October 26, 2011

Bhutan (Photo by Phil Ershler)

Yesterday the gang arrived safely back in Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city, after a spectacularly scenic drive from the trail head at Tashitang.  A quick stop at the Punakha Dzong – the winter palace of the king – invited some great photo ops in perfect weather and breathtaking scenery.

After some well deserved hot showers, the team will enjoy some local sightseeing and shopping today.  Phil says all is well, and the team will soon depart for Paro for flights to new destinations.

Becky Kjorvestad

Mt. Jichu Drake (Photo by John Dahlem)

October 24, 2011

Phil called in from Bhutan on the last night of the trek at their final camp.  They will journey to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan tomorrow for the end of the program.  Phil reports it was “the perfect group of people, perfect weather, a perfect trek and the perfect outcome.”

The trek was an overwhelming success and the entire team had the experience of a lifetime!

George Dunn

October 22, 2011

A little snow isn't about to slow them down

Phil called in with the latest from the Bhutan Team.  After enduring snow & rain on the 4-hour trek from Lamithang yesterday, the team finally arrived in Laya (12,600’) – just in time to pitch tents and take down a hot dinner in the homes of the locals.  By morning, the skies had cleared and they were able to enjoy a nice breakfast outside while basking in the breathtaking views of the snow covered peaks and surrounding scenery.  The rest of the day was spent walking around the village of Laya, getting cleaned up and preparing for the final push tomorrow.

Only two days of walking remain before completing the trek – tomorrow they will move on to Konea.

All is good!

Becky Kjorvestad

October 21, 2011

Prayer flags at the pass.

Phil called in with another great report from the Kingdom of Bhutan. The team made it up and over Shingela pass yesterday, which sits at roughly 16,500ft. The weather was “great for walkin”.  Herds of blue sheep were one of the many highlights as was hanging prayer flags as they crested the pass.

After a nice break they descended into Lamithang for the night where it rained and snowed a bit – not to worry they were tucked into their tents for the night as it began to snow.

Today will be a relatively short day as they make their way from Lamithang to Laya. A well deserved rest-day in Laya follows on Sunday.

All is well in Bhutan.

Tye Chapman

October 19, 2011

Phil called in to report that all continues to go well in Bhutan. In fact, he called this one the luckiest crews he’s had in quite awhile as the weather continues to cooperate. Most recently the team crossed Jarila pass at 4600m then descended to the river where several members of the team braved the frigid waters on foot while others hopped on the horses they have with them.

Another big day awaits tomorrow as they’ll cross the Shingela pass (4960m) then drop down to Lamithang

Tye Chapman