Royal Wedding in Thimphu: "The Royal Kiss"

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

Bhutan Royal Wedding Ceremony in Punakha

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

Bhutan Royal Weeing 3 Days to Go!

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 the Lord of the Cremation Ground or Dhurdag chham

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

His Majesty will visit the dzongkhags affected by earthquake

His Majesty will not be visiting Dungkar and will instead travel directly to Thimphu tomorrow from Gyalposhing.

His Majesty will immediately visit the dzongkhags affected by the earthquake, assess the damages and assist and comfort the people.

Enroute to Monggar today, His Majesty the King offered prayers for those affected by the recent earthquake in Trashigang Dzong.

Source: BBS

Earthquake hits Bhutan

Earthquake hits Bhutan, preliminary magnitude 6.1 on 18th September 2011

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

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

Bhutan and Singapore will establish an air services agreement

Bhutan and Singapore will establish an air services agreement (ASA) next week, according to the department of civil aviation (DCA).

The agreement will allow national airline, Drukair and upcoming private airline, Tashi Air, the rights to fly to Singapore. A civil aviation team from Singapore will arrive in the country today to work out technical details of the ASA, prior to a final agreement on Wednesday. Drukair plans to operate to Singapore twice a week from March next year, according to the airline’s commercial manager, Tshering Penjor. But he said that this would also depend on when Drukair is able to acquire a third airbus jet. Drukair will also have the rights to operate to Singapore through Kolkata, India and Dhaka, Bangladesh.

A representative for Tashi Air said that its international destinations will only be worked out once the airline’s domestic obligations are fulfilled. The private airline’s aircraft is expected to arrive in the first week of October.

DCA director general, Phala Dorji, pointed out that an added benefit to an ASA with Singapore would be obtaining training opportunities for Bhutanese aviation officials.

The aviation sector is a key component of the Singaporean economy, and its civil aviation authority is also major provider of training for international aviation management personnel. Bhutanese airlines will also be able to use Singapore for its high level of aircraft maintenance and repair services. “This will go a long way in terms of benefits,” said Phala Dorji. The director general also pointed out that Singapore had initiated the ASA.

Bhutan now has ASAs with seven countries: Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, and now, Singapore. Phala Dorji said that DCA is under instructions to establish as many ASAs as possible. He said that DCA is currently focused on establishing ASAs with all SAARC countries. Bhutan does not have ASAs with Pakistan and Afghanistan. He added that Qatar had recently expressed interest in establishing an ASA with Bhutan.

While ASAs can be established, it is up to airlines whether a route will be formed and operated. Drukair does not operate to the Maldives and has discontinued its Myanmar stopovers. Drukair is currently focused on expanding its services to and within India, where domestic passenger traffic is growing at a rapid pace. Passenger traffic between Paro and India increased 26 percent in 2010. The international air transport association (IATA) ranked India’s domestic passenger traffic growth second (14 percent) globally for the month of June. Drukair is considering establishing routes to the cities of Bangalore and Mumbai.

The national airline is also looking at establishing a Hong Kong, China route.

Source: Kuenselonline

Advised: His Majesty the King of Bhutan advise graduates

His Majesty the King advised the graduates who were attending the annual graduate’s orientation programme not be complacent.

Speaking at the closing ceremony yesterday, His Majesty said “there are so many graduates. I know that most of you will know the importance of working hard. So to the few of you, who might feel that being graduates, everything will happen for you, I must warn you. You will be left behind.”

His Majesty also spoke about the importance of preserving the age old traditions.

“Fundamental to the strength and beauty of our nation is our cultural heritage – our traditions and customs – the bond between children and their parents, teachers and elders. The trust and faith among friends, neighbours and the community,” His Majesty said.

“You must also know the difference between good and evil, between right and wrong, between compassion and self-interest.”

His Majesty said the Kingdom’s age old traditions will ensure that the graduates, as they pursue their individual goals and ambitions, will do so in harmony with others. It will ensure that individual successes will build a strong, united and harmonious nation.

His Majesty was accompanied by the Queen-to-be, Jetsun Pema.

