After many years of travel to Nepal (and Tibet) I finally put up the cash to head to the once forbidden kingdom of Bhutan. I flew from Kathmandu to Paro, Bhutan's only international airport. Upon arrival one realizes you are in a very different place although the Himalayas and mountains seem familiar. The men all wear the national dress - the Goh - a knee length garment worn with leggings, and white sleeves. The women wear the Kira, an almost floor length dress with a short jacket. National dress is required for all citizens while working, at school or entering government offices.
Bhutan is known for a spicy chili cheese dish, buckwheat pancakes, yak wool garments and woven goods, cheese, butter and red panda beer. Being a Buddhist country, all meats are brought in from India so no animals are harmed in Bhutan. This kingdom is the size of Switzerland and became a democracy a few years ago. It is 99% Buddhist and there are many dzongs (fortress monasteries), gompas (temples) and chortans in all major centers. Tourism is tightly controlled as they do not want the spoils that come with too many tourists. It also costs a fortune (upwards of $200 USD per day and much more if traveling solo) but it includes a guide, driver, all meals and accommodations and transportation.
Bhutan includes the eastern Himalayas, shares a northern border with Tibet, a southern border with India and several 7000m peaks including Jhomolhari (7315m). Thimphu is the capital - seat of government and home for the revered royal family. They love their King and Queen. The current King's father (the 4th king of Bhutan) abdicated to his son 4 years ago. The son recently married a pilot's daughter in 2011, a very popular wedding and produced much pride in the royal family.
The country is very mountainous and I see lots of opportunity for treks. The white peak above is Jomolhari, a beautiful wedge shaped peak. An 8 day trek can be started 16km west of Paro finishing up in Thimphu. However, unless you are trekking, one must travel between the major centers by bus, jeep or car.
As the weeks go by, I hope to provide a few photos to show what this kingdom in the Himalayas looks like through the lense of my camera.
There are 3 major mountain passes in the west of Bhutan that afford the most incredible views of the eastern end of the Himalayan range. This photo taken from Dochu La 3115m.
The white wedge is Jomolhari 7315m (sometimes spelled Chomolhari) which gives the Jomolhari trek its name! A camping trek passes the foot of it and 3 other near 7000 meter peaks before heading southeast to Thimphu, the capital. The trek crosses passes at 4900m.
