Thimphu Tashichoe Dzong

Thimphu Tashichoedzong

Tashichoedzong is in the Capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu. Tashichoedzong or fortress on the northern edge of the city, on the western bank of the Wang Chu River. It has traditionally been the seat of the Monastrict body and summer capital of the country.

"It was built by the first Religion head, who also founded the Lho-drukpa sect of Buddhism, which has remained the distinctive sect of Bhutan.

The main structure of the whitewashed building is two-storied with three-storied towers at each of the four corners topped by triple-tiered golden roofs. There is also a large central tower or utse.
Tashichoedzong in Winter

The original Thimphu dzong (the Dho-Ngyen Dzong, or Blue Stone Dzong) was built in 1216 by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa where Dechen Phodrang now stands above Thimphu. Soon after, Lama Phajo Drukgom Shigpo, who first brought the Drukpa Kagyu lineage to Bhutan, took it over.

It has been the seat of Bhutan's government since 1952 and presently houses the throne room and offices of the king, the secretariat and the ministries of home affairs and finance. Other government departments are housed in buildings nearby. West of the dzong is a small tower of Ney Khang Lhakhang which houses a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha and protective deities. 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.

In 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal acquired it from Lama Phajo's descendants, but soon finding it too small, he built another one, known as the lower Dzong for the administration, keeping the older one for the monks. The original dzong was destroyed by fire in 1771 and everything was moved to the lower one which was expanded then, and again by the 13th Druk Desi (1744-1763), and also in 1866. It was damaged during an earthquake in 1897 and rebuilt in 1902. King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck had it completely renovated and enlarged over five years after he moved the capital to Thimpu in 1952 in traditional style using neither nails nor written plans.
Tashichoedzong in 1921

Thimphu National Memorial Chorten

Thimphu: National Memorial Chorten (Stupa)

Thimphu National Memorial Chorten (Stupa) was built in 1874 by the Royal Queen Mother, dedicated to the father of Modern Bhutan, the Late His Majesty King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck 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 the Middle Floor with Second Buddha figures facing the Sun Rise and on the Ground Floor its the Phurba.

Paro - Tiger's Nest "Taktsang"

Tiger’s Nest “TAKTSANG”

Famous Tiger’s Nest “TAKTSANG” Monastery: Hike up which would take Two Hours up and approximately One Hour down. Taktsang is at 2900mts. 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.

Bhutan Cricket Team (Under - 19) leaves for Kuwait

Bhutan National team, under-19 ACC Elite Cup to be held in Kuwait from 22nd April 2009 leaves for Kuwait tomorrow the 17th April 2009. The Young and Talented Bhutan squad will be coached by Damber Singh Gurung and Tshering Dorji to be the Manger.

Bhutan is Group B along side with UAE, Qatar, Afghanistan, and Oman. Bhutan has to face the strong opponents with Afghanistan being stronger.

The Bhutanese Under -19 National Team had been well prepared for the tournament and looking forward to win the cup and qualify for the Under-19 World Cup 2010. Not only the players, but the CEO, Coach, Manager and all the BCCB members are confident that they will be qualified for the Under-19 World Cup.

Players have been preparing hard and good to see a strong side with everyone putting extra effort, and as most of the boys played together for the last three years in various ACC Tournamnet and having seen them improved considerable is an big bonus for the National side.

Wish you ALL THE VERY BEST AND GOOD LUCK to all the players, and the squard leaving for the Kuwait and also for the BCCB.

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BCCB: School Cricket Match in celebration of 100 Years of Cricket

Damber Singh Gurung (National Coach) With Umpires, Coaches and Captain

Bhutan Cricket Council Board organized the Thimphu schools cricket tournaments in celebration of 100 years of Cricket with ICC, in "CATCH THE SPIRIT" event with it. It's also the first and the important cricket tournaments for the Schools in Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan and also the Cricket Board of Bhutan. As from this tournament they Board is selecting the National Team for the category of Under 19 and Under 15. so it's very important for the student and a very good change for them to get into the squad and represent Bhutan in their future.