Source: Kuenselonline

Bhutan (BMF) royal wedding book of congratulations

The Bhutan Media Foundation has come up with a royal wedding book of congratulations which will be presented to the royal couple soon after the royal wedding.

The book will be a collection of art, poems, and simple heartfelt messages dedicated to the royal couple. More than 1,500 messages have been received so far. Every day, a few people are coming forward to pen their thoughts and express their good wishes.

On the day BBS visited the office of the Bhutan Media Foundation, 32-year-old Dhendup Tshering who works in a travel agency had come to submit a poem for the royal couple.

Tashi Pelyang Lhendup, a Dratshang Lhengtshog employee, had come to “express my appreciation to His Majesty for what he is doing for us and the country at large. I am not much of a talker so I wanted to express my regards in writing.”

For Dechen Choki, a house wife, the occasion is an “opportunity to express my gratitude for the royal wedding and wish the royal couple the very best.”

The Bhutan Media Foundation came up with the book to provide a platform for the people to express their gratitude and best wishes.

Lily Wangchuk, the Executive Director Bhutan Media Foundation, said “we have received very good response from the people and I think most people have still not heard about it.”

Only a limited edition of the book will be published. The original copies of the messages will also be presented to His Majesty the King and the Queen.

People can send their messages till Friday.

Bhutan DDC, launched nine national language books yesterday

The Dzongkha Development Commission (DDC), in its effort to promote the national langauge, launched nine books yesterday.

A guide to translations, a handbook of abbreviation, unicode tools for Dzongkha (a guide to installation and configuration), books on Dzongkha verbs, Dzongkha honorific, ballads and a book on the name of countries and their capitals are expected to tighten up Dzongkha grammar, literature and sentence of learners and readers, said officials at the launch.

A CD containing Dzongkha-English and English-Dzongkha-dictionaries will save users from referring to dictionaries, as they can do it a a click of a button. It has also resources for Dzongkha computing and publications as well.

DDC officials said that they felt publishing as many books as possible in Dzongkha would help promote Dzongkha literature. “We’ll try to produce materials and resources in Dzongkha, and make available to our readers,” said DDC’s secretary, Dasho Sherub Gyeltshen.

The newly released books were written and designed to suit the need of youth, who are fast losing interest in learning Dzongkha language and literature, said officials. They said the contents of the books widely talk about Bhutanese value and principles, but put it in a simple way so that readers could understand its meaning. “The books were deliberately kept thin to not deter readers. Many people don’t even open the book if it is thick,” said dasho Sherub Gyeltshen.

The books will be distributed to schools to use as reference.

Source: Kuenselonline

Bhutan It may come as no surprise but, the higher your income

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

Durdag (Dance of the Lord of the Cremation Grounds)

Protectors of the religion they live in the large cremation grounds situated on the external edges of the Mount Sumeru.

Costume: White short skirts, white boots and white skull masks.

On the external edges of a symbolic mandala where the assembly of the secret tantric deities are residing, there are eight large cremation grounds. The numerous protectors of the religion (Chhoechong) live here and are bounded by an oath. Among them are the lords of the Cremation Grounds who protect these areas. Because of the promise, they had accepted before and from which they cannot be diverted even for one instant, these lords render powerless the assembly of demonic enemies who have violated their oath of not harming the doctrine. They offer them to the gods of the mandala and they reduce them to a mere name.

Guru Tshen Gyed Chham

Guru Tshen Gyed (Dance of the Eight Manifestation of Guru Rinpoche)

The eight different forms of Guru Rinpoche, which he had assumed in order to convert different kinds of beings into Buddhism, are represented here.

Ugyen Rinpoche is the 2^nd Buddha and the incarnation of Avalokiteshvara (Thugje Chenpo), Lord of Compassion. When he was born as the son of a guardian of poultry, he made a vow to guide the beings of the world in general and particularly the people of Sikkim, Bhutan and Tibet. That was why he came to these regions. When Buddha was about to enter Nirvana, he told his disciples a prophecy: “Don’t be sad, I will be coming from the West”. Thus, he appeared as Ugyen Rinpoche.

