Wildwing Adventure-Bhutan Bird and Butterfly Tours

08/04/2024

A successful end of 3rd bird photography group 2024 despite missing some important targeted birds and in nature there is always give and take, as sometimes we get and sometimes we miss,over all what a fantastic tour this was🥰🐦

Exploring Bhutan's diverse avian population is indeed a rewarding experience. While the country is known for its rare bird species, there are also many colorful birds that are a delight to observe. A 14 Nights 15 Days birding trip covering West, Central, and Eastern Bhutan offers ample opportunities to witness a wide variety of birds and mammals in their natural habitat. Whether you are an avid bird enthusiast or simply enjoy the beauty of nature, Bhutan's picturesque landscapes and rich biodiversity are sure to captivate you. Join us on this immersive journey to discover the hidden treasures of Bhutan's vibrant birdlife, and create lasting memories of your encounters with these winged wonders.

Red Panda 🐼 highlight of tour apart from wings

Thank you for choosing us as your travel partner in Bhutan🇧🇹

05/04/2024

The Black-throated Parrotbill is the smallest of the parrotbills in the Himalayas and the most widespread. It occurs from eastern Nepal to Arunachal Pradesh, in north-east India,and more patchily west of Uttar Pradesh. Further east its range reaches south-west China and central Vietnam. Habitat comprises bamboo and dense undergrowth in cool broadleaf forest.
In Bhutan this Parrotbill is a frequently recorded altitudinal migrant, found mainly in the temperate zone. The summer range is largely located in the cool broadleaf zone, at 1600-2800 metres, but it also occurs in hemlock and mixed forests at these altitudes. In winter it is found at 1200-2400 metres. Altitudinal movements appear gradual and a little pronounced, birds vacating lower areas by April and dispersing down in November. In November-April it is usually found in flocks of 5-20,which restlessly move through bamboo patches and forest undergrowth. It rarely associates with mixed flocks.

Source of an article: Birds in Bhutan

11/03/2024

Bhutan seems to be the best place to see this beauty now, with just an hour and half hike to Do-Chorten Goenpa at Paro, the only fear we have is the growing number of stray dogs coming with pilgrims, I would say the Satyr Tragopan is well adapted with those monks who lives there unlike we see Himalayan Monal in Tharpaling Monastery.

The Satyr Tragopan is distributed along to the Himalayas from Uttar Pradesh to western Arunachal Pradesh. It is considered Near Threatened by BirdLife International and has declined particularly in the western part of it's range due to forest loss and hunting pressure. Habitat consists of moist oak and rhododendron forest, with dense undergrowth and bamboo clump.

In Bhutan Satyr Tragopan is a frequent resident, found throughout the alpine and temperate zones. It's altitudinal range is from 2000m to 3600metres.

Source of an article :Birds in Bhutan

20/02/2024

The Red-faced Liocichla is distributed along the Himalayas from Sikkim to Arunachal Pradesh and in north-east India. Further east it reaches northern Vietnam. It is found in dense undergrowth in broadleaf forest.

In Bhutan the Red-faced Liocichla is frequently recorded in the central and eastern valleys and foothills, with isolated records in western and Sunkosh valleys.

It is resident at 1200-2000metres, but occasionally reaches 700metres ,particularly in winter. Presence is clearly dictated by the availability of large areas of intact broadleaf forests.

Source of an article: Birds in Bhutan

# # # # # # # # # # # # # #

18/02/2024

The Beautiful Nuthatch is a scarce resident of the Himalayan foothills from Sikkim to Arunachal Pradesh and the hills of north-east India. Further east its range reaches northern Vietnam. Important numbers occur in Bhutan and northern Myanmar(King et al. 2001). In contrast there are no recent records from Sikkim or West Bengal, thus Bhutan may constitute the present westernmost limit of its range. The species occurs in subtropical broadleaf forest, being associated with tall trees with an abundant growth of epiphytes.
It is globally threatened, being classified by BirdLife International as Vulnerable due to its small, severely fragmented population, which may be declining through habitat loss.

The Beautiful Nuthatch is one of the most sought-after specialities of the Bhutanese avifauna. It is an uncommon resident, found in the central, southern and eastern valleys, where it occupies a narrow altitude zone between those of the commoner White-tailed and Chestnut-bellied Nuthatches, from 1200-2000 metres.

