Foreign Exchange Reserve

While Bhutan already faces a deficit rupee reserve, compelling the central bank to borrow rupees from banks in India to meet import payments, its convertible currency reserve is also already more than utilised.

Constitutional requirements state that the economy’s convertible currency reserve must cover 12 months of essential import expenditure.

But there are other requirements the convertible currency is used for.  Apart from debt servicing on convertible currency borrowings, a certain portion is pledged against the Rupee borrowings made from Indian commercial banks.  It is also used as a back-up currency for the ngultrum printed and issued by the central bank.

Adding up these requirements, Bhutan’s total foreign currency reserve today is short by USD 20M (Nu 1B accounting in today’s exchange rate).

The requirements add up to USD 762M, while Bhutan’s total foreign currency reserve, according to the central bank’s latest publication, is USD 742M.

The task force, formed to tackle the rupee shortage in April this year, redefined what constitutes essential imports, and recommended that Bhutan maintain a minimum foreign currency reserve of USD 500M to meet essential imports expenditure.

Bhutan pledges USD 100M for the Rs 5B borrowings it has from Indian commercial banks.  Borrowings from the government of India line of credit do not require any collateral.  Its payments on concessional borrowings made from institutions, such as the World Bank and Asian Development Bank, today stand at USD 22M.

About USD 140M is used as a back-up currency for the Nu 7.3B that has been printed and issued by the central bank and is in circulation in the economy today.

Economies throughout the world set aside a certain amount of their foreign currency reserves, or maintain gold bullion, to back up currency in circulation, in case public loses confidence in the currency.

A local economist said that printing and issuing currency more than the value of the foreign currency means the government is doing business on risk.

While there are no explicit legal provisions requiring central bank to ration a certain percentage of the reserve for the currency in circulation, it is accounted for in the central bank’s balance sheet.

Given this scenario, the central bank today, if the reserve continues to remain the same, cannot print any more ngultrums, nor borrow any more rupees from commercial banks in India.

In April this year, when the task force redefined essential imports, Bhutan’s total foreign reserve was USD 716M.  The collateral for the Rs 10B borrowings from India was USD 200M.  While figures for convertible currency debt repayment were not available for that time, the currency in circulation was Nu 6B, for which USD 109M would have to be kept as back-up currency.

Even after discounting for currency held by banks, and the repayment on convertible currency debt, the foreign reserve was short by USD 93M (Nu 4.8B).

The central bank, which is responsible for managing the economy’s foreign reserve, said that reserves must now be used cautiously.

Deputy governor Pushpalal Chhetri said figures kept changing and with rupee inflows, the collateral for the rupee borrowings would decrease, which would ease the deficit.

Source: Kunselonline

Druk Chirwang Tshogpa

Selecting competent and right candidates have become a race of sorts with four new political parties aspiring to contest in the 2013 elections. Druk Chirwang Tshogpa said even though identifying candidates is a challenge, they have 30 candidates confirmed.

The party’s spokesperson, Tandin Tshering, said out of the confirmed 30, nine candidates are women. He said they are still looking to fill the vacant constituencies. “Roping in candidates has been very challenging,” he said, “In fact it is difficult for all the parties, even for the ruling government. After the government dissolves you never know if all the candidates will be with the party.”

He also said they have identified two people as the possible party president. “One of them is a woman,” said Tandin Tshering. He said both of them are civil servants and they will be resigning soon.

Tandin Tshering said they will be registering their party with the Election Commission of Bhutan by next month. At the moment, the party has 300 members.

The spokesperson said their manifesto and charter are in advanced draft stage.

Source: BBS

Drukair will resume domestic flight

Drukair will resume domestic flight services to Yongphula and Bathpalathang by next month according to the Department of Civil Aviation. Drukair had suspended its flight operations to Yongphula in May and Bathpalathang domestic airport in July this year.

The flight services were suspended on the recommendation of the Safety and Quality Department after they found out that the runways had developed several cracks and gravels had resurfaced.

