Bhutan wins award for ‘Outstanding Destination Excellence’ at the 18th National Geographic Traveler China awards ceremony
Bhutan Wins Award for ‘Outstanding Destination Excellence’
At the 18th National Geographic Traveler China Awards Ceremony
(Thimphu, January 15, 2024): Bhutan has been honored with the ‘Outstanding Destination Excellence Award’ at the 18th National Geographic Traveler China Golden Awards Ceremony, marking the first award Bhutan has received in the China market.
The awards ceremony took place on December 28th, 2023, at the ZHENGDA Center in Beijing and acknowledged outstanding accomplishments in travel, hospitality, lifestyle, and destinations.
Award Selection Process
The winners were determined based on three key criteria:
Destinations that gained significant traveler attention in 2023.
Destinations playing a vital role in international relations.
Destinations excelling in sustainable development and cultural heritage.
This award solidifies Bhutan’s position as a leading travel destination for Chinese travelers seeking environmental consciousness and cultural immersion.
About National Geographic Traveler
National Geographic Traveler is a globally renowned magazine dedicated to responsible and sustainable travel. It encourages travelers to explore the world while being mindful of their environmental impact. The Chinese edition of the magazine will publish a special article on WeChat covering this award ceremony.
Social Media Influence
National Geographic Traveler China has:
Over 220,000 followers on WeChat.
Over 1.74 million followers on Weibo.
“We are delighted and thrilled by Bhutan’s triumph in being awarded the National Geographic Traveler Magazine’s 2023 18th Golden Award for Outstanding Destination Excellence. This esteemed accolade not only underscores Bhutan’s unwavering dedication to delivering unparalleled travel experiences but also serves as a testament to the nation’s distinctive allure.”
– Dorji Dhradhul, Director General of the Department of Tourism
About the Department of Tourism
The Department of Tourism of Bhutan promotes sustainable tourism in Bhutan, guided by the principles of high-value, low-volume tourism. It aims to showcase Bhutan’s remarkable places, people, and experiences to conscious travelers.
Bhutan Believe
Bhutan’s national brand, “Bhutan Believe”, represents the country’s commitment to a better future. The tagline signifies belief in Bhutan’s future, opportunities, and cultural values.
Visa and Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
All visitors (except those from Bangladesh, Maldives, and India) must obtain a visa before traveling to Bhutan. The visa processing takes approximately five days.
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is USD 100 per person per night.
A non-refundable visa application fee of USD 40 applies.
Indian visitors pay an SDF of Nu/INR 1,200 per person per night.
The SDF supports Bhutan’s cultural, environmental, health, and educational projects. More information is available at: www.bhutanonlinevisa.com
Bhutanese wedding tour
Highlight: Lavish Bhutan wedding with sacred religious traditional blessing, photography, Bhutanese traditional costumes, blessing by buddhist masters, special ceremony in a sacred ancient temple.Bhutan tour and wedding photography.
Description : Bhutan has a unique cultural heritage which has its roots in Buddhism. The Bhutanese people have successfully kept its culture and traditions intact until this day.
Spirituality exists in everyday life of Bhutanese people, therefore in Bhutan a wedding is a celestial union of mind, body and soul of two people. Bhutan has became one of the most popular wedding country now, with celebrities and some of the most popular people visiting Bhutan to have their blessed wedding vows in Bhutan.
One of the most renowned person who got proposed and got married in Bhutan is Dew Aung San Su kyi at Tigers nest temple, Hong kong celebrities Carina Lau and Tony Leung Chiu Wai and the list goes on.
Wedding Location : Wedding can be an ancient temple temple ( 1000 year sold sacred temple/shrine ), Resort in or 300 years old heritage Bhutanese home.
Location tours: Thimphu (capital ), Paro valley and Punakha valley.
TOUR OVERVIEW
Day 1: Arrive Bhutan – Thimphu
Day 2: Thimphu sightseeing
Day 3: Wedding & Photography
Day 4: Thimphu – Punakha
Day 5: Punakha – Paro
Day 6: Tiger’s nest monastery hike
Day 7: Departure
DETAILED TOUR PROGRAM
Day 01: Arrive Bhutan
Drive to Thimphu. Distance: 54 km.
Estimated driving time: 1 hr
Altitude 2248 meters
Fly into Paro, the great snow-capped peaks of the inner Himalayas rise up to the heavens can be seen during clear weather. As the plane approaches Bhutan, if you look down farmhouses as dots on the hillsides can be seen.