There are 15 teams participating from the school's of Thimphu in the Tournaments of Under 15 boys team. The upcoming tournament will be for Under 19 Girls.

BCCB: Bhutan Celebrate 100 years of Cricket

Thimphu School Joins Catch The Spirit Celebration
(Photograph: BCCB)

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Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, celebrating the 100 Years of Cricket with the School Tournament for class 5 & 6 boys started on the 11th of April 2009 with Bhutan Cricket Council Board joining the ICC in celebrating and hosting the *Catch the Spirit* event with it.

Student of Bhutan participating in 100 years of cricket with "Catch The Spirit"

The Celebration took place in Changlimithang Ground, the National stadium of Bhutan, where Both Team Captains and Umpires Joins with the *Catch The Spirit* Banner. This year was an important year for all the Cricketing World as ICC Celebrates it’s Centenary of Cricket (100 Years). Also this is the first tournament of the year 2009.

News: Bhutan Today - Responsibilities and functions of the Geog Administrative Officer

The Prime Minister Lyonchhen Jigmi Y. Thinley said there is some confusion regarding the responsibilities and functions of the Geog Administrative Officer (GAO). He was talking to the Bhutanese media at a news conference which was also attended by the cabinet ministers yesterday.

The meeting was organized to mark the completion of one year in office by the first democratically elected government.

More than 100 journalists attended the conference at the royal banquet hall in the capital. They questioned the Prime Minister and the cabinet ministers on various issues from local governance and the role of the GAO, Christians in Bhutan, democracy, the role of DHI, RCSC, and the GNH Commission to tax on import of cars, allowance for private medical students, the morale of teachers and whether the government will allow people to purchase the TATA Nano car.

On local governance, the Prime Minister said the responsibilities, functions, and accountability of the GAO has not been clearly defined.

He said the GAO is an administrative officer and he is the person who provides administrative support to the Gup.

He said the issue concerning local governance, its function as well as the position of the geog administrative officers will be discussed during the meeting of the chairpersons of local government.

Source: BBS

News: Bhutan Today - Bamboos dying in large numbers

Bamboos dying in large numbers on the hills of Jarey gewog in Lhuentse worry villagers, who depend on the plant for roofing and other domestic purposes. About 150 houses in the gewog with 221 households have bamboo roofing, while others use bamboo to roof animal sheds and make products for domestic use.

“Most houses in the gewog have not changed their roofs over three years,” said a villager, Ugyenmo, 66. Normally, villagers redo their roofing once every two years. “The roof is leaking and my house is rotting but we can’t do anything. There’s no bamboo in the forest and we don’t have money to buy other types of roofing,” said Ugyenmo, who lives with her daughter and three grandchildren. She owns a big two-storied traditional house, but the roof has been he same for the last six years.

Villagers have started penetrating into deeper forests, but say there are not many bamboos around. “Whatever’s available is very far and difficult to transport,” said another villager. “We’ve started scaling the other side of Jarey hill in the hope of finding bamboos to re-roof our houses before monsoon sets in.”

Their condition was exacerbated by the recent windstorm in the east that affected Jarey gewog too. About 18 households lost their roofs when the storm hit the gewog on March 18. Villagers said that most of the bamboo used for roofing was damaged and would leak if used again. “We’re really desperate now. The insurance benefits won’t be enough to help us buy CGI sheets or plastic and there’s no bamboo around here,” said a villager, Tenzinla.

Elders in the village said that they have never faced such problems in the past. However, some said they heard that bamboo died after over a hundred years. “This could be what’s happening to our bamboo. It’s a natural thing that we can’t help,” said the gup, Tshering Minjur.

The only hope of the poor villagers is the Thrumshingla park. The gewog is part of the park and two villages of the gewog have been already been issued CGI sheets by the park office. Park officials earlier told gewog officials that they were seeking funds from donors to provide the villagers with CGI sheets.

Until then they will have to bear the rain and the wind.

Source: Kuenselonline

News: Bhutan Today - Paro Tshechu

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source :BBS

News: Bhutan Today - Royal Marriag

Her Royal Highness Princess Ashi Sonam Dechan Wangchuck was married to Dasho Phub Dorji

Her Royal Highness Princess Ashi Sonam Dechan Wangchuck was married to Dasho Phub Dorji at the Mothithang palace today.

