October 22, 2012
Phil called in via sat phone at 7:34 this morning with an update on the Bhutan Trek. Yesterday the team left Chomolhari Base Camp and trekked through Nyelela Pass at about 16000 feet (almost 3000 vertical foot gain), which brought them to the village of Lingshi last night. This morning as they awoke to perfect weather, they left camp (just below Lingshi) and started out for Chebisa.
School children in Lingshi (Photo: John Dahlem)
First stop was a visit to the Lingshi Dzong. Originally built in 1668, this Dzong had controlled the border between Tibet and Bhutan and was one of the main defensive fortresses in years past. Next they stopped in at the town of Lingshi itself for a visit with the local school children. Continuing on, they made their way to the settlement of Goyak – virtually untouched and unchanged for hundreds of years, one of the most interesting places on the whole trek! Another hour of walking finally brought them in to the settlement of Chebisa, where they rented a house from one of the horsemen, cooked and ate dinner, and will camp for the night.
Tomorrow morning begins one of the 3 real big days for the team – everyone’s ready! Weather continues to be good, and everyone is doing fantastic. All is going incredibly well in Bhutan.
Becky K