As the aircraft enters the Paro valley, you will see Paro Dzong on the hillside overlooking the Paro Chu (river), with Ta Dzong, formerly a watch tower and now the National Museum, above it.
You will be received by the representative of Bhutan, who will be your Bhutan travel guide throughout your tour.
Visit the following:
Ta Dzong built in the 17th century as a watchtower for the Paro Dzong. This dzong was converted into the National museum in 1967 and is filled with antique thankha paintings, textiles, weapons and amour.
Rinpung Dzong built in 1645 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. The Dzong is now being used as an administration centre and school for monks.
Drive to Kuensel Phodrang and take a short leisure hike to the Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park and enjoy the full view of Thimphu Valley below.
Visit Buddha Point and offer your prayers to the largest Buddha statue in the country and walk around to enjoy the great view of Thimphu valley below.
National Memorial Chorten, chorten literally means ‘ seat of faith’ and Buddhists often call such monuments the ‘Mind of Buddha’. Meet the elderly generation in circumambulation at the National Memorial Chorten.
Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.
Day 02: Thimphu Sightseeing
After breakfast Thimphu sightseeing’s includes the following:
The Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts.
Visit Changankha Lhakhang. (Changankha Lhakhang is one of the spiritual and most important temple in Thimphu.
Takin Preserve which houses the national animal- takin which is found only in Bhutan. Takin is a extremely rare member of goat family.
Craft Bazaar where artisans and craftsmen from across the country come to sell their products.
Centenary Farmers’ Market (open from Thursday to Sunday) where farmers sell their farm produces.
After 5 PM we will visit the Tashichho Dzong, “the fortress of the glorious religion”.
This is the centre of government and religion, site of the monarch’s throne room and seat of the Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in the 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plan.
Night halt in Thimphu.
Day 03: Wedding and photoshoot.
Today we will dress up the couple in exotic Bhutanese costumes and prepare them for the wedding. We will then drive to one of the holiest shrines in Thimphu and make the vow arrangements;
The Head monk will preside over the rituals and offer the scarves to the couples. “Bhutanese wedding is much more than an exchange of vows and rings.
It includes a number of religious rites performed by Buddhist monks and lamas. This represents the importance of the bond between two people. This ceremony is also used for renewing marriage vows.
The actual wedding ceremony and blessings for a lifetime of love and happiness takes place at home. This is followed by visits to sacred temples to make more offerings.
Lhabsang purification : The ceremony begins with a ritual in the morning performed by the monks before arriving at the temple.
Butter lamp : Butter lamps are lit inside the temple as an offering to the deities. Before lighting the lamps the bride and groom have to prostate six times; three times to the head monk and three times to the main alter.
Thrisor : Thrisor is a rite of purification and cleansing that is performed by the head monk at the temple. This will clear your bodies, minds, and speech of all past sins
During the ceremony, monks recite mantras and offer fumigation outside the temple to please the local deities. Bhutanese believe that only if the local deities are pleased we can have their blessing and enjoy good health and wealth.
The fumigation is to please their sense of smell and grains added to the fumigation are to quell their hunger. Inside the temple butter lamps are lit and prostrations done. The butter lamps are an offering of light to deities and the most common means of increasing merit.
Changphoe : The offering to the gods and deities in a form of liquor. After an offering is made to the deities, the liquor (ara) will then be served to the bride and the groom in a traditional wooden phop. (cup), which they will share. This symbolises the faith and everlasting bond the husband and the wife will share for the rest of their lives.
Tsephamey Choko : Tsephamey Choko is a long ritual that is performed in honor of Tsepamey; the God of longevity. It is performed by the head monk to give you a long and happy life together. It is followed by the bride and groom being blessed by the head monk.
Zhugdrey Phunsum Tshogpa : Food and drinks are now offered to deities and the people at the ceremony. This represents unity, wealth, and glory, and in no way should be refused. Normally oranges are used, as they are attractive, taste good, and represent unity. As well, the actual fruit is protected under a layer of skin, which symbolizes security and protection.
Dhar Nayanga : This is the last part of a Bhutanese wedding. Five colored scarves are given to the bride and groom as well as wishes for a happy, prosperous, and everlasting marriage
In addition to these traditions, the bride and groom should be wearing traditional Bhutanese costumes to show respect for this sacred ceremony. This means that the bride will wear a Kira and the groom will wear a Gho.
Option: After the wedding we will drive to the Bhutan post office and take photo to make Stamps of the wedding, which us usable in any part of the world.
