Culture Show Performed by Chinese in Bhutan

Culture Show

Cultural show: Chinese artists perform at the Royal Institute of Management auditorium yesterday. The cultural troupe from the People’s Republic of China was led by China International Culture Association Vice President Dong Jungxin and officials from cultural ministry of Guangxi province and the Embassy of China, India.

Source: Kuensel

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Royal Textile Academy inaugurated

Source: Kuensel

With a dzong like structure, the Royal Textile Academy (RTA) that stands tall at the far end of the capital in Chubachu is now open to visitors.

Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck
 with Dr Fredrick Paulsen at the textile museum

Surrounded by the buzzing city life at one end to lush green paddy fields on the other, the RTA, which was inaugurated yesterday, stands three storied tall, symbolic of the country’s rich cultural heritage.

The flight of stairs ends at the glass door of the textile museum that has a collection of kiras on sale. It’s the museum’s first floor that houses rare textiles that date back to the 17th century. Protected within thick glass cases are the ‘never seen before’ royal collections on display.

Some of the royal collections comprise the Raven Crown, the royal wedding crowns; royal wedding dresses, including the intricately designed wedding shoes of Her Majesty the Gyeltsuen.

The next room, located a few stairs up, displays artifacts from the late 19th century, such as a hat (zham), queen’s or princesses’ hat (pesha-zham), throne cover (thrikheb) and seat cover (denkheb).

Other textiles such as a woman’s shoulder cloth (namza rachu), brooch (koma), and different designs of kira, tego, wonju and gho from different communities in the country are also on display.

Across the textile museum is the weaving centre, where a few weavers are at work, plucking in different intricate designs on their looms.

The royal patron and founder, Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck, inaugurated the textile museum and the weaving centre.

Her Majesty the Queen Mother said the royal textile academy was founded with a mission to educate, promote and preserve Bhutanese textiles.

“The academy will also create international awareness and encourage international collaboration to promote mutually beneficial exhibits and education programs,” the Queen Mother said.

Dr Fredrick Paulsen of Ferring Group, who is fascinated by the country’s history of art, textiles and carpet weaving, funded the academy’s construction.

“After assembling priceless collections of historical Bhutanese carpets from around the world, he returned them to Bhutan with the mission of retaining the special culture,” the Queen Mother said.

RTA’s executive director, Rinzin O Dorji, said, besides preserving and promoting Bhutanese textile, the weaving centre would train new students, who are interested in the art of weaving, yarn dyeing and other contemporary skills related to fashion design and merchandising.

“The project of the construction of RTA is divided into four phases, where phase one included the construction of the textile museum, plaza, entrances and the courtyard,” she said. “Phase two consists of the construction of the textile school and the conservation centre.”

To date, the project’s phase two has been completed with a budget of USD 2.9M that was donated from the government of India and other donors.

With Dr Fredrick Paulsen’s donation of USD 3M, the project’s phase three of constructing the administrative blocks will start. Phase four would be the construction of a banquet hall that would seat over a thousand people.

The academy is built on 4.75 acres of leased government land. The museum is open for visitors from 9AM to 4PM every day except Sundays. A national will have to pay an entry fee of Nu 10, while for SAARC country nationals, it’s Nu 25, and Nu 150 for others, including tourists.

The RTA was founded in 2005 as a non-profit, non-governmental civil society organisation.

Today, there will be a fashion show on Bhutanese textile at the RTA from 7PM.

