In recent times, the media – in particular the government mouth pieces: Kuensel and BBS – have tended to go gung-ho over the twin endeavors launched by the Bhutan Ecological Society (BES) and the Mountain Hazelnut Venture (MHV) - to blanket the entire country with tens of millions of trees - both fruiting and none-fruiting.The BES aims to plant 10,000,000 trees by 2030.Trees, trees everywhereMaking its initial start from remote Rangshikhar village of Trashigang in October of 2008, MHV’s initial plans ... Read More at: http://yesheydorji.blogspot.com/2024/09/of-trees-and-water.html

Thank God! it seems like the mainstream media in the country is finally waking up to the despair that Bhutan’s tourism industry is currently going through. That said, I suspect that they are still not clear as to what really is the problem with the country’s most vital industry. The following article in the Kuensel is proof that they need better grounding in the subject.Calling a sheep a goatThe reporter chooses to use the term “travel agent” while what he actually would have meant is “tour operat... Read More at: http://yesheydorji.blogspot.com/2024/09/misconceptions-dogmas-and-flogging-dead.html

In my capacity as the Head of Export Section of the Export Division, Ministry of Trade, Industries and Forests, I had to be posted in Kolkata, India. As a landlocked country without access to our own seaport, under a Trade & Transit Agreement with the Government of India, we used, as we still do, India’s Calcutta Port as our port of loading and discharge - for most of our Export/Import cargo.One night sometime in 1982/1983, I got very late coming home from a dinner engagement. The main Entry Gate to m... Read More at: http://yesheydorji.blogspot.com/2024/08/druk-yuel-country-still-worth-fighting.html

After being in the works for nearly 16 years and having gone through close to 3 dozen Technical Committee Meetings to determine the tenability of the project, and with a humungous cost overrun projected, some believe, to exceed 400% of its initial estimate, the 1,200MW PHP-I Project Authority was forced to admit - after repeated landslides that occurred at the location of its dam site - that the proposed location of the dam was unsuitable - given its unstable geological formation. Instead, they announc... Read More at: http://yesheydorji.blogspot.com/2024/08/human-beings-may-never-best-nature.html

Annapurna Circuit Trek is a world-famous trekking route that explores the mystical peak in the Himalayan region, Mt. Annapurna [ 8,091 meters/ 26,545 feet]. This circumnavigating journey of the 10th highest peak in the world offers incredible views of the Annapurna mountain range, including other pristine peaks in the Himalayas, like Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Gangapurna, Tilicho, Lamjung, Tukuche, Nilgiri and other surrounding peaks. Besides the breathtaking Himalayan panorama, the culturally ent... Read More at: https://www.adventuregreathimalaya.com/13-days-annapurna-circuit-trek/

Langtang Trek is a  marvelous and scenic destination around Central Himalaya just North of Kathmandu of 32 k.m. aerial distance, The Langtang trek suitable for all people in  a week  holiday. Langtang  Trekking  is an easy and short  Treks that  can be packed up within a weeks. It is  one of the most popular trekking trails because you will have Stunning  Mountain views and Several Glacier with Short hiking and  does not require any  training and experiences of mountain trekking as in other trek... Read More at: https://www.adventuregreathimalaya.com/langtang-trek/

Everest Base Camp  Hike (EBC Hike ) is one of the most remarkable and classical trekking experiences in the Himalayas. This exhilarating Himalayan excursion provides you the opportunity to explore the Mount Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters), the foot base of the world’s tallest peak, Mt. Everest (8,848 meters). This incredible  Everest base camp tour  takes you across colorful Sherpa villages where you can experience their authentic culture, traditions, and lifestyle. Similarly, you will also get the o... Read More at: https://www.adventuregreathimalaya.com/hike-everest-base-camp/

This is becoming a habit with the PDP government.During March of 2012, the DPT government had imposed a ban on import of vehicles - for obvious reasons.Two years later, the PDP government lifted the ban - during July of 2014.Then came the DNT government. Yet again, the vehicle ban was reintroduced ….. as of August, 2022.As per Section 8 of Article 15 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), having won the majority of seats (30 seats) in the 4th National Assembly... Read More at: http://yesheydorji.blogspot.com/2024/08/on-again-off-again.html