We will be driving to some of the best spots in Capital (Temples, mountain side and other beautiful landscapes to take photo of the couple who will be dressed colorfully.
In the evening we will have dinner in one of the Heritage Farmhouse/or simply Bhutan restaurant in Thimphu and also a private 1 hour cultural program will be organized for the married couple.
The beautiful day will finish with great Bhutanese authentic food and traditional Bhutanese Ara/Wine.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 04: Thimphu-Punakha.
Altitude: 1,300 meters
Distance: 71 km
Estimated driving time: 2 1/2 hrs
Sightseeing and Photo shoot at the Dochula Mountain pass (Half day photo shoot )
After breakfast, travel to Punakha through Dochula Pass (3,088m/10,130ft). If you have a clear sky, the view of the Himalayan Mountain ranges spectacular and you can even see the Gasa Dzong as a white dot in the horizon.
Visit the beautiful 108 chortens built on the hill by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo for the security and well being of His Majesty the King of Bhutan. Travel onto Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan and presently the winter residence of the central monk body.
Visit the Punakha Dzong, located on the island of the Pho – Chu (male) river and the Mochu (female) river. Evening, walk through the Metshina Village and take a 20 minute walk through the rice fields to the Devine Madman’s Monastery-Chhimi Lhakhang, famously known for its fertility shrine, where one can receive a special fertility blessing .
Overnight at a hotel in Wangdue/Punakha.
Day 04: Punakha -Paro
Distance: 110 km
Estimated driving time: 3:30 Min.
After breakfast, we will drive to Paro. Visit Kichu temple, one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo.
The story goes that a giant demon lay across the whole area of Tibet and the Himalayas and was preventing the spread of Buddhism. To overcome her King Songtsen Gampo decided to build 108 temples, which would be placed on all the points of her body. Of these 108 temples, 12 were built in accordance with precise plans.
Thus, it happened that in about the year 638 AD the temple of Jokhang in Lhasa was built over the very heart of the demon.
In the afternoon stop in Paro town and visit some of the popular coffer house and relax.
Night halt in Paro
Day 06: Hike to Taktsang monastery
After breakfast, drive up to the base camp of Taktsang and then hike up to the most famous Monastery in the entire kingdom of Bhutan perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. The hike to the viewpoint will take about an hour and it will take 2 hours to the monastery.
Lunch at the viewpoint or at Paro town. Later sightseeing in town and Kichu Lhakhang. The 1300 years old Jo Jampa Temple. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.
Day 07: Departure from Paro.
In the morning, your tour guide from Yelha Bhutan Tours & Travels (local Bhutan travel agent) will escort you to Paro International Airport for your departure.
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CORDYCEPS – Herbal medicines from Himalaya
Cordyceps is called as Dong chong xia cao 冬虫夏草 in Chinese, Yarsagumba in Tibetan and Bhutanese language and Đông trùng hạ thảo in Vietnamese.
Cordyceps Mushroom supplement comes from an Asian mushroom known as Cordyceps sinesis (C. sinesis) which sprouts from the body of dead caterpillar in the wild.
It is also known as the Himalayan Viagra “Yarsa gumba,” which translates as “winter worm, summer grass.
Cordyceps thrives only at altitudes above 3800 meters in the cold, grassy, alpine meadows on the mountainous Himalayan Plateau of Bhutan, India, Nepal, Tibet and the modern Chinese provinces of Sichuan, Gansu, Hubei, Zhejiang, Shanxi, Guizhon, Qinghai, and Yunnan
Origin of Cordyceps
It can only be found in the mountainous regions above 11,000 feet in Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan. Every year the price of the cordyceps increased due to increase in demand. A high value cordycep cost USD$ 10,000- USD$50,000 per Kilo.
Growth of Cordyceps
The fungus is the result of spores from C. sinensis entering the body of a live caterpillar while it is in the larval form of a large moth native to the region.
Upon infection from the spores, strands of filaments called “hyphae” begin to sprout from the spores that then lead to the death of the caterpillar.
The hyphae grow longer and more numerous and develop into a relatively large stalk-like fungal fruiting body that emerges from the insect’s carcass after having sapped the caterpillar’s body of all nutrients.
History of Cordyceps
Cordyceps sinensis has been described as a medicine in old Chinese medical books and Tibetan medicine. It has been used as food, medicine, poison, and in spiritual mushroom practices in religious rituals across the world since at least 5000 BC.
During the Beijing 1993 Olympics, the price of Cordyceps has skyrocketed. Rumour has it that Chinese government were buying up all the Cordyceps for their athletes.