By Thinley Zangmo

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Bhutan Festival Dates 2013

SL#	FESTIVAL	PLACE	DATES
1	PUNAKHA DRUBCHHEN	Punakha Dzong, PUNAKHA	15th – 19th February
2	PUNAKHA TSHECHU	Punakha Dzong, PUNAKHA	20th – 22nd February
3	CHHORTEN KORA	Chorten Kora, TRASHI YANGTSE	25th February & 11th March
4	GOMPHUKORA	Gom Kora Lhakhang, TRASHIGANG	20th – 22nd March
5	PARO TSHECHU	Rinpung Dzong, PARO	23rd – 27th March
6	CHHUKHA TSHECHU	Chhukha Dzong, CHHUKHA	25th – 27th March
7	URA YAKCHOE	Ura Lhakhang, BUMTHANG	21st – 25th April
8	NIMALUNG TSHECHU	Nimalung Dratshang, Chummi, BUMTHANG	16th – 18th June
9	KURJEY TSHECHU	Kurjey Lhakhang, Choekhor, BUMTHANG	18th June
10	THIMPHU DRUBCHEN	Tashichho Dzong, THIMPHU	9th – 13th September
11	WANGDUE TSHECHU	Wangdi Dzong, WANGDUEPHODRANG	12th – 14th September
12	TAMSHING PHALA CHHOEPA	Tamshing Lhakhang, Choekhor, BUMTHANG	13th – 15th September
13	THIMPHU TSHECHU	Tashichho Dzong, THIMPHU	14th – 16th September
14	THANGBI MANI	Tangbi Lhakhang, Choekor, BUMTHANG	18th – 20th September
15	JAMBAY LHAKHANG DRUP	Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, BUMTHANG	18th – 22nd October
16	PRAKHAR DUCHHOED	Prakar Lhakhang, Chummi, BUMTHANG	19th – 21st October
17	CRANE FESTIVAL	Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha, WANGDUEPHODRANG	11th November
18	MONGAR TSHECHU	Mongar Dzong, MONGAR	9th – 12th November
19	PEMAGATSHEL TSHECHU	Pemagatshel Dzong, PEMAGATSHEL	9th – 12th November
20	TRASHIGANG TSHECHU	Trashigang Dzong, TRSASHIGANG	10th – 13th November
21	NALAKHAR TSHECHU	Nga Lhakhang, Choekhor, BUMTHANG	17th – 19th November
22	TRONGSA TSHECHU	Trongsa Dzong, TRONGSA	9th – 11th January 2014
23	LHUENTSE TSHECHU	Lhuentse Dzong, LHUENTSE	9th – 11th January 2014

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East To West Bhutan Tour

DAY 1: Arrival at Paro Bhutan. Transfer to hotel. Evening orientation talk & video show on Bhutan. Overnight at hotel, Paro.

DAY 2 : Paro valley sightseeing. Overnight Paro.

DAY 3: Excursion to Taktsang Monastery. Overnight Paro.

DAY 4: Drive to Thimphu. Sightseeing of the valley. Overnight at hotel, Thimphu.

DAY 5: Morning sightseeing, afternoon cultural programme. Overnight Thimphu.

DAY 6: Drive to Wangdi Phodrang. Sightseeing of Punakha & Wangdi valleys. Overnight at Dragon Nest hotel, Wangdi.

DAY 7: Excursion to Phobjikha valley. Overnight Wangdi.

DAY 8: Drive to Bumthang valley. Overnight Swiss Guest House, Bumthang.

DAY 9: Bumthang valley sightseeing. Overnight Bumthang.

DAY 10: Drive to Mongar. Overnight at lodge, Mongar.

DAY 11: Drive to Trashigang. Sightseeing of Trashigang township. Overnight at lodge, Trashigang.

DAY 12: Excursion to Tashi Yangtse. View the highly revered Chorten Kora. Overnight Trashigang.

DAY 13: Drive to Samdrup Jongkhar, the eastern border town. Overnight at hotel, Samdrup Jongkhar.

DAY 14: Drive to Guwahati Airport in India (nearest) for departure from the Kingdom by flight.

