Promoting Tourism Through Films

The Seminal was conducted in Bhutan for Promoting tourism through films in Thimphu.

Films and documentaries play a pivotal role in promoting tourism. The role of film and documentaries in promoting regional tourism has been widely recognized in tourism literature that destination image greatly influences tourist destination choice.

The role of film and documentaries in promoting regional tourism has been widely recognized in tourism literature that destination image greatly influences tourist destination choice.“Every tour operator has a website with captivating images and promo- videos on Bhutanese culture, dress, landscape, people and our landmarks. There are hundreds of books, brochures, flyers, magazines, blogs, etc. Many documentaries Bhutan made by Bhutanese and Non- Bhutanese are in the international circuits,” said a participant Tourists who visit our country will spread the information by word of mouth. A move towards Film-Induced-Tourism will not be too early even if ambitious, another participant pointed out.

The seminar was attended by SAARC information Centre, Bangladesh and other representatives from
Government, Bhutanese film industry, media and representative from Tourism Council of Bhutan.

Smart Green Infrastructure- Eco –Tourism Initiative for future

Smart green infrastructure (SGI), costly and time consuming though it may be, is a must for Bhutan’s long term sustainability and environment preservation for the global tiger initiative.

The unique pristine environment is the landmark and defining feature for Bhutan that attracts international investments. Bhutan committed to initiate SGI in May 2011, when it hosted the Thimphu recommendations on SGI in tiger conservation landscapes conference. Developing countries, in an effort to conserve environment, use SGI in roads and hydroelectric project constructions, ecotourism development and land-use planning.

Besides poaching, illegal trade and trafficking, habitat loss, land fragmentation and degradation are causing tiger crisis in the range countries. While no infrastructure will be developed in core tiger habitats, it’s important to mainstream natural habitat conservation into infrastructure development at national policy, planning and when implementing projects.

Habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation are driven by unprecedented, rapid economic growth. Infrastructures could have serious direct and cumulative impacts, as it affects tiger and prey movement, population fragmentation and human access to wildlife.

“For tigers, SGI is defined as infrastructure that avoids the habitat, minimizes and mitigates adverse impacts through tiger-friendly design,” the project manager said. It is, however, a must to avoid development in priority tiger conservation landscapes, particularly corridors and core habitat, the program manager said.

Tigers need immediate action from decision-makers in charge of environment protection and infrastructure development. Thinking of the global tiger initiative raised global awareness; the Bhutan took the local actions that are needed on ground.

For Bhutan, it was important to make smart choices on which road to build, and where not to build. “That’s where the smart part comes.” Referring to Bhutan as the jewel of Himalayas has a unique image in the world, for taking a balanced development approach, and it is important to maintain that image not only on paper but also in reality.

CRANE FESTIVAL (11th November 2013)

Gangtey Goenpa

The annual black-necked crane festival is organized to generate awareness and understanding on the importance of conserving the endangered Black‐necked cranes; to strengthen the linkages between conservation, economic welfare and sustainable livelihoods of the community; provide an avenue for the local community to renew their commitment to conservation of the black-necked cranes, and to showcase their cultural heritage and skills.

The festival program includes cultural folk songs, dances, mask dances and few others.  

The Annual Black-necked Crane festival is an integral part of the Ecotourism (now Community based-sustainable tourism) initiative to promote local economic welfare through nature based tourism programs.

Every year, over 300 of the estimated 500 cranes that migrate to Bhutan spend their winter months in this valley. Additionally, the highly revered Gangtey Monastery that overlooks the wetlands surrounded by subsistence farms and natural forest areas makes Phobjikha a stunningly beautiful and sacred valley. Today, this glacial valley is an attraction not just to tourists but also pilgrims.

Festival

The success of the festival and its continuity depends entirely upon the support and contributions of the visitors and well wishers of conservation. Continued appreciation and corresponding support are essential in maintaining strong linkages between conservation and economic welfare of the local people. By viewing and participating in the festival you reward the community for their continued conservation stewardship. Funds mobilized through the Black-necked crane festival and other activities of the committee are deposited in a community owned bank account and managed by the committee for activities of common benefit to the community.

For details please contact us.

MUSHROOM FESTIVAL

Visit the Matsutake Festival to celebrate alongside the people of Bumthang  at the end of August 2013, bringing with it the opportunity not only to sample some truly delicious meals but to cultivate a deeper insight into the rhythms of Bhutanese village life.

Hike the valley’s fragrant trails and give into the thrill of discovering your own private patch of these most coveted mushrooms. And if you are tired of the traditional mushroom hunt, head towards the region’ exquisite temples and monasteries.

For details please contact us.

2 NEW RHODODENDRON SPECIES DISCOVERED

Plant and flower enthusiasts have two more names to add to their list.

Officials of the nature recreation and eco-tourism division and the royal botanical park at Lamperi under the forest department have recorded two new species of rhododendron last week, while collecting rhododendron flowers for the upcoming festival, found the plant species at Dochula, be- tween 2,600m to 3,600m above sea level.

