9:00 -11:00am : The drive to Punakha from Thimphu is around 2 hours. Therefore, everyone to start their journey from Thimphu at around 9am. However, it is recommended to start early to keep some time for en route sightseeing.
11:00-11:10am : All Guests to gather at Punakha Dzong parking.
11:10-11:30am : Visit Changyuel Bum Galem’s house
11:30am-12:30pm : Drive to Shatem Camground
12:30 -1:30 pm : Lunch at Shatem Camp ground
1:30-2:30 pm : Opportunity to see Takin (Bhutan’s national animal) at Kabina
2:30-3:00 pm : Drive to Gathana
3:00-4:00 pm : Another opportunity to see Takin at Damina
4:00-5:30pm : Depart to Damji and it provides a wonder opportunity for bird watching during trek to Damji
5:30-6:30 pm : Relax and settle down at the Campsite or farm houses
6:30-7:30 pm : Dinner
7:30-8:30 pm : Opportunity to interact with other colleagues
9:00 – : Night halt

7th January 2012 (Visit to various places in Damji)

6:00-7:00 am : Early morning bird watching opportunity for those interested along Damji-Gasa highway
7:30-8:30 am : Breakfast
9:00-10:00 am : Visit Jigme Dorji National Park Information Center and Botanical Garden
10:00-10:30 am : Visit Bjishang Middle Secondary School and head of village’s office
10:30-11:30 am : Visit Gathana viewpoint and tea will be served at the viewpoint.
11:30 am-12:30pm : Drive to Gezapang and make a brief stop at Goenteygang to stare story on the legendary couple Gasa Lamai Singye and Changyeul Bum Galem.
12:30-1:30 pm : Lunch will be served at Gezapang
2:00-3:30 pm : Drive to Gasa (Brief stop at Gomo Dharphuelsa and offer khaddar (Scarf) to Gomo, the protective deity of Gasa)
3:30-3:45 pm : Visitors will be taken to a house where they will be able to see Zhablham (shoes) of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (16th century
Saint) – who was widely revered by Bhutanese.
3:45-4:00 pm : A brief visit to Zhabdrung’s water mill
4:00-4:15 pm : Visit the water tunnel of Gasa Dzong
4:15-4:30 pm : Visit Gasa Dzong and Gasa Lamai Singye’s residence
4:30-5:00 pm : Visit Phulakha Lhakhang
5:00-6:00 pm : Relax and settle down at the campsite or farm houses. Tourists will have the choice to sleep in yak-hair tents called Bja, used by Yak herders)
6:30-7:30 pm : Dinner
7:30-8:30 pm : Interactions/Free time
9:00 PM : Night halt

8th January 2012 (Cultural programs at Gasa Festival Ground)

7:30-8:30 am : Breakfast
8:30-9:00 am : Gather at the festival ground
9:00 am : Reception of the Chief Guest
9:00-9:15 am : Marchang ceremony
9:15-9:30 am : Welcome address by Dasho Dzongdag, Gasa
9:30-9:45 am : Address by Director, Department of Forests & Park Services
9:45-10:00 am : Address by Director General, Tourism Council of Bhutan
10:00-10:20 am : Keynote Address by Chief Guest
10:20-10:30 am : Welcome dance by Gasa Dzongkhag Dancers
10:30-11:30 am : Opening of the stalls by the Chief Guest
: Various cultural programs
11:30-12:00 am : Goenzhey, an interesting traditional dance, will be performed by men of Khatoe and Khamoe geog
12:00-12:20 pm : Pachham (religious dance) by monastic body of Gasa
12:20-12:40 pm : Aulay (traditional dance) Dance from Laya
12:40-1:00 pm : Shanzam Chham by dancers from Khatoe and Khamoe geog
1:00-2:00 pm : Lunch
2:00-3:00 pm : Khuru (dart) competition
3:00-4:00 pm : Archery competition
4:00-4:30 pm : Wresting competition
4:30-5:00 pm : Tug of war
6:30-7:00pm : Dinner
9:00pm- : Night halt

9th January 2012 (Visit to medicinal baths, hot spring, and Takin viewing)

7:30-8:30 am : Breakfast time
9:00 AM-3:00pm : Visit to various medicinal baths:
1. Tokey Menchhu
2. Jagoe Menchhu
3. Mani Menchhu
4. Chatshachhu