One day I am going to photograph the raw foods of Bhutan - not as an act of conservation - but for their physical appeal and enthralling variety. Hopefully I will live long enough to be able to cover most of them. For now, I begin with the following:Urca BanglaThe beautiful ogre called the Urca Bangla, a chili pepper variety originally said to be from Trashiyangtse, Eastern Bhutan. Personally, for me, their contorted formation and delicately merging coloring are what draws my attention. Their charm is in th... Read More at: http://yesheydorji.blogspot.com/2024/08/beautiful-foods-of-bhutan.html

Remembering passwords can be challenging, especially when you need to create strong, unique passwords for multiple accounts. Here are some strategies to help you remember passwords effectively:Use a Password ManagerWhat It Is: A password manager stores and encrypts your passwords, so you only need to remember one master password.How It Helps: It generates and saves strong, unique passwords for each account, making it easy to log in without having to remember each password individually.Create a Strong, Memor... Read More at: https://www.shalusharma.com/2024/08/how-to-remember-passwords.html

By late evening of last Saturday (10.08.2024), the risk of the flooding river that runs through Dechencholing had passed and I was back to my place of domicile, from the hill top to which I had evacuated myself and my family. Not all in the area was reassured though - they were still jittery and were moving out of the areas - just in case. Despite my assurance to all and sundry that whatever water was there had since been emptied and that there was no further risk, not many were convinced - some of them wer... Read More at: http://yesheydorji.blogspot.com/2024/08/who-will-care-for-birds.html

I heard it from a friend nearly a week back …. I was told that it was being kept under wraps for the sheer shamefulness of it - but I was surprised to read about it on the front page of the Kuensel’s 27th July, 2024 issue.The reported involvement of our men in Blue in the scandal that was recently unearthed at Taktsang is so terribly appalling. This is a manifestation of the rot that is setting in into our society - it cannot get any baser than this. When the custodians of law can be allured into turnin... Read More at: http://yesheydorji.blogspot.com/2024/07/scandal-in-holiest-of-places.html

Sometimes I wonder if I am doing any good at all - most of what I write tend to be critical - giving the impression that there is nothing quite right about Bhutan and the Bhutanese people. This is ofcourse not true - no single society is so bad.But people do tend to confuse about being critical as being negative - some through ignorance and yet others, sadly, premeditated - for personal gain and false fame. Luckily, there are those who know that only those who care enough has the courage to be critical - th... Read More at: http://yesheydorji.blogspot.com/2024/07/lessons-from-uncommon-monk.html

Successive governments over the years have admitted that the private sector is the engine of growth and development. Sadly, the intergenerational promise of support for the private sector has remained nothing more than empty promises to be sung like a lullaby, every election year.True to form, the PDP yet again promises to do so during their present tenure. According to Business Bhutan’s newspaper reporter Tashi Namgyal, the PDP is said to have said; “Tourism to remain as a key sector for growth”.It w... Read More at: http://yesheydorji.blogspot.com/2024/07/hollow-intergenerational-promises.html

The following is the state of affairs at the Druk Air’s ticketing counter in Thimphu yesterday: at the peak business hour of 11:08AM, of the ten service counters, only two of them are occupied. I can assure you that this is not a one-off happenstance – I was there day-before-yesterday as well – it was even worst – not even one counter was occupied.Druk Air Thimphu's Ticketing/Reservation CountersAny thinking person’s heart would bleed at such a wretched scene. Druk Air has near monopolistic grip o... Read More at: http://yesheydorji.blogspot.com/2024/07/subsidizing-wings-of-dragon.html