The Tendrel ceremony of the Royal wedding today was performed by His Holiness Gyalse Trulku. His Majesty the King, His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo, Her Majesty the Royal Grand Mother, Their Majesties the Queen Mothers and members of the royal family attended the ceremony.

Her Royal Highness Ashi Sonam Dechan Wangchuck graduated from Harvard Law School with an LLM in 2007 and started work at the High Court of Bhutan. Her Royal Highness has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Stanford University in the US. Her Royal Highness interned with a highly reputed legal firm in San Francisco and returned to Bhutan to complete the Post Graduate Diploma in National Law.

Dasho Phub Dorji has a Masters degree in Public Policy from Georgetown University in Washington D.C. and Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Economics from George Washington University. He topped the 2004 civil service examinations and currently works in the Finance Ministry.

After the marriage ceremony, His Majesty the King, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, Her Majesty the Royal Grand Mother, Their Majesties the Queen Mothers, other royal family members and well-wishers offered Tashi Khadhar.

Source: BBS

20. Zhemgang

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Starting in the 1990s, Assamese separtists maintained guerilla bases in the forests of southern Zhemgang from which they would launch attacks on targets in India and then return across the border. In late 2003 the King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck led a military operation which largely swept the guerillas out of the region. Because of the risk of attack, foreign tourists are not yet allowed to visit Zhemgang.

It is a three-storied Lhakhang, which was, constructed with, among others, financial contribution from His Majesty the King and His Holiness the 70th Je Khenpo, Trulku Jigme Choeda, who once headed the Zangtopelri. The lhakhang’s story begins in the early 1960s when Lam Yeshey Pema Thinley built a small monastry in Tali and established its first dratshang.
At that time it had student strength of only 30 monks. Other renowned Buddhist teachers such as Penlopkhen Rinpoche, who came to teach and bless the student in 1967, visited the monastry. Later a winter resident was added for the Tali dratshang in Gelephu.

19. Dagana

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Legend has it that the people of Dagana were a lawless bunch in the 17th century, and that the Shabdrung had to send in soldiers to gain control over the dzongkha.

Dagana Dzongkhag is one of the remotest Dzongkhags in the country. Dagana Dzongkhag comprises of Daga Lingsum and Daga Lungsum. The Lingsum are Peling (Tseza Geog), Lhaling (Kana Geog) and Dhaling (Kana Geog), And Daga Lungsum are Tasha (Lajab Geog), Dagana and Getana (now under Chukha Dzongkhag).

The total area of Dagana Dzongkhag is approximately 1389 km2. It lies between 26 Degrees 50 minutes North to 27 Degrees 17 minutes North and 89 degrees 41 minutes East to 90 Degrees 5 minutes east approximately. It shares its borders with Thimphu and Chukha Dzongkhag to the west, Wangduephodrang Dzongkhag to the north, Tsirang Dzongkhag to the east and Sarpang Dzongkhag to the south. The elevation ranges from 600 m to over 3800 m above sea level. The Dzongkhag falls within the Temperate Zone in the north and sub-tropical in south with hot and wet summers and cool and dry winters.

About 79% of the total area in the Dzongkhag are under forest cover with tree species like Champ, Arguray, Chirpine and Sal, etc.

18. Lhuntse

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It consists of 2506 households. Located in the northeast, Lhuntse is one of the least developed dzhongkhags of Bhutan. There are few roads, the first gas station was opened as recently as September 2005, electricity is not well distributed and the difficult terrain makes distribution of social welfare difficult. Despite its favourable climate, farming is also hindered by the difficult infrastructure.

Lhuentse is 77 km. from Mongar (3 hours’ drive) and is one of the most isolated districts in Bhutan. The landscape is spectacular, with stark cliffs towering above river gorges and dense coniferous forests. The region is famous for its weavers, and their distinctive textiles are generally considered to be the best in the country. The Kurtoe region of Lhuentse is the ancestral home of the monarchy.

