Bhutan At A Glance – Zone I

The Western Zone:

1    Paro Dzongkhag                  

Welcome to an enchanted valley of Paro with an elevation of 2280 meters. The valley of Paro contains a wealth of attractions and requires a few days to be properly explored. Casting a shadow across the town of Paro and controlling all secular & religious activities in its valley is the elegant and perfectly symmetrical Rimpung Dzong "fortress on the heap of jewels" built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1645. Behind Rimpung Dzong, on the high hillside, is the castle-shaped Ta-dzong. Once a watchtower built to defend Rimpung Dzong during inter valley wars and from Tibetan invasion.  Currently Ta-dzong has housed the nation’s heritage in Bhutan’s National Museum in 1968. The museum provides an excellent way to pass an afternoon and its circular shape augments its varied collection.

Paro was the first stop for Guru Rimpoche on his crusade from Tibet to Bhutan over thousand years ago. Guru Rimpoche is said to have arrived riding on the tigress and meditated in the cave in 8th century, where Taktsang monastery stand, now a hallowed shrine for Bhutanese pilgrims. Fourteen kilometers from Paro town on the north side of the valley are the burnt ruins of Drukgyel Dzong (victorious fortress). It was from here that the Bhutanese repelled several invading Tibetan armies during 1640s.  The other places to be visited are Kyichu Lhakhang built in 659 A.D by First Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to nail down the left feet of the ogress. Dumtse Lhakhang built in 1433 by Drupthog Thangthong Gyalpo (Tibetan saint). The Ugyen Pelri Palace founded by Paro Penlop, Tsering Penjor, in the early 1900s and is now a residence of queen mother. Chorten Lhakhang , a large square Bhutanese style and Druk Choeding "Tshongdue Naktsang" is the town temple in the south of the Paro town. It was founded by Ngawang Chogyel in 1525. In addition, Dzongdrakha Goenpa , 4 sets of buildings with a large white stupa hanging on the side of a cliff is just 15 minutes drive from town and Tachogang Lhakhang "temple of the hill of the excellent horse" built in 14th century by Tibetan saint Thangthong Gyalpo "known as Iron bridge builder".

2     Thimphu, the Capital of Bhutan

Welcome to Thimphu, perhaps the most unusual capital city in the globe is a bustling town on the bank of Thimphu River and set gloriously in the hills of Thimphu valley with altitude of 2320 meters. Thimphu is home to the revered Bhutanese Royal family, the Royal Government & Judiciary, and to several foreign missions & the organization of Development Projects.  Tashi Chhodzong "Fortress of the Glorious Religion", lies on the bank of the river is the main secretariat building which houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan. During the warmer summer months, the state monk body led by His Holiness, the Jekhenpo makes its home in the Dzong. The National Assembly Hall is situated in the new building  on the opposite side of the riverbank known as "SAARC Building ".  Bhutan’s National Library is located close to the Zorig Chusum Institute (13 traditional arts and crafts) which contains arguably the best collection of religious and historical literature in the Himalayas. Bhutan has its own brand of Himalayan medicine that will be seen at National Institute of Traditional Medicine / Indigenous Hospital and the Folk Heritage Museum also located near to the Zorig Chusum Institute. Thimphu’s charm is not embedded in its wealth of galleries, museums or places of historic interest. Visitors must wander along the main street and into shops, all of which decorated in traditional style.

The other impressive places for the visitors are National Memorial Chorten built in 1974 by the mother of Third King in memory of her son "the Father of Modern Bhutan". Bhutanese pay their respects to photograph inside the stupa.  Changangkha Lhakhang built in 12th century by Phajo Drukgom Zhigpo is located on the cliff just above the capital city where one can fascinate the spectacular views of Thimphu valley.   Bhutan’s colourful stamps collections can be purchased at the General Post Office.  Every Saturday & Sunday, most of Thimphu’s population and many valley dwellers congregate on the banks of the river where the weekend market is held. This is the only time in the week when fresh vegetables and fruits are available. After watching Thimphu’s residents socializing in the market, walk along the charming banks of the river to archery fields where men in full gho spend their weekends playing archery. Thimphu was made the capital of Bhutan in 1955.