His activities were beyond description. However, here is how he helped the beings of the continent through his eight manifestations:

• He was born from a blue lotus on the lake Danakosha in Oddhiyana and was invited to become the son of King Indrabodhi. He was then called Guru Tshokye Dorji “Diamond Thunderbolt born from the lake”.
• He renounced his kingdom and went to receive teachings from the Master Maratika cave in Nepal. Then he was called Guru Shakya Senge, “The Lion of the Shakya clan”.
• After having listened to all the teachings of the Vajrayana, “The Diamond Path” and after having fully mastered the science of all Indian Pandits, he obtained full realization and was able to see all the gods and tutelary deities (yidam). Then he was called Guru Loden Chogsey, “Guru who wants to acquire the supreme knowledge”.
• After his marriage to the daughter of king Zahor, he was condemned to be burnt by the king. Through his magical powers, he turned the pyre into a lake and converted this astonished kingdom into Buddhism. Then he was called Guru Padmasanbhava “Born from a Lotus”.
• When he returned to Oddhiyana, the evil chiefs of this country wanted to burn him alive. But the fire could not burn his body and this was the sign of his realization. So the chiefs offered him the kingdom and its subjects. He was then called Guru Pema Gyalpo, “The Lotus King”.
• When he was preaching in the eight cremation grounds to the fairies (Khandroms), he cought the “life force” of the evil deities and he turned them into protectors of the doctrine. Then he was called Nyima Yoeser, “The Sunbeam”.
• As 500 heretic masters were trying to destroy the Doctrine of Buddha, he vanquished them through the power of his words. He brought down the thunderbolt by his terrific magic formula and they were burnt. He was then called the Senge Dradrok. “The one who speaks with a lion voice”.
• When he was in Singye Dzong in Lhuntse and at Taktsang in Paro, he was in the form of Dorji Drakpo, “Terrifying thunderbolt”. He subdued all the evil spirits who hindered Buddhism. He blessed them as the guardians of the Doctrine and was then called Guru Dorji Drolo, “The Thunderbolt”.

During this dance, the fairy that stands on the right of Guru Rinpoche is Mandarava, the Lady of Wisdom. Ugyen Rinpoche made her his own emanation for the benefit of all beings to be converted in the Kingdom of Zahor.

The fairy standing on the left is Yeshey Tshogyel who represents the goddess of knowledge, the mother of all Buddhas. She helped to establish Buddhism in Tibet for the benefit of all beings. The Sixteen Fairies (Rigma Chudrug) are the sixteen emenation of the same person. Goddess of Offerings they are divided into four categories. Each category is again divided into four, which make sixteen.

People believe in the manifestations of Ugyen Rinpoche, during this dance, which brings total happiness. A changeless faith in the glorious deeds of Ugyen Rinpoche’s mind, speech and body is born to them.

Tungam Chham

Tungam (Dance of the Terrifying Deities)

This dance is performed with the aim of delivering the beings by showing them the Zangtopelri, paradise of Guru Rinpoche. Here Guru Rinpoche takes the form of Dorji Drakpo “The Fierce Thunderbolt”.

Costume: Beautiful brocade dresses, boots and terrifying masks.

This spectacular and dramatic dance has deep symbolic meaning, namely that a sacrificial muder is performed. First, the dancers representing the gods try to enclose the bad spirits in a circle and in a box. Once this is done, the main god who holds the phurba, the ritual dagger, kills them. He thus saves the world from them and he delivers them into salvation at the same time. The man and the asuras (demi-gods) who becomes enemies of Buddhism, the source of happiness and benefit, do not have the chance to be converted by peaceful means. Hence, Ugyen Rinpoche, who is the emanation of all Buddhas, took the form of Dorji Drakpo. By slaying these enemies, he liberated them into the superior sphere of bliss. By performing such an incredible feat, which resulted in the happiness of human world, he helped increase faith in non-illusionary acts.

Private Bhutan Tour for Thangbi Mani Festival

Private Bhutan Tour for Thangbi Mani Festival

Day1: Arrive Paro from Kathmandu Altitude of Paro is 2260m

On arrival at Paro airport, you will be met by your Bhutan Majestic Travel representative and transferred to the hotel on completion of arrival formalities.
After lunch visit Paro Rinpund Dzong and National Museum.
Overnight hotel in Paro.

