Bhutan Newsletter May 2013 

Dear travel partner, Kuzu zang pola (Hello) from Tourism Council of Bhutan! With the arrival of the summer holiday season, holiday planning for your clients must be surely keeping you busy. We do hope that you will promote our mystical Kingdom and encourage your clients to visit this majestic destination. In our endeavour to enhance the knowledge of our travel partners to selectively target the discerning Indian traveller, this month we have dedicated this e-newsletter edition to a dzongkhag (district) that does not find itself too frequently on the regular itinerary unless you are a bird enthusiast. However, with its historical and architectural resources, Trashi Yangtseis a destination that will surely enthrall your visitors. It is a rapidly growing town and it is the administrative and religious center for the people of Trashi Yangtse. The place is known for engraved wooden bowls and cups which are used for serving food. Whilst traveling to our country during the month of May, your customers can witness some unique festivals and also learn more about this unexplored region. Our team in Mumbai is available to assist you with specific queries or introduction to the Bhutanese private sector. Happy reading and Tashi Delek! (Good Luck) Sincerely, Tourism Council of Bhutan Mumbai Representative office

UNDERSTANDING BHUTAN Trashi Yangtse: One of the farthest Dzongkhags (district) in the country, Trashi Yangtse was established as a district in 1992 and spans 1,437 sq km of sub-tropical and alpine forests. With its wealth of natural, historical and cultural resources Trashi Yangtse is destination that visitors to Bhutan will never forget. It is a rapidly growing town and the administrative center for this district situated in a small river valley, it is a lovely spot from which to take walks in the surrounding countryside. Culture: Trashi Yangtse is an ethnically and culturally diverse district and the inhabitants include Yangtseps the regions indigenous dwellers, Tshanglas, Bramis from Tawang, Khengpas from Zhemgang and Kurtoeps from Lhuentse. This rich cultural tapestry has resulted in an interesting mix of languages and cultural practices in the region. Trashi Yangtse, an Eco Tourism Destination: It was a Dungkhag (sub district) under the administration of Trashigang Dzongkhag till 1992. It was   created   as a   separate   full   fledged Dzongkhag co-inciding with the start of the seventh plan in 1992. The Dzongkhag has eight geogs (block) namely Bumdeling, Jamkhar, Khamdang, Ramjar, Tomzhangtshen, Trashi Yangtse, Toetsho, and Yalang with 117 villages and 3489 households. To arrive in Trashi Yangtse you must drive for two hours from Trashigang following the banks of Kholungchu rivers. Trashigang can be reached by air in about 25 minutes from Paro International airport.  Drukair flies twice a week to Yongphula in Trashigang. MUST DO ACTIVITIES Orchid Trek: The Orchid Trek Route is inside the Bumdelling Wildlife Sanctuary which is located in the North-east of Bhutan in the Eastern Himalayas. It is approximately 28 kilometer long connecting Rigsum gompa, Peri Gompa and Dechenphdrang. The best time to trek would be during spring, autumn and winter.  The reason for developing such trail is, it not only connects the two historical and cultural sites, Risum Goenpa and Dechen Phodrang but it serves as access route to other villages for transportation of agricultural and livestock products to the market. Annually more than thousand of devotees from all across the country visit these   two cultural sites. Apart from the cultural aspects, the route also provides wide range of opportunities for the birders, nature lovers’ tourists and plant enthusiast groups. Trek to Bumdelling Wildlife Sanctuary: Bumdelling Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Northeastern part of Bhutan in the Eastern Himalayas. Bumdelling Wildlife Sanctuary also has numerous historical and cultural sites. The sanctuary is home to around 100 species of mammals and 296 species of birds. There are certain charismatic, keystone and globally endangered species of mammals in Bumdelling Wildlife Sanctuary such as Snow leopard, Bengal tiger, and Red panda, and Capped Langur (Common). The sanctuary has a rich floristic diversity comprising   650 species   of   vascular   plants including the totally protected species of Bhutan such as the blue poppy (Bhutan’s national flower), Himalayan yew and Chinese caterpillar. UPCOMING EVENTS IN BHUTAN Nimalung Festival: One of the most important festivals held at the Lhakhang is the Kaling Zhitro Drubchen. It was initiated by Doring Trulku and he was the first person to have started the rite in Bhutan. It is held on the first fifteen days of the first month of the Bhutanese calendar. Nimalung Lhakhang is located in Chumey in Bumthang. It is approximately a 15 minute drive from the road that branches off from the village of   Chumey. By   attending such festivals, it is believed that one gain merits by seeking forgiveness for their sins in life. During the tshechu, mask and historical folk dances in colourful costumes are performed by monks and laymen including the Atsaras (Clowns), who amuse the audience with their antics. Kurjey Festival: The festival takes place at Kurjey Temple, located at Kurjey in the Chokhor valley in Bumthang district. It is a 15 minute drive from Chamkhar town to arrive at the temple grounds. The Kurjey festival is an important occasion not only for the local people of Bumthang but for all Bhutanese.   