The Director General of Department of Civil Aviation, Wangdi Gyeltshen, said they have carried repair works of both the airports. “The runways only required minor maintenance,” he said.

According to the General Manager of Domestic Air Services, Namgay Wangchuk, the reasons for suspending flight services was because of safety reasons and not because they weren’t making profits.

Meanwhile, about 50 people have already booked the tickets for next month.

The domestic airports were launched for flight operations in December last year.

Source: BBS

His Majesty the King promoted Colonel Kipchu Dorji

His Majesty the King promoted Colonel Kipchu Dorji from the rank of Colonel to Brigadier this morning at Tashichhodzong. His Majesty the King awarded Tashi Khaddar to the Brigadier in the sacred chamber of the golden throne room. Following the ceremony, Brigadier Kipchu Dorji made an offering at the goenkhang of the Tashichhodzong.

Brigadier Kipchu Dorji is from Haa Toe village in Haa. He was born in 1955. He was commissioned from Indian Military Academy in December 1974.

Brigadier Kipchu Dorji joined the Royal Body Guard in 1976. This is his 38th year in his service at the armed force.

Source: BBS

Road to Semi Final " Yangphel Archery Tournament"

Teams Yul Gyel and Ata Boning have made it to the semifinals of the ongoing 16th Yangphel open archery tournament.

Yul Gyel team beat Sichey Mavricks, a Sikkimese team and Bhutan Expression Tours to book its spot in the semifinals yesterday. The matches were played at the lower archery range at Changlimithang.

Playing at the upper archery range, Ata Boning team came out victorious after beating Chituen Construction and Planet Gym in the 15th round.

Each of these three teams had won a game set each to have to settle the scores through a penalty shootout.

In the penalty shootout, Ata Boning team hit two kareys to win over Chituen Construction that hit only one and none from the third team.

At the other range, the spectators were for the Sikkimese team despite its opponent having won two straight sets through an impressive three bulls eye hits.

The last quarterfinals will be played today among Paro Snow Lion in Style team, Phuntsholing Kencho Tshering and Phuntsholing Tshamgar Construction to reach the semifinals.

The winning team will be up against eight teams of Pelden Group of Companies, Dragon Roots, Druk Lhayul, Ice Berg, Sonam Automobiles, Gyelyong Gaki, Ata Boning and Yul Gyel to reach the finals.

Of the initial 260 teams from across the country participating and playing in different venues, 27 had made it to the quarterfinal round.

Source: Kuenselonline

Bhutan: A Holland & Holland gun

A Holland & Holland gun is considered as among the finest of modern times. It is known for its brilliant craftsmanship and today is one of the world’s most expensive handcrafted sports gun.

There is one such gun in Bhutan. It is a .458 double barrel. With engravings of the big game animals of Bhutan, it is the only of its kind and now worth more than £ 80,000.

The fourth king received it as his coronation gift in 1974. The managing director of the gun company, Malcolm Lyell, travelled from London to personally offer it. Lyell’s handwritten notes says, “The official day for present giving was Tuesday, June 4th but the King couldn’t wait! We were summoned the day before and presented it to him in the Royal Cottage.”

The third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, had ordered the gun two years earlier in 1972, before he passed away. The third king first met Lyell in 1949, in London at the Westley Richards’s gun showroom where, as Crown Prince, he had gone to buy hunting rifles. Ever since, the two gun enthusiasts maintained their friendship.

The doyen of the London gun trade visited Bhutan as the guest of the king. He first came in 1970 and was one of the earliest to trek extensively in our northern mountains. Using hand-drawn maps of botanist Frank Ludlow, Lyell and his family made four such expeditions into the then largely unknown northern mountains. Lyell was a game enthusiast and keen on wild animals and, during his treks, saw and recorded many of these wild animals namely, the blue sheep, blue bear, wild yaks, takins, and snow leopards.

