The starting point of our trek, Drukgyel Dzong was built at the head of the Paro valley
to commemorate victory over the Tibetan invaders and discourage future attacks.
Our hike takes us through small farming villages which become smaller as we travel further up the Paro river valley. The fields are planted with rice - both white and red, millet, barley and amaranth - which all look ready to harvest. All work is done by hand or with oxen.
Bryan did not stop with us for lunch and ended up taking an alternative horse route, Bruce and Wangdi go back to find him once we reach the Gunyitsawa camp. Four of our horses, which were hired at the last minute, arrive late with carrying some kitchen supplies and tent poles. |
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Michael, Marina, Philip, Tammy, Bruce, Bryan and Wendy all ready to go. Note the "flying phallus" and other auspicious symbols on the side of the building above. |
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All of us together with our guide, driver and other travel agency staff. |
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Our van drops us off at Drukgyel Dzong where the rest of our trekking staff are waiting for us and our horses are ready to be packed. |
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A closer picture of us. |
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The house of the main horseman providing horses for treks up the Paro river valley. |
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We wind our way for the first 2-3 hours along the Paro Chhu at the bottom of the valley, through rice land and cow pastures. |
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Children making their way home from school across mountain paths. |
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The trail starts its ascent: a view of the cultivated fields and rural homes as we begin the first of many climbs. |
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A stone carving invoking the blessings of the White Tara, a protective deity symbolizing fertility. |
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An unidentified grain used in the production of an alcoholic drink, interspersed with red spires of amaranth, ready for harvest. |
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One of Bhutan's beasts of burden, a domesticated oxen that has possibly been cross-bred with higher mountain yaks. |
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Amaranth is not only a practical grain used for food, it also serves to brighten up gardens in mountain villages. |
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A young girl and boy show their lesson book to Bryan. |
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Wangdi serves Bruce Indian milk tea - always one of the first tasks upon arriving to camp. |
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Hot tea and cookies are served to us as camp is set up by the trekking staff. |
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Other trekking parties nearby make wood fires, which are prohibited by the authorities. Propane gas for cooking is supposed to be supplied instead. |
