Highlights of Bhutan
Bhutan
POSTCARDS | NOV 17I expected my tour in Bhutan to be inundated with temples, monasteries, and other religious buildings, so much so that I’d get tired of visiting them. Although the architecture and paintings were fascinating and I never got bored of them (unlike my experience of churches in Europe!), it was Bhutan’s nature that really took my breath away.
I didn’t expect to be amazed by Bhutan’s stunning scenery and untouched hiking trails that weaved through forest, villages, and rice paddies. It felt like a dream hiking through the forests, alone on the trail, getting to breathe in crisp, fresh mountain air and only being surrounded by the sounds of nature.
The arrows on the below slideshow are a bit tricky to find - don’t forget to click through and scroll down to see all the photos!
Stunning views of Mt Everest from the short flight from Kathmandu, Nepal to Paro, Bhutan. Click through for more photos.
Miles of rice fields, seen from the hike towards Changangkha Lhakhang, a Buddhist temple built during the 13th century
Paro Taktsang, also known as the Tiger's Nest Monastery, an icon of Bhutan. The only way to this monastery is via a 2-3 hour hike - even the king must hike on foot to visit!
The snow-capped Bhutanese Himalayan mountains in the distance
A bird's eye view of Gangtey Valley during the Longtey Hike
One of my favorite photos, taken on the drive back to Paro
A monk peering over the bridge to Punakha Dzong to view the fish swimming below
Monks walking through the courtyard of Punakha Dzong, the second oldest fortress in Bhutan that now serves as the administrative center for the Punakha region. It also was the location of the wedding of the current King and Queen of Bhutan.
Two girls in kiras, the national dress of Bhutan, waiting to enter the temple in Punakha Dzong.
Posing on one of the balconies in Punakha Dzong. This was one of my favorite buildings to visit because of its intricate architecture and people watching.
Hiking in the Phobjikha Valley along the Gangtey Nature Trail.
Black-necked cranes migrate from Tibet to Bhutan's Phobjikha Valley in November. Their warbles were a beautiful melody to accompany my hike.
The view up - these plants growing off the trees look very much like angel hair. Apparently they only grow in areas where the air is very pure.
The Longtey Trail in the Phobjikha Valley snaked through forest, rice fields, and rolling hills.
The Longtey Trail in the Phobjikha Valley snaked through forest, rice fields, and rolling hills.
Autumn colors were beginning to show on the landscape
Paro Taktsang, also known as Tiger's Nest Monastery.
108 memorial stupas make up Dochula Chorten in the Dochula Pass. They were constructed to remember the Bhutanese soldiers who lost their lives while serving their country,
In full Bhutanese dress in front of the National Museum of Bhutan, which was previously a fortress and watchtower.
An auspicious day visiting Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang, a Buddhist temple in Paro. I visited just before the temple closed, which was when the monk was uncovering a rare book of sutras written in gold and is opened once a year. The monk read me a blessing from this book, and it felt like a special and sacred moment.