Back from the Jakar "Base Camp"

Since we last posted, we took a drive further east to Ura where we took a long mountain hike at over 11,000 feet. We ended up in the village of Ura where we were invited into a Bhutanese farmhouse. It was interesting to see how the people live, sparse and dark, but they had TV!!

We then had a picnic in a field and were almost overrun by a herd of sheep coming down the mountain. Our guide quickly shooed them away, but they were then followed by a couple of dogs, crows and myna birds who enjoyed the remnants of our lunch.

Back at the hotel we learned to appreciate having a real bed and hot water, but shortly after that we learned to appreciate having water as the boiler gave out and the water intake from the mountain was blocked.

On the morning of the last day, the temperature outside had fallen to 20F and inside our room it was 48F. Thank you mom for the hand and foot warmer packets last Christmas!!! Our departure was delayed as the coach had difficulties starting in the cold weather.

Yesterday was another long day driving back to Punahka (10 hours) of winding roads over two mountain passes well over 10,000 feet.

This morning we travelled to Paro, the final leg of our Bhutan journey. Today we saw an archery tournament (which is the national sport like football is to the US). It is quite amazing that they can hit the small target 150 yards away.

The hotel is close to the airport, but our guide tells us not to worry as there are only two flights a day and we already saw them land.

Tomorrow will be a big day. We will drive to the most famous dzong or temple - Tiger's Nest. It is built on the side of a cliff at 10,000 feet. We have a 2.5 hour trek to the top and you guessed it - 2.5 hours back down. There is a stop about 1/3 of the way where there is a tea shop. Then about 1/2 way there is a lookout point. The rest of the way are steep steps that zig zag up and down without railing along the edge of the cliff. We'll let you know how far we get!

We leave Bhutan on Wednesday back to Nepal. Since we are at the hotel right now, I think we can give you an update tomorrow afternoon about our trek.

Happy Birthday, Mom!!!

Deb & Karel