Blogs from Phobjika Valley, Bhutan, Asia
May 1st 2011
We left our beautiful hotel at Dochula Pass Thursday morning after breakfast on the terrace overlooking the magnificent Himalayas. We had arisen early to watch the sun rise over the mounbtains. We were literally on top of the world! Just before we left, the hotel owner wanted to share an enormous thangka (religious painting on fabric often embroidered, as well), and had his entire hotel crew help to hoist up to the hotel roof a 20x20 thangka, the largest we've ever seen. The central deity was Padmasambhava. Our drive today was about 5 hours through beautiful mountain woodland, along the National Highway (the only east/west road), with non-stop hairpin turns all the way. Up to Dochula Pass, the road is in good shape, but beyond Dochula, it begins to degrade. Periodically, we passed road upgrade projects, ... read more
May 1st 2011
Friday morning, we took a beautiful hike through Phobjika Valley which is very wide, and where the cows and the one black necked crane graze together. The expanse of the valley is unusual as most valleys are narrow and steep. The idea was considered to build an airport in the valley which is understandable beacuse of its flat width. But, true to Bhutanese sensibilities, once it was realized that this valley is vital to the endangered black necked cranes, the idea was canned. After crossing the valley floor, the trail rose into the far mountains and continued up the valley through a lovely woodland with great views of the valley. The walking was cool and easy for Bhutan. Eventually, we arrived at the top of the valley and began a steep ascent up a high hill ... read more
December 13th 2008
that was the most wonderful expereince in South Asia so far..so much to enjoy from nature..one of the most memorable journey... read more
September 26th 2007
This morning we headed to the Gante Goemba. While under construction (entirely) you can tell it is a gorgeous temple. They are rebuilding and repainting what seems like all of it and so far it looks fantastic. We then moved down to the Gante Nature Trail and “hiked” for an hour and a half along the outskirts of the valley. The valley is off limits to people below the tree line because we cant ruin anything for those black-necked cranes! Thus, we meandered through the forest, which was actually very enjoyable. Anyway, we went to visit the Phobjikha Primary School where I was a spectator on a young second grade class that I gave my candy to and taught a few algebra problems to a bunch of sixth graders. After introducing myself, I learned that none ... read more
September 25th 2007
After breakfast this morning we left Punakha and headed to Wangdue Phodrang Dzongkhag in Wangdi. It is yet another temple but it is right on a cliff above the river…I can imagine if it was sunny how much more beautiful it would look. The location is of course due to an auspicious sign…four ravens were seen at the sight of where the dzong now is flying off in four different directions…north, south, east and west. We walked around the village of Wangdi, which is very picturesque with its wooden shops along one strip. I picked up some candy for the students I will be visiting tomorrow at their school. The town is supposed to be moved down to the valley as there was no plan every really set up for the town. However, there is not ... read more