The Gun
In 1972, after returning from one such trip, Lyell had the gun of our king engraved with the large game animals that he saw during his treks in Bhutan.

For example, the right lock plate has an engraving of a group of takins - the national animal. The fore feet and body of the lynx are also just visible on the “fence” (standing breach at the left hand end of the barrel).

The left lock has an engraving of the Indian rhinoceros, which are found in the foothills of Manas. The tail and back of the snow leopard are scarcely visible on the “fence”. A Tibetan antelope, found along the Chumbi valley border, is engraved on the trigger guard, and the grip cap has an engraving of a blue sheep or bhurel.

History
Crafting a Holland & Holland gun took a long time and this became a setback as the soaring inflation of the 1970s cut into the company’s profit.

To sustain the business, Lyell started to craft presentation guns. These guns were fully functional but, because of the intricate artwork, enhanced its costs, and hence inflation did not affect its value.

Inspired by the gun makers of the 18th century, Lyell came up with the rococo gun, with deep engravings in gold and silver of classical motifs, such as Diana the huntress.

In 1966, the Shooting Times described it as the finest gun of modern times and, from then, Lyell produced a series entitled “Products of Excellence”. These included such guns as the Set of Five; beautifully matched shotguns in every gauge from 12 bore to .410; the African hunters series of big game rifles; and finally the Saurian four bore, decorated with scenes of prehistoric life.

Almost two decades later, after the launch of the “product of excellence”, in 1972, our late king ordered the .458 double barrel gun, which he never saw. In the memory of the late king, Lyell had it engraved with the big game animals of Bhutan and presented it to our fourth king during his coronation. Malcolm Lyell died early this year.

Source: Kuenselonline

Bhutan Income is necessary but not an end-all to be happy

It may come as no surprise but, the higher your income, the happier you are, at least in Bhutan.

This glimpse into the findings of the 2010 GNH survey was provided during a presentation at the ‘happiness and economic development’ conference, yesterday.

Yet, while income may play a major role, up to a certain extent, several other significant factors were also found to positively impact an individual’s happiness. This was mentioned during an analytical presentation of survey data on ‘subjective well-being’ by the centre for Bhutan studies (CBS) president, Dasho Karma Ura.

“But GNH isn’t equivalent to subjective well being alone,” he said. It tries to combine both objective and subjective elements of happiness, while presenting the analysis from a subjective wellbeing point of view, he said. He added that some are economic factors, such as the amount of land owned, sufficiency in household equipment and the level of education possessed. Postgraduates reported higher happiness levels than university or college graduates.

Bhutanese, who are more inclined towards positive emotions, like calmness, empathy, compassion, and contentment, are happier than those, who experience more anger, frustration, and worry.

The GNH survey also found that meditation increases happiness, although only an extremely small percentage meditated daily. But spending two hours on average in prayer daily is a general practice.

Contrary to what single Bhutanese may claim, married Bhutanese are much happier, compared to their fellow citizens, who have never tied the knot. But those, who never married, can be happier than those who married and are divorced or widowed.

Other activities that increased happiness for Bhutanese is frequent socialising with relatives, trust in others, good physical and mental health, and in which dzongkhag you live. According to survey results, living in Dagana, Pemagatshel and even Thimphu can negatively affect happiness levels.

According to statistics presented, the U-curve, whereby the happiness level of individuals drops to the lowest point some time between 40 and 50 years of age was also confirmed. But the U-curve of subjective wellbeing is flatter, if the data is restricted to farmers, because their income is stable throughout their lifecycle, while that of salaried people is not, he pointed out.

The survey also found that the happiest people are those that have “less work and more leisure, and eight hours of sleep.” The findings of the 2nd GNH survey, carried out between April and December 2010 by CBS, will be released next month. About 8,000 Bhutanese were interviewed for the survey.

Japan and Brazil too shared their experiences with GNH surveys and activities conducted so far, revealing some universal factors that contribute to an individual’s happiness.