"Thimphu’s charm is not only seen in its architecture and picturesque setting. The real charm of the capital is found in the generosity, wisdom and good humour of its residents"

 3     Punakha Dzongkhag:              

Punakha Dzongkhag lies at an elevation of 1300 mtrs. Pungthang Dechen Phodrang was founded in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and is renowned for its historical importance. It was in Punakha, the first hereditary Monarch, King Ugyen Wangchuck, was enthroned on 17 December 1907. Punakha served as a capital of Bhutan until 1955 and Punakha Dzong continues to be the winter residence of the Central Monk Body.

Other interesting places for the visitors are Chhimi Lhakhang (temple of fertility) built on a spectacular site in 1499 by Drukpa Kuenley (Divine Madman). He subdued the demoness of the Dochula pass with his "Magic thunderbolt" of wisdom. A wooden effigy of the lama’s thunderbolt is preserved in the monastery, which is believed to have certain spiritual power to restore fertility to childless women. Thus, many childless women visit the temple to get blessing.  Take a drive along the upstream river valley. You will see the white bellied heron along the river valleys. It is globally an endanger bird species. Take a short walk to Khamsum Yullley Temple built on a hillock overlooking the valley.

 4        Gasa Dzongkhag   

Gasa lies on the old trade route to Tibet with altitude ranges from 1500 meters to 4500 meters above sea level in the extreme northwest of the country. The climate of Gasa ranges from temperate to alpine with extremely cold winters and short and pleasant summer. Rainfall is scanty and virtually no rain in winter in the upper region. However, there is heavy snowfall in the upper region. Zhadrung Rimpoche built Tashi Thongmoen Dzong in 1646 after his victories over the Tibetans.

The main source of cash income for the people is porterage to local as well as the tourist. Sale / bartering of livestock products are another source of income to the people of Laya and Lunana regions. The people of Gasa generally speak Dzongkha with a distinctive accent. However, Layaps and Lunaps have their own local dialect in addition to Dzongkha. Layaps and Lunaps mostly lead a transhumant life half of the family of each household spends life rearing yaks and sheep. Laya women have distinctive feature with their hand woven hat embroidered with colorful beds. The home / hand woven clothing act as a good barrier against rain and cold climate.

Gasa is famous for Tshachu (Hot Spring) which is two days walk from the nearest motorable road (Tashithang).
There are several places of hot springs having different medicinal values as the local community describes. This may be one of the reasons the people of Gasa has less morbidity rate compared to others. Hot springs at Laya and Lunana are also famous, but due to remoteness, only the local community utilizes it. The Dzongkhag has around 13 Lhakhangs and Chortens.

5         Wangdiphodrang Dzongkhag   

Wangdue Phodrang is the last town on the high way before entering central Bhutan with an elevation 1350 meters above sea level. Zhadrung Rimpoche built Wangdue Phodrang Dzong in 1638. It served as sub capital of Bhutan by controlling the East-West and South route during the Zhabdrung’s time.

The Other places for the visitors are 17th century Radak Nagtshang , the town temple which is dedicated to an ancient warlord and acclimatization in Richengang village . The Phobjekha Valley in the Dzongkhag is famous as the winter nesting place of the black-necked cranes Buddhist Institute at Gangtey Goenpa. The Jigme Dorji National Park extends into the northern part while a major portion of the Dzongkhag falls under Black Mountain National Park.

6    Haa Dzongkhag   

Haa Dzongkhag is situated along the banks of Haa river at 2670 mtrs above sea level.  Wangchulo Dzong was built in 1915. Potatoes constitute the principal cash crop for the Dzongkhag while apples and vegetables are also cultivated. Livestock rearing constitute an important economic activity in the Dzongkhag with most of the northern regions depending on livestock as their major source of income.

