Today we made our way over the Dochu la pass on the way from Thimphu. The pass was clear and afforded us a panoramic view of the Himalayan.mountain range. We walked around a very impressive Dokhula Temple and the DrukWangyal Chortens, 108 stupa built by the eldest Queen Mother to honor the fourth King. The temple is right on the summit of the Dochula pass so the view was fantastic. http://www.tourism.gov.bt/where-to-go/dochula.html
The rest of the day was basically spent driving the 70 km along the rough mountain road that was under construction in many places. There was a road block at one point that we were lucky to hit at the right time as it was opened for traffic for 1/2 hour just as we arrived. Really though the roads are actually in much better shape than any in NE India or Nepal, with one single-most outstanding feature that sets them apart. The pristine forests and clear mountain streams and rivers that dominate the landscape. Really a special place.
Thankfully we booked the Black Crane Festival early and were one of the few to have a room in Gangtey, There is very little accommodation there and most stayed at farmhouses, camped or drove in from the nearest village more than an hour away. Our lodge was just across the courtyard from the Gangtey Gompa so we were seconds away from the festivities. That evening we were entertained by some young monks playing an odd game of cricket/keep away/dodge ball. Near as I can figure the object is to hit the ball and if you miss, the others grab the ball and try to bean you with it.
The rest of the day was basically spent driving the 70 km along the rough mountain road that was under construction in many places. There was a road block at one point that we were lucky to hit at the right time as it was opened for traffic for 1/2 hour just as we arrived. Really though the roads are actually in much better shape than any in NE India or Nepal, with one single-most outstanding feature that sets them apart. The pristine forests and clear mountain streams and rivers that dominate the landscape. Really a special place.
Thankfully we booked the Black Crane Festival early and were one of the few to have a room in Gangtey, There is very little accommodation there and most stayed at farmhouses, camped or drove in from the nearest village more than an hour away. Our lodge was just across the courtyard from the Gangtey Gompa so we were seconds away from the festivities. That evening we were entertained by some young monks playing an odd game of cricket/keep away/dodge ball. Near as I can figure the object is to hit the ball and if you miss, the others grab the ball and try to bean you with it.
