NEWS LETTER May-June 2015

Transcription

1 Norbu Bhutan Travel NEWS LETTER May-June 2015 Festival Updates Nimalung Tshechu 24 th 26 th June, Nimalung Dratshang, Chummi, Bumthang. 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. The Lhakhang was co-founded by Dasho Gonpo Dorji and Doring Trulku Jamyang Kunzang, the third mind-aspect reincarnation of Terton Jigme Lingpa in 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. The main relic of the two-storied temple is a magnificent statue of Guru Rimpoche. The monastery is decorated with murals of the Nyingmapa and Drukpa traditions. There are also paintings of Guru Rimpoche and his disciples, the lineage of Terton Pema Lingpa, and several Buddhist masters affiliated with the monastery. One of the most important festivals held at the Lhakhang is the Kaling Zhitro Drubchen. It was

2 The local Tshechu is held once a year in the 5th month of the Bhutanese calendar. During the Tshechu an awe-inspiring Thongdrol (gigantic scroll painting) of Guru Rimpoche is put on display for attendees. The Thongdrol is nine meters long and twelve meters wide and in addition to inspiring wonder is said to cleanse the sins of all those who look upon it. The Thongdrol which was donated by Lopen Pemala and was consecrated in June 1994 in the presence of a large crowd of villagers by Lhalung Thuksey Rimpoche, the reincarnation of mental aspect of Pema Lingpa. During the festival, a series of colorful and spectacular mask dances are performed. Amankora Resort, Bumthang Amanresorts offers a guest experience that is intimate and discreet while providing the highest level of service. Each resort and setting is unique, but certain elements characterise all of them a beautiful natural location, outstanding facilities, exceptional service and a small number of rooms to ensure exclusivity and privacy. Since 1988, when flagship Amanpuri opened in Phuket, Thailand, Amanresorts has established resorts in Bhutan, Cambodia, China, France, Greece, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Laos, Montenegro, Morocco, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Turkey, the Turks and Caicos Islands, the United States of America and Vietnam. Amanresorts continues to relish the exploration of new destinations.

3 Destination: Dochula pass is also popular spiritual destination for both locals and tourists because an important temple is located on the crest of Dochula pass. Dochula pass is located on the way to Punakha from Thimphu. The pass is a popular location among tourists as it offers a stunning 360 degree panoramic view of Himalayan mountain range. The view is especially scenic on clear, winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass. Known as the Druk Wangyal Chortens- the construction of these 108 chortens was commissioned by the eldest Queen Mother, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk. The The Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (temple) was built in honor of His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The past and future appears to merge in the details of the lhakhang (temple) and its structure tells the story of a supreme warrior figure, whose vision pierces the distant future in a fine blend of history and mythology. Bhutanese families enjoy visiting the pass during holidays and weekends to picnic and simply enjoy the scenery. It is common to see families and groups of friends seated amongst the chortens, enjoying a packed lunch and hot tea. For tourists this is ideal location to capture beautiful pictures of Himalayan mountain range during clear, warm days. Gelephu (Central Bhutan) Airport to be ready within a month Aviation: With the completion of the terminal building at Gelephu airport, scheduled flight operations can commence once the certification process is over. The terminal building was handed over to Department of Air Transport (DAT) last week. DAT officiating director Karma Wangchuk said that the certification process which would be done by the Bhutan Civil Aviation Authority will not take more than a month and once the certification is over the airport will be opened for scheduled flight operations. It is mandatory to do a certification as certification is like a license to run a business, he said. He added that the construction of footpath is still going on and it would just take around two weeks which will

4 complete before the certification is over and that will not hamper operation of the airport. Karma Wangchuk said that once the certification process is over they would be informing the airlines and scheduled flights would take place as per their commitment. The Asian Development Bank is funding the construction. Gelephu airport, constructed at a cost of Nu 225.3M was inaugurated in Norbu Bhutan Travel Norbu Bhutan Travel Pvt. Ltd (NBT) is a firmly established destination management company providing comprehensive tour arrangements to discerning travelers in Bhutan. NBT s top priority is to ensure that the clients are provided with excellent quality services during their trip to Bhutan. NBT has excellent contact within the tourism industry and boasts great relationship with hotels, airlines, and government bodies associated with the tourism industry. NBT promises a memorable experience in Bhutan with the help of its well trained and highly professional team of experienced staff and its access to quality facilities. Its portfolio includes organizing inbound tours covering cultural tours, trekking and special interest tours: management of deluxe lodges and an excellent transport fleet. Contact and Address Below Imtrat Hospital, Post Box 1213 Thimphu, Bhutan Phone: , , Fax: info@norbubhutan.com Visit us at Representative Office Eros Metro Mall, Sector-14, Dwarka, New Dehli Tel: / / Fax: info@visitbhutan.com /

5 Dear Readers, Greeting s from Norbu Bhutan Travel and wishing you a pleasant year ahead. Behold an unprecedented journey into a land riddled with mystery and a society immersed in deep Buddhist religion. The Kingdom of Bhutan lies within the majestic eastern Himalayas, landlocked between India and China. The NBT Newsletter is our initiative to showcase the variety of tourist spots and the must-see places in Bhutan to fellow travelers. This bi-monthly edition contains information about the ongoing festivals, well-situated Hotels, news updates within country, and some of the best destination spots in Bhutan. We hope you have a great time reading this issue of NBT s Newsletter. Tashi Delek