The places for the visitors are Chhundo Lhakhang , one of the several dedicated to the protective deity of Haa. Yangthang Goenpa , Jamtoey Goenpa and Juneydra the meditation place of Guru Rimpoche in 8th century. Lhakhang Karpo & Lhakhang Nagpo currently housed of more than 250 monks for the Haa regions.

7       Chukha Dzongkhag   

Chhukha Dzongkhag was established in April 1987, coinciding with the beginning of the sixth plan. The Dzongkhag has 3291 households. Chukha is the main entry points for import and commercial hub of the country. Major hydro power plants, which are key source of national income, are also located in Chukha Dzongkhag. This comparative advantage can foster rapid economic growth of the Dzongkhag. Chukha Dzongkhag covers an area of about 1802 square kilometers with elevations ranging from 200 to 3500 m above sea level. Cultivable agricultural land forms only around nine percent of the total area of the Dzongkhag

The places for the visitors are Wangchu Zangdo Pelri and Chukha Hydro Power and Tala Hydro project. Kharbandi Goenpa built in 1967 and Zangdo Pelri in Phuntsholing town is a replica of Guru Rimpoche’s celestial paradise.  

8       Samtse Dzongkhag    

Samtse Dzongkhag has an area of about 1582 square kilometers with elevation ranging from 600 to 3800 m above sea level with 6128 households. Majority of the sub regions are located at the foothills bordering the Indian State of West Bengal and Sikkim. Close proximity to markets in India offer excellent opportunity for horticultural development on commercial scale. Mandarin, cardamom, ginger and areca nut are grown widely for cash income. Favourable terrain, fertile agricultural land makes significant contribution to farm productivity at the foothills. Though largely rain fed, paddy and other cereal productions and yield are high. Gewogs in the northern part of the Dzongkhag are relatively poor and under developed. Samtse is far South-West and is closed for tourist.

HAVE A NICE READING!

Big Five Hunt in South Africa Meant for Adventurous Hunters

Have you heard the phrase ‘Big Five Hunt’ or ‘Big Five Game’? Hunters of the past era were using this phrase to describe the five most difficult animals in Africa to hunt on foot. Since then, Big Five Hunt has been quite popular among hunters of all calibers worldwide. These five ferocious animals comprise the lion, the leopard, the African elephant, the Cape buffalo and the rhinoceros. Though they are found in many African nations like Kenya, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania and Botswana, South Africa has done exceptionally well in popularizing them through safari style holidays and Big Five Trophy hunting.

It’ll be a nice idea to give a brief description about all the big five animals for the sake of wannabe hunters.

The Lion is a large carnivorous catlike animal of Africa having a short yellowish-brown coat, a tufted tail and a heavy mane around the neck and shoulders, especially found in the male.

The leopard is also a large carnivorous feline mammal with unpredictable behavior and nocturnal feeding habits that make it difficult to hunt. Big Five Hunt including a leopard may take several weeks of baiting. It has either tawny fur with black dark rosette-like markings or black fur.

The African elephant is the largest herbivore mammal on land and weighs between 13,000 to 14,000 pounds. It has a long, flexible, grasping trunk, fan-shaped ears and curved tusks of ivory.

The Cape buffalo is a big horned bovine and the most aggressive of the Big Five Hunts. Many hunter deaths are caused by it as it stands its grounds to fight till the end when caught in adverse situations.

The rhinoceros in black or white is a large herbivore with thick skin and one or two straight horns on the nose. Though it is quite heavy in weight, it can run at a speed of 24 miles per hour.

Let’s get back to Big Five Hunt in South Africa. It is always safer to hunt in the Rainbow Nation in comparison to other African nations, thanks to highly experienced professional hunters who guide you in the Big Five or in Plains Game hunting untiringly. Highly regulated professional hunting industry and a great variety of animals are the other two factors that contribute immensely in making South Africa the most sought-after destination for Big Five Hunt.

