We were prepared for 24 days in the sheltered Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan, 17 days crossing the Himalayas on one of the world’s toughest trekking routes, and about 2 weeks with no connection to the outside world beyond an emergency SAT phone...but the nature of...
From the 10th-15th centuries, Bhutan was a land conducive to spiritual treasure-hunting. Treasure-finders, known as tertons, were generally monks with spiritual powers that allowed them to see and bring forth treasures including ritual objects and sacred texts. The...
Around Paro, the capital Thimphu, and surrounding areas, we can’t pass a temple without my wanting to explore it. I’m gathering stories and looking for interesting out-of-way places to build into future trips...and Bhutan does not disappoint. Dark rooms are...
Bhutan is everything I love about trekking and travel. Endless expanses of alpine wilderness are dotted with high altitude flowers and sacred lakes, and yak herders roam the high country. In the valleys, richly painted monasteries are full of red-robed monks...
In the 8th century, Guru Padmasambhava (also known as the Second Buddha) traveled throughout the Himalayas. The land is rich with stories of how he subdued demons, hid treasures, and spread Buddhism. It is his coming which really marks the start of Himalayan Buddhism...
Bhutanese women are beautiful at every age. Unlike most anywhere else in Asia, they traditionally wear their hair cropped short. They enjoy greater equity in society--and the oldest daughter inherits the farmhouse and property!
Bhutan is renown for its intricate textiles. Woven on backstrap looms with the designs knotted in by hand, three panels for a traditional woman's dress can cost over USD 1000. The kira panels are silk or cotton and are fastened with large silver brooches. Video:...
Two pieces of classic Bhutanese advice. --- When walking, take the winding path. When talking, take the direct path. --- You can get many husbands or wives, but you only get one set of parents. Follow their guidance.
Eight men were going to Tibet to trade goods when they were robbed. The robbers took all their clothing, goods, and money. Fearing retribution, the robbers then killed the traders--but one man lived. Cold, naked, and hungry, he walked in the snow until he was...
Everything I’m reading about spiritual growth seems to be reflected in my immediate experience, just as the still lake reflects the ridgeline down into a watery mirror. All I have to do is be still…and the world becomes clear. Crossing a 16,000 foot pass, the rain...
Our days take us past neon yellow larch forests, plus rhododendron, silver fir, and birch, until we are above the tree line in an alpine valley. Mornings, the earth vibrates with horsehoofs as our pack animals near the tents and await their breakfast. We arrive at the...
We set off from the ruins of a 17th century monastery at 9,000 ft and begin to follow the Paro river up into the Bhutanese Himalaya for a 10-day trek. Six clients, a Bhutanese guide, a cook, four assistants, two horsemen, fifteen horses, and me. Past farmhouses and...