Bird watching while walking from one medicinal bath to the other

3:00-4:30pm : Yet another opportunity to see Takin at Chhu chup
4:30-5:00 pm : Free time/Settle down
5:00-6:30 pm : If interested, guests can take a hot spring bathe.
6:30 -7:30 pm : Dinner
7:30-8:30 pm : Another opportunity for hot spring bathe.
9:00 pm : Night halt

10th January 2012 (Visit to Tshechhudrag and Khailo Community Forests)

7:30-8:30 am : Breakfast time
9:00-11:00 am : Drive to Paniko and visit the Paniko Drubchhu)
11:00-12:30 pm : Visit Tshechhudrag. It is a sacred religious site where the
Great Buddhist Saint, Guru Rinpoche meditated and flew away to
Goen Tshephug ney.
12:30-1:30 pm : Lunch
2:00-2:30 pm : Drive to Khailo
2:30-3:30 pm : Visit Khailo Community and tea will be served by the Kailo Communiy Forest members.
3:30 pm : Drive to Thimphu

Rates for the campsites and other facilities provided are listed below.
Contact Numbers of the caretaker of Campsites/Guest house in Merak and Sakteng

Name Contact No. Location
Mr.Pema Tshering 17514979 Jonkharteng(Sakteng)
Mr.Sangay Tashi 17823146 Jonkharteng(Sakteng)
Mr.Tashi Phuntsho 17991965 Miksarteng(Sakteng)
Mr.Pema Gombu 17521403 Miksarteng(Sakteng)
Mr.Sangay Khandu Miksarteng(Sakteng)
Mr.Tshewang Tshering(Sakteng Gup) 17586173 Sakteng Gewog(Sakteng)
Mr.Yeshi Tshering 17967478 Sakteng Gewog(Sakteng)
Mr.Nima 1754787 Damnongchu (Merak)
Mr.Wangda 17452516 Merak guest house (Merak)

Contact number of the horse contractors
Name Contact number Location
Mr.Norbu 17818896 Chaling
Mr.Nagchung 17955282 Merak
Mr.Tshering Dakpa 17833669 Sakteng

Rate for facilities at Merak and Sakteng Eco-Tourism trail for tourist and it may
change as the services get improved.

Tourism services Services charges Total Remarks
Products and Services
Campsite fee(per tourist, per night) 250/- 250/-
Local guide(per day) 250/- 250/-
Local cook(per day) 200/- 200/-
Porter(maximum of 25 kgs) 150/- 150/- No return charges
Pack pony(maximum load of 50kgs) 300/- 300/- Return charges of 50% and 10% comission of the 300/-
Riding pony 450/- 600/- Return charges of 50% of the nu. 450 and nu.150 for horeman.

Optional products and services
Cultural performance(lump sum) 1000/- 1000/- Maximum of an hour.
Yak cham 1000/- 1000/-
Achi Lhamo cham 1000/- 1000/-
Fire wood(per bundle) 180/- 180/- Hard wood
Riding pony during village tour(per hour)260/- 260/- Horseman included
Hot stone bath(per wooden tub) 270/- 270/- Not yet ready

Contact Number of guides
Name Contact Number
Mr.Dorji Norbu 17834943
Mr.Sangay Wangdi 17614018
Mr.Pema Sonam 17635580

Note
• It’s mandatory for all the tour operators to use a local guide and a local cook. The local cook will be arranged by the campsite caretaker. Also note that the local guide should be informed in Advance.
• Any government official who uses these facilities should pay a minimum amount.
• These rates will apply till further notice.

