of residence. “The health staff in the locality will have to advise the patients monthly as the drug is very toxic,” Dr Ugyen Dophu explained. “With limited budget, the government can’t spread anti retroviral drugs to every district hospital, but training the health staff would be best for good access.”

The UN resident coordinator, Ms Claire Van der Vaeren said that the UN is committed to support the government in halting the HIV epidemic, by working together and making changes together. “It means change from exclusion to inclusion, from indifference to responsibility and from fear to hope.”

Chimi Lhadon, 40, from Tali village, told Kuensel that, in her village, the moment people talk about an HIV/AIDS patient, they directly link it to people of loose morals. “Today I knew that AIDS can also be incidentally transmitted through blood route,” the mother of four said, adding that she will go and advise her children to be careful.

Zhemgang dzongkhag has about eight HIV/AIDS patients.

Source: Kuenselonline

His Majesty the King granted kidu to 681 earthquakeaffected households

Assuring every necessary support to victims of natural disasters, His Majesty the King granted kidu to 681 earthquakeaffected households yesterday morning in Tongshang gewog, Trashiyangtse.

This also includes three households in Tongshang whose homes were gutted by fire.

Speaking to the victims, His Majesty said that Bhutan is different from the rest of the world, because the people and the government share a strong bond of unity and brotherhood. “Thus, we share our joys as well as our sorrows. In this way we’re very lucky, we are a very lucky society,” said His Majesty.

His Majesty said that the eople in the villages are very hardworking and deserving of kidu. The kidu money would be well used to rebuild newer homes and livelihood.

“You (the villagers) are a major portion of our population. Moreover, you are the foundation of our country. It is therefore, very important for you to invest the money (kidu) to build better homes to last for many generations,” His Majesty said.

Upon His Majesty’s command, 13 heavy-duty vehicles were procured to help the rebuilding process. Over 500 army personnel have been deployed in Durung and Wamrong to help the victims rebuild their homes. A special unit of engineers and architects would oversee the project.

Local authorities said that the villagers heavily depend on the kidu money and the insurance compensation to rebuild their homes.

Jamkhar gup, Jigme Norbu said, “Most villagers cannot rebuild their homes without soelra and all the special help provided by His Majesty.” The September 21 earthquake and the aftershocks damaged 140 houses in the gewog alone. Ten homes totally collapsed.

Changlu’s family still sleeps in the shed beside his damaged home. “We need to rebuild our home at the earliest because the children are suffering. Now that His Majesty has granted us both land and money we need nothing more,” he said.

His Majesty granted land kidu of 832 acres to 945 thram holders in Tongshang gewog exempting them of Nu 17.93 million in compensation towards the government.

Later in the evening, in Trashigang, His Majesty met and granted soelra to the villagers of Merak and Sakteng.

Earlier on Nov 28, His Majesty joined the people of Trashigang at the last day of the Trashigang tshechu. The joy of attending the tshechu was simply beyond words for thousands of people who gathered in Trashigang for the annual tshechu. His Majesty also offered prayers at the Sacred Guru Tshengyed kunchham.

“This is a historic moment for us,” said a civil servant.

“As far as I can remember not even senior officials attended our tshechu. With His Majesty attending the tshechu is a great memory,” said Sonam Dorji from Samkhar.

Later in the day, His Majesty granted kidu to 1,114 villagers from nine gewogs under Trashigang dzongkhag.

Of the total number of households that received kidu, 21 houses were damaged by windstorm in October and two houses destroyed by fire, one each in Bidung and Samkhar. His Majesty also granted tokha to the people.

Wangmo from Shongphu, whose house collapsed, now sees a glimpse of hope to rebuild her home. “I think my family can afford to rebuild our home with the ready assistance provided to us. With His Majesty personally overseeing things it’s assured we’ll live in a proper house,” she said.

His Majesty leaves for Udzorong and Wamrong today.

Source: Kuenselonline

Inter Departmental Tournamnet Updates

In yesterdays match of Inter Departmental Tournament Knockout match the result was as follows:

First Match:
RTC (Royal Thimphu College) beats RSTA (Road Safety and Transport Authority) 10:1

Second Match:
Bhutan Post beats Druk Wangyel 2:1

So now Bhutan Post will face BMT in Quarter Final on the 3rd of December 2009 at 3:30 pm

BMT FC, Inter Department Football Tournament

A Harick from Sushil Helped his team BMT book a palace in the quarter finals of the Inter Departmental Tournament. In the first match of the knockout round of the journey, BMT beat Bhutan Telecom 6:2 yestarday.

