Nature News

Today we had great success and saw a juvenile white-bellied heron. There are only 26 in the country! This cute young man serenaded us. You can see the Po Chu River in the background. Most of the herons live in this area. Everyone saw this majestic bird and we celebrated by walking the suspension bridge, a great lunch, visit to the Khemsum Temple, and now a … [Read more...] about We saw a white-bellied heron!

We left Paro to travel east to wilder parts of Bhutan. We spent the night in Dochula Pass - home of 108 temples (chortens). The eldest wife of the fourth king built this temple, Dochula Lankang, in honor of her husband and all of his accomplishments. It is one of the newer temples we have visited which was quite apparent by the artistry. Tomorrow we seek … [Read more...] about Day 4 – Dochula Pass

Yesterday we hiked to the sacred Tiger's Nest. This high mountain monastery is located above Paro and the belief is Guru Rinpoche rode a dakini tigress into Bhutan in the 15th century. He brought Buddhism to the country and today all Bhutanese hike to the Tiger's Nest at least once in there lifetime. Everyone did great! We depart this morning for Dochula … [Read more...] about Tiger’s Nest

The flight arrives on time from Bangkok. Benj and Kinlay greet the group wearing ghos, the traditional dress for men. After everyone gets their luggage, we head to the Paro Dzong - the spiritual and government center of the district. It was a beautiful day and everyone feels quite happy in this land of happiness. Catherine Shill The Hole Hiking … [Read more...] about The group arrives from Bangkok

Today we decide to scout a new hike for next year’s trip, a few miles north of and high above of the capital. Our destination is the Dodedrak Institute of Buddhism, accessible only by foot or horse. The trail rises steeply through a coniferous forest for about 1800 feet on a south-facing slope, and the Institute’s small enclave of buildings appear suddenly … [Read more...] about Bhutan Blog 11/1/12