Archery at the Changlimithang National Stadium
Tashi wangmo • June 6, 2020
At the Changlimithang Stadium
Archery is the national game of Bhutan and is one of the most played and celebrated time pass for the Bhutanese men. There are many archery ranges all over the country, some well established and specifically maintained for the game and also some makeshift temporary ranges in the rice fields, along the river banks and any empty place that can be converted. However, the Changlimithang National Stadium located in Thimphu is the principal archery range as all the national tournaments are held here.
Archery is the favorite pastime of the men and archery matches (National level and friendly matches) are held every day and night all year round. In recent times the imported compound bows and arrows are gaining popularity over the traditional bow and arrows made of bamboo. The targets are 140 meters apart and for a spectator it seems impossible to hit the target, however the men are quite good as they hit the target very frequently. Archery may be the only game where alcohol is allowed and even encouraged while playing and players admit that drinking alcohol heightens their concentration and makes them hit the target more. During important matches and national tournaments, there will be women dancers singing and dancing along side the players either cheering their team or distracting the opponent team with humorous gestures and insults.
While a quick visit to the National Stadium will be an interesting experience, visiting tourists can even try out a game of archery with their tour guide and driver as there are many archery ranges in all the valleys and this can be an interesting hands-on experience of trying out a favorite local activity.
Through this undisturbed tropical, sub-tropical and Alpine regions of virgin forests, waterfalls and lakes, highland nomadic villages, undisturbed nature and views of the Greater Himalayas and Snow Capped Peaks, Bhutan offers some of the best trekking experiences all year round.
The view from there is the panoramic sight of almost all the tallest Himalayan Mountain of Bhutan like majestic Gangkar Puensum, formidable Table Mountain and Tiger Mountain. As it is located at the top, the view of the Himalayan ranges is better than anywhere in the area, even as compared to famous Dochula Pass.
For Bhutanese, Gross National Happiness means a good government that creates an enabling environment for people to pursue happiness in a meaningful way. The result is a country at peace with itself, and people at peace with themselves!
To Experience True Zhemgang
The Healing Power of Nature
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The Crown Jewel of Bhutan's National Parks
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Clinging on a huge rock towards the north end of the Tang valley lies the Thowa Drak Hermitage just like the famed Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro. From the valley or road point it is a stiff 3 hours hike uphill through the serene and peaceful forest. Sweeping views of the Tang valley and the landscape can be enjoyed along the way with a bird’s eye view from the main site.
A quick visit to the Swiss Cheese Factory and Brewery is a refreshing alternative after visiting many temples and religious sites in the Bumthang valley. The Factory was started in the late 1960’s by a Swiss national Mr Fritz Maurer who visited Bhutan and settled in Bumthang.