It was found that there were no special training schemes or methods, but after each training session, every athlete would consume a special drink, which contained Cordyceps.
Health Benefits of Cordyceps.
1.Benefits of Cordyceps on Anti-Aging (senescence)
Traditionally, cordyceps has been used in the elderly population to improve weakness, impotence, and fatigue associated with aging.
Improvements in self-reported symptoms have been described, as have increases in red blood cell superoxide dismutase activity and decreases in malondialdehyde levels.
Other antioxidant effects, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, and decreases in lipid peroxidation are thought to be responsible for the antiaging effects, as well as effects on the adrenergic and dopamine systems. Increases in learning and memory have been shown in experiments.
2. Cordyceps helps fight Diabetes
Animal studies suggest cordyceps, particularly the polysaccharide extracts, and decreases blood glucose levels by improving glucose metabolism and enhancing insulin sensitivity.
Few clinical trials exist; however, 1 small (N = 20), randomized trial found that taking C. sinensis 3 g daily improved the blood sugar profile over placebo.
3. Cordyceps helps in treatment of Cancer
According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), cordyceps has antitumor, radioprotective, and antidiabetic effects. MSKCC cites a study in which cordyceps made the cancer medication cisplatin more toxic to lung cancer cells, and confirms that cordyceps can also help infection-fighting lymphocytes live longer, increase levels of T helper cells, reduce tumor cell proliferation and boost the activity of natural killer cells.
Finally, the medical center reports that some studies have shown that cordyceps has caused cancer symptoms to improve, in addition to helping patients better tolerate the rigors of chemotherapy.
4. Cordyceps helps in Sexual dysfunction
Cordyceps has long been prized in the Far East as a powerful stimulant that can help boost circulation, tone the liver and kidneys, increase physical stamina and of course, help men maintain a erection.
This ability seems to stem from the fungi’s blood vessel dilating properties which leads to better blood flow, especially to the genital areas.A Japanese clinical study has also found that Cordyceps helped 64% of the men who took it for their erectile dysfunction.
Researchers believe that this is due to the presence of deoxyadenosine and corycepic acid in the fungus. Both of these isolated constituents have been shown to help increase libido and desire in both sexes.
Abnormal blood circulation often occurs along with kidney disease. In this condition, cordyceps is a good choice, because it can improve the ability of marrow to produce blood platelets, red blood cells and white cells.
5. Cordyceps helps fight off Kidney Disease
What’s more, the biggest benefit of cordyceps for Chronic Kidney Disease patients is that it can help slow the progress of kidney disease, improve kidney function and reduce kidney damage. Therefore, this herbal medicine is indeed beneficial for most kidney patients.
6. Cordyceps helps protect the Heart
A number of research studies show that Cordyceps has potential for treating heart disease. It is approved in China to treat arrhythmia.
7. Cordyceps helps in better circulation and blood flow
Cordyceps sinensis flaunts a very diverse lin eup of nutrients that have been seen to have a positive effect to the overall function of the circulatory system.
That’s ’cause cordyceps contains a number of nucleosides like deoxyuridine, thymidine, hypoxanthine and adenosine which play a key role in producing energy and enhancing blood flow.
8. Cordyceps helps improve physical performance
Unpublished data on studies in elderly volunteers revealed increased energy levels and oxygen-carrying capacity following 6 weeks of cordyceps treatment over placebo.
9. Cordyceps helps protect against hepatic function
Hepatoprotective effects of cordyceps extracts have been demonstrated in animal models. Open-label clinical studies conducted in patients with active hepatitis and posthepatic cirrhosis reported improvements in liver function tests.
10. Cordyceps helps with breathing problems.
Sinensis have a stimulatory effect on ion transport in human airway epithelial cells, possibly because of cordycepin and adenosine. Animal studies suggest the observed effects on respiration are caused by enhanced oxygen utilization capacity, supporting the traditional use of cordyceps in Tibet and Nepal to offset altitude sickness.
Clinical studies conducted in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and bronchitis have suggested efficacy for cordyceps.
11. Cordyceps helps to reduces inflammation
Scientists at the University of Nottingham in Britain have been researching the potential of Cordyceps to reduce inflammation. While their research shows the fungus is effective at reducing inflammation at the cellular level
Ancient Traditional Use of Cordyceps.
Cordyceps tonifies Qi.
Cordyceps replenishes Yin and Yang Jing.
Cordyceps is used to strengthen the body and mind.
Cordyceps is believed in the Orient to have rejuvenation functions.
