Sertog and it's Importance

The Sertog (golden cupola) is the highest architectural element placed on Dzongs, Monasteries and Royal Buildings. The Sertog is invariably placed on a Jabzhi roof either standing on a Norbu Bagam or on a structure with a Kemar band or on a structure with windows fully incorporated with traditional cornices (Phagna, Bogh. Choetseg, Pedma, Norbu-Bagam, Norbu-Horzhu and Dhurig). The Sertog is also seen on the Jabzhi of a Lhakhang (monastery) that houses very sacred relics. Sertog can be found in every Dzongs and Monasteries depending on the size and amount of gold plated on it.

The Sertog is permissible only on Dzongs, Royal Buildings and on Monasteries.

The Sertog of Paro Dzong placed on double Jabzhi

Changlimithang Royal Pavilion's Sertog on Single Jabzhi

Zangdopelri Lhakhang(Thimphu) Sertog

Paro dzong, sertog placed on the top of the Dzong Structure

Rosary and Prayers wheel To Achieve Dharma

This is what the old people of Bhutan do, counting a rosary or turning the small prayer wheel, well this is a phenomenal way of achieving dharma and getting rid of sinful sin committed during young age. As the Kingdom is a Buddhist country, most Bhutanese are very religious and are fully devoted to Buddhism. You go far east, north, west, you will encounter with old people chanting "OM Mani Padma Hum" while their rosary and prayer wheel rotates as it is being wheeled.

Old man Turning the Prayer Wheel

Chanting "Om Mani Padma Hum while with rosary

Trongsa Dzong : The Ancestral Home of Royal Family

Trongsa District which is located in the centre of the Bhutan is four hours by drive from Wangdue Phodrang, The approach to the town involves a round trip around Trongsa valley. A vantage point from the opposite side of the valley which is still 14 kms from Trongsa, provides an exciting view of the Dzong and the town.

Trongsa Dzong, built in 1644 by Chhogyel Mingyur Tenpa, a representative of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal sent to pacify the eastern portions of the country. It was enlarged at the end of the 17th century. Trongsa dzong is the ancestral home of the present royal family. The Dzong used to be the seat of power of the Wangchuck dynasty before it became rulers of Bhutan in 1907. Traditionally the King of Bhutan first becomes the Trongsa Penlop (governor) before being named Crown Prince and eventually King. Both his majesty king Ugyen Wangchuk, the Penlop of Trongsa, who was elected the country's first hereditary monarch, and his successor king Jigme Wangchuk, ruled the country from Trongsa's ancient Dzong. The crown prince of Bhutan normally holds the position of the Trongsa Penlop (Chotse Penlop) prior to the ascending to the throne - the present king continued this tradition as he appointed Trongsa Penlop in 1972 shortly before he ascended the Throne of Bhutan.

Built on a mountain spur high above the gorges of the Mangde Chhu, the dzong, which controlled movements between western and central Bhutan (the ancient trade route passed right through the middle of the dzong). Trongsa Dzong is an impregnable fortress. The Dzong itself is a labyrinth of temples, corridors and offices holding court over the local community. It is built on many levels into the side of the hill and can be seen from every approach to Trongsa, heralding its strength as a defensive stronghold.

Higher yet on the mountainside is a large watchtower, called "Ta Dzong", to guard the dzong from enemies in olden days.

Activities:
Trongsa can also be a good shopping stop. The local population weaves its own textiles from hand - dyed wool and the Tibetan-origin Bhutanese shopkeepers sell them at more competitive prices than those found in Thimpu. They also sell machine woven carpets in the traditional style. These are also sold at more reasonable prices than those found in Thimpu.

Wangdue Tshechu Video

As you all know that Wangdue Tshechu for the year 2008 begins next month and falls on Sept 20th - Sept 22nd, for a glimpse of the last year Tshechu, check out this video clip. The Video also features the Atsara, the Popular Clown in the Tshechu, very funny and entertaining for all the crow. Atsara are loved by the kids as they display funny character and hold a Po in their hand.

Candidates Increased for a Seat in National Council

22 candidates from 14 dzongkhags have declared to contest for the seats in National Council

As Bhutan Gears up for Democracy in year 2008, more and more people are joining politics, The list of people declaring to run for the National Council elections is slowly increasing. As of yesterday, there were about 22 people who had made their interest public.

Sarpang dzongkhag had the maximum candidates so far with four candidates, Karma Donen Wangdi, Jamyang Sherub Wangdi, B.B Chettri and Major (retd) D.B. Rana.

Pema Tenzin and Choki Drakpa are contesting from Mongar, Sonam Phuntsho and Jigmi Palden are contesting from Bumthang, Rinzin Rinzin and Chhewang Rinzin from Lhuentse, Namgay R Dorji and Sangay Phurba are contesting from Punakha and Ugyen Tshering and Phub Dorji are contesting from Paro.