It may wander lower in winter as revealed by a record at 600 metres in January. Thus far, six sites are known: the Zhemgang area, the Narphung area in Samdrup Jongkhar district, the Thekpaling and Khomshar area in northern Zhemgang district, Subrang in Zhemgang district, Dungkgar in Lhuentse district and Nubji-Korphu in Trongsa District. Its absence from apparently suitable habitat in the well-explored forest near Yongkola is remarkable, at these sites it is rather capricious, one important factor being that pairs occupy a large territory in which they move rapidly between canopy trees. Most records are in February-March, when the species is mostly active and is relatively easily located by voice. From April they are generally more silent and elusive, and their occurrence more unpredictable. In fact, almost all stretches of forest with at least a residual stand of tall canopy trees and abundant epiphytes appeared to hold these nuthatches.

Even in the breeding season it regularly occurs in small flocks,often associated with mixed flocks of larger babblers,including Cutia and Blyth's Shrike Babbler.

Only the eastern and northern peripheries of it's range in Bhutan fall within protected areas( Thrumsengla,Jigme Singye Wangchuk and Royal Manas National Park),where logging activities are excluded,underlining the importance of developing sustainable forest management elsewhere,thereby protecting corridors of mature trees and permitting natural regeneration of a diversity of tree species.

There has been good observation recently from Chukha, Samtse, Tsirang and Sarpang district with growing numbers of birders exploring new places.

Source of an article : Birds in Bhutan

PC Krishnamurthy S

04/02/2024

Rhaphicera moorei, the small tawny wall, is a species of satyrine butterfly found in western China, India (Simla and Sikkim) and Tibet, Bhutan.
#

01/02/2024

The Thousand Lakes Trek, with its moderate short day trek, winds through shimmering high-altitude lakes, offering breathtaking views of the world's highest Himalayan ranges, such as Mount Everest in Nepal, Jumolhari, Masanggang, Jichu Drake, and Tiger Mountain in Bhutan. This picturesque trail includes bird-rich areas, alpine flowers, charming meadows, and traditional Bhutanese villages, providing trekkers with a diverse and visually stunning experience.



Pic courtesy- wangdi

30/01/2024

Melanocyma is a monotypic butterfly genus in the subfamily Morphinae of the family Nymphalidae. Its one species Melanocyma faunula, the pallid faun, is restricted to Burma, Malaya, Thailand and Indochina in the Indomalayan realm.
The wingspan of M. faunula is at around 90 millimetres. Individuals found in lowland forests are often smaller than specimens of M. faunula found on hills.

There are two subspecies, M. f. kimurai and M. f. faunula

M. faunula individuals are known to breed in primary rainforest.They are often seen in flight in the mid-story of primary rainforest. Individuals are often known to be baited with rotting fruit. They are known to be commonly found in hill stations.

The Pallid Faun's larvae feed on Orania sylvicola. Their eggs hatch after 11 days, hatching within 12 hours. The eggs are 1.1 millimeters in diameter, and are yellow in colour changing to black with time. The Pallid Faun exhibits similar egg laying and feeding behaviour with Taenaris onolaus.

Source of an article : Wikipedia

29/01/2024

The Jomolhari Trek in Bhutan promises a blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty, offering a unique exploration of the Land of Thunder Dragon. The trek's moderate difficulty level allows for a more leisurely pace to appreciate the panoramic views, and rural life in Bhutanese villages. The contrast between the trek's experiences and the modern-meets-ancient ambiance of Paro and Thimphu adds depth to the overall journey. This 11-day adventure appears to be a well-rounded package, providing a holistic experience of Bhutan's landscapes, culture, and traditions.



Pic Courtesy- Rinzin Wangchuk

#

28/01/2024

The Bicolor Commodore(Parasarpa zayla),is a species of nymphalid butterfly found in tropical and subtropical Asia.

26/01/2024

The Snowman Trek, Bhutan's longest trekking trail, spans from Paro to Bumthang or Wangdue Phodrang (Sephu). With altitudes ranging from 2850 meters to the highest point at 5230 meters, it offers an adventurous journey through diverse landscapes. The optimal season for the Snowman Trek is between September to October, providing trekkers with favorable weather conditions to explore the breathtaking terrain of Bhutan.