Based on the belief that Cordyceps replenishes Yin and Yang Jing, Cordyceps is believed in the Orient to have anti-aging functions.
Cordyceps is also a Lung* tonic.
Cordyceps is used for the purposes of strengthening the primal Kidney* functions, which include sexual functions, brain power, structural integrity and healing ability, according to traditional Chinese health theory.
Cordyceps can have a benefit in the vascular system.
Cordyceps improves the function of the micro-circulation and improves efficiency at the capillary level.
In ancient China this fungus was used exclusively in the Emperor’s Palace because of its scarcity. Approximately 5 grams were stuffed into the stomach of a duck and roasted until well cooked, then the Cordyceps was removed and the duck was slowly eaten, twice daily over a period of 8-10 days, this was thought to be as potent as 50 grams of Panax Ginseng.
The first written record of the Cordyceps mushroom comes from China. In the year 620 AD, at the time of Tang Dynasty (618 AD – 907 AD)
Grading of Cordyceps.
Cordcyeps are foudn in Asia (notably Nepal, China, Japan, Bhutan, Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand). Cordyceps species are particularly abundant and diverse in humid temperate and tropical forests.
Tibetan and Bhutanese cordyceps however are rare, precious and more effective.
Cordyceps of Bhutan are natural.
Bhutan cordcyeps are found at an elevation between 14,500 feet and 17,000 feet, just meters below the snow line. It appears annually and is harvested between the months of April and August in Bhutan.
Before the rainy season begins, spores of the Cordyceps mushroom settle on the heads of caterpillars’ that lives underground.
The fungus gets so much into the body of the caterpillars’ that it grows out through its head and drains all the energy from the insect and ultimately it dies.
Difference between Chinese and Bhutanese cordcyceps.
You can easily distinguish, Bhutan’s cordyceps from Tibetan and Chinese via the RED EYES, body color of cordcyeps and line particles shapes in the body.
The cordyceps has a long history in traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicines for its usage in ancient times.
Yet, the cordycep found in the mountains of Bhutan are significant with its Red Eyes serving unique herbal benefits that are not found elsewhere. Also in Bhutan only natural cordcyep are collected mountains from 3500 meters and above and Royal Government of Bhutan is very strict and issues special permits to collect and export cordyces.
Cordcyep from Bhutan are also 100% genuine and very rare.
Laboratory test of Bhutan Cordycep and Tibetean/Chinese cordycep :
The adenosine Bhutanese infusion of Red Eye Cordycep: 119mg/100g
The adenosine infusion of Tibetean/Chinese Cordycep: 85.5mg/100g
The weight and the largeness of the Red Eyes is prized and expensive in Bhutan.
Thus Bhutanese Cordcyeps have extra 33.5mg of adenosine infusion making its almost 33% more effective.
Cordcycep price in 2019 Royal Government of Bhutan, Ministry of Agriculture auction was ‘ the lowest grade D ( dust) US$ 6000 per kg & and the Super A++ size ( 2 pcs in a gram ) 50,000 per kg’
Note: Foreigners are not allowed in the Bhutan Government Cordycep auction, which is held every year on july-August. Only Bhutanese cordycep exporters with special permits are allowed to visit and take part in the auction.
Bhutan Cordyceps
Masutake Festival tour
Duration: 10 Days, 9 Nights. Locations: Thimphu, Paro valley, Punakha, Bumthang. Type of Tour: Organic farming/Cultural tour/Adventure. Highlight: Visit to Ura valley, take part in matsutake mushroom festival, visit central Bhutan, the Ta Dzong (National Museum), Punakha Dzong, Worlds tallest bronze Buddha statue, Tigers nest hike, Gangtey Gompa sightseeing, Bumthang valley.
Description: The most favored and the most expensive Mushroom in the World. Costing almost USD$ 2000 per kg in Japan.
The fabled wild Matsutake mushrooms of Bhutan. Prized by gourmets in Japan, this fungi is native to the forests of Ura valley in central Bhutan.
Ura valley is renowned for being one of the most picturesque valleys in the entire kingdom. Its inhabitants, the Uraps are a cheerful, hospitable people. Ura provides one of the most authentic experiences of traditional rural Bhutanese life available. At the festival, visitors learn to identify these fabled mushrooms as they embark on mushroom picking excursions around the pristine forests and hills.
They’ll be able to sample delicious Matsutake recipes, engage in songs and dances together with the locals, hike through the stunning Himalayan landscape and even relax in traditional open-air mineral baths –