The     festival brings together tourists and Bhutanese from all over as it presents the perfect occasion to not only receive blessings by witnessing age-old mask dances but also to enjoy this unique culture whilst basking in the natural beauty of Bhutan’s spiritual heartland. STAY UPDATE Travel Tips The northern regions of the country are colder than the more tropical south and trekkers will need to bring appropriate warm clothes and comfortable hiking boots. It is recommended that you bring flat-to-round pin converters for your electronics if necessary, however, most hotels offer multi plug sockets. Banks that you can avail of while in Bhutan are the Bank of Bhutan Limited, the Bhutan National Bank, the Druk PNB   and   the   Tashi Bank. Traveller’s cheque can be easily withdrawn and exchanged for local currency. Many of these banks provide internet banking facilities.  Most hotels and cafe’s offer Wi-Fi internet access. Bhutan has a comprehensive mobile (cell) phone network with global roaming also assessable. FEATURED ATTRACTIONS Zorig Chusum: The Thirteen Traditional Crafts of Bhutan Trashi Yangtse is famous for its wooden containers and bowls, which make inexpensive, attractive and useful mementos of a visit to this remote region. The Institute for Zorig Chusum, where students study the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan, is also worth a visit.    An essential part of Bhutan’s cultural heritage is the thirteen traditional arts and crafts that have been practiced from time immemorial. These arts were formally categorized during the reign of Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay, the fourth temporal ruler of Bhutan. The thirteen arts and crafts are categorized as follows: Shing Zho (Woodwork), Dho zo (Stonework), Par zo (Carving), Lha zo (Painting), Jim zo (Sculpting), Lug zo (Casting), Shag zo (Wood Turning), Gar zo (Blacksmith), Troe zo (Ornament Making), Tsha zo (Bamboo Work), De zo (Paper Making), Tshem zo (Tailoring, embroidery and applique), Thag zo (Weaving). Bumdelling Wildlife SanctuaryBumdelling Wildlife Sanctuary is located in north-eastern part of Bhutan covering an area of 1,545 sq. km with 420 sq. km of buffer zone encompassing parts of Trashi Yangtse, Lhuntshe, and Monggar district. Bumdelling Wildlife Sanctuary is also a paradise for butterflies: as of now 130 species have been recorded and another 120 are expected to inhabit this area. The very rare Ludlow’s Bhutan Swallowtail is found here. The sanctuary is home to around 100 species of mammals, including globally endangered species such as snow leopard, Royal Bengal tiger and red panda. Chorten Kora The Chorten (Stupa) was built by Lama Ngawang Loday in 1740 on the site where a demon was subdued.  The Chorten was dedicated to the memory of   his  late   uncle, Jungshu Pesan. It is believed to be a replica of the Boudhnath stupa in Nepal and was consecrated by the 13th chief Abbot of Bhutan Je Sherub Wangchuk. Today, it is considered one of the most important historical Buddhist structures. The Chorten was built so that pilgrims could visit the temple in Trashi Yangtse instead of making a trip to Nepal. TOUR INCLUSION IDEAS - BHUTAN Tsha-Zo: Most of the forests in Bhutan are richly stocked with bamboos and canes of various species. The Bhutanese people have taken advantage of these abundant natural resources and mastered the skill of weaving cane and bamboo products. The people of Kangpara in eastern Bhutan and the Bjokaps of Central Bhutan are the pioneer’s and masters of this craft. Their products are now sold to tourists earning them additional income and keeping this craft alive. Bird Watching: Bhutan is a paradise for bird lovers and ornithologists. Over 670 species of birds have been recorded and many more are yet to be discovered. Around   50 species  of the known birds are winter migrants. These include ducks, waders, birds of prey, thrushes, finches and buntings. They are the Pallas’s Fish Eagle, White bellied Heron, Satyr Tragopan, Gray-bellied Tragopan, Ward’s Trogon, Blyth’s King Fisher, Yellow-rumped Honey Guide, Rufous Throated Wren Babbler, Chestnut-breasted Partridge, Blyth’s Trogon, Wood Snipe, Dark-rumped Swift, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Gray-crowned Prinia and the Beautiful Nuthatch all of which breed in Bhutan. BHUTAN IN THE LIMELIGHT Lonely Planet – ‘Bhutan – For the Indian Traveller’ Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is no ordinary place. It is a traveller’s ultimate dream; a Himalayan kingdom replete with myths and legends, where the best of traditional culture thrives and the latest global developments are enthusiastically embraced. This guide includes:  11 color maps Well-planned itineraries that covers the entire country Special feature on the famous treks of Bhutan Includes tips from Dalip Mehta, India’s former    ambassador to Bhutan Full color pages packed with inspirational images Indian food recommendations and the best local food      DID YOU KNOW? Trashi Yangtse is known for the excellent wooden cups and bowls made here from avocado and maple wood using water-driven and treadle lathes. It is also a centre of paper making. They use the tsasho technique with a bamboo frame, which produces a distinctive pattern on the paper. Mask Dances are an integral part of Bhutanese culture. There are hundreds of different dances each with their own special meanings and stories. Many date   back hundreds   of years and visitors can view these spectacular dances at annual Tshechus (Annual Religious Festivals) that take place throughout the country.  Traditional Bhutanese eating habits are simple and in general, food is eaten with hands. Family members eat while sitting cross legged on the wooden floor with food first being served to the head of the household first.

