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Today at 5:09 PM

Kuzuzangpola (Hello)!   Winter has arrived in Bhutan bringing clear, sunny days and cold, crisp nights. It is an excellent season for trekking in many parts of the country as the weather is clear and dry. There are also an abundance of festivals taking place in November making it an ideal time to visit. This month we will be taking a look at one of Bhutan’s most historically and politically significant districts, Trongsa!!   The District (Dzongkhag) of Trongsa Trongsa is a centrally located district and has always played a major role in the administration of the country. In the past it was a critical location to hold in order to control the eastern and western regions of the country. By tradition every crown prince must first hold the position of Trongsa Poenlop before ascending to the throne.   The area around Trongsa Dzong is characterized by deep gorges and thick forests. The main town is located on the steep hills surrounding Trongsa Dzong. There are numerous hotels and restaurants to visit and each one offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Trongsa is also home to the Watchtower of Trongsa Museum. Learn more about Trongsa at: http://www.tourism.gov.bt/map/trongsa   WHAT TO SEE Watchtower of Trongsa Museum This ancient watchtower once helped guard Trongsa Dzong by providing a vantage point and additional fortifications for the fortress. It is located on a mountain above the town and was built by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, the 1st Governor of Trongsa in 1652. Not only does the museum have countless fascinating artifacts on display such as an exhibit dedicated to the epic hero, King Gesar of Ling, but it also provides unparalleled insight into the history of Bhutan and the reigning Wangchuck dynasty.   Visitors to Trongsa will not want to miss the watchtower museum.   Trongsa Dzong Trongsa Dzong is an imposing fortress situated atop a mountain and surrounded by deep ravines. It was built in 1648 and was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. In the past the Trongsa Poenlop was able to effectively control the whole eastern and central regions of the country as it is strategically located on the only connecting route between east and west. Thus the Dzong has played a crucial role in the history of country. By tradition the crown prince of Bhutan must serve as Trongsa Poenlop (“governor”) prior to ascending to the golden throne as king.   Kuenga Rabten Palace This was the winter palace of the 2nd King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It is located approximately 23 km’s from Trongsa. The palace makes an excellent destination for a leisurely afternoon excursion as the route to the palace passes through picturesque, open countryside, lush fields and rustic villages. WHAT TO DO Trongsa Tshechu (Annual Religious Festival) Of the many festivals held in various parts of Trongsa, the grandest is the three day annual Tshechu. This festival brings together people from all walks of life and takes place sometime in the month of December. In addition to traditional mask dances, visitors can witness the unfurling of the sacred Thongdrol, a gigantic wall hanging depicting Buddhist saints and deities. Visitors will also receive blessings from high ranking monks and sacred Nangtens (relics) that are opened during the last day of the Tshechu.   For a complete list of festivals in Bhutan visit our website at: http://www.tourism.gov.bt/activities/festivals   Nabji Korphu Community-based Trek This one week trek offers a short, easy and enjoyable journey around scenic Trongsa Dzongkhag. The climate is warm and pleasant as the trail stays between 1000-1500m in altitude and there is a wide array of flora and fauna observable along the route including the rare Golden Langur, Red Pandas, Himalayan Black Bears, Rhesus Monkeys, Rufous-necked Hornbills and Clouded Leopards.   Hikers on this trek will have plenty of opportunity to experience traditional rural life as they will spend nights in the villages of Nabji, Korphu and Nyimshong. Nabji is an idyllic village surrounded by verdant paddy fields and the villagers of Korphu are famed for their hospitality.. Nyimshong is a good place to observe some of the local culture as the women often put together cultural shows full of singing and dancing for visitors.   This is the perfect trek for visitors looking to learn about and experience traditional rural life firsthand while enjoying the natural beauty and biodiversity of Bhutan. The best time to embark on this trek is in winter, between October-April.   Learn more about the many treks available in Bhutan our website at: http://www.tourism.gov.bt/activities/trek   UPCOMING EVENTS IN BHUTAN   Nomad Festival (22nd February 2014) This annual gathering of Bhutan’s nomadic highlanders brings together the herders of the northeastern and northwestern Himalayan frontiers in an unforgettable celebration of their unique culture and traditions. You’ll gain an intimate glimpse into the proud communities that have survived virtually unchanged to this day and form a rich part of Bhutan’s ethnic and cultural diversity.   The festival takes place in Bumthang,the sacred heartland of Bhutan. This region is dotted with some of the most beautiful and ancient monasteries and temples in the Himalayas.   The two major nomadic tribes of Bhutan, the Brokpas in the east and the Layaps in the west, inhabit some of the most rugged terrain in the kingdom. Their economy still mainly consists of ancient bartering practices and is heavily dependent upon their yaks and the products they derive from it such as milk, cheese, wool, meat and leather. In recognition of this interdependency, the yak features prominently in many of the nomadic festivals and celebrations.   Haa Summer Festival (July 2014) Set among pristine lakes and high alpine valleys, the Haa summer festival is a lively and uplifting celebration of traditional living-culture, nomadic lifestyles, unique Bhutanese cuisine, traditional sports and religious performances. Immerse yourself in this one of a kind experience by playing the local sports, sampling the delicious home-cooked cuisine and enjoying traditional songs and dances all while imbibing the heady local liquor (Ara).   You’ll learn first-hand how the herders use every part of the yak for their livelihood, from shearing wool for tents, hats and clothing to preparing delicious meals from yak dairy and meat.   The festival also allows visitors the perfect opportunity to trek through the beautiful, forested hills of Haa Valley.   DID YOU KNOW? The National Butterfly of Bhutan is Ludlow’s Bhutan Swallowtail or the Bhutanitis ludlowi. This rare butterfly was believed to be endemic to Bhutan. It is has a gorgeous coloration of black and white stripes along with red and orange highlights.   Learn more at: http://www.tourism.gov.bt/activities/bird-watching For further information, please contact: Tourism Council of Bhutan, India Representative Office C/o Charson Advisory Services Pvt. Ltd. 1104 Arcadia, 11th Floor, NCPA Marg, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021 – India Tel: 91 (22) 65172273; Fax: 91 (22) 22828835; Email: exec.office@charsonadvisory.com