Pic Courtesy- Rinzin Wangchuk

23/01/2024

The Lesser Coucal occurs in the Indian subcontinent along the Himalayan foothills from Uttar Pradesh east to Arunachal Pradesh and north-east India, with an isolated population in the hills of southern India. Further east, it reaches eastern China and Taiwan, and south to Indonesia. Its habitat consists of tall grassland and scrub jungle at forest edges.

In Bhutan Lesser Coucal is an uncommon resident with a similarly scattered distribution as Greater Coucal. It also occupies the same latitudinal range, having been recorded from the Sunkosh, central and eastern valleys, and in the western and eastern foothills at 200-1600 metres. Its presence in Bhutan appears to be mostly confined to springs with most records in March-May, although it has been found in autumn and it is probably under-recorded.

Source of an article: Birds in Bhutan

21/01/2024

The Ibisbill occurs along the Himalayas from Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, and elsewhere is found on the high plateaus from Turkestan, through Tibet to northern China. It is a bird of fast-flowing mountain streams, where it uses its curved bill to feed between boulders.

In Bhutan the Ibisbill is a common altitudinal migrant throughout the temperate zone, with occasional records from the high west and high east and in the western and eastern foothills. It becomes gradually scarcer in the east. The species's localised occurrence can be explained by its preference for the broader and slower flowing parts of rivers.Thus,it is apparently absent along the Mangdue Chhu and is scarce on the Kuri Chhu(one record) and Drangme Chhu. The broad riverbed of Kulong Chuu at Bumdeling,Trashi Yangtse district,is one of the few sites in the east where it is regular,although other occupied sites may have been overlooked.

The species is mostly found at traditional sites in the Punakha/Wangdue area(1200-1600) metres,the Bumthang Valley(2800) metres, and the Thimphu and Paro,Haa valleys(2200-2400)metres.

Post-breeding,some move up the valleys,vacating the Punakha/Wangdue area and reaching 4000 metres,but at Paro ,Thimphu and in Bumthang the species appears to be at least partly resident.

Breeders may occur at considerable densities,locally up to one pair per km of rivers.

Source of an article : Birds in Bhutan

20/01/2024

The Black-necked Crane breeds in high altitude marshes on the Quighai-Tibetan Plateau, by lakes, rivers and in alpine bog meadows. It winters at a few sites in southern and eastern Tibet, Yunnan and in Bhutan. It is globally threatened, classified by Birdlife International as Vulnerable, with the global population estimated at 6000 birds(Meine and Archibald 1996),and declining due to loss and degradation of wetlands in it's winter and summer ranges, changes in agricultural practices and increasing human disturbance of habitats.

In Bhutan the Black-necked Crane is a frequent winter visitor, found annually at four traditional sites. It has important cultural significance being referred to in various myths and traditions. Since the late 1980s,it has also become one of the flagships for bird conservation in Bhutan. The largest flock winters in Phobjikha Valley with 130-260 counted in the last ten years. i.e. up to 4% of the world population(Wetland International 2002). Here the birds occupy a vast open marshland at 2800 metres, attending a traditional roosting site in the wet centre of the valley. They forage on dwarf bamboo in the marshes and crop residues in the surrounding potato fields. Adjacent to Phobjikha Valley is the Khotokha Valley with a winter population of up to 20. Birds have been observed roosting here and there appears to be regular movement to and from the Phobjikha Valley. Bumdeling at 1900 metres, harbours smaller numbers than the latter, with 130-180 birds in the last ten years, birds roost on a shingle bank in the river, marking daily foraging flights over 20 km to the paddyfileds near Chorten Kora town. Finally there is a small population dispersed over the Bumthang Valley, at 2900 metres, which is in long-term decline, now with only wintering birds.

The overall population of wintering Black-necked Crane in Bhutan was in long-term decline until the late 1980s. In the 1990s numbers recovered to the level of mid-1980s due to the increase in the numbers in the Phobjikha Valley. The latter appears to be the favoured winter site, possibly attracting birds from other areas in Bhutan or even further afield where the habitat has deteriorated. They indeed appears to follow a similar autumn migration route, entering Bhutan through the Kuri Chhu valley, thence moving east over the Chamkhar Chhu and Mangdue Chhu valleys to reach Phobjikha.

