UKC

Mrs G and I have just had the pleasure and privilege to spend almost a month trekking through Northern Bhutan, along the border with Tibet.

It has been quite simply one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had. Bhutan is a breathtakingly beautiful region of the Himalayas, with an atmosphere and character which is best described as 'spiritual'.

We crossed 13 Himalayan passes up to altitudes of 5000 metres.

Along the way we experienced an utterly jaw dropping sunset over Jumolhari (7,314 metres) and Jichu Drake (6,989 metres), spent a wonderful nights camping at Jangothang (5011 metres), saw blue sheep, griffon vultures, golden eagles, and wild Himalayan rhubarb on the banks of the Tangchu River, with its amazing waterfalls.

The highlight was probably crossing the Ganglarchung Pass (5,120 metres) with a spectacular backdrop of Kangbum (6,530 metres) Tsendhen Gang (7,100 metres) Teri Gang (7,300 metres) and Jejegangphu Gang (7,120 metres).

We even renewed our wedding vows/had our marriage blessed, in a rather moving ceromony in a monestary.

All in all, a completely life afirming and joyous trip, to a country who's landscape, people and culture, has quite literally stolen our hearts.

In reply to Goucho:

That sounds wonderful. I would love to visit and climb to some modest summits. Did you go with an organised trek or do it yourself? How are your photos from the trip? Posting any on UKC?!

In reply to Goucho:

Amazing! We went there in April this year for some trekking and tourism (but no wedding vows to renew!). Completely echo your thoughts.

However - a whole month! Sounds phenomenal! We couldn't afford more than 8 days !

In reply to Jamie Hageman:


We went with guides - the country is very much a wilderness, and local knowledge crucial for navigation over such a long and complex trek, as well as transporting supplies.

Unlike trekking in Nepal, there are no conveniently placed tea houses and guest houses at the end of each day.

It does tend to rain a lot too.

But a truly fabulous experience.

In reply to 67hours:


We did what they call the 'Snowman Trek', which is the highest and longest.

It was a bit pricey - don't think we got much change out of £10k for the whole month - just over 3 weeks on the trek, and about another 5/6 days getting there and back plus a couple of touristy days.

Loved it so much we might go back again this September. The fact the country doesn't measure its economy by GDP, but by GNH - Gross National Happiness - maybe explains part of the reason the country is so tranquil and joyous. It's almost other worldly

In reply to Goucho:

That sounds absolutely perfect.