In what should inject some rupees into the local economy, upwards of 3,000 high-end Indian tourists will be visiting Bhutan between May and July, as part of the Druk Air’s marketing collaboration with two online Indian tour companies.
Bamboo Craft on the Decline
May 14, 2012
Kangpara gewog in Trashigang is seeing a decline in its traditional bamboo-craft (tsazo) practice, with craftsmen finding better economic opportunities elsewhere or in other line of work. Villages of Madewa, Pasaphu, Pedung practise bamboo-craft, and weave products like bangchung, pen case, tsezem (cane backpack), hand bag, belo (cane hat) and pey palang (incense case).
But this tradition has been on the decline since last year. “My father would transport the bamboo products to Thimphu twice a year but, since last year, he stopped,” a bamboo craftsman in Pedung, Kinzang Tshering, said. “The income is meagre.”
Lingzhi Dzong in Bad State
May 9, 2012
Lingzhi Yugyal Dzong, once majestic, lies in a state of ruins today. Its roofs have been blown away and the walls crumbled to the ground. It was damaged by the earthquake in September last year leaving it uninhabitable. The monk body and the Dungkhag office had to be shifted.
Our reporter, Eshori Gurung, who recently visited the place, says that about 35 monks and the Lam Neten (head Abbot) are currently living in the traditional medicinal centre located in Misoey. Meanwhile, the Nangtens or the sacred relics of the Dzong have been shifted to a ward in the Basic Health Unit (BHU). The Lam Neten, Chencho, said since the Nangtens and their temporary residence is located in different places, it is difficult for them.
“It was said that last year, the renovation would start this year but, now we were told that there is no budget, no contractors and even the people are not willing to take initiative,” said the Lam Neten.
Currently the Nangtens are being taken care of by two monks, who come to the BHU every morning and evening to light butter lamps and offer prayers. Another worry that they have is that they might have to shift very soon. This, according to them, is that more than 30 people will be arriving from Thimphu to collect medicinal herbs in Lingzhi.
Meanwhile a team of Japanese engineers led by a Bhutanese engineer have been sent to Lingzhi to assess the extent of damage
Once, a magnificent Dzong, the Lingzhi Dzong was built by the Third Desi Chogyal Minjur Tempa in 1668. The Dzong built to commemorate victory over Tibetan invasion stood majestically until the earthquake in September last year.
Original story by BBS
Chorten Nyingpo
May 7, 2012
Chorten Nyingpo is a monastery in Kabisa, Punakha, that was built by Gyalsay Tenzin Rabgye in the 17 century. Chorten Nyingpo Lhakhang, was renovated recently using the art of conservation for inner mural paintings so they looked as old as they were.
Travel to Bhutan – A Survey
May 3, 2012
Travel to Bhutan and you could fit this data. Travellers visiting Bhutan are mostly aged 45 and above, with the most dominant age group being over 60 years, and most were well educated, according to a survey carried out last year by the Tourism Council of Bhutan. In 2011, 64,028 international travellers visited Bhutan.
Bhutan Tourism – The Ugly Side of Business
April 26, 2012
Bhutan tourism’s unique policy of “High Value, Low Impact” is indeed a priceless gift from our leaders and we must treasure it at any costs. For more than three decades after the inception of Bhutan’s tourism industry, this policy has contributed significantly in building an image for Bhutan as a most unique and exotic destination in the world.
Tenda Tshechu of Bumthang Kharchu
April 10, 2012
About 26 different festivals are held in Bumthang every year. The Tenda Tshechu of Kharchu Dratshang is one of them. It is one of the most auspicious and unique festivals in Bumthanhg.
Record Number of Tourists Visit Bhutan in 2011
April 7, 2012
Bhutan received 64,028 tourists in 2011, recording a 56.65 percent growth, the highest in the Bhutanese tourism history, according to Tourism Council of Bhutan’s annual report for 2011.
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