Professor Shigeru T Otsubo, Nagoya university, pointed out that a 2010 survey in Japan found that health, family, income, and spirituality made up the main elements for happiness. He said that the desired goals for Japanese society are securing safety, concern for others, and spiritual enlightenment. He added that Japan needs a more connected society and sound economic growth.

The survey also found that females and younger people in Japan are happier, despite social conditions that favour males and older generations.

Susan Andrews, who is involved with implementing GNH in Brazil, described how far the effort has progressed. She said that the objective of Brazilian GNH is to get communities involved in decision making, establishing social networks, conducting practices for physical and mental well-being, and encouraging participatory democracy.

Like in Bhutan, an ‘educating for happiness’ program is also being implemented in Brazil. But, instead of a Buddhist-based approach, since students are of multi-cultural backgrounds, a universal scientific approach is used, she said. Some of these exercises include lighter practices, such as comedy theatre, and more serious activities, such as group “deep listening”.

Susan pointed out that youth has also be trained to conduct their GNH survey. The advantage of this approach, she said, was that the survey was not expensive.

Plans are afoot to implement the GNH approach in seven more communities.

Distrust, apathy, alienation, exhaustion, and television addiction are some of the problems Brazilian society is grappling with, according to Susan.

The three-day conference ends today.

Source: Kuenselonline

Bhutan summer festival at Haa

As the two-day summer festival came to an end yesterday, Haa residents said it was not as bright and sunny as last year’s if sales from the stalls are any thing to go by.

Nor the food stalls nor the handicraft stall saw good business during the festival and stall owners said the Kathri took their crowd. Tshering Dem, 53, from Katsho gewog said the sale of food items in her shop is about 60 percent less than last year’s.

“Last year we were very busy with too many people and this time we are waiting for people to visit our stalls,” she said. “It’s because everyone is attending the Kathri ceremony.” Tshering Dem’s stall had Hoentey, Tse Thup, Khuley, tea and doma on sale.

The Tarayana rural craft stall also saw a drop in sales by almost 80 percent, program officer Karma said. “Last year we sold products worth more than Nu 40,000 in the two days,” he said. “But this time we sold products only worth Nu 11, 000 in two days.”

Likewise, other stalls also saw a drop in their sales but said they would continue participating in the festivals. A total of 61 tourists attended the festival, 10 more than what the festival saw last year.

While a number of programs were planned until 8pm, the festival had to end by afternoon because local participants wanted to attend the blessings at the Kathri ceremony. The photography competition was also cancelled because the tourism council had not received enough entries.

Haa dzongdag Rigzin Dorji said they had started the festival well last year and thought they’ll do better this time. “But since lots of events have coincided, we could not pay much attention to the summer festival,” he said. “While we attach equal importance, but with limited manpower and the people pre-occupied in attending the Kathri ceremony, the festival did not do well like last year.”

Source: Kuenselonline

"Royal Kiss" Royal wedding in Thimphu

The highlight of the day was rolling for television crew, who were in position at the centre of Changlimithang ground with their cameras.

While it was totally unexpected, as it was unscheduled that His Majesty would deliver an address to the nation, what followed amidst spiced up the day of celebration.

Following a brief ritual for the King and the Queen, who stood on a platform, facing an adoring crowd of the capital city that filled just about every inch of the Changlimithang stadium seats, His Majesty took a microphone, coughed into his pouch before he spoke, and addressed the nation watching live the event with rapt attention.

“To mark the occasion of my marriage with the bride, maybe I should kiss her,” the King said, smiling as he did, while the lithesome figure beside him, Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck, with her head slightly bowed, blushed and was shrinking.

As he kissed the queen on her right cheek, waves of applause echoed around the stadium, lavish clicks from digital SLRs went off and television cameras stayed steadily focused on the couple.

“Now, on the lips,” His Majesty said, with a short laugh that rippled into the faces of the crowd replete with bright silky dresses of all conceivable colours, who, as the King did act it out, roared with joy and pride.