The first cranes in Phobjikha arrive in mid- October and week later in Bumdeling with numbers peaking by mid-December.

Departure commences in late February and the last birds departs in late March.

Source of an article-Birds in Bhutan

19/01/2024

The Mountain Scops Owl has a wide range in south-east Asia. In the Indian subcontinent it occurs in the Himalayas from Pakistan to Arunachal Pradesh and the hills of north-east and Bangladesh. It is a bird of dense temperate broadleaf forest.

In Bhutan the Mountain Scops Owl is the commonest scops Owl. It is frequently throughout the temperate zone in the central and eastern foothills, but scarce in the western . The species is mainly found at 600-2200metres,occasionally to 200 metres and 2800metres, with the highest record at 3300 metres.

Despite being common, it is rarely observed and is mostly located by call, heard both nocturnally and in the early mornings. The seasonal pattern of records fully reflects calling activity.

Locally known as Tabkang

Source of an article: Birds in Bhutan



#

19/01/2024

Department of Tourism was awarded Outstanding Destination Excellence Award in China

17/01/2024

# # #

Your ultimate insider guide to the seasons.

17/01/2024

The Blood Pheasant occurs in the Himalayas from western Nepal to Arunachal Pradesh, it's range continuing into Tibet and montane western China. Two subspecies occurs in Bhutan, cruentus in the west and tibetanus in the east, it's habitat is open fir and rhododendron forest, showing a preference for bamboo thickets.
In Bhutan Blood Pheasant is a common resident, found throughout temperate and alpine zone. It's regular range is 2800-4200metres,In October-April it is regularly found in flocks of up to ten or more.

Source : Birds in Bhutan



# # # #

16/01/2024

In the Indian subcontinent the Mountain Hawk Eagle is found in the hills of south-west India, Sri Lanka and rather patchily in the Himalayas from Pakistan to Arunachal Pradesh and north-east India. Further east it reaches mainland south-east Asia and north to north-east China. It is a bird of forested montane areas, where it hunts ground-dwelling prey surprised from a tree perch.

In Bhutan the Mountain Hawk Eagle is a common resident throughout the temperate zone and the central and eastern foothills, with one record from the high west. It's regular altitudinal range spans 1000-3000 metres with occasional records to 400metres and 3400metres.

Source of an article : Birds in Bhutan.

11/01/2024

🦋Beauty from Southern Bhutan🦋

The Tiger Hopper, are the only species in the monotypic moth genus Ochus of the family Hesperiidae. The genus was erected by Lionel de Nicéville in 1894. The species was first described by Frederic Moore in 1878.
This species is found from Sikkim to Arunachal Pradesh in India, and in Bhutan, Nepal and several places in Myanmar.
The Tiger Hopper is mostly found in the high evergreen forests that experience ample rainfall. It prefers to fly close to the ground. The flight is weak and follows the fluttering pattern. Shaded or semi-shaded forest tracks are its preferred area. Males are sometimes found puddling in damp soil or wet rock. They also spotted basking in the sun, opening their wings.

Source of an article: Wikipedia



# # # # # # #

09/01/2024

The Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungthang Dewa Chenbi Phodrang (meaning "the palace of great happiness or bliss", is the administrative centre of Punakha District in Punakha, Bhutan. Constructed by Ngawang Namgyal in 1637–38, it is the second oldest and second-largest dzong in Bhutan and one of its most majestic structures.
Punakha Dzong was the administrative center and the seat of the Government of Bhutan until 1955 when the capital was moved to Thimphu. It is listed as a tentative site in Bhutan's Tentative List for UNESCO inclusion.
The House of Wangchuck Dynasty currently rules the country. This monarchy was established in 1907. The same year, Punakha Dzong was the site of the coronation of Sir Ugyen Wangchuck as the first Druk Gyalpo. At that time, Punakha was the capital of Bhutan. Three years later, a treaty was signed at Punakha whereby the British agreed not to interfere in Bhutanese internal affairs and Bhutan allowed Britain to direct its foreign affairs.

From 1744 to 1763, the dzong was enlarged substantially during the rule of the 13th desi, when Sherab Wangchuk was the chief abbot of Bhutan.Several fires between 1750 and 1849 caused damages to the Dzong. In the 1897 earthquake, the dzong was severely damaged and also suffered numerous fires. In 1986, the dzong was partially destroyed by fire.
The wedding of the Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and Queen Azhi Jetsun Pema, was held at the Punakha Dzong on 13 October 2011.