17. Tsirang

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Tsirang Dzongkhag is administratively divided into 12 Gewogs namely Barshong, Beteni, Dunglagang, Gosarling, Kikhorthang, Mendrelgang, Patala,
Phuntenchu, Rangthangling, Semjong, Tsholingkhar and Tsirangtoe. Changchey which is located under Gosarling Gewog is the satellite town and
Mendrelgand which is located under Mendrelgang gewogs is also one of satellite town. Damphu which is located in Kikhorthang Gewog is the main town and the administration center. Under 12 Gewogs there are 96 villages and 65 chiwogs. Each chiwog has one Tshokpa and one chipon.

The Dzongkhag has good development potential. Favorable as well as diverse agro-ecological features provide the Dzongkhag with potential for the cultivation of many different types of cereals as well as horticulture crops. Paddy, Maize and Millet are the major cereal crops grown while orange, cardamom and vegetables are the principal cash crops. Mandarin constitutes an important source of cash income for most of the farmers. Livestock rearing is also an important economic activity contributing to both subsistence consumption and income generation although livestock productivity is limited due to the dominance of local livestock population.

16. Pemagatshel

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Pemagatshel is located in the south east of Bhutan with an area of 517.8 sq.km and has a total of 2,547 households. The dzongkhag is characterized by highly dissected mountain ranges, steep slopes and narrow valleys with little flat land. The elevation in the dzongkhag ranges from 1,000 meters to 3,500 meters above the sea level. The dzongkhag experiences an average annual rainfall of 1500 mm to 3000 mm.

The dzongkhag is administratively divided into seven gewogs namely, Chhimung, Chongshing Borang, Dungme, Khar, Shumar, Yurung and Zobel. Rugged terrain and scattered settlements make the delivery of services in the dzongkhag both difficult as well as expensive.

15. Sarpang

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The Sarpang Dzongkhag is situated in the central southern foothills bordering India. The area of the dzongkhag stretches from Lhamoy Zingkha in the west to Manas National Park in the east. It encompasses a total gewographical area of approximately 2288 km2 (Source- LUPP). Its topographic features have undulated terrain with an elevation ranging from 200m to 3600 m above mean sea level.

The Dzongkhag is administratively divided into two Drungkhags viz. Gelephu and Lhamoy Zingkha, and consists of 15 gewogs. Five gewogs, namely Hilley, Dekiling, Senghe, Doban and Sarpangtar are under the jurisdiction of Dzongkhag headquarter. Seven gewogs namely Gelephu, Chhuzagang, Umling, Serzhong, Taklai, Jigmechhoeling and Bhur are under Gelephu Drungkhag while Lhamoy Zingkha, Deorali and Nichula gewogs are under Lhamoy Zingkha Drungkhag. The dzongkhag has 186 villages with 4395 households.

14. Samtse

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Historically, Samstse was sparsely populated as the mountain-dwelling Bhutanese considered the low-lying district to be prone to tropical disease. During the early 20th century the district experienced a large influx of Nepalese who were invited to the area to assist in forest-clearing. Overall the district population has recently been increasing, and there presently is a housing shortage in Samtse as reported by Kuensel.

Samste is home to the Lhopu people, a little-studied ethnic group of approximately 1000 persons. The Bhutanese believe them to be the aboriginals who predated the Tibetan migration from the north. The Lhopus are noted for their animistic religious beliefs, their practice of marrying cross-cousins, and their unique burial customs.

13. Haa

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The high altitude Haa valley lies south of the Paro valley. The staple crops of this large, fertile valley are wheat, potatoes, barley and millet. Yaks are herded in the upper reaches of the valley, and yak meat from Haa is considered a great delicacy by the townspeople of Thimphu. A day trip to Haa with picnic lunch by the river near new Haa Dzong is very pleasant in the warmer months of the year, when one can drive from Paro to Haa over the Chele-la pass (3,810m/12,573ft). On a clear day there is a superb view of Mts. Jhomolhari & Jichu Drake from the pass.