Source: TCB

Route 1: Gasa to Tsharijathang
Day one: Thimphu to Gasa proper
Day two: Gasa to Koina
Day three: Koina to Laya (At least one day halt at Laya for acclimatization if needed)
Day four: Laya to Lemithang (Base of Gangchentag)
Day five: Lemithang to Tsharijathang

Route 2: Dodeyna to Tsharijathang
Day one: Dodeyna to Dolamkencho
Day two: Dolamkencho to Barshong
Day three: Barshong to Zhoduethang
Day four: Zhoduethang to Chazhithang (Lingzhi)
Day five: Chazhithang to Chebisa
Day six: Chebisa to Jagoedpassa
Day seven: Jagoedpassa to Tsharijathang

Route 3: Drugyel Dzong to Tsharijathang
Day one: Thimphu to Drugyel Dzong (Some tourists may opt to travel directly from Paro)
Day two: Drugyel Dzong to Shana
Day three: Shana to Thangthangka
Day four: Thangthangka to Jangothang (At least one day halt at Jangothang for acclimatization if needed)
Day five: Jangothang to Chazhithang (Lingzhi)
Day six: Chazhithang to Chebisa
Day seven: Chebisa to Jagoedpassa
Day Eight: Jagoedpassa to Tsharijathang

Route 4: Phajoding to Tsharijathang
Day one: Thimphu to Phajoding
Day two: Phajoding to Tsimkota
Day three: Tsimkota to Jhaney
Day four: Jhaney to Jimilangtsho
Day five: Jimilangtsho to Yusawongm
Day six: Yusawongm to Thangkana
Day seven: Thangkana to Walethang
Day Eight: Walethang to Jarodhingthang
Day Nine: Jarodhingthang to Chazhithang (Lingzhi)
Day Ten: Chazhithang to Chebisa
Day Eleven: Chebisa to Jagoedpassa
Day Twelve: Jagoedpassa to Tsharijathang

**Include 2 days halt at Tsharijathang for the festival (9-10 June 2011).

Tour operators and tourists can chose the entry and exit routes based on which total number of travel and halt days for the entire trip can be calculated.

DETAILS OF THE ROUTES INCLUDING ATTRACTIONS

Route 1: Gasa to Tsharijathang

Thimphu to Gasa proper
No. of hours: Eight hours leisurely drive with rests on the way
Attractions: Visit to Chimilhakang, Punakha Dzong
• View of many major peaks (Mt. Gangkar Puensum, Mt. Matsangang, and Table Mountain) from Dochula Pass
• Druk Wangyel chortens (108) and temple at Dochula Pass
• Visit to Royal Botanical Park, Lamperi
• Visit to Chimi Lhakang, and Punakha Dzong
• Drive through the warm broadleaved forest and cool broadleaved forest
• Bird watching and mammal sightings
• Khailo Community Forest
• Yemina Community Forest
• Visit to the Park Head Office, Damji, Gasa
• (only for return journey: Gasa tshachhu and medicinal baths)

Gasa to Koina
No. of hours: Eight hours leisurely walk
Passes to cross: Balela (3, 600 m)
Attractions:
• Visit to Gasa Dzong
• Walk through the mixed coniferous forest and rhododendrons
• Bird watching and mammal sightings (Red panda and pheasants)
• (only for return journey: Gasa tshachhu and medicinal baths)

Koina to Laya
No. of hours: Eight hours leisurely walk
Attractions:
• Visit the community of Laya
• Walk through the mixed coniferous forest & spruce forest
• Bird watching and mammal sightings
• View of Mt. Matsangang
• View of Rocky mountain and cliff

Laya to Lemithang
No. of hours: Six hours leisurely walk
Attractions:
• Walk through the mixed coniferous forest & spruce forest
• Bird watching and mammal sightings (Musk deer & Himalayan black bear)
• View of Mt. Gangchentag
Lemithang to Tsharijathang
No. of hours: Eight hours leisurely walk
Pass to cross: Shinjela (5,000 m)
Attractions:
• Walk through the alpine meadows and alpine flowers
• Bird watching and mammal sightings (Blue sheep, snow leopard, takin and marmot)
• View of glacier lake at the base of Mt. Gangchentag
• Alpine flowers
• Close up view of Mt. Gangchentag
• View of yaks and yak herders’ camps
• Ruined Dzong and mineral licks

Route 2: Dodeyna to Tsharijathang

Dodeyna to Dolamkencho
No. of hours: Seven hours leisurely walk
Attractions:
• Walk through the mixed oak and coniferous forest
• Bird watching and mammal sightings (Tiger, Leopard, Red panda, Satyr tragopan, Monal pheasant, and Himalayan black bear)
• Visit to Chari and Tango Monastery
• View of yaks and yak herders’ camps