Legend tells how Zowe Palep, the architect, had a vision in a dream after the Zhabdrung ordered him to sleep under a small structure which contained a statue of the Buddha, known as Dzong Chug "small dzong". In his dream, prompted by the psychic powers of the Zhabdrung, he had a clear vision of a palace for Guru Rinpoche. The vision was imprinted on the architect's mind, enabling him to conceive the plan for the dzong without putting the vision on paper and to build it. On the basis of the dream vision of the architect, the building of the dzong was started in 1637 and completed in 1638, at the place where the Dzong Chug had existed. During this period, Ngawang Namgyal became the first leader of a unified Bhutan, following his concerted efforts to unify the country into one unit.
The dzong was consecrated in the name of Pungthang Dechen Phodrang. In 1639, a commemorative chapel was erected to house the arms seized from the Tibetans who were defeated by the Bhutanese on this spot. The Zhabdrung also set up a monastic order with 600 monks (brought from Cheri Gompa of upper Thimphu valley) and he lived here till his death.
The spire at the top of the utse (the dzong's central tower or the main tower was added in 1676 by Gyaltsen Tenzin Rabgye–the abbot of the dzong. Further additions were made during the period 1744 to 1763, when Sherab Wangchuk was the ruler. A large thangka known as chenma (great) thoundral of the Zhabdrung was donated to the Dzong by the Desi (ruler). This thangka is displayed during the tshechu held once a year here. The 7th Dalai Lama donated the brass roof for the dzong.

Source of an article : Wikipedia



# # # # # # #

07/01/2024

1.Early History of Taktshang

Lopon Pema Jungney, popularly known as Guru Rinpoche, the Abbot of Uddiyana, visited and sanctified Bhutan as the second Tsari(Kailash) in the 8th century. It was a crucial time when evil spirits abounded, harming the interest of human beings. He assumed the terrifying form of Guru Dorji Drolie, on of his Eight Manifestations, and blessed the Taktshang cliff as the holiest of holiest sites, to protect against malignant spirits as well as to preserve the integrity of religious teachings. The entire cliff is today believed to be in the form of self-created Pelchen Dorji Zhonu(Shri Vajrakumara).

Revealing the Mandala of Pelchen Dorji Phurpa, Guru Rinpoche delivered sublime teachings to fortunate disciples including Khandro Yeshi Tshogyal, the principal dakini, and Langchen Pelgyi Senge at Taktshang Pelphug. In accordance with his Namthar Yid kyi Munsel, he is believed to have spent four months in a cave at Taktshang, taming and subjugating the malicious spirits(the Eight Categories of Evil Spirits) through the religious Cycle of Kagyad(the Eight Saddhana Teachings). He concealed profound treasures at Taktshang for the benefits of future.

Today, Taktshang is one of the most venerated pilgrim site of the Himalayan world. The monastic complex clings to the rock towering 800 metres above the valley(over 2600 feet). Taktshang is located 2950 metres(9678 feet) above the sea level. It takes about two hours of average walking speed to reach from Ramthangkha, the terminating point of the motorable road. Ramthangkha is twelve kilometres from Paro Town.

2.Patronage of Taktshang by Zhabdrung Rinpoche

The first sanctuary was built by Sonam Gyaltshen probably in 1508 at Taktshang Pelphug. He was a Nyingma trulku of Khatog and was invited by the Taktshang Lama Ngangyud from Tibet.

Residing at Ugyen Tsemo where his uncle and master Yeshi Bumpa, who lived in the 15th century, had built a Lhakhang, Sonam Gyaltshen gave oral transmissions of fourty six volumes of Nyingma Gyudbum to his disciples, this disseminating the lineage teaching of Nyingma.

Taktshang remained in the custody of Sonam Gyaltshen's descendants until 17th century. But in 1645 the whole site was offered to Zhabdrung Rinpoche when he visited Taktshang with his Nyingmapa master, Rigzin Nyingpo, the descendant of treasure discoverer Sangye Lingpa(1340-1396). The Zhabdrung immediately expressed his desire to build a new lhakhang, but the construction of the Rinpung Dzong in Paro kept him busy, and he could not realize his wish before he died in 1651.