Mr. Michael Rutland OBE, NOM (Gold), has lived in Bhutan for the past 53 years. He has been a witness to most of Bhutan’s many stages of development and change – our idyllic seventies, the idealistic eighties, the perilous nineties and now the tumultuous 2000s. Thus, he is qualified to pass judgement on Bhutan and our state of affairs. During my meeting with him on 10th July, 2024, that is what he did precisely, and most emphatically! In the course of our conversations, he declared:“There is no o... Read More at: http://yesheydorji.blogspot.com/2024/07/lost-and-confused.html

Social, cultural and religious traditions and practices are NOT God given – they are essentially necessitated or influenced by compulsions imposed by nature, climate, geography, and a number of other factors.For many decades since I can remember, one of the practices I had noticed was that during the winter months, the mules and ponies from the Northern highlands would unfailingly migrate to low-lying places like Thimphu and Punakha where they would remain for a number of months. Then, come end February/e... Read More at: http://yesheydorji.blogspot.com/2024/07/the-burdensome-beasts.html

Pikey Peak Trek  is a magnificent adventure of the lower Everest Region, which offers mesmerizing views of lush hills, unique landscapes, and snowy mountains. It is one of the best, shortest, and easiest treks , which takes you to the most pristine and beautiful places of Eastern Nepal. The trail passes through the off-beat paths and has been receiving attention gradually as the must-visit destination for short-term treks.   Pikey Peak Trek offers stunning views of Mount Everest (8848.86 m), Kanchenj... Read More at: https://www.adventuregreathimalaya.com/pikey-peak-trek-6-days/

The following appeared in Bhutan's national newspaper, the KUENSEL, on their weekend issue of June 29, 2024. I am posting it here once again - for my international readers.Exactly half a century back, for the first time ever, Bhutan opened its doors to commercial tourism. On 2nd October, 1974, a multinational group of 12 tourists set their feet on Bhutanese soil. It was perhaps an act of divine intervention that Bhutan’s first tour group happened to be organized by the much revered and selfless Jesuit Fat... Read More at: http://yesheydorji.blogspot.com/2024/07/a-funeral-for-bhutanese-tourism.html

I cannot remember how I ended up being a Member of the UNDP’s SENetwork but already by 2006 - that is roughly 18 years back - I was called upon by the organization to write an article on how the country might prepare itself to meet the challenges that is likely to be posed by the emerging trend of mass movement of pastoral population to urban centers. I refused to do so on the grounds that that was the wrong approach to solving the problem – instead, I submitted an article on “How we might w... Read More at: http://yesheydorji.blogspot.com/2024/06/goongtong-satong-yuetong.html

As of this post, I have a total of 75 posts related to our hydroelectric power projects. And I am not embarrassed or ashamed that 99.99% of those posts are negative posts - posts that unabashedly chastise our largest and most infamous hydropower undertakings. But I take pride in the fact that they also happen to be among my most popular posts. In terms of readership, three of my posts on the subject rank 4th, 6th and 7th highest read posts on my blog which, as of today, comprises of a staggering 1,127 posts... Read More at: http://yesheydorji.blogspot.com/2024/06/welcoming-winds-of-change.html

I have tended to make fun about our claim that we are unique. Truth be told, as I grow older and wiser, I am beginning to think that I may have been wrong all my life – I think we are indeed a unique country populated with an incomparable breed of unique humans. This realization began unravelling in me - one after the other - when I found myself completely lost at the Arrival area of Paro International Airport, yesterday.Upon arriving at the airport bang at 11:00AM when the DrukAir flight on which my son ... Read More at: http://yesheydorji.blogspot.com/2024/06/the-worlds-most-inhospitable.html

STATION MASTER'S & AISMA NEWS: Correction Slip No.40 to the G & SR 2016 (English): Amendment Slip No.40 to the WCR/G&SR 2016 (English)1. At page 19 in SR 3.07.3 para 3d is revised to be read as under:-The Inner Distant Signal shall generally be located 1000 meters in rear of the first stop signal and the Distant signal 2000 meters in rear of the first stop signal. Under this arrangement provision of a Warning Board is eliminated. The aspect sequence chart, in case of Double Distant signal i... Read More at: https://ldceguidetraffic.blogspot.com/2024/06/station-masters-aisma-news-correction.html

