Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Punakha Festival

BHUTAN STUNNING TOURS

Toughest Trek in the World - Snowman Trek
Bhutan Festival Dates 2013
Map of Bhutan
Bhutan weather
Gross National Happiness
Flights to Bhutan
Visa
Recommended 3 Star Hotels
Classic Treks of Bhutan
11 Days Enchanting Bhutan itinerary
7 Days Bhutan Festival Tour Itinerary

Want to creat a professional website FREE OF CHARGE?




Punakha, located in the western part of Bhutan, is the winter home of Chief Abbot of the country, the Je Khenpo. This is the ancient capital of the country, and has great significance to the Buthanese. During the time of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 17th century, he unified Bhutan and he was the one who gave Bhutan and its people the cultural identity that identified Bhutan from the rest of the world.

In 17th century Bhutan was invaded several times by the Tibetan force to seize a very precious relic, the Ranjung Kharsapani during which Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal defeated the Tibetan army and to commemorate the victory he introduced the Punakha Drubchen. Since then Punakha Drubchen also known as Puna Drubchen became the annual festival of Punakha district. In addition to Punakha Drubchen in 2005 another festival known as Punakha Tshechu was introduced by the 70th Je Khenpo Trulku Jigme Choedra and the then Home Minister His Excellency Lyonpo Jigme Yoedzer Thinley on the request made by Punakha District Administration and people for upholding the Buddhist teachings and keeping alive the noble deeds of Zhabdrung Rimpochhe.

Punakha Drubchen is a unique festival due to a dramatic recreation of the scene from the 17th century battle with Tibetan army. The ‘pazaps’ or local militia men, dressed in battle gear showcase a battle scene of this distant past recalling the days when in the absence of a standing army, men from the eight Tshogchens or great village blocks of Thimpu came forward and managed to expel the Tibetan forces out of the country ushering in a new-found internal peace and stability.

Punakha Drubchen and Tshechu not only play an important role in preserving Bhutan’s rich cultural and tradition but it also is also an event where devout Buddhists has a place and time for prayer and pilgrimage. These festivals also reflect the richness of everything that is Bhutanese and are very special in the eyes and hearts of tourists who visit Bhutan.

Confirmed departure :
08-19FEB
12 Days Nepal & Bhutan
By Malaysian Airlines, Singapore - Kathmandu return
DrukAir , Kathmandu - Bhutan return

Coming up-
Photography trip SIKKIM & BHUTAN (THIMPHU FESTIVAL) in SEP 2013

Monday, November 26, 2012

Rainwater to the rescue

Rainwater to the rescue Students use rainwater for washing and cleaning purposes A perennial shortage has been largely solved by harvesting what falls from the sky Goenpasingma Lower Secondary School : Eight years ago, day-scholar students of Goenpasingma lower secondary school in Pemagatshel did not just carry books while going to school in the morning; they also each carried five litres of drinking water. The water was for the school kitchen, which prepared meals for boarding students, and served lunch for day-scholar students. Located 20km from Pemagatshel town Goenpasingma LSS in Zobel gewog just did not have the required supply of water the school needed. In 2006, when the new principal took over, he replaced the GI (galvanised iron) pipes with the bigger HD (high density) pipes, and changed its alignment. Despite that, water flowing from the natural source was not enough. “For about four months, we hired a van to transport water from an available source,” school principal Suren Pradhan said. “Our school kept Nu 10,000 apart, to transport water from the school’s transport budget.” Two years later, the school informed the public health engineering division (PHED), ministry of health, about the problem and got Nu 500,000 for water supply from UNICEF. With budget left over, after changing all pipelines to the water intake below the earlier source, about 5km away, the school also initiated harvesting rainwater. Six water tanks, with storage capacity of 1,000 litres each, two 500litre tanks and two 200litre ones were bought. The tanks were connected to gutter pipes, which let rainwater flow from the roof into the tanks. “Rainwater collected in those tanks is used by students for washing and bathing, whereas cooking and drinking is managed from water from the spring source,” the principal said. “Ever since we harvested rainwater, we’ve not faced an acute water shortage.” Today, the school has two concrete tanks with storage capacity of 10,000 litre each, a 11,000 litre concrete tank and 10 tanks with storage capacity of about 7,000 litres. Goenpasingma LSS today has 220 boarders of a total of 372 students. To prevent water contamination during monsoon, when there is heavy rain, old water from the tanks is drained and fresh water collected. “It’s quite difficult to manage, but rainwater harvesting is of immense benefit to schools facing a shortage,” a teacher, Kelzang Jigme, said. However, during dry season, when there is no rainwater and water from the spring source is not enough, boarding students are sent two kilometres away to fetch water. For washing and bathing, on weekends, girls and boys are sent to a nearby stream turn-wise. “When I first joined this school, I remember waking up at midnight and going to fetch water,” principal Suren Pradhan said. By Nirmala Pokhrel, Pemagatshel
Kuensel