Dolamkencho to Barshong
No. of hours: Nine hours leisurely walk
Attractions:
• Walk through the mixed oak and coniferous forest
• Bird watching and mammal sightings (Red panda, Satyr tragopan, monal pheasant, blood pheasants and Himalayan black bear)
• Visit to the community of Barshong
• Ruined Barshong Dzong

Barshong to Zhoduethang
No. of hours: Nine hours leisurely walk
Attractions:
• View of Mt. Ritsabu
• Walk through Juniper and fir forest
• Visit to Zhabdrung Ney
• Overlapping habitat of Snow leopard and Tiger at Thankana

Zhoduethang to Chazhithang (Lingzhi)
No. of hours: 10 hours walk
Pass to cross: Yalila (4,942 m)
Attractions:
• Walk through alpine meadows
• Occasional sightings of snow leopard and blue sheep
• Interaction with yak herders
• View of lake Yalila Kamtsho, lake Geduetsho, and lake Gagommatsho

Chazhithang to Chebisa
No. of hours: 6 hours
Attractions:
• Visit to Mesiyul village and see medicinal plant plantations
• Visit to Lingzhi Dzong and Community School
• Visit to community of Gangyuel
• Visit to Medicinal plants drying house

Chebisa to Jagoedpassa
No. of hours: 8 hours
Pass to cross: Gugula (4,443 m)
Attractions:
• Visit to the community Chebisa village
• Visit to Jagoed Dzong
• Walk through the alpine meadows and juniper and fir forest
• Bird watching and mammal sightings (Himalayan Griffon and large herds of blue sheep, occasional sighting of snow leopard)
• View of Mt. Nyelila, Mt. Jhomolhari, Mt. Tsherimgang, and Mt. Jichudrakey

Jagoedpassa to Tsharijathang
No. of hours: 8 hours
Pass to cross: Jarila (4,700 m)
Attractions:
• Walk through the alpine meadows
• Bird watching and mammal sightings (Himalayan Griffon and large herds of blue sheep, occasional sighting of snow leopard, Himalayan marmot)
• Alpine flowers
• View of Mt. Shinjela, Mt. Gangphu, and Mt. Ganchentag
• View of yak herder camps
• View of Tsharijathang mud flat

Route 3: Drugyel Dzong to Tsharijathang

Thimphu to Drugyel Dzong
No. of hours: Three hours leisurely drive with sight seeing
Attractions:
• Visit to Paro Rinpung Dzong, National Museum, and Drugyel Dzong ruin
• Visit to Paro Town, Kichhu Lhakang and Tachog Lhakang
• Camp behind Drugyel Dzong

Drugyel Dzong to Shana
No. of hours: Six hours of leisurely walk
Attractions:
• Visit the Park Range Office at Soe Mitsizam
• Walk along the unpaved road for an hour
• Walk along the serene, cultivated valley of Tsentog geog and blue pine forest
• Camp at Shana camp site (2,745 m)

Shana to Thangthangka
No. of hours: Eight hours of leisurely walk
Attractions:
• Walk through the thick forest of oak, bamboo thickets, and mixed conifer forest. Patches of Betula and Larix along the Patchu River can also be seen.
• Walk along the serene, cultivated valley of Tsentog geog and blue pine forest
• Camp at Thangthanka camp site (3,575 m)

Thangthangka to Jangothang
No. of hours: Six hours of leisurely walk
Attractions:
• Walk through fir forest.
• View of alpine meadows where yaks graze in harmony with blue sheep.
• View of the full glory of Mt. Jhomolhari, Mt. Jichudrakey, and Mt. Tsherimgang.
• Visit the communities of Soe Geog, under Thimphu Dzongkhag
• Camp at Jangothang camp site (4,268 m)

Jangothang to Chazhithang (Lingzhi)
No. of hours: Eight hours walk
Pass to cross: Nyelila (4,890 m)
Attractions:
• Walk through alpine meadows, with gentle ascend to Nyelila pass
• View of the full glory of Mt. Jhomolhari, Mt. Jichudrakey, and Mt. Tsherimgang.
• Alpine flowers & mammals (Himalayan marmot)
• Camp at Chazhithang camp site (4,200 m)

Chazhithang to Chebisa (refer to Route no. 2)
Chebisa to Jagoedpassa (refer to Route no. 2)
Jagoedpassa to Tsharijathang(refer to Route no. 2)