If you’re looking for a captivating South African safari experience, there is no better place than Seringa Ranch which is a perfect destination for Big Five Hunt, relaxation and comfort, or a stop-over while touring in South Africa. Visit http://www.seringa-safaris.com/ to satisfy your desire in a jovial fashion.

About Shirdi

Sai Baba entered this village when he was only 16 years of age. He looked under a neem tree and was absorbed in a hard self-mortification. The saint dedicated his entire life for the upliftment of the poor and the suffering. The saint’s origin and early life are embraced in mystery. He is conceived to be an incarnation of lord Shiva. The whole hamlet and every nook and corner of it have some connection with the great saint. The great saint left for celestial home in 1918 and his Samadhi is visited by thousands of tourists and holidaymakers even today.
Chandbhai, the headman of a village called Dhoopkhede (in Aurangabad, India), once lost his horse and was looking for it. Suddenly he heard a voice say “You look tired. come here and rest a while”. He turned around and saw a young Fakir . The fakir smiled at him and said “What are you looking for in this jungle, Chandbhai”. Chandbhai was surprised and he wondered how the fakir knew his name. Slowly, he said “I have lost my horse. I have looked for it everywhere, but cannot seem to find it”. The fakir told him to look behind a clump of trees. Chandbhai was pleasantly surprised to find his horse grazing peacefully behind those trees. He thanked the fakir and asked his name. The fakir said “some people call me Sai Baba.”
Sai Baba then invited Chandbhai to have a smoke with him. He got the pipe ready, but there was no fire to light it with. Sai Baba thrust a pair of tongs into the ground and brought out a burning coal. Chandbhai was wonderstruck. He thought “this is no ordinary person” and invited Baba to come to his house and be his guest for a few days.
Next day Baba went to Chandbhai’s house and found everybody in a very joyful mood and festivities going on all around. He found that Chandbhai’s wife’s nephew was getting married. The bride was from Shirdi and the marriage party was going to Shirdi. Chandbhai invited Baba to accompany the marriage party to Shirdi. At Shirdi they camped in a field next to Khandoba’s temple. After the wedding, Saibaba stayed on at Shirdi. At first he lived under a neem tree and begged for food whenever he needed it. He then went to Khandoba’s temple, intending to stay there, but the temple priest met him at the entrance and told him to go to the mosque. That is how Baba, started staying at the Mosque which was later called Dwarkamayi.
Baba preached at Shirdi all his life and performed numerous miracles to convince people that God exists. He healed people’s diseases, provided moral and material comfort to his devotees. Baba helped bring Unity and Harmony between all communities. He said that God is one, but called by different names. He said follow your own religion and seek the truth. One day a rich millionaire named Booty came to Sai Baba and said he was going to construct a stone building for Shri Krishna. Baba helped him plan the building. Before the building was completed Baba fell very ill. On the 15th of October 1918, he breathed his last. His last wish was to be buried in Booty’s building.
Booty’s stone building came to be known as the Samadhi Mandir. Shri Sai Baba was buried here and a beautiful shrine was built over it. To this day, people flock to Shirdi to pay homage to Shri Sai Baba.
The tourist destination where Sai Baba came as a Bal Yogi is acknowledged as Gurusthan. There is a temple at this site and a small shrine in Gurusthan. The village of Shirdi is full of frShirdince with the devotional strength of devotees from throughout the world. The village is located highly on the world map of spiritualism. The streets of the sanctum town are full of shops which sell Sai Baba record of his life. Any one can explore the holy place easily. The destination is well originated and is associated by bus routes.

A Trip to Tagbilaran – The City of Peace and Friendship in Bohol

Known as the capital city of the island province of Bohol, Tagbilaran is already one of the major municipalities that are deemed to become more progressive and successful in the close to future. According to the Asian Institute of Management, their city is truly one of the ideal in terms of competitiveness. The proper coordination and cooperation between the local government and its residents contribute decently to the fast-paced development of the region. The city is quickly progressing in about every possible aspect including education, business, as enormously as tourism.