The flags inscribed with the wedding logo planted on the walls that ran along Changlam fluttered just as vigorously, and giant balloons of various shades tethered to the poles with a congratulatory message from each of the 20 dzongkhags, swayed and bounced.

Following such an engaging gesture, His Majesty grew pensive just as soon.

Before continuing his address, the King and Queen lowered their scarves in front of the fourth Druk Gyalpo, and His Majesty expressed his gratitude, on behalf of Bhutanese across the nation, for the unprecedented peace, happiness and prosperity the nation was blessed with today.

“This morning, on behalf of the people of Bhutan, I thank His Majesty for dedicating his life to the people and the nation,” His Majesty said.

His Majesty also expressed his gratitude to the Royal Grandmother Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck, for her dedicated service to the third king, and her continuous prayers for the country’s welfare.

Calling out their names, His Majesty said the queen mothers had served his father, the fourth Druk Gyalpo, with love and affection all these years.

As has been customary with His Majesty in many of his addresses, yesterday too, the King made it a point to remind the youth of their responsibilities of taking the nation forward into the future, far more peaceful, happy and prosperous.

“I have always said that the future of our country is in your hands,” he said, adding that he married Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck, so they could together build a happier and stronger nation.

“The only desire the royal couple has is our pledge to serve our people and, together, as a family, we’ll bring up children, who are better educated and more prosperous than us,” His Majesty said.

His Majesty also thanked the national executive committee, led by the prime minister, and all other people, who took great efforts to celebrate the royal wedding.

Indian ambassador Pavan K Varma said it was a fairy tale come true and a beautifully prepared wedding.

“The ceremonies revived again the tradition and culture and the young king and queen provided a window to the future of Bhutan.” he said. “The whole thing was absolutely mesmerising.”

All these momentous events were unfolding at a place, the Chamglimithang ground, which witnessed numerous epochal moments in Bhutan’s history, those that continue to shape the moments today, which subsequently will determine those of tomorrow.

Source: Kuenselonline

Royal Weeding, in Punakha Bhutan

The Royal Wedding ceremony of His Majesty the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck took place in the Puna Dewachen Phodrang in Punakha. Jetsun Pema was sanctified as the Queen of Kingdom of Bhutan by His Majesty the King.

The ceremony began at 4 am with the initiation of soong-chhoe prayers at the Marchen Lhakhang and Kuenra of the Punakha Dzong. His Majesty the King, escorted by the sacred retinue, arrived at the Dzong from the Royal Lingkha and lit a golden lamp and offered prayers before the Thongdroel of Zhabdrung in the first courtyard of the Dzong.

The Royal Bride was led in chhipdrel procession into the Dzong, where she lit a golden lamp before the Thongdroel, and exchanged Tashi Jel-Dhar with His Majesty the King.

The Raven Crown and the crown for the Queen of Bhutan were brought out from the Most Holy Macchen Lhakhang, along with a Golden Bumpa and the sacred five coloured dhar.

The Fourth Druk Gyalpo bestowed the sacred dhar upon the Royal Bride, sanctifying the Royal Wedding.

In the Kuenrey, The Royal Bride offered the ambrosia of eternal life, signifying her devotion to the glorious continuity of the Wangchuck Dynasty, from the Golden Bumpa, to His Majesty the King.

His Majesty then bestowed the crown of the Druk Gyal-tsuen to the Royal Bride, and Ashi Jetsun Pema, now as Druk Gyaltshuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck, ascended to the throne of the Queen of Bhutan, to the left of His Majesty the King.

The ceremony at the Kunrey ended with the offering of Tashi Nga Soel, symbolic offerings to their Majesties the Queen and King of Bhutan. His Holiness the Je Khenpo, The Fourth Druk Gyalpo, and members of the Royal Family and guests offered tashi khadar to the royal couple.

Their Majesties the King and Queen then joined the people of Punakha and guests in a public celebration outside the dzong.

