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Bhutan is a landlocked country in South Asia. Located in the Eastern Himalayas, it is bordered by the Tibet Autonomous Region of China in the north, the Sikkim state of India and the Chumbi Valley of Tibet in the west, the Arunachal Pradesh state of India in the east, and the Indian states of Assam and West Bengal in the south. Bhutan is geopolitically in South Asia and is the region's second least populous nation after the Maldives. And it's about as far away from Boston as it's possible to get. The country has no traffic lights. Smoking as well as tobacco products are illegal, as are hunting and fishing (except for catch and release). It is forbidden to climb high peaks (where spirits dwell), and employees must wear traditional clothing—a gho robe for men and kira dress for women—during work hours. Years ago, Gross National Happiness was identified by the nation as being more important than Gross National Product (GNP). In other words, it's a pretty weird place. |
Alison flew business class on multiple airlines, flying through Seoul Korea, the entire trip taking about 46 hours.
 Alison in her Korean Airline sleeping pod |
 Seoul airport. Why are airports in Asia so nice? |
 Meeting Susan in Seoul |
 They don't tell you this until you get on the flight |
The first three days (including arrival) were in Paro.Paro is west of the capital, Thimphu. It is the site of the country’s only international airport and is known for the many sacred sites in the area. North of town, the Taktsang Palphug (Tiger’s Nest) monastery clings to cliffs above the forested Paro Valley. Northwest of here are the remains of a defensive fortress, Drukgyel Dzong, dating from the 17th century.
Paro from the hotel
 You know you're in a foriegn country when the baggage conveyers have scale models of temples in the middle |
 The Gangtery Palace Hotel |
 Zuri Dzong |
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 learning how to tresh wheat |
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 The crew at Ta Dzong |
 Dzongdrakha Gompa, which literally means "temple on a cliff." wonder where that came from? |
A common sight throughout Bhutan, peppers drying on rooftops
One thing about Bhutan you need to accustom yourself too are the large number of stray dogs. They are everywhere, from the temples to the city streets.
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Day four started with a drive over Dochu-la pass, which peaks at 10,130 feet and gives you views of ... well, everything. The highest point includes a chorten (a Lamaist shrine or monument), mani wall (stone plates, rocks and/or pebbles, carved or inscribed with the six syllabled mantra of Avalokiteshvara) and prayer flags.
That was followed by a decent into Wangdi, then through an even higher pass (10,944) feet, before ending up in Phobijikha valley. We visited the Gangtey Gompa, a 17 century monastery and visited the black-necked crane reserve; only 11,000 of these birds exist in the world today.
View from Dochu-la pass
 Prayer flags |
 Practicing Ti-chi at the Chorten |
 Gangtey Gompa |
 Gangtey Gompa |
 Gangtey Gompa |
 Trucks in Bhutan are all decorated |
 Black necked Crane; they migrate from Tibet to roost in the valley. This one is injured and being nursed back to health. |
 Penises with an arrow through them are considered symbols of power that will protect inhabitants from evil spirits. Dave says "not at our house." |
Day 7 and 8 were relaxing in the the Tang Valley (aka Bumthang, a general name given to a combination of four values, Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura). And getting kitty and puppy love.
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Trek to Ngang Lhankhan
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The Jambay Lhankhang Drup festival is a five day festival at teh Jambay Lhankhang temple, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. The temple dates from the 7th century Tibetan king Songsten Gampo, although the legend claims is was built in one day along with 107 other temples along the Himalayas.
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Trongsa is the seat of the Crown Princes of Bhutan before the ascend the throne.
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The Khamsum Yuelly Namgel Chorten |
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Thimphu the big budda and the Takin preserve
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