Route 4: Phajoding to Tsharijathang (Trek of many alpine lakes)

Thimphu to Phajoding
No. of hours: Six hours of leisurely walk
Attractions:
• Walk through blue pine forest
• Bird’s eye view of Thimphu town
• Visit to Phajoding monastery
• Bird watching and mammal sighting
• Rhododendrons and other flowers

Phajoding to Tsimkota
No. of hours: Seven hours of leisurely walk
Attractions:
• Walk through stunted alpine rhododendrons and alpine meadows
• View of Thujidrag monastery
• Bird watching (monal pheasants and blood pheasants)

Tsimkota to Jhaney
No. of hours: Six hours of leisurely walk
Attractions:
• Walk through stunted alpine rhododendrons and alpine meadows
• View of lake Tsimkotatsho
• Bird watching (monal pheasants and blood pheasants)

Jhaney to Jimilangtsho
No. of hours: Six hours of leisurely walk
Attractions:
• Walk through stunted alpine rhododendrons and alpine meadows
• View of lake Jimilantsho, lake Jhaneytsho and lake Labatsho
• Bird watching (monal pheasants and blood pheasants)

Jimilangtsho to Yutsawongm
No. of hours: Six hours of leisurely walk
Pass to cross: Yusala
Attractions:
• Walk through stunted alpine rhododendrons and alpine meadows
• View of lake Tshotsumthoe and lake Rokhishisatsho
• Bird watching (monal pheasants, blood pheasants, and Tibetan snow cock)
Yutsawongm to Thangkana
No. of hours: Six hours of leisurely walk
Pass to cross: Shakimla
Attractions:
• Walk through juniper forest
• View of alpine flowers (Meconopsis horridula)

Thangkana to Walethang
No. of hours: Six hours of leisurely walk
Attractions:
• Walk through sub alpine forest and alpine meadows
• View of alpine flowers (Aconitum arocryseum, Rheum nobile & Picorrhiza kurroa)
• View of lake Gunglayumtsho (turquoise lake)

Walethang to Jarodhingthang
No. of hours: Six hours of leisurely walk
Pass to cross: Leydeila
Attractions:
• Walk through sub alpine forest and alpine meadows
• Possibility of seeing Snow leopard, blue sheep, and Himalayan marmot

Jarodhingthang to Chazhithang (Lingzhi) – same as Zhoduethang to Chazhithang on Route no. 2
Chazhithang to Chebisa – (ref. Route no. 2)
Chebisa to Jagoedpassa – (ref. Route no. 2)
Jagoedpassa to Tsharijathang – (ref. Route no. 2)

June 9-10, 2011: Festival at Tsharijathang
Attractions:
• Witness the largest congregation of takins at Tsharijathang, the summer habitat and breeding habitat.
• Witness the courtship, mating, and social behavior of the takin
• Firsthand experiences and witness of the lifestyles, livelihood, and cultures of yak herders in the uplands.
• Information on conservation significance of Jigme Dorji National Park, and overall information on Bhutan’s conservation policy and overall GNH philosophy of development.
• Yak and horse riding experiences
• Hot stone baths
• Sleeping in yak-hair tents
• Participate in traditional dances and sports of yak herders
• Taste and buy traditional herbal medicines, including Chinese caterpillar (Cordyceps)
• Taste yak herders’ cuisines
• Smell and buy upland aromatic incense

Low Season discount
The Low season discount presently existing for the months of January, June and July will be discontinued to promote Bhutan as an “all- year- round” destination.

Seasonal Royalty discounts:

1. Low Season months (January, June & July): USD 55
2. High Season months (Other than above 3 months): USD 65

Timeline: Effective 1st July 2011, there will be no low season months.

Royalty for Children

To encourage family trips, royalty for children below 12 years will be waived off. The age of the child will be verified from their passport and should be below 12 years at the time of their visit.

Timeline: Effective 1^st July 2011

 Tariff revision

 The tariff would be revised to USD 250/- per night with equivalent service to be provided (e.g. entrance to attractions, cultural shows etc).

Changes to the package construct and any additional mandatory service will be communicated at a later date with sufficient notice to the industry

 Time line: Effective 1^st January 2012 in line with mandatory implementation of minimum standards especially minimum 3 star accommodation to be provided.