His Majesty granted tokha to the people gathered at the celebration ground.

Source: BBS

3 Days to go for Bhutan Royal Weeding

It was a day off for the world yesterday, except for Punakha that was abuzz with an unusually large throng of Bhutanese from other parts of the country and tourists.

With just three days to go, the venue for the royal wedding, which covers some 100 acres, is abuzz with activities.

While locals were there to spruce up the venue for the year’s most anticipated event, a few Bhutanese from other parts of the country, and tourists were there to partake in and witness the country’s historic moment.

Potholes were patched, new gates erected, lawns mowed and trees watered. Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan from 1637 until 1907, and the first National Assembly was held here.

Among busloads of tourists were also students from some 19 schools, who had gathered at the dzong for their final cultural program rehearsals.

At the foot of the dzong, some 24 tents are already standing, stacked with cushions and chairs.

Each tent will accommodate around 40 people.

“We’re almost done with the preparations, except for some touch ups and making the gates,” Punakha dzongda Kuenzang N Tshering said. “Work on all physical structures has been completed.”

He is among some 100 people, who for the last five months have been involved in the royal wedding preparations.

“Excluding the invitees, some 10,000 Punaps are expected to attend the wedding,” he said.

Some 100 representatives from across the country will also be in Punakha to prepare the wedding feast, bringing with them their local staples.

“Each dzongkhag will prepare its own specialty,” economic affairs secretary Dasho Sonam Tshering, whose ministry is looking after the catering, said. “We’ve listed about 54 traditional items for about 1,500 people,” he said. “No imported wine or food will be served.”

Instead, besides water, drinks would comprise singchang, ara and bangchang.

The host dzongkhag will be serving ema datsi, two kinds of rice and Talo ezay (chili pickle).

Four pavilions have been built from where five dzongkhags will serve their fares.

People from some 13 dzongkhags have already arrived to prepare the feast.

Karala, 57, from Trongsa, said he and his friends would prepare ema datsi using their own flavours.

At such times, what the dzongkhag is short of is hotel rooms for guests and locals from other parts of the country to stay in.

“All guests are expected to arrange their own accommodation, because we don’t have enough hotels in Punakha,” the dzongda said.

This being a tourist season, all rooms were booked five to six months ago.

“There were just no hotel rooms when we started booking two months ago,” he said.

People from nearby dzongkhags, especially Thimphu, he said, would start early in the morning to attend the wedding, which begins at 8.30am.

Tourism Council of Bhutan website has listed four hotels in Punakha with 84 rooms.

One of the hotels, Damchen resorts said all 33 rooms are running full this whole month.

“Hotels in Wangduephodrang also have no rooms,” the dzongda said.

Arrangements have been made for those, who have to arrive early in Punakha for the wedding.

“Accommodations have been made in our offices, classrooms and halls,” he said.

Canopies and shades from bamboos and wooden benches have also been built for people.

In the last two weeks, a sawmill operator, Kinzang said he had sawn about a truckload of logs into planks for the benches.

Chairmen of the nine committees formed for the wedding, the cabinet ministers, along with the prime minister, were also in Punakha yesterday to see the preparations.

“The media committee, which will be taking care of the 150 foreign media personnel, were also here to familiarise with the area.”

With no place for cars to move around, the dzongda said he has lost almost 10kg from walking.

“My belt for the patang (sword) is big for me now,” he quipped.

Source: Kuenselonline

Thimphu Festival: Dance of Lord of Cremation Ground

To the average spectator, the Dance of the Lord of the Cremation Ground or Dhurdag chham is a skeleton at work. But this dance, with the least number of participants, four dancers, is among the deities that protect the Buddha Dharma.

They are highly regarded in tantric practices, and are the guards of the eight cremation grounds, situated on the edges of the cosmic diagram or the mandala.

