temples – Adventures with Wen – Chronicles of a Spirited Traveler

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

ByWen May 2, 2023September 12, 2023

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…

Adventures with Wen | Asia | Bhutan | spiritual adventures | Women who write

Bhutan- Home of the Thunder Dragon

ByWen April 29, 2023September 12, 2023

A portion of our group flew to Bhutan today with two new friends from the US! On the way, we flew along the Himalayas and were blessed with extraordinary views of Mt Everest! Wow! Words are inadequate. Did you know the only airport in Bhutan (in the city of Paro, at 2100 meters above sea…

Adventures with Wen | Asia | Gratitude

Last Day in Pokhara- Himalayas, Nepal

ByWen April 13, 2023September 12, 2023

I have some recommendations for you if you’re in the Pokhara area: Tashiling Tibetan Refugee camp, World Peace Stupa, and Sarangkot Mountain Lodge. Let me explain. The nights are cool and the days can be hot here. Today was hot and glorious (if you’re one of us who loves the heat) and a sightseeing one…

Adventures with Wen | Asia | Gratitude | hiking | Nepal

A Day in Pokhara

ByWen April 2, 2023September 11, 2023

It’s been sheer pleasure getting to know the amazing members of this group. In between our morning and afternoon meditation sessions with two wonderful teachers, we had the day to explore this little town called Pokhara. Folks picked up supplies for the hike like poles, rain gear, cold weather gear, headlamps, duffles, etc; others went…

I’m Busy Sitting Still

ByWen April 1, 2023September 11, 2023

If you visit Nepal, you will need a visa on arrival. Choose 15, 30, or 90 day durations. I highly recommend completing your application online in advance. The line can be long and you’ll be ready to not be in an airport longer than necessary. Print the completed application or take a photo of the…

Last Day in Thailand

ByWen March 30, 2023September 11, 2023

I forgot to tell you about the motorcycle ride we took last night around the base of the mountain that you’ve seen in many of my photos. I’ve spent little time on motorcycles and never at night but the temperature was perfect for taking the long way home, balmy and smooth like butter, and with…

Adventures with Wen | Asia | spiritual adventures | Thailand | Travel Tips

Rooted

ByWen March 29, 2023September 11, 2023

The Mekong is the world’s 15th longest river, originating in Tibet and cutting from China to Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos). I can’t get enough of this river and it’s magical energy. So we set off early for a sunrise boat ride upriver, seeing hardworking fishermen pulling in their nets, huge fish leaping…

When “the plan is no longer the plan”

ByWen March 29, 2023September 11, 2023

I woke to the sound of gongs from the temple down the street, matching a memory rhythm of gliding on a swing as a child, and I swear my body, breath, and mind synced to the pace at this moment. What a wonderful way to greet the day. We found a filling breakfast of rice,…

Chiangkhan Culture

ByWen March 28, 2023September 11, 2023

My friend and guide was released from the hospital after days of monitoring a punctured lung. We are so glad to have him back on his feet. After yesterday’s visit to the old temple, I learned it is between 300-400 years old and part of the old Langchiang Province, formerly known as “1 million elephants…

Adventures with Wen | Asia | Gratitude | Thailand | travel

Sneak Peek – Thailand

ByWen March 27, 2023September 11, 2023

Full details tomorrow but here’s a peek at how the day went…