Rodung La Trek

BHUTAN STUNNING TOURS

Toughest Trek in the World - Snowman Trek
Bhutan Festival Dates 2013
Map of Bhutan
Bhutan weather
Gross National Happiness
Flights to Bhutan
Visa
Recommended 3 Star Hotels
Classic Treks of Bhutan
11 Days Enchanting Bhutan itinerary
7 Days Bhutan Festival Tour Itinerary

Want to creat a professional website FREE OF CHARGE?




Rodung La Trek

Duration: 10 days,
Max. Elevation: 4,160m
Highest Camp: 3,680
Standard: Medium to hard
Best Seasons: October to early November and April to early May
Start: Toktu Zampa (Bumthang) Finish: Trashi Yangtse

Summary:


This route was the most important trade route to eastern Bhutan till the road was built. Nowadays hardly anybody, except some ardent trekkers, travels along this route anymore. The route can also be seen as an extension of the Snowman Trek ending in Bumthang. The combination of the two of them, Snowman and Rodung La trek, connects the country from the west (Paro) to the far east (Trashi Yangtse). Although the trek does not lead into really high altitude, it is tough and involves long steep descents or ascents, depending on the side you start the trek. Definitely one of the harder treks in Bhutan!

Day 1: Jakar – Ngang Lhakhang


(Distance 20km, six to seven hours, camp altitude 2,800m)
The route takes you around Chamkhar Chhu, a river rich in trout. After passing Thangbi Lhakhang, a temple built by the first Karma Shamar in 13th century, further ahead you enter Ngang Yul, ‘Swan Land” and at its center is Ngang Lhakhang, the “Swan Temple”. This part of the valley was at first inhabitated by swans who gave their name (Ngang) to the place. The Lama Namkha Samdrup, having dreamt a vision of how to build a temple, shot an arrow and at the spot where the arrow landed, the Ngang Lhakhang was erected.

Day 2: Ngang Lhakhang – Ugyenchholing


(Camp altitude 2,850m)
Climb gradually to Phephe La pass (3,353m). Follow the trail until the pass takes you through one of the most stunning forested areas of this region. Allow for stops to enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings. Ugyen Choling Palace houses one of the most interesting museums of Bhutan.

Day 3: Ugyen Choling – Phokphey


(Distance 17km, five to six hours, 920m ascent, camp altitude 3,680m)
Today’s walk is through bamboos, hemlock and finally up to an alpine forest. The camp is in a meadow at the head of the valley.

Day 4: Phokphey – Pemi


(Distance 20km, six to seven hours, 480m ascent, 1,160m descent, camp altitude 2,950m)
Rodung La (4,160m) is about three hours climb from the camp. From the pass you then continue downhill through a gorge, overlooking some of the mountain valleys. The region is well known for its sightings of ghosts and yetis. Towards the camp you see pine trees and the ruined stone building was the grain storehouse during the times of the first and second king.

Day 5: Pemi – Khaine Lakhang


(Distance 21km, seven to eight hours, 350m ascent, 1,340m descent, camp altitude 2,010m)
This trail winds up and down, passing the villages of Ungaar, Bulay, Kulaypang and Gomda till you reach Drula village and Khaine Lhakhang en route. It is one of the oldest temples in existence today, built in mid 7th century by the King Songtshen Gampo of Tibet to subdue demons.