According to Kinzang Dorji, who teaches mask dances at the institute of language and culture studies in Semtokha, Dhurdag is the emanation of Pelden Lhamo, the main protective deity of Bhutan. “Pelden Lhamo manifests in the form of Dhurdag, when she serves as the lord of endowments in Tantarayana,” he said.

There are two different versions of the dhurdag dance, one performed by the monks, and the other by laymen, with some difference in steps. The dancers bring a box in a cloth that is made to look like human skin, which contains a small effigy of a human being. The cloth and the box will be left behind, when the dance is completed, to be damaged by the Tungam chham dancers that would follow. “This signifies subduing the evil that harms the tantric doctrine,” said Kinzang Dorji.

Dhurdag chham performed by monks, according to the Tsugla Lopen Samten Dorji says the dance is performed only by senior monks, who have mastered all other mask dances. “Durdag is complex, because it requires some measure of understanding of tantric symbolism.”

Spectators at tshechus, while witnessing the Dhurdag dance, should visualise the surrounding as the great cremation ground, the people as the assembly of buddhas, dakis, dakinis and the lords around the cosmic world, and dhurdag dancers as the real lord of cremation grounds, said the Tsugla lopon. “It’s only then that they’ll be bestowed the endowments.”

Source: Kuenselonline

Bhutan Drukair will fly up to 20,000 passengers

Drukair will fly up to 20,000 passengers this month alone - a record for the airline.

The record traffic is a result not only of the peak tourist season beginning this month, but also the upcoming Royal Wedding.

As a result, Drukair has already inserted 28 additional flights, or made available 4,500 more seats, this October. Half these flights are on the Paro-Bangkok, Thailand sector. The airline has placed a second crew in Bangkok to address the record upsurge in passenger traffic.

“We’ve created more than 25 percent additional capacity for October and it’s the highest we’ve ever created,” the airline’s commercial manager, Tshering Penjor, said. He added that the airline has even had to hire temporary staff to cope with the record traffic being experienced.

On October 2, the airline flew 15 flights in and out of Paro airport, setting another record for most flights operated at the airport since its construction in the early eighties.

While some seats on incoming flights to Paro are still available, Tshering Penjor said that preferred dates might not be available. In case of medical emergencies requiring patients to be flown out, he said that Drukair would continue to prioritise such cases. “Drukair has and will continue to extend priority and do all possible, as and when an emergency arises.”

While the airline has created the additional capacity, bad weather and technical problems if encountered, could disrupt the October schedule. “We’ve kept some cushion to ensure during such unforeseen circumstances while flights may be disrupted and delayed, at no point of time, the air services will be crippled,” Tshering Penjor said. He added, “However no one can guarantee against any technical problems or weather related delays and, if we face them, obviously it’ll impact the schedules.”

A technical problem with one of its airbus jets already disrupted the schedule, when it was grounded for maintenance on Tuesday and most of Wednesday.

He also pointed out that, despite the increased frequency of flight operations, safety of passengers and aircraft maintenance would not be compromised, and would remain a priority of the airline.

Source: Kuenselonline

Royal wedding (Bhutan) archery tournament

In the royal wedding archery tournament at Gup Kanjur’s archery range at Babesa in Thimphu, Thongley Drayang secured five points defeating its opponent teams, Tashi Tagye and Wamling Yarna, who shared three points each.

In the afternoon’s match, Karma Druk beat Chang Shooters and Charo Nga by scoring six points. The other two teams manage only three points each.

The organiser, former gup Kanjur claimed the tournament played on traditional bow and arrow and aping the Yangphel style, was the first of its kind in Thimphu.

The tournament saw 22 teams participating in it.

He said he was interested in playing archery on Pakshi before he switched on to compound bow a few years ago.

“I was sent to other countries to represent my own in playing archery on Pakshi and now I should do something to preserve and promote it,” he said, adding although a number of archery tournaments were organised in the country, it was less on traditional equipment.

“This is one of the reasons for conducting this tournament,” Kanjur said.