Of the two new species, technical report indicates one species has distinctly “inrolled” leaves with a “slight-lobed” base. Unlike other existing rhododendron species, this one has impressed midrib of the leaves.

Among other qualities, its petals appeared clean, are bright white in color with a light pink blotch in one of the five nectar pouches.

The second species, princenamgiae, is a large shrub or a small tree, about five metres in height, with rough light brown bark, and a blue bloom.

A report by a officials stated rhododendron plants in the country bore pink, red and white flowers, while a blue rhododendron bloom was surely a new species.

There are also other technical specifics that determine qualities of the two new species.
Meanwhile, Officials said spotting of two new species of rhododendron in the country showed the conservation of nature has being paying off.

The royal botanical park at Lampari alone has 29 species of rhododendron. With the discovery, it takes the total to 31. In the country, the total species of rhododendron is now at 48.

ROHODRENDRON (Flowers) FESTIVAL SPECIAL

This 6N7D flower tour will take around Thimphu to glimpse the flowers- the famous are the bright yellow blooms of Piptanthus with their silvery leaves, the Pieris Formosa with its red leaves and sprays of little white flowers, and the extremely rare wild cherry, Prunus Carmesina with its deep pink blossoms, there are verities of other wild flower which you may take an interest while touring for the colorful flowers.

While enjoying the scenic drive to Punakha with a stop at Dochu La Pass (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas and on the way to Dochula Pass two varieties of Primula Denticulata emerges through the frost covered ground. The bold magenta and purple varieties of Primula Gracilipes adorn the steep banks of the road. These flowers are like shy harbingers of the more spectacular blooms. Rhododendrons are at its bloom in this month.

Small shrub with fragrant white flowers, covering the slopes where a myriad of colorful prayer flags stand and little further on, vivid bursts of scarlet amidst the dense forest and the magnificent white blossoms of the Magnolia Campbelli adorning the tall, leafless trees. The magnolias and the rhodies flowers at this month. The scarlet rhodies being succeeded by other varieties: deep and pale pink, lavender, white, yellow, and orange. Some 54 varieties of this magnificent species are found in Bhutan.

From the pass, drive downhill through the forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. That is where you could join the Festival Special.

ROHODRENDRON (Flowers) FESTIVAL SPECIAL 2013 is from 11th to 13th May.

For details click here...

TALO & MID YEAR FESTIVAL

Talo Tshechu is 305 years old tradition introduced by the third reincarnation of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

Carrying on the 305 years old tradition, a group of men and less than a dozen women will be practicing on the Gangsa Pang, a exact place where dances were first practiced when the first tshechu was introduced somewhere in 1708.

2013 Talo Tshechu begins from March 19 and ends on March 22.

The practice will start with the gathering at the main Chaphel with an offering and ceremony. The old traditional trumpet is blown while they ready to inform locals and deities about the practice.

This festival is unique from among others as it involves pure locals to perform and it also has very unique verities of performance that are not performed in other festivals.

It’s a chance for tourist to interact with locals and get blessing from one of the most sacred and highly regarded deities of Bhutan.

It’s the only festival that the dancers dance to the songs composed by Zhabdrung.

Other festivals that follow are:

PARO TSHECHU	Rinpung Dzong, PARO	23rd – 27th March
URA YAKCHOE	Ura Lhakhang,BUMTHANG	21st – 25th April
NIMALUNG TSHECHU	Nimalung Dratshang, Chummi, BUMTHANG	16th – 18th June
KURJEY TSHECHU	Kurjey Lhakhang, Choekhor, BUMTHANG	18th June

Sample Itinerary for Festivals are:

03N04D	Paro, Thimphu, Punakha
06N07D	Paro , Thimphu, Punakha, Bumthang
09N10D	Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, Trongsa, Bumthang

For detail rates and itinerary contact us at:

FLORA OF BHUTAN

The Eastern Himalayas have long been renowned for the wealth of their flora. Botanists the world over have traveled to this region to study them. Many of the most prized garden flowers in the West today, like several species of the rhododendron, clematis, lily, and poppy were bred from plants and seeds collected in the Eastern Himalayas by legendary plant hunters like Joseph Hooker, Kingdom Ward, George Taylor, and Ludlow. Today, Western and Central Bhutan are the best areas to see this region's incredibly rich variety of alpine flora.

Jacaranda surrounding Punakha Dzong

By the start of March, the first rhododendrons begin to bloom. This flowers will remain till mid of June. Jacaranda with purple flowers has already begun to glow in its early stage in Punakha.

Blue winter sky are the magnificent white blossoms of the Magnolia Campbelli adorning the tall, leafless trees, the magnolias and the rhodies will continue to flower for the next two months. The scarlet rhodies being succeeded by other varieties: deep and pale pink, lavender, white, yellow, and orange. Some 54 varieties of this magnificent species are found in Bhutan.

Meanwhile, around Thimphu other flowers begins to appear; the bright yellow blooms of Piptanthus with their silvery leaves, the Pieris Formosa with its red leaves and sprays of little white flowers, and the extremely rare wild cherry, Prunus Carmesina with its deep pink blossoms. In May, it is time to head for the Chelela Pass, a mere 40 kilometres from Paro.