3. Building of Lhakhang and Sacred Objects at Taktshang by Gyalsey Tenzin Rabgye

The Zhabdrung Rinpoche instructed young Gyalsey Tenzin Rabgye, who accompanied him when he visited Taktshang in 1645,to build a lhakhang of Guru Tshangyad(the Eight Manifestations of Guru Rinpoche) at Taktshang as the place was of great religious significance. After ascending the throne of the fourth Desi, Gyalsey Tenzin Rabgye(reign : 1638-96) commanded the Paro Penlop, Dragpa Gyatsho, to build a new two-storeyed lhakhang. Accordingly, Dragpa Gyatsho arranged in 1692,corresponding to the Water-Monkey Year of the 12th Rabjung, for the construction of the lhakhang, thus fulfilling the Zhabdrung's wish.

Many lhakhangs were included : all sacred objects concerning Guru Tshangyad were said to have built by Niwari(Nepalese) artisans Pentsa Deva, Dharma Deva and Dharmashri. It is said that Phurpai Ethram that are enshrined in the Drubkhang and Guru Sungjonma are intrinsic art of Pentsa Deva.

The building was apparently restored in 1861-65 during the time of the thirty-fourth Je Khenpo Shedrup Yoezer(reign : 1861-65) and than again in 1982-83 and in 1992.

4.First Fire Disaster and Restoration

In 1951, a woman from Tsento village was lighting fires to burn her dry land in the valley below. The fire raged wildly and invaded the mountain slopes surrounding the Taktshang monastic complex. The fire damaged Shama Lhakhang, Zangdopelri Lhakhang, Ugyen Tsemo, and Dorloe Lhakhang, Namsey Lhakhang and Tshepamed Lhakhang at Pelphug. They were all built during the time of Gyalsey Tenzin Rabgaye. While two-storeyed Nepoi Lhakhang had been destroyed by the fire, kathrab(armour) of Sengye Samdrup, tsendar(tsen-spirit flag) and offering bowls were retrieved, and are still to be seen. However , no harm came to Guru Tshangyad Lhakhang, Sungjonmai Lhakhang, Drubkhang, Chorten Lhakhang, Kunra and the residence of caretaker.

Immediately after the incineration,as commanded by His Majesty the Second King Jigme Wangchuck, the restoration of the damaged lhakhang was carried out by the Taktshang Lama Khagor, people of Tsento and Drugyal Dzongpon Jangsap. However, restoration work of a lhakhang at Ugyen Tsemo was carried out, coordinated by Je Thrizur Tenzin Dhendup and his brother Phurpa Dorje in 1954 on the command of late Her Majesty Ashi Phuentsho Choden. The one storeyed Lhakhang was dismantled and reconstruction into a three-storeyed Lhakhang with nangtens(sacred images/objects).

5.Second Fire Disaster and Restoration

It was a national tragedy that the Taktshang Pelphug was severely damaged by fire on Sunday, April 19,1998,for the second time. The fire was reported to have started at about 7.00 pm on Sunday at two different parts of the monastic complex, the caretaker's residence and Sungjonmai Lhakhang. By the time people in the vicinity of the Taktshang, and villagers from the valley below arrived on the scene, the monastery was ablaze, people could not cross the ravine because of the intense heat from the fires which had spread to all the lhakhangs. The fire eventually subsided at about 8 O'clock the next morning.

Except four Lhakhang next to Dorloe Lhakhang (i. e. Namsey, Tshepamed, Senge Samdrup and Marmey Dagsum Lhakhangs), the rest had been completely razed to the ground. It was a bitter tragedy for Buddhists everywhere, and an immense loss to the world's religious and artistic heritage. People across the Buddhist world, who looked upon Taktshang with reverence, were severely shocked at the fire disaster.

The facts that emerged from the investigations left lingering doubts that the fire was no accident and that the caretaker had been killed. There are many who have regarded the fire as an event that created the opportunity to rededicate themselves to the Dharma by contributing to the renewal of the holiest site in the country. Indeed,many have contributed generously to the reconstruction effort and found spiritual nourishment in the process.

