The Druk Travel Service Bimonthly Newsletter September-October 2016 Dear Readers, Druk Travel Service wishes 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 Land of the Thunder Dragon is a natural home to scenic beauty. Pristine rivers thread the lush and evergreen valleys; waterfalls plunge down beautiful mountainsides and the great snowcapped peaks of the inner Himalayas is a sight not to be missed. Fluttering prayer flags, delightful farmhouses amidst terraced fields and monasteries clinging onto the breathtaking landscape speaks volumes about how well the culture and tradition, as well as the environment, is preserved in Bhutan. Bhutan Buzz 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, the products which are currently offered to fellow travelers, certain facts about the country and the hottest destination spots in Bhutan. We hope you have a great time reading this issue of Bhutan Buzz. Tashi Delek
An extremely challenging mountain bike race that takes participants through central and western Bhutan, The race starts off in Bumthang with the finish line in Thimphu. It is held on the first Saturday of September every year. This is the perfect time as the monsoons have just ended and the cool, crisp autumn weather is just beginning as the heat of summer fades. The race was created by His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck who is President of the Bhutan Olympic Committee, an all around sportsman and keen biking enthusiast. Considered one of the most challenging one-day events in the world, it covers 268 kilometers of absolutely stunning Himalayan landscapes. Much like the infamous Paris Roubix, the Tour of the Dragon is a trial that no self-respecting cyclist will want to pass up. It covers elevations ranging from 1,200-3,340 meters. Last year the race was completed For further information, please visit http://www.tourofthedragon.com/
THIMPHU TSHECHU AND DROMCHOE One of the biggest festivals in the country is the ThimphuTshechu. This festival is held in the capital city for three days beginning on 10th day of the 8th month of lunar calendar. This Tshechu is witnessed by thousands of people many of which travel from neighboring Dzongkhags (districts) to attend the festivities. The actual Tshechu is preceded by days and nights of prayer and rituals to invoke the gods.when it was initiated by the 4th Desi, Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay in 1867 the Tshechu consisted of only a few dances being performed strictly by monks. These were the Zhanachham and the ZhanaNgachham (Dances of the 21 Black Hats), Durdag (Dance of the Lords of the Cremation Ground), and the Tungamchham (Dance of the Terrifying Deities).Besides the annual three day Tshechu, Thimphu also celebrates a one day festival known as the ThimphuDromchoe. The day long festival dates back to the 17th century. It was first introduced by KuengaGyeltshen in 1710, which was recognized as the reincarnation of JampelDorji, son of ZhabdrungNawangNamgyel. The dromchoe is celebrated 3 days prior to the ThimphuTshechu.
HOTEL GANGTEY PALACE is a majestic, traditional Bhutanese building which stands overlooking the town of Paro. Gangtey Palace was built over a 100 years ago by His Highness DawaPenjor, Uncle of the first King of Bhutan and Kusho / Penlop(Governor) of Paro Valley. The Palace belonged to the Royal Family until the 1930 when it was given to a member of a prominent aristocratic family, Raja S.T Dorji. Today, his grandson is the present owner. In 1928 the Paro Penlop Tshering Penjor constructed the courtyard and renovated the the central structure as the residence for the King of Bhutan when he visited Paro. Surrounded by the scenic beauty of Paro Valley, Gangtey Palace offers a unique place to stay and relax. In 1995 the building was converted into a hotel, yet has managed to maintain the charm and intimacy of a family home. Gangtey Palace featured in the 1914 (April) National Geographic "castles in the sky". Hotel Facilities & Services: Airport transfer (Charges apply), Bar, Business centre: fax & internet, event management, foreign currency exchange, front desk service:6-9 pm, gift shop, laundry service, luggage storage, parking, safe deposit boxes, at reception, spa & fitness facilities: hot stone & massage, taxi services on call (charges apply), wi-fi (free), Restaurant (A La Carte & Buffet): Bhutanese, Chinese, Continental & Indian. Rooms No. of Rooms Standard 13 Delux 5 Governor s suit 1 Total 19 PO Box No: 1218 Taju, Paro Bhutan Phone: +975 8 271301/272004/ 17601576/77334773 Fax:+975 8 271452 Email: gangteypalace@gmail.com/ tpenjor68@gmail.com
Bhutan Kitchen is a restaurant in Thimphu, Bhutan, located on Gatoen Lam, in the central Clock tower Square area. It is located on the top floor of a modern white building which retains some aspects of traditional Bhutanese architecture. Contact: +97517613515 Gatoen Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan Dining options: Dinner, Lunch, Reservations, Seating, Serves Alcohol, Waitstaff Cuisine: Bhutanese The restaurant serves Bhutanese cuisine in addition to a multicuisine menu. One of its specialities is ema datshi (chillies and cheese). The interior is decorated in the traditional Bhutanese style with traditional seating, a traditional kitchen and store room. [ Did you know.? The national animal is the Takin (Burdorcastaxicolor) that is associated with religious history and mythology. It is a very rare mammal with a thick neck and short muscular legs. It lives in groups and is found above 4000 meters on the north-western and far north eastern parts of the country. They feed on bamboo. The adult Takin can weigh over 200 kgs. Expected Temperature in July/August Month Values in Celsius Paro Thimphu Punakha Trongsa Bumthang Mongar Trashigang September Max 23.4 23.1 27.5 22.6 21.6 24.7 30.0 Min 11.7 15 19.1 14.2 12.1 19.4 21.9 October Max 18.7 21.9 26.1 21.8 19.5 22.7 29.1 Min 7.4 10.4 14.7 11.7 5.9 15.8 17.7 *To be noted that average temperatures are recorded from valley floors. There can be considerable divergences from the recorded figures depending upon elevation
Contact and Address 3 rd Floor, Gongzin Lam, Post Box 1213 Thimphu, Bhutan Phone: +975-2-340151/52/53 Fax: +975-2-340150 Email: choki@dtsbhutan.com Visit us at www.dtsbhutan.com Representative Office India Le Passage to India B - 128, Sector 5, Noida 201301 (Delhi - NCR), India Tel.: +91 120 3300555 / 3823500 /4028500 Fax.: +91 120 3823501 Web : www.lepassagetoindia.com The Druk Travel Service Bimonthly Newsletter July-August 2016