In terms of education, Tagbilaran has an impressive roster of top-notch schools starting from the pre-elementary total number up to the college level. Royal Christian School, Merne Graham Montessori School, and Holy Trinity Foundation School offer excellent education to pre-elementary students. In the meantime, Dao Elementary School, Cogon Elementary School, and Victoriano D. Tirol Advanced Learning Center pass on highly competitive primary education. At the secondary level, Mansasa National High School, Tagbilaran City Science High School, and Bohol Learning Center send back top-notch high school education. At the tertiary level, undergrads can enroll at any of these fine colleges and universities not excluding STI Colleges, University of Bohol, and Holy Name University.

With regards to business, the City of Tagbilaran is definitely not far behind contrasted to other progressive cities for the duration of the Philippines. In fact, it features its very own loan institutions, hotels, and commercial shopping centers. Bank of the Philippine Islands, Landbank of the Philippines, and Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. are some of the most founded banks found within the city. Furthermore, central shopping centers such as Alturas Supermarket, BQ Mall, and Island City Mall provide the local residents with all this distinct entertainment needs.

Above anything else, Tagbilaran City gets a lot from the magnificent neighborhood of tourism within its jurisdiction. In fact, the municipality has invested greatly in developing the area and transforming it into one of the most likeable tourist destinations in the country. Tourists are required to see wonderful residence such as Children’s Playground and Mini Park, Banat-I Hill, and the Bohol Museum. At the same time, their visit to Tagbilaran is incomplete without witnessing Bohol Cathedral, Plaza Rizal, and Kaingit Beach.

Aside from its beautiful natural resources, there are special restaurants, beach resorts, and first-class hotels in Tagbilaran City that service attract more tourists and guests annually. El Portal Inn, Darunday Manor, and Metrocentre Hotel and Convention Center offer world-class hospitality and accommodation. Top beach resorts within the city include Linaw Beach Resort and Bohol Tropics Resort.

“AMAZON DREAMING”

Sunlight glistens off the water of the mighty Amazon river as our speedboat slows to pass locals in their wooden canoes. Whole families look up from their paddling and wave warm-heartedly as the wake from our boat shakes them.
I’m headed to the ‘Refugio Altiplano’, an upmarket jungle lodge 35 kilometres south of the jungle city of Iquitos, over 1000 kms from Lima, the capital of Peru. The Refugio is a retreat where you can be pampered by the physical surrounds and take part in programs for healing and relaxation with natural plant medicines administered by indigenous medicine men, or as the West calls them – shamen.

We pull into dock at a collection of floating shanty huts with tin roofs and beer signs out front at the riverside village of Tamshiyacu. A swarm of young Peruvian boys chatter excitedly and grab our guide rope, tying down the boat with practised hands.

“They’re excited because they know I’ll give them a sol,” says our guide, Scott Petersen, as we stock up on some last minute supplies at this river outpost.
Petersen is a tall, bearded American from Michigan with crinkly blue eyes and the swagger and style of Richard Branson. As well as being a tour guide and businessman, he’s also a trained herbalist and anthropologist who has been studying for over 25 years with Peruvian shamen.

Ten years ago he came to Iquitos to put his knowledge into practice and offer Western tourists a place to relax, heal and learn. The Refugio Altiplano (which translates to ‘Reguge of the High Plains’) is now one of the largest tourist centres on the Upper Amazon. This sprawling jungle retreat offers a host of the usual adventure activities like rafting, kyaking, swimming, fishing, bushwalking and nature hikes.

But it also offers something more – the jungle medicine ‘ayahuasca’ (which translates to ‘Vine of the Souls’ in the native tongue) that draws hundreds of visitors each year in search of an indigenous spiritual experience.

When the motorboat pulls into the Refugio’s river wharf  there’s the immediate impression of the lagoon in Gilligan’s Island – a cluster of jungle huts with conical roofs and long thatched walkways peering over the shoreline.