He also said the tournament was in celebration of the royal wedding, its finals being scheduled on the wedding day. Prizes have yet to be decided as the organiser are still looking for sponsors.

“I’m starting this tournament with the hope it’ll become an annual event,” he said.

In today’s tournament, Gunners will play Wamling Yarna and Ram Kharp in the morning and Radhi will contest Druk Chapcha Construction and Chang shooters in the afternoon. The tournament started on September 18 and the league round will wind up on September 30.

Source: Kuenselonline

Bhutan Hit Earthquake

Bhutan Hit by earthquake on 18th September 2011

Magnitude	6.1
Date-Time	Monday, September 21, 2009 at 08:53:06 UTC Monday, September 21, 2009 at 02:53:06 PM at epicenter Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location	27.346°N, 91.412°E
Depth	14 km (8.7 miles) set by location program
Region	BHUTAN
Distances	130 km (80 miles) NNW of Gauhati, Assam, India 180 km (110 miles) E of THIMPHU, Bhutan 610 km (380 miles) NNE of Kolkata (Calcutta), West Bengal, India 1410 km (870 miles) E of NEW DELHI, Delhi, India
Location Uncertainty	horizontal +/- 6.2 km (3.9 miles); depth fixed by location program
Parameters	NST=137, Nph=137, Dmin=>999 km, Rmss=1.04 sec, Gp= 22°, M-type=teleseismic moment magnitude (Mw), Version=A
Source	USGS NEIC (WDCS-D)
Event ID	us2009lvap

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2009lvap.php

TREK ITINERARY FOR SAMTENGANG

PRIVATE TREK ITINERARY FOR
SAMTENGANG TREK 11 DAYS

Day 01 Arrive at Paro Airport
During the journey to Paro, one will experience breath taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Chomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro Airport, you will be received by representatives of Bhutan Historic Tour who will escort you to the hotel.

Day 02 Paro- Paro
Visit 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. Visit the Drukgyal Dzong, located 16 Km. away from the Paro town. Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. From here, the peak of Jhomolhari "Mountain of the Goddess" can be seen on a clear day (Alt. 7,314m/24,029ft.). 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.

Day 03 Paro - Thimphu
Drive along the winding road along the Paro Chu (Chu means water or river) down stream to the confluence with the Wang Chu then turn upstream and travel along the Wang Chu to Thimphu, the Capital. Lunch will be served at the Hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Memorial Chorten, dedicated to the Late Third King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 04 Thimphu – Khuruthang

Drive to Khuruthang with pack lunch provided from the hotel. Stop at Dochula pass for a grand view of the Himalayan mountain ranges (if the weather is clear). Lunch at the camp site. After lunch, drive down to Punakha and visit the Dzong.

Day 05 Khuruthang - Limukha
Drive till Punakha. The trek begins with the gradual climb through Chir Pine forests. On the way, visit a village called, Dompala.

Day 06 Limukha - Chungsakha
The trail today takes you through rhododendron and oak forested area. Enroute pass a famous Drukpa Kuenlay Lhakhang. Overnight in camp. Distance 14 Km. about 5/6 hours walk.

Day 07 Chungsakha - Samtengang
The trail now takes you through the village of Sha Wangdi District. Camp at Samtengang at lake side. Distance 13 Km about 5 hours.

Day 08 Samtengang - Wangdue
The trail now drops down till the motor road. Drive till Wangdue Phodrang and lunch at the Guest House. Overnight: Hotel

Day 09 Wangdue - Thimphu
Morning drive to Thimphu.
Check in the Hotel and Lunch will be served.
After Lunch visit the Handicraft Emporium, National Mini Zoo, and Thimphu View Point.
Overnight Hotel in Thimphu

Day10 Thimphu - Paro
Drive to Paro. Check in the hotel and rest of the afternoon free.
Overnight hotel in Paro

Day 11 Drive to Airport and board flight

Wishing you safe journey and Thank you for visiting Bhutan with us.