BHUTAN DRUK PATH TREK

Transcription

1 BHUTAN DRUK PATH TREK HE WHO ENVIES OTHERS DO NOT OBTAIN PEACE OF MIND In Bhutan, Where Happiness is a Place, ENVY is not in its vocabulary, especially when its economic development and growth are measured by Gross National Happiness (GNH) and not by Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It becomes crystal clear after experiencing a trip to: BHUTAN Land of the Thunder Dragon We were greeted with warm smiles from the moment we landed on Paro International Airport. The airport runway is just 6,500 feet long (about 2 km). The tiny airport nestled among the steep mountains of the Himalayas is said to be the most dangerous in the world. That is why only Drukair Royal Bhutan Airlines, with their very own expert pilots, can fly here. 1

2 ALL THE WORLD IS MADE OF FAITH, TRUST, AND PIXIE DUST. ~ J.M. BARRIE, PETER PAN Bhutanese s deep faith and devotion make festivals a special occasion. We joined thousands of people as they happily gather to watch the performances dressed in their customary formal wear; the young and the young-at-heart. 2

3 A brief respite after a day filled with festival performances amidst strong winds and nippy weather. So what next? WALKING IS A MAN S BEST MEDICINE ~ HIPPOCRATES An apple is not the only thing that will keep the doctor away. A walk a day can also keep the doctor at bay. And what better way than a must-do in Bhutan a hike up to Taktshang Monastery (Tiger s Nest), Bhutan s most culturally iconic monastery. 3

4 Prayer flags are spotted everywhere in Bhutan. These colourful rectangular pieces of cloths are inscribed with prayers, mantras and auspicious symbols. Buddhists believe that the prayer flags generate spiritual vibrations that when blown by the wind, the prayers are carried in the air like silent prayers. Any person touched by the wind will be happier and uplifted. And because of this, prayer flags are treated with the utmost respect. 4

5 Bhutan s youth is keeping up with the world s progress. They happily embrace the world s favourite drink, Coca-Cola Visiting the Paro Taktsang Monastery is an unforgettable experience thanks to its unique location and the views of surrounding majestic mountains and emerald green valleys. The main peculiarity of the monastery is its isolated location. It is only accessible by mountainous paths. The remote location of the monastery makes it amazingly beautiful and unique, that is why it is a must visit for all first timer visitors to Bhutan. 5

6 After the hike, there were many good reasons to celebrate: We completed it, we accomplish a day s walk, it was exhilarating, it was mind-boggling, IT WAS WORTH IT! 6

7 WHEN PREPARING TO CLIMB A MOUNTAIN PACK A LIGHT HEART. ~ DAN MAY Meet our red-haired beauty, Dongkha, the leader of the pack. The other mules have to stay in line behind Dongkha as they tread confidently through challenging trails to our first campsite. 7

8 IN EVERY WALK WITH NATURE ONE RECEIVES MORE THAN HE SEEKS. ~ JOHN MUIR Depending on your fitness level, physically AND mentally, the Druk Path Trek can be somewhat challenging. However, it can be momentarily forgotten because of the breathtaking views of its flora and fauna, the smell of clean fresh air, the closeness of the Himalayan mountains as you trek; united in friendship and united too in the moans and groans as we ascend and descend 8

9 After what seemed like forever, we reached our base camp. Everything was already laid out for us by the service staff and their trusted help the mules! The mountain air felt clean, albeit thin since we were on a high altitude (about 3,800 metres or 12,500 feet). 9

10 THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS BAD WEATHER, ONLY INAPPROPRIATE CLOTHING. We brought appropriate clothing but for most of us, they were still not enough. Lo and behold, Raven s staff to the rescue with hot water bottles to help settle us for the night. For dinner, the kitchen staff prepared food fit for a king! A varied range of appetizers, entrée and dessert plus much-need hot drinks enough to warm our bodies before lights out. Then in the morning, a basin of hot water for an uplifting wash plus hot tea or coffee service, right outside each of our tents. AMAZING! OUTSTANDING! IMPECCABLE! MAGNIFICO! 10

11 OUR FEET ARE OUR BODY S CONNECTION TO THE EARTH. ~ ANDREW WEIL Our feet were most certainly rooted to the ground as we started another clear day of trekking. Breakfast outdoors under clear blue skies, a good morning stretch and one panoramic group picture with the working crew before our trek. 11

12 TAKE ONLY MEMORIES, LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS. ~ CHIEF SEATTLE We definitely took away a lot of amazing memories from this Druk Path Trek and left footprints, only some footprints because we plan to return. The imprint of what Bhutan has to offer is unforgettable; from its rich culture and history, to the heartwarming smiles of its people, to its majestic snow-peak Himalayan mountains. The following pictures can speak for themselves: 12

13 13