Phobjikha

Our journey to Phobjikha Valley took us up to the mountains again, past several waterfalls until we got to the town of Gangtey where Gangtey Goemba was. Phobjikha was already outside the Golden Triangle of Bhutan so the tourists here were fewer in number. As usual, we went around the monastery's complex clockwise while admiring the quintessential finesse of Bhutanese architecture. We took off our shoes and took a peek inside the main temple before walking around the main town. We visited some shops and a live painting of thangka. Lisa also bought a scarf made out of baby yak wool which was exquisitely soft.

We then began the Gangtey-Phobjika nature trail with Tashi while Fifa drove on to meet us at the other end. The trail took us into the woods and then to the vast open fields of the valley itself. The meandering river was shimmering from afar. We saw cows and stupas on the way to the observation deck where we met up with Fifa. We then proceeded together downwards towards the river. We crossed the bridge and hopped in the car for lunch at a nearby restaurant with a panoramic view of the valley.

After lunch, we stopped by the Black Necked Crane Center where we got to see two of the captive cranes, Karma and Pema. They were both injured and could no longer fly and survive in the wild and were now kept safely in their own sanctuary. Karma was alone for several years until Pema was brought in. It must be so nice to finally have another friend. We were a bit too early for the Black Necked Cranes since they usually arrive around November, migrating from Tibet. Instead, we got to learn about them through a documentary inside the center. What impressed me the most was the fact that these cranes circumambulate Gangtey Goemba three times upon arrival and departure as if paying respect to the holy place.

With most of the activities done for the day, we went to our homestay nearby where we got settled in with some snacks and tea. It was wonderful to experience a Bhutanese family's home. I even had a separate room from the girls. After lollygagging for a while, Fifa offered to take us to some place for a view so we found ourselves back in the car driving to who knows where.

We stopped by a random peak and Fifa said we could hike down towards the village nearby, so we did. Down towards the bridge and across it. We were stumped when we realized the path was a muddy marsh. Lisa was a bit more daring and went on to hop on whatever she could find to try and make it to the other side. The rest of the group opted to just cross the nearby wooden boardwalk. At the top though was a prize well worth it. Two cows were going head to head, literally. It was my first time seeing such a thing in action and I was really happy with the shots I was able to take with the clouds as the backdrop. We hiked back up as it was getting dark and when we arrived back at the homestay it was already pitch black. We were served a delicious homemade dinner with some fruits at the end while we chatted with the children and mother.

I took a shower and went to my room to rest for a bit, thinking about where I was in life right then. Czytaj więcej