The helpful staff settles us into one of the dozens of spacious bungalows that are scattered through the sprawling 250 acre property. All the structures have been constructed with natural materials by local workers from the surrounding villages. They are equipped with their own mosquito-netted bedroom, living room, balconies overlooking the forest and a modern bathroom with toilets and showers – a luxury out here. And then it hits you.

You’ve arrived. The tranquil sounds of the jungle close in and envelop you: parrots, insects, monkeys – the warm noise of nature at it’s best, inviting you into its mystery. And you remember that you are a million miles from the city, deep in the heart of the Amazon jungle surrounded by virgin forest, and that the adventure is about to begin.

Along with an indigenous Shipibo shaman named ‘Walter’, Petersen conducts his shamanistic ceremonies from a giant, two story walled hut with a conical roof that seats up to thirty five people on the bench on the inside perimeter. By candlelight he doles out small cups of  ayahuasca brew and guides seekers on a mystical journey of discovery. Many people report seeing visions of giant anacondas, jaguars and geometric patterns. Others feel a sense of wellbeing spreading throughout their body.

“Healing comes from within,” Petersen says. What the ayahuasca and the Refugio really offer guests is the ability to look at their thinking, habits and circumstances that cause stress and illness. Then “the shaman connects with spirit and works to bring the client back into harmony.”

The Refugio gets packs of six to eight people at a time coming from America, Europe, Japan, and all over the world. There’s an equal number of men and women of all ages, with a lean towards people in their thirties, forties and older. Many stressed-out professionals come to relax and reconnect with themselves and with nature.

The morning after the ceremony we take a walk around the back of the Refugio and visit the vast Botanical Garden Petersen has cultivated, with over 250 medicinal plants revered for their medicinal and healing properties. A group of indigenous Peruvians from a local village work in the fields, tending to the plants and garden in the hot, sweltering sun.

A hundred meters past the gardens we explore a magnificent two-story jungle house, built for families who stay on the property. Another hundred metres beyond that is an amazing five story tree house of Olympian proportions. It’s at least thirty metres straight up into the great green canopy overhead, a Robinson Crusoe-style bungalow with views of the river and the jungle for miles around. It’s the perfect retreat for someone wanting to literally get away from it all.

Everything about the Refugio is grand, like the size of the central building – a three-story wooden structure open to the air called ‘El Centro’. It looks like a Victorian mansion in the jungle, with a kitchen and restaurant on the ground floor offering a diverse menu of fresh natural food, including fish, fruit and vegetables from the surrounding region.

Upstairs on the second floor there’s more room for dining and living areas. The third floor has the ever-popular hammock area where guests can while away an afternoon or a day without a care in the world, nurtured by the tranquility of this jungle paradise.

Prices start at US $100 a day, and people can support the Refugio by paying US $20,000, which makes them donors and eligible for a reduced lifetime rate. They can also pay a greater sum and have a house built on the property for their long-term stay.

There’s also a non-profit wing of the Refugio set up to buy the jungle land to protect it from logging and inappropriate development, which you can donate to and receive a tax-free offset. As well as ‘assimilating’ the land, as Petersen calls it, the money also goes towards helping create employment and education for the villagers.

“I feel like I’ve been gone for a week,” says Rolando, a NGO manager on holiday from Denver. He’s enfolded in the deep comfort of a hammock watching the sun set in brilliant streaks of pink and blue, just hours after arriving.

“Wait till tomorrow – it’ll seem like three weeks,” Petersen counters with a laugh from the hammock opposite, lazily rocking back and forth, the master of his domain.

The Refugio Altiplano is a little slice of heaven on the banks of the Amazon that has to be seen to be believed – but what’s more, it has to be experienced to fully integrate its subtle gifts and healing power.

www.refugioaltiplano.org

The writer was a guest of Aerolineas Argentinas airlines in travelling to Peru. For sales information ring (02) 9234 9000.