February, 2008
Why go trekking in Bhutan?
Compared to Nepal, trekking in Bhutan is quite difficult - it is meant for real adventure seekers. The hillsides tend to be almost vertical. The climate is much windier, damper and colder than in Nepal. Here one cannot go trekking alone without being accompanied by somebody who knows the way. ... [more]
When it comes to Mushrooms, Bhutan is the First World
In 1998, Bhutan exported US$ 2 million worth of Matsutaki variety of mushrooms - both dried and fresh to Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and India. Commenting on Bhutan's export potential of mushrooms, Dorji Wangchuk, National Director, National Mushroom Centre said, "When it comes to mushrooms, Bhutan is not a third world, ... [more]
Ways of Life
"Your attention, please. We will be landing in Paro in twenty minutes. The weather is bright and sunny." I wasn't paying much attention to the pilot's words being preoccupied with thoughts of my family and friends. I'd been away for three years on an engineering course in Australia. As the Druk ... [more]
Volunteerism and Social Responsibility
Being a mountainous country with rugged terrain and isolated villages/ communities, living conditions for many people in Bhutan tend to be quite difficult. In spite of a rich pristine environment, the resources available to the people are limited. Such circumstances have been partly responsible for people learning to depend on ... [more]
Visit to Gasa Hot Springs
Tsachus or hot water springs are found in many parts of Bhutan. According to folklore, these were created by Guru Rinpoche, the saint who converted Bhutan to Buddhism. Tsachus of Laya and Lunana are the most isolated and least known. Gasa Tsachu is easily accessible and most popular. The waters ... [more]
Tsa chus – Hidden Springs of Health and Happiness
Tsa chus (mineral hot springs) found all over Bhutan are sacred sites - the home of deities and water goddess. Though located in remote places, these are visited by people from all walks of life irrespective of their profession or status in the society for rest, recreation, rejuvenation and offering ... [more]
To Madam With Love
"Tshering Namgyel," a boy complained in between his sobs. "Madam, Tshering Namgyel is bullying me again." Tshering Namgyel! It all came back. Only previous day, another boy had brought a similar grievance against him. And he had been told time and again to b a good boy and not to be ... [more]
These Bhutanese are made for walking
Article first published in - AMERICAN PHILATELIST Journal of American Philatelic Society The Nation's Premier Philatelic January 2000 issue. Are there places in the world so remote that it is necessary for carriers to walk miles or even days to deliver mail? Believe it or not, there are. One such place is Bhutan, ... [more]
The Living Religious and Cultural Traditions of Bhutan
An exhibition of arts and crafts of Bhutan entitled "The Living Religious and Cultural Traditions of Bhutan" was organised in New Delhi from October 17 to November 13, 2001 and in Kolkata from December 2 to 28. It featured over 176 rare artifacts covering a period between the 9th to ... [more]
The Legends of Punakha
Dzongs in Bhutan not only represent the rich art and architecture, but they also reflect the legends and folklore of the country. Punakha Dzong in western Bhutan which sits on the confluence of two rivers, seemed to rise out of the water like a ghostly galleon. The trees that line the ... [more]