Haa, Chukha, Dagana, Chukha, Zhemgang, Pemagatshel, Trashigang, Samtse, and Wangduephodrang have only one candidate each. The candidates are Tshering Dorji from Haa, Pema Lhamo from Zhemgang, Sonam Dorji Wangchuk from Chukha, Kezang Dema from Dagana, Jigme Rinzin from Pemagatshel, Sonam Kinga from Trashigang, Dr. Mani Kumar Rai from Samtse and Sonam Phuntsho from Wangdue.

Six dzongkhags -Thimphu, Gasa, Trongsa, Tsirang, Samdrup Jongkhar and Trashiyangtse – do not have a single candidate yet.

Candidates contesting for a seat in the National Council will first have to be nominated from the gewogs, which means that there should ideally be at least 205 candidates. The candidates nominated from the gewogs will then go on to contest the dzongkhag level elections. The winner becomes the National Council member from the dzongkhag.

Candidates who declared their interest through the media said that they declared to let the people in their dzongkhag know who their candidates were. “Voters should be given time to know about the person who is going to represent them in the National Council,” said a candidate. “People should be given a choice to elect the best person.” Observers have pointed out that each dzongkhag should at least have three candidates so that the best represent the people.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission of Bhutan is in the midst of conducting seminars in the chiwogs and gewogs to educate voters on the National Council election procedures. More candidates are expected to declare after the seminars, which concludes on August 20.

The polling day for the National Council elections is set for December.
Source: Kuenselonline

Bhutan Travel and Visitor Information

This Post will guide all the tourist and visitor who wish to visit Bhutan as you can get almost all the Information before you plan your Trip to Bhutan.

Rates

Peak Season Rates:
For The Months Of January, February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November and December.
US$200 per person per day for 3 or more in a group
US$230 per person per day for 2 in a group
US$240 per day for a single individual

Off Season Rates:
For The Months Of July and August.
US$165 per person per day for 3 or more in a group
US$195 per person per day for 2 in a group
US$205 per day for a single individual

Surcharge
Individual tourists and couples are subject to a surcharge, over and above the daily rate. The surcharge may also be applied if a member of a group arrives or departs on a separate flight from the rest of the party. The surcharge is US$40 per night for one person and US$30 per night per person for a group of two people. Visitors qualifying for any kind of discount still have to pay this small-group surcharge as follows:

Number of Travelers in a group Surcharge per person per Night
Single person USD 40
Two People USD 30

Tour Cancellation
You are liable to pay the cancellation fee as per the norms of Department of Tourism, if you cancel the Booking.

* Within 30 days of tour commencement: No charge
* Within 21 days: 20 % of the rate
* Within 14 days: 15 % of the rate
* Within 7 days: 30% of the rate
* Less then one week/without notice: 50% of rate
* After arriving in Bhutan: 100%

The Above Rates Doesn't Include of airfare on Druk Air, the Royal Bhutan Airlines.

The Above Tariff Includes.

* All Internal transportation and Porter
* All lodging, hotels, camping equipment
* All Meals, & cooks for camping
* Fluent and knowledgeable English speaking guides

The above prices include all hotel accommodations, food, Internal transportation, an English speaking guide, trekking equipment, tents, a cook, and porter (Mule and Horses),sleeping bags if necessary. Your Tour Operator will be put in Class A or B hotels which are approved by Department of Tourism.

The Rates are set by the Royal Government of Bhutan which is governed by Department of Tourism.Notice : Due to the increase in the competition amongst the Travel Agency of Bhutan, most agents offers discount rates that is illegal which account to poor service. So watch out for those who are offering you with discount rates.

Accommodations:

Accommodations throughout your stay in Bhutan is included in the Daily Tariff and it's borne by the Tour Operator. Good hotel and lodge are Available in the towns of Thimphu, Paro, and Phuentsholing for all the visitor while standard accommodation are avail with adequate facilities, Resorts, lodge and guest house operates in the smaller towns of Bumthang, punakha and Wangdiphodrang. All the tourist hotels and resort are approved by the Department of Tourism.


Food and Drink:

Traditional Bhutanese food are hot and spicy. But for most visitor menus from Chinese, Indian, and Continental are served in most hotels and resort. Ema Datshi the popular Bhutanese dish which is made from chilies and local cheese would be an fun and life time experience for those who want to try out the local dishes. During trekking, the cook are trained and have greater menus of your choice which makes you feel homely in the highland of Bhutan. Liquor are served and for a change to local brewed band, coronation whisky, silver jubilee whisky special courier are available plenty full.

