P R E S S R E L E A S E 12 Months of Celebrations: Visit Bhutan Year 2015 Berlin/Thimphu, 5. March 2015: The Royal Government of Bhutan has declared 2015 as ‘Visit Bhutan 2015’ year to commemorate the fourth King’s 60th birth anniversary. Bhutan’s fourth King His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck is accredited with initiating the concept of Gross National Happiness. ‘Visit Bhutan 2015’year will be accompanied with the tagline ‘Celebrate Happiness’. To commemorate the occasion, a host of special attractions, events and festivals will take place throughout 2015 in locations all over Bhutan. An official website ‐ www.visitbhutanyear.com ‐ for visitors has been set up in English, detailing the events, experiences, highlights and deals throughout the year. Gross National Happiness, which recently received international recognition represents Bhutan’s philosophy that prosperity results from happiness which the true development of society rather than economic growth. At ITB 2015 in Berlin, the tourism world is invited to join the Bhutanese in celebrating, and 16 travel and tourism industry representatives from Bhutan will present the wide range of tourist facilities in the country. Besides the numerous religious events, Bhutan also hosts a variety of theme based festivals, celebrating the country’s rich culture and arcane lifestyle. Some of the highlights: Rhododendron Festival 18–20 April 2015 The festival in Lamperi Botanical Garden, 35 km from Thimphu, celebrates the rhododendron flower and features the rhododendron garden walk and exhibition. The festival showcases different species that are in full bloom in their natural habitat. Of the 46 rhododendron species recorded in the country, 29 are found in Lamperi Botanical Park. Local culture and cuisines, arts and crafts are on display and visitors are invited to join traditional games, cultural programs, guided walks and other activities. Maximum Tree Plantation (A Guinness World Record attempt) 2 June 2015 Coinciding with the coronation of His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo (Dragon King) and the Social Forestry Day, 111 Bhutanese intend to plant 50,000 trees during one hour. This mass tree plantation event is an attempt to beat the current world record. www.tourism.gov.bt 1 Alpine Summer Festival 5/6 July 2015 Visitors can experience Bhutanese culture and the Bhutanese highland way of life in Haa. The program features mask dances, traditional Bhutanese folk songs and dances as well as archery, the national sport. Alpine flowers are displayed and samples of the unique and tasteful cuisine of Haa are available. Various homestay programs are also on offer for visitors who want to experience typical Bhutanese lifestyle and hospitality. Exhibition: a tribute to His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo ‐ a King of Destiny – July 2015 In honor of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo's 60th birth anniversary, the Royal Textile Academy I Textile Museum in Thimphu will host an exhibition 'A Tribute to His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo ‐ A King of Destiny. Mountain Echoes 19 –22 August 2015 The literary and cultural festival in Thimphu is dedicated to the 60th Birth Anniversary of the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. The festival will feature an eclectic group of writers from India and Bhutan sharing stories and experiences from the Himalayan region. Tour of the Dragon 5 September 2015 Considered one of the most challenging one‐day events in the world, the race covers 268 kilometers of absolutely stunning Himalayan landscapes as it takes cyclists from central to western Bhutan. Bikers traverse insuperable mountains, travel through pristine, virgin forests, over babbling streams and raging rivers of crystal clear water and across four high mountain passes. Set amid the high mountains of Bhutan, the race covers elevations ranging from 1,200‐3,340 meters. Much like the infamous Paris Roubaix, the Tour of the Dragon is a trial that no self‐respecting cyclist will want to pass up. Jomolhari Mountain Festival 8–10 October 2015 A two‐day event celebrated in Dangojang, District Paro, at the base of Mt. Jomolhari (7326 m high) by communities located along one of the most scenic trekking routes in Bhutan. The festival celebrates the culture of the mountain villages living in close contact with the natural wonders surrounding them – particular the elusive, yet elegant, snow leopard! This endangered cat thrives in the region; several camera‐trap photos and definite signs have established the region as one of the best snow leopard habitats in Bhutan. 60th Birthday Celebrations 11 November 2015 The day when His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the fouth King of Bhutan, turns sixty will be the culmination of the Bhutan festival year. To mark this occasion, every Dzongkhag in Bhutan will be www.tourism.gov.bt 2 celebrating the day with various cultural programs. In the capital, the celebrations are expected to take place at the Changlimithang Stadium with a variety of entertainment programs. Launch of the world's largest book ‐ the Great Fourth, a King of Destiny ‐ 11 November 2015 (A Guinness World Record attempt) Measuring 9mx6m with approximately 111 pages, the world's largest book '11‐11‐11' will be launched on 11 November in Thimphu to beat the current world record set in Dubai on a book on Koran that measures 5mx8.06m (l6.40ft x26.44ft), weighs 1,500 kg and consists of 429 pages. The book will have sandal wood covered by brocade that will give off a special fragrance every time one opens the book. The book's cover will be carved with traditional artwork portraying the picture of His Majesty, the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. Druk Wangyel Tshechu 13 December 2015 The Druk Wangyel Tshechu is a unique festival performed by the Royal Bhutan Army rather than monks or lay people. It is a tribute to the wise leadership of His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King of Bhutan. It also celebrates the continuous efforts of the Royal Bhutan Army in protecting the sovereignty and the stability of the country. This one of a kind Tshechu is performed against the backdrop of the magnificent Jigme Singye Wangchuck mountain range. Passed: Bhutan International Marathon ‐ 23 February 2015 I Venue: Gasa to Punakha The Bhutan International Marathon is an annual event organized by the Bhutan Olympic Committee. The marathon begins in Gasa and winds up at the Punakha Dzong. Athletes run a total of 26.2 miles or 42 kilometers through stunning landscape, spanning rich rural countryside, arcane settlements and lush vegetation. Of late, the event has started attracting athletes from all over the world. Downloads: Photos |Press Text Bhutan – Media Center: www.mkadvertising.de/Bhutan Photo credit: Tourism Council of Bhutan Press Information | Contact: mk Advertising . Travel . Public Relations Monika Blachian | Managing Director Hiltenspergerstr. 20 | 80798 Munich T +49‐89‐590 439 04 | F +49‐89‐516 568 94 blachian@mkadvertising.de www.mkadvertising.de Tourism Council of Bhutan
Thinley Wangdi | Marketing Officer P.O. Box 126 | Thimphu | Bhutan T +975‐2‐3232 51/52 | F +975‐2‐323695 twangdi@tourism.gov.bt www.tourism.gov.bt www.tourism.gov.bt 3