12. Chukha

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The major town is Phuentsholing which is the gateway city along the sole road which connects India to western Bhutan (cf. Lateral Road).Chukha is the commercial and the financial capital of Bhutan.With Bhutan’s oldest hydropower plant completed in 1985 and Tala Power plant, the country’s largest power plant, Chukha is the top dzongkhag which contributes the maximum to the GDP of the country.also located are the country’s oldest industries like the Bhutan Carbibe Chemical Limited(BCCL) and the Bhutan Boards Products Limited(BBPL).
Chhukha Dzongkhag was established in April 1987, coinciding with the beginning of the sixth plan. The dzongkhag has one Drungkhag and 11 geogs Viz Bhalujhora, Bongo, Bjachho, Chapchha, Darla, Dungna, Getena, Geling, Lokchina, Metakha and Phuentsholing.

Chhukha is the main entry points for import and commercial hub of the country. Major hydro power plants, which are key source of national income are also located in Chhukha dzongkhag. This comparative advantage can foster rapid economic growth of the Dzongkhag

11. Gasa Dzong

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It is located in the far north of the county and spans the Middle and High Himalayas.It is the least developed of all the dzongkhags and has a population of just over 3500 although it has become a hot tourist destination because of its pristine forests and notably, the hot springs. The high altitude makes farming difficult, although government programs seek to establish mustard and summer vegetable planting programs. Residents herd yaks and dzos, and a small number benefit from the nascient tourism industry. More recently a small feeder road is being constructed and it shall be completed by the end of 2007. Electricity is also being supplied to some of the geogs and all electrification programmes is expected to be complete by 2012.

Gasa is most famous for its Layap people, and for the Snowman Trek, one of the most challenging treks in the Himalayas. Gasa is bordered by Tibet to the north and by Thimphu, Punakha, and Wangdue Phodrang dzongkhags to the south.

10. Samdrup Jongkhar

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The Dzongkhag has eight Community Schools, seven Primary Schools, six Junior High Schools and one High School with a total of students of 6,995 as of December 2001.
Samdrup Jongkhar is the gateway to and commercial hub for five Eastern dzongkhags. The dzongkhag’s potential is further enhanced by the commissioning of Kurichu hydropower. Availability of reliable hydropower combined with modern Telecom facilities will change the development landscape of the dzongkhag by offering tremendous opportunities for household, business and industries. Lack of adequate road network also has direct impact on socio-economic development and quality of lives of the people in the dzongkhag.

News: Bhutan Today - His Holiness the Je Khenpo inaugurated the first Tshechu of Panbang Dungkhag

His Holiness the Je Khenpo inaugurated the first Tshechu of Panbang Dungkhag at Sonamthang Lhakhang today. This year the Tshechu will only be for a day. However from next year the Tshechu will be performed for three days annually.

Our reporter Sonam Rinchen in Panbang says people from Bjoka, Goshing, Nangla and Pangkhar geogs walked for two to three days to witness the first Tshechu in their Dungkhag.

Meanwhile, His Holiness also visited the Sonamthang Middle Secondary School, the police station and Dungkhag office and performed Lhabsang Thruesel.

Coinciding with the inauguration today, His Holiness also consecrated a Guru Tshengay Thongdrol.

His Holiness arrived in Panbang yesterday. Upon arrival, His Holiness was received by the Dzongda, Lam Neten and the people of Panbang.

His Holiness will leave for Samdrupjongkhar tomorrow.

Source: BBS

News: Gross National Happiness

OUT OF THE PICTURE - A group of homeless people in Thimphu remind society about the difficult search for Gross National Happiness.

Source: Kuenselonline

News: Phuentsholing Thimphu Highway Blocked

The co-passenger of the Wagon R car, which plunged into the Paro river on March 26, is still missing, according to police.

The vehicle, on its way to Thimphu from Paro, fell into the river while maneouvering a bend two kilometres away from the Chunzom police checkpoint. A search team from the Paro police found the body of the driver, who was in his early 30s, on March 28.

Both men were found missing when police arrived at the scene. They found the car entirely submerged in the river. The accident was reported to police by officials at the Chunzom checkpost.

The cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained.

Source: Kuenselonline