6.Retrieving of Guru Sungjonmai and other Sacred Relics

Greatly concerned at the fire disaster,His Majesty the King visited Taktshang on April 23. As a result of the salvage operations and recovery work commanded by His Majesty, many scared relics were successfully rescued.

While most of the images(nangtens) in the lhakhangs were either destroyed or damaged by the fire, many nangzungs(sacred relics placed inside the images) including the Drubkhang, the inner sanctum of the monastery, were found safe. Guru Sungjonma and it's nangzung had been retrieved as revealing new treasure by His Majesty the King himself from the debris. While some of the nangzungs were not damaged at all, many had been damaged in different degrees by the fire.

7.Occurrence of Numerous Mysterious Signs

As if consequential of the divine wishes against the plans to transport Guru Sungjonma from the original site to Thimphu for restoration, mysterious signs were revealed. Immediately after the officials responsible for restoration work made preparations the weather turned inclement. The storm that ensued swelled the Shelkarchu rendering it untraverseable. At the same time a thunder struck a dungshing(Silver Fir or Abiesdensa) at Ugyen Tsemo ripping its entire trunk into two halves. The Zhung Dratshang Tshanyid Lopon(Master of Metaphysics),officials from central and local Administration and the workers experienced numerous signs that inspired sense of respect and understanding for the divine call.

Subsequently, when the Sungjonma was moved to the Tshepamed Lhakhang for safety the efforts were twice obstructed by violent wind and dark smoke billowing from the rocky cave. It took sheer courage and physical strength for Drangpon Chhagdor and the team of officials to move the image to the lhakhang. The violent sign and the storm subsided eventually after the image was installed in the lhakhang and it's door locked by the Tshanyid Lopon.

Thereafter, a rainbow appeared in the direction of Shama Lhakhang , across the Tshepamed Lhakhang, and the sun shone brightly. The auspicious signs confirmed that Guru Sungjonma is the most sacred relic, imbued with great and immeasurable blessings which have not diminished despite the damage it sustained.

While making the nangzung restoration of Guru Sungjonma, many auspicious signs occurred, such as the sun being encircled by a rainbow, precipitation of flower rain, etc. Besides, while setting up the doors of Drubkhang and Sungjonma Lhakhang, a rainbow appeared across the Drubkhang from the Phurpai Latsho(Spirit-lake of Phurpa),located at the base of the cliff, and a Jishing(Semecarpifolia or Quercus) below the Tshepamed Lhakhang, as if the auspicious scarves with the five colours were piercing into the Drubkhang. This miraculous event was witnessed by all including the labourers present.

8.Visits of Spiritual Luminaries to Taktshang

Many spiritual luminaries came to meditate and bless Taktshang.At the end of his three month meditation at Taktshang, Milarepa(1040-1135) encountered four ascetics who enquired about his sustenance. He replied that he had lived without food for a very long time. In response to their incredulity, Milarepa sang the song he had composed after his meditation, of the exposition of the Tagchu(Ten Signs) of yogic attainment.

The Indian Mahasiddha Phadampa Sangye(died 1117) visited Bhutan in the 12th Rabjung and blessed various places,he mediated for long at Taktshang.He left footprints for posterity, and founded a drubchu.

Similarly , around same period, Machig Labdron( 1055-1145),the disciple of Phadampa Sangye, visited Taktshang and meditated at Machig Phug, where she left footprints and founded a drubchu which can still be seen.

Phajo Drugom Zhigpo(1184-1251) mediated at Taktshang for a month. In a vision he was instructed by Guru Rinpoche to travel through the country, mediating at twelve places, namely, the four dzongs, the four rocks, and the four caves. Taktshang is one of the caves prophesied by Guru Rinpoche.

In the 15th century Thangtong Gyalpo(1385-1464) mediated at Taktshang and discovered the treasure of manngag Domchuma(treasure text) from the cave at Senge Phug.Later ,in the 16th century Terton Lethro Lingpa ,one of the treasure revealers and a contemporary of Drukpa Kuenleg, meditated at Taktshang and discovered the treasures of Kunzang Thugtig and Kagyad Yangsang Lamed(treasure texts).

Many other renowned spiritual personalities visited and blessed Taktshang in subsequently periods of time, they cannot all be elaborated here because of the limited scope of this publication.

Source: Guide to Taktshang
Department of Culture
Ministry of Home & Cultural Affairs



# # # # #