Thursday, August 20, 2009

11 investment areas identified

20 August: Bhutanese and Indian companies could invest in 11 keys areas in Bhutan, according to a study done by KPMG, an international consultant. Titled a ‘Study of Investment Climate in Bhutan,’ the report identifies environment management, tourism, agro processing, non-timber forestry, horticulture, ICT, education, medicinal plantations, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications and automobiles as investment opportunity areas.

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Kathak show in Bhutan

20 August: Renowned Kathak dancer, Aditi Mangaldas, and her troupe of dancers and musicians enthralled a small public audience in Thimphu on Sunday.

Complemented by the rapid rhythmic beat of tablas or Indian hand drums, Mangaldas and her troupe choreographed complicated hand and footwork to take her audience on a journey that covered themes ranging from love to exploring the mysterious concept of time.

Kathak is form of northern Indian classical dance that narrates stories, explained Mangaldas. The story telling dance originated in the Moghul empire, when the Muslim imperial power occupied the Indian subcontinent from the 16th to 19th century.

As a result, “it’s the only classical dance style in India that integrates both Hindu and Muslim cultures,” said Mangaldas. But she has also integrated contemporary styles to the ancient dance.

For instance, in a dance called “Is Time Parallel?”, the dancers are dressed not in Indian costumes but western styled dresses.

Asked about such kind of cultural fusion, Mangaldas said, “It’s not about borrowing from the West, it’s about exchanging.” The root style of the dance remains the same. Audience member, Muruli, an Indian expatriate in Bhutan, said it was his first time watching a modernised version of the Kathak. “It was fantastic, the end to a perfect weekend,” he said, in reference to celebrations of the 63rd Indian independence day.

“Absolutely wonderful, we were very honoured to perform and meet members of the Royal Family and other dignitaries,” said Mangaldas on her stay in Bhutan.

Mangaldas and her troupe performed at the Indian embassy on Saturday.

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Monday, June 22, 2009

Bhutan

Bhutan – The Land of Thunder Dragon has remained sequestered from the rest of the world in its pristine state, unspoiled by outside influences. Bordered by China (Tibet) in the North and by India in the south, the kingdom of the Lost Horizon opened its door to tourism only in 1974, since then the number of visitors to Bhutan has steadily increased. Bhutan is endowed with breathtaking natural beauty, surrounded by sacred mountains, virgin peaks and holy lakes. Its beautiful valleys and lush forests are teeming with flora and wildlife undisturbed in its natural environment. Bhutan is perhaps the last Eden, not just in part, but in its entirety. Its approximately 38,600 Square kilometer of area is covered with not less than 72% of dense forest and jungles. In less than 65 miles, Bhutan rises 25,000 feet from the subtropical jungles of the south to arctic cold of the high Himalayas. Bhutan is truly a haven for wildlife and is considered the most exclusive tourist destination in the world. The country manages to retain all the charm of the old world.

source: bhutanwilderness.com

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Welcome to Bhutan Wilderness Travel

Bhutan Wilderness Travel opens up a whole new world for the travelers wishing to visit Bhutan with a panorama of tours to show the best aspects of this extraordinary country. You will see the people and their way of life, the great Himalayan mountains on remote trekking routes, the spectacularly colorful and genuinely traditional festivals, the citadels of Himalayan Buddhism; and you will feel the breath of mystery and power which still abides in this unique and hidden kingdom. If there is magic left in this world, here is where you will find it.The Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan retains a mystique that many other remote destinations have long since lost. Sandwiched between India and China, and separated from Nepal by intervening Sikkim, this tiny country at the eastern end of Himalaya is roughly about the size of Switzerland and yet it is staggeringly diverse in landscape, culture and biodiversity. Buddhism pervades every element of Bhutanese history and daily life; even the most mundane experiences can be tinged with spiritual significance. Steep valley walls and mountains rise all around, dotted with prayer flags and monasteries in improbable places, while to the north numerous snowy peaks soar to more than 7000 m.

Bhutan, known to the Bhutanese as Druk Yul, The Land of The Thunder Dragon, is truly another world. We invite you to discover it with us!