Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley) and a Day of Rest
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Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley) and a Day of Rest

After three weeks, three countries, 40 miles of trekking through the Himalayas, and being on the go sunup to sundown, I decided some self care was in order so I stayed at the hotel to rest today while the group went on their excursion. Our lodging, Hotel Pema Karpo in Wangdue, was a lovely respite…

108 Stupas, Punakha Dzong, The Divine Madman and the Chhimi Lhakhang Fertility Temple
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108 Stupas, Punakha Dzong, The Divine Madman and the Chhimi Lhakhang Fertility Temple

On your way from Thimphu to Punakha, head to Kuenselphodrang Nature Park where you will see the world’s tallest (169 feet) Buddha statue. Made of bronze, the Buddha Dordenma, Vajra Throne Buddha sits high on the hill, is visible from the valley, and contains a monastery inside. It has taken 10 years to build and…

Tadapani to Ghorepani, Nepal – Anna Purna Trail, Himalayas
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Tadapani to Ghorepani, Nepal – Anna Purna Trail, Himalayas

The blossom is in the shedding -Naomi After morning yoga on the upper deck our group, ages 13-63, enjoyed communal breakfast on the patio with mountain side views like this: We climbed again today, our longest and toughest day thus far. Reaching 8819 feet above sea level by 10am, we climbed thousands of granite steps…

Bistari Bistari – Anna Purna Trail, Himalayas, Nepal
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Bistari Bistari – Anna Purna Trail, Himalayas, Nepal

Our accommodations last night were in a newer Nepali mountain hotel which provides fun group meals, great views, and real toilets (squat toilets are common here), but no heat. At elevation it gets cold when the sun goes down so down jackets are needed sundown to sun up and bringing your own linens means a…