Day 6: Khaine Lakhang – Tangmachu


(Distance 18km, six to seven hours, 520m ascent, 810m descent, camp altitude 1,720m)
From your camp, the trail goes down to a stream and back up to a basic health unit and community school in Gorsam. Further on, you pass a Tibetan-style Umling Mani, built by a lama from Tibet, and a chorten on Zerim La (1,940m). Before reaching the next pass, Tage La (1,760m) you will see Menjabi, a beautiful Bhutanese village with large white houses. South-east of Tage La is Tangmachu High School. About 400 students study in this school. There is a campsite near the school. Another possibility is to organise transport and drive to Lhuentse, the capital of Lhuentse district, with its impressive dzong.

Day 7: Tangmachu – Menji


(Distance 16km, four to five hours, 690m ascent, 620m descent, camp altitude 1,830m)
Arrive firstly to Kuri Zampa and the trek from here is gradually up through the paddy fields and villages to Chusa.

Day 8: Menji – Pemi
(Distance 20km, five to six hours, 620m ascent, camp altitude 2,450m) Continue uphill through thick forests overlooking mountain views. The camp is under forest shelter at an altitude of 2,400m. Distance: 20 km. Time: six to seven hours.

Day 9: Pemi – Taupang


(Distance 21km, seven to eight hours, 1,450m ascent, 1,450m descent, camp altitude 2,450m)
Continue up to Dongla where you will have fascinating mountain views. Descend through thick evergreen forests till you reach campsite. Overnight campsite. Distance: 21 km. Time: six to seven hours.

Day 10: Taupang – Trashi Yangtse
(Distance 24km, eight to nine hours, 720m descent)
Today is the longest trek. It is a gradual downhill trek till Yangtse through chir pine and hardwood forests, and then oak in the sub tropical forest zone. Overnight camp.

Day 10: Taupang – Trashi Yangtse


(Distance 24km, eight to nine hours, 720m descent)
Today is the longest trek. It is a gradual downhill trek till Yangtse through chir pine and hardwood forests, and then oak in the sub tropical forest zone. Overnight camp. Distance: 24 km. Time: eight to nine hours.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Samtengang Winter Trek

BHUTAN STUNNING TOURS

Toughest Trek in the World - Snowman Trek
Bhutan Festival Dates 2013
Map of Bhutan
Bhutan weather
Gross National Happiness
Flights to Bhutan
Visa
Recommended 3 Star Hotels
Classic Treks of Bhutan
11 Days Enchanting Bhutan itinerary
7 Days Bhutan Festival Tour Itinerary

Want to creat a professional website FREE OF CHARGE?



Duration: Four days,
Max. Elevation: 2,000m
Highest Camp: 1,980m
Standard: Easy
Best Seasons: April and September to October
Start: Punakha
Finish: Chhuzomsa

Summary:


The best time for Samtengang Winter Trek might be March to April and October to November, but as the name suggests, it is possible throughout the whole winter. This is a short trek passing through some villages of Punakha valley.

Day 1: Punakha – Limukha


(Distance 12km, four hours, 880m ascent, camp altitude 1,980m) After passing the spectacular Punakha Dzong you cross the footbridge over the Pho Chhu and walk up to Shengana. The bridge to cross is the longest bridge in Bhutan. Climbing gradually through the forest you reach Limukha. Make sure you are carrying enough water as you won’t find any on the way to Limukha.

Day 2: Limukha – Chhungsakha


(Distance 14km, five hours, 430m descent, camp altitude 1,550m)
The path leads through rhododendron and oak forests to Chhungsakha. Chungsakha is a small village with about 10 houses. A holy stone and an impressive Cyprus tree are reminders of Drukpa Kuenley, the “divine madman”.

Day 3: Chhungsakha – Samtengang


(Distance 13km, five hours, 650m ascent, 270m descent, camp altitude 1,830m)
You walk downhill till you cross Pe Chhu. Climbing again you will pass the village of Sha on your way to Samtengang. Near the school in Samtengang you will see a small lake and your campsite is right next to it.

Day 4: Samtengang – Chhuzomsa


(Distance 15km, five to six hours, 730m descent)
The trail leads steeply downhill on a treeless slope to the road head at Chhuzomsa.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Gangtey Trek

BHUTAN STUNNING TOURS

Toughest Trek in the World - Snowman Trek
Bhutan Festival Dates 2013
Map of Bhutan
Bhutan weather
Gross National Happiness
Flights to Bhutan
Visa
Recommended 3 Star Hotels
Classic Treks of Bhutan
11 Days Enchanting Bhutan itinerary
7 Days Bhutan Festival Tour Itinerary

Want to creat a professional website FREE OF CHARGE?