Bhutan Telecom looked determined and tried to maintain the lead in the game. The clock ticked only fourteen and they got their first goal when Karma Wangdi flipped in a header from their corner

BMT were trying desperately for an equalizer but luck was not on their side and in the 35th minutes a goalkeeping blunder by the BMT goalkeeper, Chencho helped Bhutan Telecom to find another goal. It was an easy catch but due to poor judgment by Chencho, the ball slipped from his hand and was rolling towards the goal, Tshering Norbu of Bhutan Telecom made no errors and toed the ball into the net pushing up the score line to 2:0.

However, the BMT did not lose hope. They played their game making attempts after attempts though non went into the opponent goal post. Eventually their persistent effort paid off in the 40th minutes when Kencho Tobgay made a spectacular goal by slamming into the net o cross ball from his teammate Yeshi.

The goal gave them the boost and BMT were then urgently looking for an equalizer. But before that the whistle for the half time was blown.

After the break, the BMT came in more energized but their much sough equalizer came in only in the 58th minutes when Tashi Phuntsho’s fare attempt from the near the centre line found the nets. It as a draw then and both the teams fought hard racing towards finding a winning goal.

BMT made a timely substation and Sushil came in. He changed the whole course of the game and snatched the game from the hand of the Bhutan Telecom. It was in the 75th minutes only a few minutes after his appearance into the game when Sushil scored the winning goal for his team. After fetching a pass from his team mate Nidup, he dribbled the ball past the Bhutan Telecom defenders and majestically slipped the ball into the net.

After that goal, the BMT’ took full control of the game. In the 85th Minutes Sushil netted in his second goal the score board read 4:2 for BMT and only a minute after in the 86th minutes, Sushil made his hatrick and his team mate Yeshi scored another in the 89th minutes, pushing the final score to 6:2 for BMT

Today, RSTA will take on Royal Thimphu College in the first match at 1.30 pm and Druk Wangyel will play against Bhutan Post in the second match that is scheduled at 3.30Pm.

Bhutan Majestic Travel FC, Inter Department Football Tournament

Yestarday was the last match of the Inter Departmental Tournament League Round and the match was played between Meet Pool and Bhutan Majestic Travel (BMT).

Bhutan Majestic Travel FC wrapped up Runners up spot in Inter Departmental Tournament Champions League Group G with a game to spare with a win against Meet Pool yesterday in the last match of league round. Jigme N. Norbu the mid fielder, Free Kick goal from 28 Yards on the 32 Minutes was enough for BMT to qualify to the Super 16. He was giving all his best efforts even thou he was injured and he played full game of 98 minutes.

The BMT were holding the ball and making all their best chances, but couldn't take advantage of those best chances. The Mid fielder were making lots of good passes and creating lots of chances for the strikers and wingers, but somehow they failed. The ball position was 70% by 30% Meet Pool.

The BMT had the best of the Best players and all the players had given their best and it was a best team work and looking at the game plan and game statics the game was dominated by BMT.

The winger D.S. Gurung, Sonam Tobgay, Substitute Bikash Gurung, Dawa Tshering were really fit and they had lots of contribution in this game. Striker, Namgay Dorji, Kencho Tobgay, Phunetsho Wangdue, Bro had their best chances but couldn't consist a goal as luck were not favoring them. The Mid fielder, Jigme N. Norbu, Tashi Phuntsho and Substitute Tashi had were best in making the game and holding the ball and creating lots of chances. The defenders Phuntsho Wangdi, Ruto, Younten, and Thinley Dorji were good in taking and clearing all the ball giving no chance to Meet Pool players to attack. The Lam Chencho, Goalie had a very good and he had saved all 4 difficult and sure goal balls. So the bottom line is that BMT were best and as we say "May the Best Team Win" so the BMT are the best.

Both the teams were good and played well till the 65 Minutes and after that all the players were tired, but even though the Meet Pool had given their best, but they fail to score. The BMT had many chances, but due to the poor finishing they failed to score more goal.

The super 16 (Knock-Out Round) will start from 27th November. The opening match will be played between BMT and Bhutan Telecom.

The Captain of BMT, Namgay Dorji say that he is confident with his players that they will reach till the finals.

Inter Departmental Tournament

Namgay Dorji (Captain)

Yesterday the match in the Inter Departmental Tournament between us, BMT and the Royal Bhutan Police was one of the best matches of the weekends.

Tashi and Tashi Phuntsho in Action

Both Team were very energetic and fit for the first 45 minutes the score were leveled at 0:0, the Royal Bhutan Police were under pressure.

BMT Players in Action

In the Second half both the team was giving their best but Royal Bhutan Police scored a goal from the dusty and crowded players inside the penalty area and in the last minutes again the Police scored their second Goal.

Lam Chencho Dorji and D.S. Gurung During the Half Time

We are playing against the BDFC on the 1st November.

Tenzing Phuntsho Striker

Thinley Dorji Right Defense