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

Panasonic P51, for Rs 26,900

 Panasonic today said it aimed to capture eight per cent market share in the country's smartphone segment within a year.Panasonic P51, for Rs 26,900.

The phone, which runs Android Jelly Bean, is among a few high-end models with a dual SIM slot.The phone is powered by a 1.2 GHz quad core processor and features a 5-inch screen.It has 4 GB of onboard storage which can be expanded via a microSD card.The phone has an 8 mega pixel primary camera, with a flash and a 1.3 MP front camera. On expanding range- Panasonic will also expand its smartphone range.

Indian women strike gold at inaugural FIBA Asia 3×3 in Doha, Qatar

Posted on May 17, 2013 by sagarmedia

Doha,Qatar. May 17, 2013: Indian women who came into the competition as the overwhelming favorites kept their tryst with the gold medal sweeping all opposition that came their way. Carrying forward the form of three successive wins on the opening day, the Indian women with Geethu Anna Jose at the vanguard of their challenge, won the three play-off games without raising much sweat.

 

India won all their three games reaching the 21-point mark with ample time left on the clock in each of their games.

 

“We achieved what we set out for,” said Jose, who was an overwhelming favorite in the All Stars nominations.“Things worked out rather well to our satisfaction and each of the team gave their contribution,” she said.

 

Jose was at the vanguard, but the rest of the Indian members indeed have their share in the victory – first for India at level in any competition in FIBA Asia events. India had won the gold at the Asian Beach Games at Haiyang last year.

 

Anitha Pauldurai was as crafty as ever in marshalling the resources and puncturing holes in the rival defense with her outside shooting and Manisha Dange gave a good account of herself in her comeback to international competitions with Pratima Singh providing the needed support.

As Pauldurai put it, “it was a team effort that helped India’s win.”

 

Mongolia and Turkmenistan the other two medalists went through bitter-sweet moments each in the opposite order.

 

Mongolia were gung-ho on beating Turkmenistan in the semifinals, despite playing with only two players – the other two having ejected four fouls apiece – but when it came to the gold medal game they found the experience and expertise of the Indian line-up a little too hot to handle.

 

Nevertheless Mongolian women are returning home with their hearts filled with pride.

 

“It’s not every day that we get an opportunity to celebrate a medal in international basketball,” said the Mongolian team almost in chorus.

 

Turkmen women on the other hand, were visibly distraught after losing to Mongolia, but their moment of joy for the day in the bronze medal play-off.

 

Nigyera Nagiyeva’s sizzling long ranger burnt the basket clinching the bronze medal in Overtime after tying at 8-8 at the end of Regulation time against Hong Kong.

 

About Basketball Federation of India

The Basketball Federation of India or BFI is the governing and controlling body of basketball in India, and is responsible for the development and promotion of the sport at all levels. BFI has been involved in conducting camps, clinics, events, and training sessions at its academies for the development of basketball. BFI came into being in 1935 and took complete control over Indian basketball in 1950. Prior to that time, the Indian Olympic Association handled the conduct of Indian basketball championships. Since 1950, the BFI has been conducting various such championships, from the grassroots to senior team participation in international tournaments. In addition, the BFI has been responsible for the establishment of strong sub-junior and junior level programs. The BFI has to its credit produced several international players of repute, among them 16 have been bestowed with the honor of Arjuna Award. More information at www.indiabasketball.org

 

 

Media Contact

 

Bhuvaneshwari Joshi

Basketball Federation of India

Bfi.Media@indiabasketball.org

+91 9810898624

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