Internal Transport:

The Internal Transport from the Airport pick up till the Drop would be carried out by the respected travel agents of whom you are trip has been arranged. You doesn't have to pay anything for the transport as it is covered in your daily tariff. The vehicle for the guest are all imported cars and buses depending on the Number of pax. For a pax of two or three, Haice Buses are used while a larger group, transport are arranged in bus and coach for a comfortable journey in hilly and mountainous roads full of curves thus giving an full excitement.

Guides:

Most Bhutanese Travel Agents are well equipped with experienced guides and with fluent English speaking. The Department of Tourism has enforced all the Travel agents that the guest to have full time attendant during their stay in Bhutan. So you as an tourist or visitor need not have to worry about anything as all of the arrangement will be done by the guide from taking to the tourist spot to accommodation and so on. Bhutanese Guides are trained and Licensed by the department of Tourism which makes it possible for every guest to have the best holiday or trekking.


Tourist Seasons:

While Every months has it's own charm,and with increase in the number of arrival of tourist in Bhutan, a trip to Bhutan can be planned anytime of the year but the best time to come Bhutan would be from March to June and other Best time is from mid September to November. The reason being, in this months there are many festivals throughout Bhutan and it's good time to explore the colorful Tshechu and for those who want to see the Glimpse of the white covered Mountains during trekking. To avoid the necessary accommodation in good hotels and lodge it is advised that you get your Travel booked in Advance as This two period will witness the most arrival of tourist in the kingdom.

Bhutan Visa:

Tourist Visas: All Visitors visiting Bhutan are required to get their visa approved from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs prior to air ticketing and your arrival in Bhutan. The Visa can be proceed from the Travel Agents based in Bhutan upon confirmation of your Travel to Bhutan. The following will be needed for the Visa Approval.

1: Your full name (EXACTLY as it appears in your passport)
2: Permanent address
3: Occupation
4: Nationality
5: Passport number
6: Date of issue and expiration of passport
7: Date and place of birth
8: Telephone Nos
Download Bhutan Visa Application Form

Once the Visa is proceed, it will generally take about two weeks which will be faxed to you or via email. The visa will be granted in the Paro International Airport upon arrival, you need to show the visa copy where they will stamped your passport. The Visa Fees of US$ 20 will be borne by individual which can be transfer to the respective Travel Agents in Bhutan along with the Druk Air Tickets Amount.

Rafting and Kayak Video

Check out this Short Video Clip of Rafting and Kayak, the Guys are having a lot fun in the river.

Golden Langur : The Endangered Spices of Monkey

The golden langur, the endangered monkey species lives only in Bhutan and adjacent Assam bordering Bhutan. It probably evolved in geographic isolation on the western side of the Manas river. On the other side of the river is its close cousin, the capped languar. No golden langurs are found on the river's eastern side.

Golden Languar is an vegetarian and it's diet composed mainly of mature leaves, but it also eats young leaves and fruit. During the monsoon season, fruit may comprise up to 50 percent of the langur's diet. Feeding strategy is adapted to cope with seasonal food scarcity. Langurs seldom leave the trees, even to drink from streams. During Summer they obtain water from dew or rain drenched leaves. They live in troops of as many as 50, Although long considered sacred by many Himalayan peoples, the Golden Langur was first brought to the attention of science by the naturalist E. P. Gee in the 1950s. and is generally found in smaller Golden and Capped Langurstroops of about nine individuals.

The common langur is one of the most commonly seen species in Bhutan and throughout the Himalaya. Like the rhesus macaque, this species is sacred to many Himalayan peoples. The Golden Languar is currently endangered, the total population being about 10,000, with the relative dearth of infants and juveniles indicating a declining population and the habitat being degraded by human activity.

Golden Languar found in Gelephu Bhutan

Golden Langur, the Endangered Spices of Monkey

The Long Tail a Characteristic of Golden Languar

Tshenden Hotel : The Quality Hotel in Gelephu

Have you ever been to Gelephu, if so did you ever get a glance to look for a good hotel to stay on, Gelephu being bordered with Indian State of Assam has lot of Indian Hotel, A few Bhutanese Hotel where they serves you with the Bhutanese dishes and flavor, the "Ema Datshi", the original recipe of Bhutan, Phaksha Paa, Sikam and lot more. One would be in a mood to enjoy the Indian Dishes Especially Thali which is becoming popular amongst the Bhutanese people staying in Thimphu. Tshenden Hotel enjoy the rare beauty of a true Bhutanese cuisine serves and the hotel has actually got the facilities of AC Rooms with other facilities, the hotel has been the focus for the higher people and for a peaceful sleep in hot weather of Gelephu.