We must be among the only human race who choose to call our paper currency: Ngultrum/Ngueltang or, in plain English, Silver Coin. For a while I attempted to find out how such a bizarre thing could have come to pass - but after a while I gave up - it was simply beyond me. I decided that it must be because of our penchant for wanting to be unique.But for those of us with a conscience, problems do not go away because we choose to side-step the issues - it will continue to haunt us to the end of ... Read More at: http://yesheydorji.blogspot.com/2024/06/tirus-morphology.html

I have said this again and again and again – that in life nothing happens by accident. If anything – things happen because of Karma. If Karma wills it, it can engineer a calamity in one corner of the earth so that another corner might benefit as a result. So it was with the BHUTAN2020 Safe Water Project – launched by the Disaster Aid Australia (DAA) in partnership with the Rotary Club of Thimphu – in 2018.My private and personal offer of Thanks in gratitude to the principal players of Phase I of&nbs... Read More at: http://yesheydorji.blogspot.com/2024/06/will-of-karma.html

Are you looking for a perfect way to embark on a thrilling journey to relish the beauty of mountains and explore mountainous regions? Mera Amphu Lapcha and Island Peak Climbing is an epic adventure to the summit of Mera Peak, Island Peak, and Gokyo Ri and to the lap of the tallest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest (8,848.86m). This journey follows the circuit trek and encompasses numerous Himalayan regions. It enrolls numerous trekking packages in a single adventure. The trekking journeys like Journey to ... Read More at: https://www.adventuregreathimalaya.com/mera-amphu-lapcha-and-island-peak-climbing/

Recently a coin collector and Tibetologist from Germany - David Holler - noticed a spelling mistake in our 1981 Nu.10 banknote and wrote as follows:Bhutan: Spelling mistake on banknoteIn the Tibetan script of the 10 Ngultrum banknote from 1981 (P8) there is a misspelling in the promise to pay.David Holler is referring to our following second-generation Nu.10 banknote issued by the Royal Government of Bhutan but signed by the then Deputy Managing Director Mr. Yeshey Dorji of the Bank of Bhutan.Thankfully, in... Read More at: http://yesheydorji.blogspot.com/2024/06/three-centuries-of-errors-and-counting.html

This will be my 109th article on Bhutan's tourism industry - and its progressive decadence over the years. But this time I am changing tack - I am switching to using visuals - rather than words - to convey the message. Hopefully, this will be more effective.The government was fore-warned close to a decade back that this will happen - should MDPR business model be dismantled.A peak into the future - you think you have seen trouble?How the government's policies seem to be altering the very moral and ethical f... Read More at: http://yesheydorji.blogspot.com/2024/05/changing-tack-new-method-of.html

Day before yesterday I was passing by Norzin Lam when I chanced upon a heart-breaking scene that ought not to be.Four tourists were cramped inside a small Maruti Taxi – one of them was alighting – visibly irritated and profusely grumbling that she did not need to suffer this level of discomfort.I wanted to photograph the scene – but decided against it because I believed that this would be tantamount to infringement of privacy – in addition to rubbing salt into the wound.The legendary Lars-Eric Lindb... Read More at: http://yesheydorji.blogspot.com/2024/05/bhutan-emerging-high-volume-low-value.html

When I got to learn of the award of the title of Doctor of Philosophy to Lam Kezang Chhoephel by the Thames International University of France, I felt a sense of pride and triumph! To be chosen to rise head and shoulder above the teaming billions, particularly from a minuscule country that more than 99% of the human population would not have heard about - it is a praiseworthy achievement.Dr. Lam Kezang ChhoephelBy no means I am competent, or even qualified, to pass judgment on his academic or scholastic abi... Read More at: http://yesheydorji.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-well-deserved-honor-and-recognition.html