Day2: Paro – Thimphu 2 hrs drive Thimphu Altitude is 2280m

After breakfast drive for 30 minutes to reach the base of Tiger’s Nest. The actual round trip hike takes about 5 hours. Hot vegetarian lunch will be served at the Taktsang Monastery’s Cafeteria. After lunch drive to Thimphu.
Overnight hotel in Paro.

Day3: Thimphu – Punakha 3hrs drive Punakha Altitude is 1300m

After breakfast visit National Memorial Chorten (built as a memorial to Bhutan’s third king and as a monument to world peace); the National Institute of Traditional Medicine (outside only) where herbal medicines are made up and dispensed and traditional medicine practitioners are trained; the Institute for Zorig Chusum, where students learn the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan; the National Library, which houses an extensive collection of Buddhist literature including many ancient Buddhist texts in block-printed format.

After lunch drive to Punakha via Dochu-la pass (3,088m). On a clear day there is a superb view from here of Bhutan’s highest peaks. On a clear day, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendegang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Kangphugang (7,170m), Zongaphugang (7,060m) a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana, and finally, Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m. Overnight hotel in Punakha.

Day4: Punakha – Bumthang 7 Hrs drive Bumthang Altitude is 2500m

Drive to Trongsa over Pele-la pass (3,300m), the traditional boundary between east and west and lunch will be served at Chendibji where you will see Nepalese Style Stupa built in 15^th Century for Bhutanese pilgrims so that they don’t have to travel or walk from Bhutan to Nepal. Tea stop over in Trongsa. Drive to Bumthang via Yotongla Pass at 3450m which is the highest pass on your holiday in Bhutan. Overnight lodge in Bumthang.

Day5: Thangbi Mani Festival

Morning visit the 2^nd day of Thangbi Mani Festival. PM visit the sights such as Kurjey Monastery built in 8^th Century by legendary Guru Rimpoche on his visit to Bhutan from Nepal to subdue all evils and flourish Buddhism. Visit to Swiss Farm to check out on Swiss Cheese Production and also Bhutan’s only Red Panda Beer Factory. Walk in the town and prepare for the trek.
Overnight lodge in Bumthang

Day6: Bumthang – Ngang Lhakhang - 14km, 6 hours

The trek begins today. The trek route follows the Chamkhar Chu (river), taking us through meadows, forests of blue pine and scrub bamboo. We will pass by many villages and temples, on this very relaxing and easy day. Picnic lunch will be served. Camp overnight at village (2,900m).

Day7: Ngang Lhakhang – Ugyenchholing 19km, 7-8 hours

The trail ascends gradually through juniper forest towards Phephe-la pass (3,340m). From there, the path descends to Tang valley, finally arriving at Ugyenchholing village (2,850m). Camp overnight by the side of the river near the village.

Day8: Ugyenchholing – Bumthang 11km, 4 hours

In the morning, walk up to Ugyenchholing Palace, a beautiful private mansion which also houses a small eco-museum, then drive to Jakar (Bumthang) following the Tang Chu until arriving at the main road. On the way visit the Mebar Tso Lake, where Terton Pema Lingpa is said to have discovered religious treasures in the 15th century. This lake is very sacred, and on auspicious days many Bhutanese people go there to offer butter lamps. Overnight lodge in Bumthang.

Day9: Bumthang – Punakha 7hrs drive

Morning visit to Jambey Lhakhang, built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo, who is believed to be the reincarnation of Jambey (Avalokitesvara), the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Tamshing Lhaakhang, across the river, is also an important place to visit, as it houses old and interesting religious paintings. Drive to Punakha with lunch en route. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Day10: Punakha – Paro 5hrs drive

After breakfast drive to visit historic and one of the most beautiful Punakha Dzong built in between Make and Female Rivers. Punakha Dzong is the winter capital for the Monastic body and it’s the former Capital of Bhutan. Drive to Thimphu for Lunch via Dochula Pass. Shopping or purchasing souvenirs and relaxing drive to Paro. Overnight at the hotel in Paro

Day11: Depart Bhutan

early breakfast in the hotel and drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.