 Agent commission

 Agent commission of 10% to continue as part of the minimum mandated floor price of USD 250/-

 FIT surcharge

 The surcharge will continue as per existing regulations for single and double pax.

USD 40.00 for 1 pax per night

USD 30.00 for 2 pax per night

Duration discount: TCB/ABTO-05/2165 dated 30th July 2010

9^th– 14^th Night:                       50% of the Royalty (USD 32.50 during the peak season and USD 27.50 during lean season) 

1. From 15^th Night onwards:   Royalty will be waived from 15th night onwards up to the maximum duration permissible as per the immigration Act 2006.
2. The above-mentioned discounts will be treated as one discount not separately (Both applicable)

 Timeline: Effective 5^th August 2010.

  Mandatory package disclosure to all stakeholders including international operators, tourists, TCB across all channels – print and online, to be implemented with immediate effect.

 This includes: -      

• Itinerary

 A detailed itinerary must be agreed upon in advance and communicated. Changes in the itinerary must be mutually agreed with the clients and informed to the Secretariat, TCB. Information on transfers should also be clearly communicated in the itinerary.

• Accommodation

Type of accommodation and star rating being provided must be communicated to the clients. (As soon as the star ratings are finalised and announced). Basic information with the level of services must also be communicated for other categories of accommodation such as lodges, farm stays or community lodges. If required photographs of the establishment must be provided.

 Guide services

Only certified guides are to be provided to the clients and in the future the level of guide must also be indicated. Special qualifications such as foreign language skills, expert knowledge is specific fields must also be communicated. As far as possible the name, photograph and Guide license copy of the guide accompanying the client(s) should be provided prior to the visit.

Meal Plan

Since the package is all inclusive, clear information on meals should be provided taking into consideration the areas being visited as per the agreed itinerary.

 -         Breakfast: American/English, Continental, Regional or Local

 -         Lunch: Picnic, Buffet/Set or A la carte with provision for specific requests such as vegan, vegetarian etc. Indication of the number of courses must be given for each of the above types.

 -         Dinner: Buffet/Set or A la carte with provision for specific request such as vegan, vegetarian etc. Indication of the number of courses must be given for each of the above types.

 Information on other dining options especially in the urban areas must also be provided and provision should be made for clients to eat out on their own. In such cases, arrangements must be made with a number of restaurants to pay for the food (up to a certain limit) by the tour operator as part of the package.

  Transport

 The type of transport being provided must also be indicated, in terms of make, model and capacity. The vehicle must be driven by a licensed driver/chauffeur and must have comprehensive insurance.

   Extras

 Any additional services and entrance fees if provided.     

Cancellation policy

 The tour operations regulations (Being revised) provide a guideline for cancellations but tour operator’s must develop their own cancellation policy and inform and agree with their clients prior to the visit.

 Royalty Free Zones, Samdrup Jongkhar, Gelephu & Phuentsholing. *

This is to inform that following the 1st Meeting of the TCB and upon the announcement issued by TCB Secretariat via # TCB/DG/20(b)/1845, Samdrup Jongkhar and Gelephu have been approved/declared as royalty free zones both for entry and exit for transit purposes only w.e.f. 1^st May 2010.

The following conditions will apply:

1. Transit means one night halt each for entry and exit. Halts longer than one night will not be considered as transit and the royalty will apply for the duration of the halt.
2. Royalty free means that only the royalty is waived, the balance payment will have to be deposited with the secretariat, TCB as per rules. *This will apply for all royalty free zones including Phuentsholing, which will continue as per existing regulations for one way only (Either entry or Exit).
3. To avail the royalty waiver tourists have to be hosted in TCB approved accommodation within municipal boundaries.

 Merak & Sakten Special Fee/ Permits: NRED/ECS-14/2010/153 dated 28^th September 2010.

Starting 1^st October 2010, Special Fee of Nu. 1,000.00 (Ngultrum One Thousand) will be levied per tourist per visit (trip).

The fee can be paid to the Nature Recreation and Ecotourism Division (NRED), when availing the park permit a prerequisite to visit the park.

 NEGATIVE LIST

 As per the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs, henceforth tourists visiting Dzongs and Lhakhangs NOT listed in the following negative list are not required to process for permits (special permits) with Department of Culture, with immediate effect. DCP/42/2010/010 dated 3rd September 2010.