Gangte Trek

Duration: Three days
Max. Elevation: 3,480m
Highest Camp: 3,330m
Standard: Easy
Best Seasons: September to May
Start: Phobjikha
Finish: Tikke Zampa


Although the trek is possible throughout the whole winter, the best seasons for the Gangte Trek are March to May and September to November. It is a short and relatively easy trek with beautiful villages and monasteries en route.

Day 1: Phobjikha – Zasa
(Distance 15km, six to seven hours, 610m ascent, 410m descent, camp altitude 3,130m)
The Trek starts near the village of Tabiting. The trail winds through meadows and fields and the climb takes you through a mixed forest of juniper, bamboo, magnolia and rhododendron to Tsele La (3430m). From here you descend into the Juge Kangkha Chhu valley. Further on, the path leads to Gogona, well know for its “Gogona Cheese” production. The campsite is a bit further on besides a small stream in a yak pasture called Zasa.

Day 2: Zasa – Chorten Karpo
(Distance 16km,five to seven hours, 450m ascent, 860m descent, camp altitude 3,330m)
A gentle climb leads to Shobe La pass (3,480m). The descent from the pass leads to a wide valley, surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges. Below the route one can see Khothokha, a village with about 60 houses. You finally reach the campsite by climbing gently up till you see four chortens in a forest of blue pine. Day 3: Chorten Karpo – Tikke Zampa
(Distance 12km, four to five hours, 120m ascent, 1,340m descent)
From the camp you climb till you reach a forest road. From here it’s an easy walk up to a little ridge at 2,800m. The walk down back into the valley leads you through Bhutan’s best bird watching areas.

PASSU DIARY - JOURNAL OF AN ORDINARY BHUTANESE

Monday, November 19, 2012

Bumthang Cultural Trek

BHUTAN STUNNING TOURS

Toughest Trek in the World - Snowman Trek
Bhutan Festival Dates 2013
Map of Bhutan
Bhutan weather
Gross National Happiness
Flights to Bhutan
Visa
Recommended 3 Star Hotels
Classic Treks of Bhutan
11 Days Enchanting Bhutan itinerary
7 Days Bhutan Festival Tour Itinerary

Want to creat a professional website FREE OF CHARGE?



Duration: Three days,
Max. Elevation: 3,360m
Highest Camp: 2,800m
Standard: Easy to medium
Best Seasons: March to May & September to November
Start: Toktu Zampa (Bumthang)
Finish: Mesithang (Bumthang)


Summary:


The Bumthang Cultural Trek. Bumthang is well known as one of the main cultural centres of Bhutan and there are many opportunities to visit temples and small Bhutanese villages along the trek route. Although the trek is on the easy side, it involves a few major climbs like the one up to Pephe La with an ascent of about 500 m.

Day 1: Toktu Zampa – Ngang Lhakhang


(Distance 12km, four to five hours, 170m ascent, camp altitude 2,800m).
The route follows the Chamkhar Chu, a river known for trout. Stop for lunch at Thangbi Lhakhang. From here the trek enters the Ngang Yul (Land of the Swan) at the centre of which lies the Ngang Lhakhang (Swan Temple). In by-gone days, the valley was populated by swans, and hence the name Ngang Yul.

Day 2: Ngang Lhakhang – Tahung


(Distance 16km, six hours, 750m ascent, 670m descent, camp altitude 2,720m).
The day starts out across meadows and with the view of the valley below. Then you climb gradually to Phephe La (3,360m), the highest point of the trek route. The trail passes through beautiful forested areas where many stops can be made to enjoy the natural beauty of the place. The path leads you downhill into a broad valley. Amongst several possible camping places the most likely one is uphill behind the village of Tahung.

Day 3: Tahung – Mesithang


(Distance 16km, four to five hours, 230m descent).
The trail follows the Tang Chu, another trout-filled river. On the bank of the river is the Tang Rimpoche’s Lhakhang. The trek will pass the Mebar Tsho (Flaming Lake) and lead you to Tang Ugyen Choling. Ugyen Choling Palace houses one of the most interesting museums of Bhutan. From here you will soon reach the road head.