Saarclaw conference in Bhutan
Land of the Thunder Dragon
Law and Development - Bridging the Gap
Paro Dzong
11th SAARCLAW Conference
Paro, Bhutan
June 10-12, 2005
Bhutan
Bhutan - a world as soundless and magical as the moon - is the host for the
8th SAARC Chief Justices’ Meeting and the 11th SAARCLAW Conference.
This extra-ordinary mountain Kingdom lies in the heart of the Himalayan
mountain range. Bhutan is often referred to as the abode of the gods and
popularly known as the last Shangri-La. Eminent and experienced judges,
practitioners, legal scholars and all those persons affected by and share
concerns about the current developments in the SAARC region including
law students will meet in Paro between June 10 th to 12th, 2005 and deliberate
on the Conference topics specified below.
Conference Topics
Freedom of Expression
Media Laws
International Law
Anti-Money Laundering
Gross National Happiness and the Law
Globalization, WTO and Foreign Direct Investment
Supreme Court as arbiter under the Constitution
Constitutional Guarantees and Gender Justice
Contemporary Challenges in Family Law – Role of Courts
Courts and Digital Technology
Alternative Dispute Resolution – A Regional Perspective and
Combating Corruption
The Venue of the Conference
The venue of the Conference is Olathang Hotel, located at Paro, one of the
most beautiful and picturesque valleys in Bhutan, besides being a gateway to
the kingdom for those flying in by Druk Air the national air carrier. Scenes
from the film “Little Buddha” directed by Bernardo Bertolucci catapulted
Paro into international limelight.
Conference Hotels
Olathang Hotel:
Pelri Cottages:
Hotel Zoryangz:
Kichu Resort:
Pemaling Villa:
Mandala Resort:
From Nu: 2200
From Nu: 1800
From Nu: 1400
From Nu: 1800
From Nu: 1099
From Nu: 1200
Dechan Cottages:
Gangtey Palace:
AMAN Resorts:
UMA Resorts:
From Nu: 1300
From Nu: 1700
US$ 1,000 per night
US$ 1,500 per night
United States $1 is approximately equal to Bhutanese Ngultrum (Nu) 45/-.
Registration Fee
US$ 125 for delegates
US$ 100 for accompanying person
Includes: Conference Events and Sessions, Documentation and
Conference Meals
Travel:
Until 1964, the Kingdom of Bhutan was accessible only by foot across the
high mountain passes. The construction of road from Phuntsholing to
Thimphu and Paro made travel by car and bus possible. In the 1980s, an
international airport was constructed in Paro, 55 km from the capital
Thimphu.
Travel by Air
Bhutan’s national air carrier, Druk Air, operates several flights per week to
Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata and Kathmandu. The modern Airbus A-319 and
BAe 146 jets carry passengers through one of the most spectacular flight
paths in the world. A particular highlight is the stretch between Kathmandu
and Bhutan, where one passes five of the six highest mountains in the world.
Paro airport is “daylight restricted” and totally dependant on weather, flights
can sometimes be delayed or disrupted. Under such circumstances, the flight
halts the night at transit stations. In order to be prepared for such an event, it
is advised to carry essential personal items like medicines, toiletries,
minimum change etc. in the hand baggage.
Direct return economy flights by Druk Air, Royal Bhutan Airlines:
1. From Bangkok
2. From Delhi:
3. From Kolkata, and Kathmandu:
US$ 730
US$ 630
US$ 380
Current flight schedules for Druk Air are available at www.drukair.com.bt
and information pertaining to Bhutan at www.kuenselonline.com.
Travel by Road
The town of Phuntsholing in southwestern Bhutan is another border access
available to the visiting delegates. Phuntsholing lies approximately 170 km
east of the Indian domestic airport Bagdogra in the Indian state of West
Bengal. From here, begins a breathtaking mountain journey of almost
unbelievable beauty. The road leads from the Indian plains through endless
turns, hairpin bends and daring stretches carved into mountain rock via
Chhukha (site of Hydro-power project) to Paro. The travel time for the 155
km stretch is approximately 6 hours.
Clothing
Paro is located at 7,382 ft, it is advisable to bring appropriate clothing. For
protection against the cold, layered clothing is better than a few thick ones,
so choose your clothing accordingly. Cloths should preferably be made from
natural materials, which allow the body to breathe better. Cottons and light
woolens (June to September), rain gear and comfortable shoes is
recommended.
Visa
SAARCLAW Bhutan will arrange for visa on arrival provided all the
requisite details are provided well in advance.
Please contact your Country Chapter for further information
“Tashi Delek”
(May all good things come to you)