 Restricted Lhakhangs (Temples) and Religious sites (Nyes) for Tourists: -

1. Goenkhangs, Lhamoi Nyekhangs, Zhidai Nyekhangs, Zakhangs, Sungkhor Lhakhangs, Gyelkhangs and Tsenkhangs at all Dzongs, Lhakhangs and religious sites.
2. Nye of Singye Dzong, Nye of Rinchen Bumpa, Nye of Bae yul Khenpa Jong.

Not allowed to go beyond Kurtoe Tak Pang army camp.

1. Phu Nying Lha Nye not allowed from 20^th day of the 4^th Bhutanese month to 8^th Bhutanese month.
2. Rangung Karsapani Lhakhang, Tshe Zim and Ma Chen Zimkhang in Punakha Dzong and Sang Ngad Choeling in Talo. 
3. Not allowed to go beyond Jomo Kukhar’s Nye in Merak Gewog in Trashigang Dzongkhag. 
4. Dechenphu Lhakhang in Thimphu Dzongkhag not allowed but will be allowed only during the Dechenphu Tsechu till the courtyard. 
5. Aja Nye in Mongar Dzongkhag will not be allowed for tourists from the 15^th day of the 4^th Bhutanese month to 15^th day of the 8^th Bhutanese month.

Bumthang Dzongkhag: -

1.  Khe Chu Phu above Tharpaling Lhakhang in Chumi Gewog not allowed from 4^th to 9^th Bhutanese month.
2. Not allowed to go beyond Drak Lhakhang in Upper Tang Gewog from 3^rd to 9^th Bhutanese month.
3. La Tsho above the Kuenzang Drak Lhakhang not allowed to visit, from 3^rd to 8^th Bhutanese month.

 ATTENTION:

A)     Tourist visiting lhakhangs and religious sites should wear appropriate attire. All guides are advised to inform their tourist prior to making the visits accordingly.

B)     If religious ceremonies are being conducted coinciding with your tourists’ visit to Dzongs and Lhakhangs, all are kindly requested to maintain silence.

C)     Should any problems arise between the tourists and the caretakers, responsibility shall be on the Guides.

 D)    For filming inside the Dzongs and Lhakhangs and photography inside the lhakhangs, separate approval has to be sought from Department of Culture.

Mark your calendar and save the date for the Haa Summer Festival on 9th and 10th July, 2011. The
festival is one of the most special events organized in the enchanted valley of Haa which was opened to
tourists only in 2002.

Download:

1. Haa Summer Festival Brochure
2. Show casing the rich alpine flowers, folklore and culture
3. Haa Summer Tentative Festival program 9-10th July

The following conditions will apply:

Transit means one night halt each for entry and exit.
• Halts longer than one night will not be considered as transit and the royalty will apply for the duration of the halt.
• Royalty free means that only the royalty is waived, the balance payment will have to be deposited with the secretariat, TCB as per rules. This will apply for all royalty free zones including Phuentsholing, which will continue as per existing regulations for one way only (Either entry or Exit).
• To avail the royalty waiver tourists have to be hosted in TCB approved accommodation within municipal boundaries.

East Asia and the Pacific, Asia, the Middle East and Africa are forecasted to record growth at rates of over 5% year, compared to the world average of 4.1%.

The more mature regions of Europe and the Americas are anticipated to show lower than average growth rates. Europe will maintain the highest share of world arrivals, although will be a decline from 60 per cent in 1995 to 46 percent in 2020.

Long-haul travel worldwide will grow faster, at 5.4 per cent per year over the period 1995-2020, than intraregional travel, at 3.8 per cent. Consequently the ratio between intraregional and long-haul travel will shift from around 82:18 in 1995 to close to 76:24 in 2020.

