Wangdicholing Guest House Bumthang

... The thing weighs 55 pounds and is from the early 1600s. It was blessed by the lama that made that monastery. He explained that you're supposed to put the chain mail on your back and circumvent the monastery three times to purify yourself of your wrong (or 'ill') speech, thoughts and body. Believe it or not, we both did it. And I have to say, taking 55 lbs off my back certainly felt like a weight was lifted ;) Is that maybe the ...

... a former monk, and he would do a 108 times a day (a lucky number in Buddhism). They mark how many times they've gone around by moving little white pebbles in old wooden trays on the side of the monetary each time they pass. I asked if I could take a photo. Most were happy to oblige. I showed them the picture on the back of my digital camera and I offered to send them a copy (the least I could do for their generosity). Sangay took their ...

... Keeping in mind that we are talking about a hole dug into the ground, with a canvas tent overhead to keep out the snow. Well, somewhere around 1am in my visit, I managed to drop my cherished wool hat into the "pit". It must have fallen out of my jacket pocket as I struggled in the confined space, and into the hole it went. Tired, confused, stunned - I just stood there, hovering over the pit in disbelief that I had just lost my ...

... a short break. Eventually, we reached a place called Damche Gom, where a long stone wall containing offerings to the gods stood. This historic site is said to contain jewels and other valuables that have been sealed inside the wall in an effort to bring luck and ward off evil spirits by the locals. It is here that we broke for lunch - an amazing hot lunch of pork and beef curries, rice and vegetables in a milky cheese sauce, with tea and juice. Nice touch - though i was ...

... two fo them here. Drukpa Kuenly went to a Rimpoche (enlightened person) and received a blessed string for good luck. Most Buddhists put these strings around their neck or wrists. Not knowing what to do with it but wanting good luck he decided to tie the string around his penis. The sanctity of this guy then stemmed from his ability to turn his penis into any shape and become any weapon. Most notably, evil spirits would typically come to Earth as ...

... and rice with greens and chilies. Hot! Returning to Jakar, we split up in town and I join the guide in exploring a hotel alternative for future visits to this area. I also obtain a copy of the dates of the various festivals in Bumthang. An amazing number take place in October and November. Dinner tonight is fondue, followed by raclette - a potato smothered in melted cheese and garlic and parma ham. Decadent!! Up at the crack of dawn tomorrow to return to Thimphu. Hugs, Dan

... pony drivers requested have not shown up, and we must reduce the amount of luggage being carried during the trek. Even with all the reshuffling of gear, we are still on the trail by 10am, and it is a steep climb from the very beginning. In fact, we ascend over 5,000 feet from our starting point today! We reach camp around 4:30pm and enjoy tea and cookies in the dining tent. The crew makes a roaring fire, where we proceed to eat dinner ...

... are everywhere. The number of deities and demons is absolutely dizzying. Most buildings are painted with religious paintings, and wooden phalluses are nailed over doorways, hung from the corners of houses, or painted on the building to ward off evil spirits. Monks in dark red robes can be seen almost everywhere. We visited numerous monasteries, from Jampey Lhakhang, built in the 7th century by a Tibetan king (one of 108 temples built to ...

... Ungar (der in Bhutan arbeitet) sowie Chilling, der Sohn des Swiss Guest House Owners, bereits warteten. Die Bhutanesen sprachen fleissig dem Alkohol zu (mein Guide Chado allerdings nicht, er trinkt zum Glueck nur wenig Alkohol), Chilling war besonders fleissig und uebte sich im Witze erzaehlen (Furzwitze waren seine Lieblingswitze) und im Singen um das Lagerfeuer (well, die Temperaturen waren bei 0 Grad). Er spricht erstaunlich gut ...

... and he also gave us a bottle of it to take trekking with us. Somehow we still managed to pack! Next day we had a leisurely start, travelling to the beginning point of our trek. On the way we stopped at Kurjey Lhakhang (temple) where the Queen Grandmother who died recently is due to be cremated next week. Massive preparations were underway including building the most beautiful stupa where her body will be cremated and which will then be destroyed. Then on to our trek. Our ...