The travel opportunity of a lifetime
Early days in the capital Thimphu
covered bridge leading to the weekend market
Buddha Point
Morning sky from the main street - Norzin Lam
First stop on the wayside Trongsa
lions' heads adorning the Dzong
View through a peephole
To bless our journey flying prayer flags at Yotong La - the only pass at which we managed to fly some on our way out of Bhutan in 2012.
never too windy for a flag to fly
Back in fond and familiar territory in Trashigang
my favourite Dzong
those eastern rivers, valleys and views
prayer wheel and traffic circle in the small smoke
Home at last in Rangjung
Sunrise over the mountains
ST super cyclist riding home from school- a week earlier he even completed the Tour of the Dragon 268 gruelling kilometres but he wasn't wearing a gho for that!!
view of Mimilarang from Joyce's Chorten
Special memories and commemorations in Phongmey
The sacred Thongdrel hanging at the Phongmey Tschechu
prayer flags at the memorial to madam Martha
colourful new flags added to commemorate the one year anniversary
Yangtse, showcasing the wilderness and traditions of rural Bhutan
pristine mountain fed rivers
sculptures in class at the Zorig Chusom School for traditional arts
the signature landmark Chorten Kora
Passing through Trashigang again
new cut and colour from the best barber in the country- he even provides his services to the royal family
When
we left Bhutan in December last year, I really wanted to fly a string of prayer
flags at each of the significant passes as we crossed the country from east to
west, but the weather and time conspired against us, so this time we did just
that.
1st pass- Kori La
2nd pass- the king of them all Thrumsing La
Bumthang (aka Jakar and Chamkar) the mid point of a long journey whichever direction you travel
walking along the river from Kurji Monastery
spinning prayer wheels
Kurji Monastery monk quarters
the snow capped mountains of Tibet beckon in the distance as one approaches Haa
Haa Tibetan rammed earth house
the hotel in Haa and the vehicle that covered the distance
the 6th unexpected pass- west of Paro- Chele La
This really is the highest pass in Bhutan sorry for previous misinformation
the flags
Paro point of entry and exit
Taksang or Tiger' Nest the number one tourist destination and an amazing hiking challenge
cairns dot the trail
the beautiful Paro valley just before harvesting the rice
We are very grateful for the rare opportunity to have been able to travel at our own speed and in our own style. Having taken time to see the many things we were unable to while working here, we feel extremely connected to the people and the country. It is our fervent hope that we will be back in 2014 in a teaching capacity and with the enthusiasm to embrace the culture once more.
For those without the experience of long hours of road travel to inform them of Bhutan’s geography and the specific location of these small towns, villages, communities and passes, this may help.
aha Deepak saloon... I missed him also
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful collection that would inspire anyone to want to come to Bhutan! I love your idea of flying flags at all the passes, something I think we need to do as we travel at the end of the year to say goodbye to this special place.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos Vicky - I love the spinning prayer wheel! I always try and capture them but never manage it so succinctly and elegantly!
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