Cascades of the wild climbing rose, Rosa Brunonii, festoon the trees during the earlier part of the drive. As one drives deeper into the forest, the lovely pink bush rose, Rosa Macrophylla, has begun to flower, as has the Spiraea Bella with its dense pink flowerheads. One beautiful flowering tree to look for on this route in May is the Enkianthus Deflexus, with its clusters orange bell-like blossoms.

ANCIENT FARM HOUSE EXPERIENCE

Travel with us to the Land that no outsider has experienced. This unique itinerary and offer is a first of its kind which would involve you to traditional living, eating, enjoying and at some time may have to walk in the thickest jungle in search of the lost cow or to pick of woods to cook....

for more contact us.

TREKKING (SNOW MAN TREK)

Trekking Duration                  : 21 day(s) 

Specialty Categories               : Trekking Package
Tour Customizable                 : No on the trekking routes.
Max. Elevation                         : 5,320m
Highest Camp                          : 5,120m
Standard                                   : Hard
Best Travel Month                  : Mid June – Mid October
Start                                          : Drukgyel Dzong (Paro)
Finish                                        : Duer (Bumthang)

This wonderful trekking will take you to encounter with beautiful mountain village….. the relaxing Hot Springs in Gasa will add value to the wonderful trekking experience, bedside that the scenic beauty of nature and unique wildlife has its own share to enchant you.

DAYS	Trekking Itinerary Snowman Trek II Bhutan
1	Reception at Paro Airport. Afternoon leisure time. Overnight Paro.
2	PARO-THIMPHU (65 km; 1 hr) Drive to Thimphu after Paro valley sightseeing and optional hike to Taktsang Monastery. Overnight Thimphu.
3	Sightseeing in Thimphu and optional Leisure tour in Thimphu. Overnight Thimphu.
4	THIMPU – PUNAKHA (75 km; 3 hrs.) Drive over the Dochula Pass to Tashithang in the Punakha Valley. Visit Punakha Dzong en-route. Overnight Punakha outdoor in Tents.
5-10	PUNAKHA - GHASA - LAYA Trek up the Punakha valley to Gasa Dzong and then onwards to beautiful Laya village. Rest days for optional exploration and acclimatization at Gasa Dzong and Laya Village.
11-15	LAYA - LINGSHI TREK Continue over high passes, trekking through isolated valleys amongst untouched Himalayan grandeur to remote Lingshi (Lingzhi) Dzong situated close to the Tibetan Border.
16-19	LINGSHI - CHOMOLHARI - PARO TREK Cross over yet another pass to the Jhomolhari Base Camp area with great views of Mount Jhomolhari and Jitchu Drake Peaks. Trek ends at Drugyel Dzong. Overnight Paro.
20	Visit National Museum in Paro and by Afternoon stroll around Paro town. Overnight Paro.
21	Departure from Paro Airport.

For Details please contact us.

Bhutan a Spa Destination

Bhutan’s aspiration to become a unique spa destination may not be arduous given the abundance of rich medicinal herbs in the country. This is what the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) envision as the two organizations are collaboratively planning to introduce Sowarigpa (traditional medicine) spa and wellness services in the country.

The introduction of Sowarigpa services will not only promote and sustain the practices of traditional medicine of Bhutan, but also promote Bhutan as a unique spa destination for the high-end tourism industry in the world because of the unique advantages Bhutan enjoys in this sector. We do have potentials to develop our traditional medicines and achieve new heights. Sowarigpa system identifies two major areas of health, which are health promotion and prevention services, and the specific treatment services in treating diseases.

However, the wellness and health promotional services in Sowarigpa system are recognized as having immense potential for the high end spa and wellness Industry, and one that will also add value to the unique medical heritage of Bhutan. Lingzhi Dungkhag has the largest number of high altitude medicinal plants in the country.

With environment and culture being the two important pillars of Bhutan’s unique development paradigm (GNH), the spa and wellness industry will contribute towards the support of this important pillar. However, for this to be realized, constant and assured supply of medicinal raw materials is needed to produce products.

The traditional medicine services have identified over 200 different species of high altitude medicinal plants for use in traditional medicines. And many more species of high altitude medicinal plants are yet to be identified and studied for their medicinal properties.

TALO & PARO FESTIVAL SPECIAL

6 Nights 7 Days

21^st march- 27^th march

Thimphu – thimphu - Punakha - Punakha - Paro - Paro – Departure

Overnight	Hotel
Thimphu	Peaceful resort
Punakha	Meri Phensum Hotel
Paro	tenzinling

Price Includes:

- Experience Guide;
- All accommodations in twin sharing basis;
- All meals;
- Transportation in comfortable car/bus;
- Bottled water while on drive and hiking;
- Route & Entry Permits;
- 65 $ Royalty Fees per day per person;
- All taxes.

*Visa fee of US$ 40 is chargeable on arrival.