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"Watch out for the tigers," the farmer quietly warned me as I trekked out alone from his sturdy wooden home. The rising sun barely gave an orange nod from a Himalayan snow cap across the way. With camera in hand and a nervous watchful eye, I walked through the tiny farming community and out across the yellow pastures and barley fields of the narrow Phobjikha Valley, elevation 9800 feet. "Don't be nervous", I mumbled to myself. " "The tigers want chickens for breakfast, not me!"
I had slept little during the night, preferring instead to reminisce about the wonderful evening that had just past. Sitting on the floor around a small wood-burning stove, with only candle light to shadow dance amongst the several surrounding family members, we ate simply, and laughed heartily, all the while sipping a home-made brew that burned a hole in my throat. This overnight stay with a local family was the highlight of a two-week exploratory journey across the breadth of Bhutan, a country with such quiet and staggering beauty, that it is hard to imagine such a place still exists.
I wrote those entry words at the end of my last trip to Bhutan, April 2011. With eleven adventuresome travelers in tow, I am on yet another expedition to this tiny Himalayan kingdom (pop. 690,000), land-locked between India and Tibet.
Bhutan only permits about 27,000 visitors a year. Modern development did not begin in Bhutan until 1961, and, although Bhutan has made remarkable achievements in the past few decades, there are still few roads in this steeply mountainous and forested land, and, like the remote village I had visited, little or no electricity exists in a great deal of the country. There may now be one traffic light, but in what other country are there only solar cell phone towers, and archery the national sport!
Bhutanese live in harmony with nature, protecting all aspects of their rich biodiversity. Bhutan's eco-systems support exotic species of birds, rhododendron, medical plants, orchids, and wildlife. The high slopes of the Himalayas are considered sacred and are therefore rarely touched by a human foot. Even the trout in the many rushing rivers are sacred. I found profound peace while traveling across this land, and was deeply moved by the inherent spirituality of Buddhism.
For the inquisitive traveler, Bhutan is a treasure of pristine beauty, gracious and friendly hosts, and spectacular ancient forts, monasteries, and stupas. So come along with us vicariously as we embark on a unique and adventuresome expedition to this remote, mysterious, and exhilarating Land of the Thunder Dragon.
- comments
linda musser hi - will we be going to any of the nat'l wildlife parks/preserves? just curious as I look at the map! see ya - L.
The Wayward Traveler, a.k.a Ray U SQ, I look forward to following your exploits via your blog. Can't help but note your comments on Bhutanese living in harmony with nature; only wish they could do the same with all their fellow countrymen. Travel safely and enjoy the journey.
Sally & Ken Love reading all about it. We await more blogs as we work on our blog of the nomads' tandem in the Netherlands xx
carol wonderful article and great blog site. waiting for more! c.
Bill Hobbs Loved your intro, very descriptive. Please thrown in more history of some of the things that you do and see. And cover your tracks, so that tiger won't get you!
Cousin Sarah Wonderful start to your new adventure that I will be following. What an enchanting place this is. Stay safe and enjoy, all of you!