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Paradise Journey

Day 1 :BKK/DEL/KMT Paro 
Day 2 :Halt in Paro 
Day 3 :Paro to Thimphu (Capital) 
Day 4 :Halt in Thimphu 
Day 5 :Thimphu to Punakha (Old Capital) 
Day 6 :Punakha Trongsa 
Day 7 :Trongsa to Bumthang 
Day 8 :Sightseeing in Bumthang 
Day 9 :Visit Ura Valley in Bumthang 
Day 10 :Visit Tang Valley in Bumthang 
Day 11 :Bumthang to Phobjikha or Wangdue 
Day 12 :Phobjikha or Wangdue Thimphu 
Day 13 :Thimphu to Paro 
Day 14 :Departure from Paro

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Himalayan Voyage

 Himalayan Voyage) A Twelve Nights-Eleven Days Package

Himalaya 

This is a tour across the Bhutanese countryside right to the heart of the Kingdom, Bumthang. A luxurious car with an experienced guide would drive you through the places of breathtaking beauty and holiness, greenery of the virgin woods, and of course the Bhutanese treat of fresh air. Your nights would be spent in classic Bhutanese resorts with foods that will make you feel at home and in heaven (that's when you try the local specialties). A Good night's sleep is guaranteed with beautiful Himalayan dream attached.




See the details below:

Day 1: Bangkok/Delhi/KMT Paro
Day 2: Halt In Paro
Day 3: Paro to Thimphu (Capital)
Day 4: Halt in Thimphu
Day 5: Thimphu to Punakha (Old Capital)
Day 6: Punakha to Trongsa
Day 7: Trongsa to Bumthang (Central Bhutan)
Day 8: Sightseeing in Bumthang
Day 9: Visit to Ura and Tang Valley
Day 10: Bumthang to Wangdue/Thimphu
Day 11: Wangdue/Thimphu Paro
Day 12: Departure

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Steps To Bhutan

Day 1: BKK/DEL/KMT Paro Day 2: Halt in Paro Day 3: Paro to Thimphu (Capital) Day 4:Halt in Thimphu Day 5:Thimphu to Punakha (Old Capital) Day 6:Punakha to Trongsa Day 7:Trongsa to Thimphu Day 8:Thimphu to Paro Day 9:Departure from Paro

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Glimpses Of Bhutan

A glimpse of the land of thunder dragon is enough enlighten your spirit of adventure. You will only visit the region around the capital which include Paro and Punakha. These places hold alomost the complete defination of Bhutan, therefore your satisfaction is ensured with the seven day package.

See the details below:

All itineraries can be customized to suit your schedule and interests.

Day 01: Arrive at Paro; drive to Thimphu

The flight into Paro (2200 m/ 7800 ft.) on the national carrier, Druk Air, is a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of Bhutan. From a window seat on clear days you can enjoy a spectacular view of Bhutan’s snow capped peaks as you approach Paro. On arrival you will be received by your guide and your driver who will drive you to the capital city, Thimphu (2400 m/ 8000 ft.). The 45 minute drive follows the rivers of Paro and Thimphu. You will have ample time to look around the city, the only capital in the world with no traffic lights. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 02: Thimphu Sightseeing

After breakfast visit the Memorial Chorten built in the memory of the third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Drive to Motithang for a bird’s eye view of the capital city. Visit the mini zoo to get up close with ‘Takin,’ the national animal of Bhutan. Takins are a unique looking animal and are the only occupants of the mini zoo. There is an interesting story to their existence, which you will hear from your guide. Drive to Drubthop Lhakhang, the nunnery temple. Return to town for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch visit the Bhutanese Indigenous Hospital, Traditional Painting School, National Library and continue your drive south to Lungtenzampa, visit the Royal silversmith at work and then stop by at the Bhutanese Paper factory. Time permitting we will visit Simtokha Dzong (fortress), the first Dzong in Bhutan built in 1624; it currently houses the Institute of Learning for Culture and Buddhist Studies. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 03: Excursion to Punakha Valley