Annapurna Base Camp trek is  the exciting journey to the base camp of  Mt. Annapurna [8,091 meters ,  “The tenth highest peak in world” It is  is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable Himalayan adventures. This extraordinary adventure to the north-central prospects of the Himalayas follows one of the oldest trekking routes and takes you across the fascinating allurements of the second mainstream trekking route in the country. Annapurna Base camp Trekking ( ABC Trek) promises an incredible ... Read More at: https://www.adventuregreathimalaya.com/annapurna-base-camp-trekking/

A short Everest trek is an exciting and adventurous journey in the Everest region of the Himalayas. Amidst the breathtaking Himalayas, there lies the earth’s highest point, Everest, at 8,848.86 meters. The short Everest trek, which follows the trekking route leading to this legendary destination, provides the essence of the mighty Everest without the need for a long, meticulous expedition.   This short, exhilarating journey rewards trekkers with awe-inspiring views of the world’s highest mountain ... Read More at: https://www.adventuregreathimalaya.com/short-everest-treks/

During early 2022, a select group of BSTS Members met the Chair of the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) in his Chamber at the Gyelyong Tshokhang - in an effort to forestall the dismantling of Bhutan's globally celebrated tourism business model that worked successfully for close to half a century since its institution. This was one of the many desperate attempts made by a passionate group desperate to save the tourism industry from utter ruin - the last and final attempt was made on 22nd June, 2022 when we me... Read More at: http://yesheydorji.blogspot.com/2024/05/bhutans-tourism-industry-disaster.html

It is a pity - I ought to listen to my friends and their sound counsel more often than I am wont to do. One hundred and six (106) articles of relentless pursuit of the cause of Bhutan’s tourism …. and I have nothing to show for it. Friends tell me that there cannot be a greater fool than me - that even when it is clear as night and day that no one else gives a rat’s ass - I am still chasing the cause, and extolling the merits of, tourism. And yet, I like to think that if I knock long and hard enough �... Read More at: http://yesheydorji.blogspot.com/2024/05/tourism-we-told-you-so.html

मास्टर चार्ट (Master Chart)1. मास्टर चार्ट प्रत्येक नियंत्रण खंड के लिए 24 घंटों में सप्ताहवार गाड़ियां चलने का एक ग्राफ चार्ट होता है जो प्रत्येक खंड पर निर्धारित शिड्यूल के अनुसार मेल/एक्सप्रेस ए�... Read More at: https://ldceguidetraffic.blogspot.com/2022/04/master-chart-railway-control-office.html

संरक्षा उपस्कर (Safety Equipments)-स्टेशन पर संरक्षा उपस्कर स्टेशन संचालन नियम (परिशिष्ट च) अनुसार उपलब्ध किये जाते है। जो निम्नानुसार होते है-लाल झंडी, हरी झंडी.ट्राय कलर टार्चस्विच क्लैम्पपैड लॉकसंरक्षा �... Read More at: https://ldceguidetraffic.blogspot.com/2022/04/safety-equipment-railway .html

Kathmandu Nagarkot hiking is one of the shortest and easiest hiking prospects in the capital valley. This 2-day hiking package gives you an incredible opportunity to relish the natural allurements and the cultural charms of the diversified Kathmandu Valley in a short period. This remarkable hiking journey in Kathmandu for suitable for travelers who want to explore the natural and cultural charm of the Himalayan country without the need to set out on weeks-long mountain exploration.   In a short hiking... Read More at: https://www.adventuregreathimalaya.com/kathmandu-nagarkot-hikes-2-days/

If you are from India and want to take part in the most popular base camp trekking adventure in the world, our Everest Base Camp Trek for Indian passport holders is something you are gonna cherish forever. As a gesture to thank you for the love shown by our Indian clients, who have given their positive reviews to our trekking and tour packages, we have come up with these exciting trek packages just for Indian citizens.   We are offering this iconic trekking adventure to our Indians for a discounted ra... Read More at: https://www.adventuregreathimalaya.com/everest-base-camp-trek-cost-for-indian/

 Specification for Pad Lock for use on Indian Railway... Read More at: https://ldceguidetraffic.blogspot.com/2024/04/specification-for-pad-lock-for-use-on.html

