Bhutan Newsletter June 2013

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Kuzu zang pola (Hello) from the Tourism Council of Bhutan! Summer has arrived here in the Kingdom and the warm sunny weather has allowed our Yak herders to migrate to the high altitude wild meadows accessible only at this time of the year, while on the valley floors the moist rice paddies are covered in the vibrant green in full growth. This month we will focus on one of the most beautiful districts at this time of the year, Bumthang. This area is centrally located, forming the heart of the country and has its own unique architecture. UNDERSTANDING BUMTHANG The region is easily accessed by a weekly flight from Paro International Airport to Bumthang Domestic Airport located at the town of Chamkhar. It can also be reached via a 10 hour drive from the capital Thimphu. The main town of Chamkhar is home to the Bumthang Cheese factory, Red Panda Beer Distillery, the stunning Kurjey and Jambey Lhakhang temples as well as numerous other ancient temples. The District of Bumthang (Bumthang Dzongkhag):Bumthang consists of four main valleys Ura, Chumey, Tang and Choekhor. Choekhor is the largest of the four mountain valleys and is widely considered as 'Bumthang Valley'. This serene region is one of the most peaceful places in the kingdom. With rolling hills, pristine forest, lush, verdant fields and an nparalleled number of historical and religious sites Bumthang is the perfect place to unwind and relax. To learn more about Bumthang, visit our website at:http://www.tourism.gov.bt/map/bumthang WHAT TO SEE Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park covers 1,300 sq.km and is the second largest protected area of Bhutan. The park remains one of the largest undisturbed tracts of forest in the Himalayas. The varying altitude and rainfall have created a wide range of climatic conditions, making it home to many species of plants, animals and birds including Musk Deer, Himalayan Black Bears, Golden Langurs, the rare Clouded Leopard, Red Pandas and the Royal Bengal Tiger. The eastern side of the park supports about 20% of Bhutan's tiger population and the park itself forms an important link between the northern and southern tiger populations. It is also home to 391 bird species of which seven are among some of the world's most endangered species. Phobjikha valley, a buffer zone to the park, is the winter habitat of the Black Necked Crane. More than 260 majestic cranes winter in Phobjikha every year. Mebar Tsho (The Burning Lake) Mebar Tsho, also known as 'The Burning Lake' is considered one of the most holy Buddhist sites in the region. It is believed that scared treasure was discovered within the lake in the 15th Century. DID YOU KNOW? Paintings are incredibly important to Bhutanese culture and can be seen decorating buildings, temples and altars. Bhutanese paintings are traditionally religious in nature, depicting famous Saints and local Deities. Artists typically did not sign their work and remained anonymous. UPCOMING EVENTS IN BHUTAN The Matsutake Festival (24th August) The Matsutake Festival gives the cheerful Uraps (the name given to the people of Ura valley) a reason to celebrate and to have some fun. The much sought after Matsutake mushroom is native to the Ura Valley, where this festival occurs. You’re invited to join the local people in an exciting day of picking mushrooms, learning   about   their art & crafts, their traditional lifestyle, folk songs and dances, regional food and drink. Participate in the song and dance, as the villagers gather in the festival arena, in full costume. Sample freshly picked mushrooms; try some wild honey or high altitude medicinal herbs and potions, along with other local dishes of wheat and barley. Shop for textiles, cane, bamboo and other regional products. Tour of the Dragon (7th September) Considered one of the most challenging one-day events in the world, the race covers 268 kilometers of absolutely stunning Himalayan landscapes as it takes cyclists from central to western Bhutan. Bikers will traverse four stunning mountain passes, travel through pristine, virgin forests, over babbling streams and raging rivers of crystal clear water. Jambey Lhakhang Choekhor (18th September) According to legend this temple was built by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in 659 A.D. as part of a chain of 108 simultaneously constructed temples in order to subdue an evil demoness that lay over the Himalayan region. It is the oldest lhakhang in Bhutan and the annual festival that takes place here features some of the most unique and ancient mask dances. WHAT TO DO Bumthang Cultural Trek:This easy three-day trek takes you through beautiful valleys and along clear, trout-filled rivers. Bumthang is often known as the ‘cultural heartland’ of Bhutan & this trek offers the perfect opportunity to discover remote temples and learn about the ancient history of this part of Bhutan. You will also visit a number of small villages which dot the route which offer the perfect opportunity to interact with the locals. The only segment of the trek that may prove challenging is a 500m ascent to Pephe La pass. The best time to embark on this trek is in spring or autumn. Ogyencholing Museum:Ogyencholing Estate is of considerable importance to the Tibetan Buddhist world due to its  links  with two of the great Tibetan spiritual masters (Longchen Rabjam and Dorji Lingpa). The heirs of Ogyencholing decided to convert parts of their ancestral home to a museum which provides an excellent insight into the lifestyles and living conditions of a typical landed family over the last century. The museum is designed to share the heritage of this region with as many people as possible and at the same time to preserve and maintain Ogyencholing as a religious and cultural center. The museum was formally opened in May 2001 and is located in Ogyencholing Village. For more info on trekking in Bhutan visit:http://www.tourism.gov.bt/activities/trek For further information, please contact: Tourism Council of Bhutan, India Representative Office C/o Charson Advisory Services Pvt. Ltd. 1104 Arcadia, 11th Floor, NCPA Marg, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021 – India Tel: 91 (22) 65172273; Fax: 91 (22) 22828835; Email: exec.office@charsonadvisory.com Tourism Council of Bhutan  Tarayana Centre, Chubachu, Thimphu, Bhutan Tel: 975 2 323251/2 ; Email: info@tourism.gov.bt; Web: www.tourism.gov.bt