Blogs from Bhutan, Asia - page 22

Two days after arriving in the beautifully isolated and majestic Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan, I set out on what would be my final Himalayan trekking adventure of 2007. What I didn’t know when I started the 14-day Laya - Ghasa Hot Springs trek was that it would turn out to be most challenging and difficult journey of all. Not difficult in terms of the distance we covered, passes crossed, or general altitude during the trek, but difficult in terms of one word: cold. Mid-October to early-December offers some of the most stunning views in the Himalayas because the summer monsoon weather is passed and the skies are usually crystal clear. But no cloud cover also equals no earthly insulation from the frigid temperatures that are common in high elevations in these mountains. So while during the ... read more

So, one of the most noticeable things here in Thimphu are the dogs. Dogs are EVERYWHERE. If they are not owned by a family, they live in packs and have there own territories. Many choose to live near the garbage dumps in order to get food. There are about 10-15 puppies and dogs that live up the road from us. I have been very intimidated by them all since I got here but I have slowly started to realize that they are more afraid of me than I am of them. People here can be quite cruel to the dogs by kicking them or throwing things at them. When I hear them barking viciously they are barking at each other. Maybe a dog walked into their territory or a dog is taking some food from them. ... read more

Many things in Bhutan were beautiful, except the weather - we had a lot of cloud on the days when we were supposed to see the 'most beautiful mountain in the world' (according to our Guide), and other big mountains and the like - I am beginning to think I'm jinxed about seeing views from high places! (maybe I shouldn't book the flight around Everest...) It is the complete opposite to Ladakh in that it is very green everywhere - and we found out why as it rained on many nights, but luckily only a few times during the day. However, many things are similar to Ladakh, but with a Bhutanese slant. It is also a very Bhuddist country, and the Dzongs (monasteries) are similar in style with thick, slanted outer walls, but they have large ... read more

Oy. I did not sleep well last night at all…I think I got eaten alive around my ankles and that is the worst! It was SO itchy…so I was kind of cranky all day. Anyway, we headed to the Paro Dzong. The architecture is all Bhutanese and apparently the finest. It is a pretty big temple although the area where the tsechu is held in the spring is much smaller than Thimphu. We then headed to the National Museum which used to be the old watchtower for the dzong…its sits up on the hill above the dzong. It is definitely an informative place and well worth the drive there…although it is just above the dzong you cant go the direct route as it is just for royalty so instead you take a 12 minute drive…neat. Mind ... read more

Today was a day mainly of very touristy events…we went to an archery match, the National Memorial Chorten, the painting school (National Institute for Zorig Chusum), the Folk Heritage Museum, the National Library, the Textile Museum, and then I did some shopping…even though I said I would not. I barely have enough room to carry what I brought how could I think to purchase anything?! Well I decided to, even though many times I have buyers remorse, I did not want to wish I had purchased something…only a few things and I shipped it home…obviously my negotiating skills paid off. The drive back to Paro was terrible. It was SO bumpy and dusty and I was breathing in all of it and the shit coming out of the tailpipes of the massive construction trucks. I had ... read more