Leaving Thimphu the road gradually climbs through a forest of pine and cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high up near Dochula pass (3,050 m/10,000 ft.). This pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. After a brief stop to catch the breathtaking views, we will descend along a series of hairpin bends to the fertile valley of Punakha (1,350 meters/ 4,430 feet). Before proceeding further to Punakha town we will hike through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang temple located on a small hilltop. This temple is dedicated to the great Yogi in 14th century known as Drukpa Kuenley or popularly known as the “Divine madman” in the west. It is believed that this temple blesses women who seek fertility. A popular pilgrimage spot for the Bhutanese, it is frequented by childless couples and parents who have difficulty raising children. After Lunch, continue your drive towards Punakha Dzong (Fortress) situated between the two rivers Pho Chu and Mochu (Male and Female Rivers). This fortress is now used as the winter seat of the Je Khenpo (the Spiritual head of Bhutan). This Dzong had served as the capital seat of the Kingdom for more than three hundred years. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 04: Punakha - Paro Valley

After breakfast and a drive through the Punakha Valley, we begin our hike by crossing the Mochu River and ascending a numerous switchbacks to the Namgyel Khamsum Yuely Chorten. Looking downstream, the viewpoint here affords grand views of the Mochu River Valley below. We descend from the temple and follow a well-worn path down the valley through rice fields and small villages. Along the way we are rewarded with stunning views, the terraced rice paddies providing an exotic backdrop to the river below. After enjoying a picnic lunch alongside the river, we continue our journey to Paro. Upon arrival in Paro, you will have time for walking around the town and for some shopping, if you like. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05: Paro Valley

This afternoon we will visit the National Museum, housed in a unique, semi-circular shaped Ta Dzong, built in 1775. The Ta Dzong with its six floors was once the watch tower for the massive Paro Dzong, built in the 17th century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The museum has the most extensive collection Bhutanese artifacts and history, which include, ancient crafts, wares, weapons, a collection of antique thangkha (painted or embroidered religious pictures), textiles, and stamps. The museum provides a wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom.
We walk downhill from the museum to the Paro Rinchen Pung Dzong (meaning ‘fortress on a heap of jewels’), the religious and secular center of Paro, and certainly the most dominant feature in the valley. The dzong was first conceived in the 15th-century, and finally consecrated in 1646. From the Dzong, we will hike to the river and cross Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilever bridge. Paro options include a visit to a traditional farmhouse to lunch with the family. After spending some village time, we will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest monastery in the country. Overnight at Hotel. Farmhouse accommodation available upon request.

Day 06: Excursion to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery

After breakfast, your car will drop you at the starting point of the excursion to view the spectacular and famous Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s lair).The trail to the monastery climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. You stop at the cafeteria for a rest and refreshments and continue the hike (if not tired) for short while until you see, clearly and seemingly within reach, the imposing Taktsang monastery. Built in 1600s, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. It is believed that, in the 8th century, Guru Rimpoche, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tigress to subdue a demon. Guru Rimpoche is supposed to have meditated here for three months and it is considered like a Mecca for Buddhists. Drive further up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong (the fortress of the victorious Drukpas) built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to celebrate victory over Tibetan invading forces and also to curtail further invasions from the enemy. The route is picturesque, and the site of dzong magnificent (from here, only two-day hike to the border with Tibet, dominated by Mt Jhomalhari). Not far from here also marks the trail head for the popular and scenic Jumolhari Trek. After returning to town, you can visit the town temple, built in 1525, to check out ancient wall paintings. Spend the rest of the evening in town. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 07: Depart Paro, Bhutan

Morning drive to Paro Airport for departure to your onward destination.

End of Itinerary

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About Tours

Cultural Touring is traveling by vehicle through the Bhutanese countryside, with optional walks and day hikes to visit temples, monasteries and villages. Culture tour also include visiting museum, handicraft shops and weekend market where you will be introduce to Bhutanese food and eating habit. This tour will introduce you to Bhutan and its unique culture and tradition. Cultural tours are an excellent way to experience the people and culture of Bhutan. Each night, one stays in comfortable guesthouses or well done small hotels. While not as demanding as trekking, these trips are well suited for those travelers who wish to learn about Bhutan's culture and environment without the physical demands of trekking.

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