 SPECIFICATION FOR SKID FOR USE ON INDIAN RAILWAY... Read More at: https://ldceguidetraffic.blogspot.com/2024/04/specification-for-skid-for-use-on.html

 Specification for Scotch Block for use on Indian Railway (BG)... Read More at: https://ldceguidetraffic.blogspot.com/2024/04/specification-for-scotch-block-for-use.html

 Technical Specification for Battery Operated  ED Based Torch Light Cum Lashing Hand Signal Lamp... Read More at: https://ldceguidetraffic.blogspot.com/2024/04/technical-specification-for-battery.html

  Specification For Safety Chain for Use on Indian Railway... Read More at: https://ldceguidetraffic.blogspot.com/2024/04/specification-for-safety-chain-for-use.html

Embarking on the Everest Base Camp Trek with a return journey from Lukla via helicopter offers a thrilling and efficient way to experience the majesty of the world’s highest peak. This iconic journey through the heart of the Himalayas is a dream adventure for trekkers worldwide, and the addition of a helicopter return adds a touch of luxury and convenience to the experience. The journey begins in Kathmandu, Nepal’s bustling capital city, where trekkers gather before flying to Lukla, the gateway... Read More at: https://www.adventuregreathimalaya.com/everest-base-camp-trek-rerun-lukla-by-helicopter/

 In this article all the Summer Special Trains 2024 of different zones of India are posted. Simply click on the links to view the details.Coming Soon.......Central Railway Summer Special Trains: CLICK HEREEastern Railway Summer Special Trains: CLICK HEREEast Coast Railway Summer Special Trains: CLICK HEREKonkan Railway Summer Special Trains: CLICK HERENorthern Railway Summer Special Trains: CLICK HERENorth Central Railway Summer Special Trains: CLICK HERENorth Western Rail... Read More at: http://www.traintimetable.org/2022/03/2022-summer-special-trains-from-indian.html

Title: Ramayana for Kids: A Tale of Adventure and Devotion: Illustrated Story with Colourful Pictures of Ramayana for Children  – Now Available on Amazon!I am delighted to announce the release of our latest creation, a captivating picture book that brings to life the timeless saga of Ramayana. Available now on Amazon, this exquisite book is a visual feast for readers of all ages.Ramayana, one of the most revered epics in Indian mythology, tells the extraordinary story of Prince Rama, his beloved wife... Read More at: https://www.shalusharma.com/2024/04/my-new-ramayana-for-kids-on-amazon.html

The 8 days Annapurna base camp trek  is a favorite among adventure travelers, offering a unique opportunity to visit the base of the 8th highest peak in the world, Mount Annapurna The 8-day Annapurna Base Camp trek itinerary begins in Pokhara and takes you through Poon Hill, a renowned Himalayan sunrise spot. Here, you can relish panoramic views of the Annapurna range and other majestic peaks. The highlight of the Annapurna Base Camp trek is the journey through local villages, lush rhododendron forests, a... Read More at: https://www.adventuregreathimalaya.com/8-days-annapurna-base-camp-trek/

16 days Comfortable Everest Base camp Trek Who says you can’t have adventure with comfort!! Standing at the foot of world’s highest peak, Everest, is dream come true destination for every travel enthusiast. But they soon get discouraged due to challenge and difficulties that the mountain throws on them. The concept of comfortable Everest Base Camp Trek has emerged to assist those who are unsure to tackle the challenges of Everest. The 16 days  Everest Base Camp Trek lets you explore the real charm of ... Read More at: https://www.adventuregreathimalaya.com/comfortable-everest-base-camp-trekking/

 कर्मचारियों को स्वतंत्र कार्यभार संभालने की अनुमति देने से पहले स्टेशन मास्टर की जिम्मेदारी - (क) (क) स्टेशन मास्टर किसी भी कर्मचारी को गाड़ी संचालन संबंधी पद का स्वतंत्र कार्यभार संभालने की �... Read More at: https://ldceguidetraffic.blogspot.com/2024/03/responsibility-of-station-master-before.html