2010 – A “year of transformation”
Overall economic indicators also suggest an increasingly solid basis to regain optimism. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) stated at the beginning of this year that the global recovery is occurring “significantly” faster than expected. Against this backdrop UNWTO forecasts growth in international tourist arrivals of between 3% and 4% in 2010. By region, Asia is expected to continue showing the strongest rebound, while Europe and the Americas are likely to recover at a more moderate pace. Growth is expected to return at a stronger pace also to the Middle East while Africa will continue its positive trend benefiting from the extra boost provided by the2010 FIFA World Cupin South Africa. As a result, 2010 while still being a demanding year, promises to be a ‘year of transformation’.
On the negative side, unemployment is expected to continue rising with economic growth still fragile in major source markets, especially in Europe and the USA. Furthermore, oil prices remain volatile and taxes might rise to balance public accounts. Non-economic challenges also continue. On the one hand, security threats and the potential of increased related hassle and costs for travelers remain. On the other, experience from previous pandemics shows that the evolution of theH1N1 influenza still poses uncertainty. While these factors will do little to increase tourism demand, consumer confidence, so crucial for tourism growth, seems to be picking up, while interest rates and inflation are expected to remain low, easing perspectives for tourism businesses

grew significantly, often with the support of specific government measures. This was the case amongmany other countries, of Brazil, China and Spain, where the domestic
market, representing a large share of the total, contributed to partially offsetting the decline in international tourism.

2010 – A “year of transformation”
Overall economic indicators also suggest an increasingly solid basis to regain optimism. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) stated at the beginning of this year that the global recovery is occurring “significantly” faster than expected. Against this backdrop UNWTO forecasts growth in international tourist arrivals of between 3% and 4% in 2010. By region, Asia is expected to continue showing the strongest rebound, while Europe and the Americas are likely to recover at a more moderate pace. Growth is expected to return at a stronger pace also to the Middle East while Africa will continue its positive trend benefiting from the extra boost provided by the2010 FIFA World Cupin South Africa. As a result, 2010 while still being a demanding year, promises to be a ‘year of transformation’.
On the negative side, unemployment is expected to continue rising with economic growth still fragile in major source markets, especially in Europe and the USA. Furthermore, oil prices remain volatile and taxes might rise to balance public accounts. Non-economic challenges also continue. On the one hand, security threats and the potential of increased related hassle and costs for travelers remain. On the other, experience from previous pandemics shows that the evolution of theH1N1 influenza still poses uncertainty. While these factors will do little to increase tourism demand, consumer confidence, so crucial for tourism growth, seems to be picking up, while interest rates and inflation are expected to remain low, easing perspectives for tourism businesses and bringing some relief to households. In this context, there is scope for a revival among source markets which were hard hit in 2009 such as the Russian Federation or the UK. This could be further leveraged by the fact that a slump is generally followed by a rebound due to pent-up demand. Destinations are expected to actively factor in this opportunity, together with stakeholders maintaining the momentum of the spirit of cooperation and partnership bred by the crisis. The tourism sector is starting 2010 on a stronger basis, having proven flexible in dealing with rapid shifts in demand and volatile market conditions. On a long term perspective, the crisis provided an opportunity to address underlying structural weaknesses and decision takers can seize the opportunity to implement strategies fostering sustainable development and the transformation to the Green Economy. Although recovery seems to be on track, it is important to remain vigilant. “Many countries were quick in reacting to the crisis and actively implemented measures to mitigate its impact and stimulate recovery. Although we expect growth to return in 2010, a premature withdrawal of these stimulus measures and the temptation to impose extra taxes may jeopardize the pace of rebound in tourism. As highlighted in the UNWTO Roadmap for Recovery (see page 9), the sector can make a vital contribution to economic recovery, particularly as a primary vehicle for job creation and the transformation to the Green Economy. But to do so we need serious global policies that are supportive of tourism said Mr. Rifai.

Source: World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) www.unwto.org

The magazine features tourism related travelogue with an added emphasis on culture, travel destinations, hot spots, and snippets. It should raise labels and have a social-infotainment element to it too in the form of human stories, features without straying from the travel theme. Additional supplements in the form of advertorials, infomercials and catalogues will be a valued addition. The core focus of The Pilgrim will be on the Bhutanese tourism sector and their role and impact along with the socio-cultural and economic make-up reflecting the ‘tourism-situation’ and ‘condition’ of the country. Stories will focus on but not be limited to:

- The impact of global pop culture.
- Tourism hot spots and travel trends.
- Emerging potentials (opening up of new sectors).
- Model/Inspirational stories related to or influenced/affected by tourism
- Bridge the gap between tradition and modernity.
- Issues reflecting the season and the potential therein.