The hotel which lies in the far end of the Gelephu Town in the newly constructed three storyed building function with ground floor operate by the shopkeepers who has a Whole Sale Garments Shop, the Hotel actually runs second and third floor, the second floor house all the hotel management office, a front desk and counter, spacious dinning room and a conference hall as well. The main attraction of the hotel has been the cleanness's and the service. Tshendhen hotel menu's has been rich with all sort of delicious non-vegetarian and vegetarian items, off all the items, pork datshi has been my favorite and i had a non stop flight of three full plate of rice. The Chef has the excellent piece of talent in luring the food into a grand delicious feast. Their Catering Service which was rated as best in the Gelephu region for the quality of food and the service.

The rooms are different in size and the rates as a suite with an AC cost around USD $ 15 and double Bed cost around $10, out of 9 rooms, one with AC and other 4 more double and 1 triple bed with 3 singles to accommodate two person easily. For anyone who want to feel a homely, Tshenden hotel would be the right choice.

The Rooms Notice to Customers

The Four Harmonious Friends : Thunpa Pun zhi

Thunpa Pun zhi or the Four Harmonious Friends which can be seen in Most Bhutanese Houses, Monastery, Lhakhangs, Dzongs, Office in the form of Painting or in Thanka, none but except for few people know the real concept and meaning of the painting which symbolize harmony and unity in a family or in the society.

The story of the four friends was an account Lord Buddha narrated to his disciples and it goes like this : Once in a forest in Varanasi, four animals, an elephant, a rabbit, a monkey, and a bird (partridge) disputed about the ownership of a tree where all of them happened to come to feed on. The elephant claimed it was his because he saw it first.

The monkey said that it was his because he had been feeding on the fruits of the tree. The rabbit claimed that he had been feeding on the leaves of the tree when it was a small sapling. The partridge who had been watching the argument said that the tree belonged to it because the tree wouldn't have grown if it had not spit out the seed from fruit it had eaten.

The elephant, monkey, and rabbit, all then bowed to the partridge and regarded it as their bigger brother. The four animals became friends and decided to share the tree together in peaceful harmony enjoying the beauty of the tree's fragrance, the nourishment of the tree's fruits, and the bounty of the tree's shade.

Other animals in the forest often saw them together with the partridge on top of the rabbit who was held up by the monkey who rode on top of the elephant. Henceforth, they were called "the four harmonious brothers". The four animals were looked upon as an example and peace regained in the forest.

Packed Lunch and going to school

How about packed lunch and School?

Two Best friend Shares the same lunch.

Student enjoying their mom's recipe

FAQ : About This Blog

About This Blog
To be precise, I started this blog in year December 2006 when fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuk Abdicated his Throne to Fifth King Jigme Khesar namgyel Wangchuk, Indeed this blog has been the gateway for the people abroad and people staying in Bhutan. Tourist or Visitor wishing to visit Bhutan can get a lot of information about Bhutan which they can be assured of prior information before coming to Bhutan. I know it is very hard to find good blogs about Bhutan and Bhutanese bloggers, to actually compliment there are couple of interested who writes about Bhutan and actually blogs.

In This blog, you will find lot of picture and picture related article about places, people and other matter, I intend to do a feature details article on Bhutan which consist of various aspect of topic. For the Past 8 Months, this blog has enjoyed a good amount of traffic and a number of visitors who comes looking for information about Bhutan, few people have their thoughts while some just love it.

Anyway the main idea of this blog is about Bhutan 2008 where Bhutan will be going into the democratic and the 100 years Centenary Celebration of Monarchy in Bhutan. The official coronation of fifth king of Bhutan, not to mention the updates on the changlimithang ground where the celebration will take place. A review of the Thimphu City, Article on Bhutan Kings from the First Hereditary to the present one, tourist information and traveler guide, important events and lot of interesting Stuffs about Bhutan.

Appreciation.

While this Blog has been rated “A” by couple of people in terms of information about Bhutan, I take this note to appreciate the Website and Blogs which have given me support in sharing the information about Bhutan with outside world, to include few site and blogs : Globalvoicesonline , and other interesting blogs.

Revenue from this Blog:

This is interesting and I love to gamble with this, a lot of blogs I read says that if you have good amount of visitor and good traffic to your site, you can earn money online through Ad Program and Referral programs where they pay you for referring their site or goods. In my case I have Google Adsense Ad running which I think is the most effective and wise ad program if you want to earn money online, my main intention for running google adsense is to generate certain amount of cents so that one day I can buy a digital camera which would make this blog rich with fresh new picture and movies. At the moment this Blog is doing pretty good in terms of revenue generated as 85% of my total adsense comes from this blog. The last time that I received a Google Cheque of USD $ 159, 80% came from this blog. The total amount of USD Generate by this Blog would be around $175 which includes a USD $ 25 from Text-Link-Ads Referral Program. Click here to read about my First Adsense Check Details.

If you have any comments or want to know anything about bhutan, please let me know, i will try my best to Include an article or feature an post for it.