Blog 4: Archery and Abbots

Yesterday (6 Nov) we trekked through farmland up to a three-storey temple (Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal chorten in photos) with stunning views from the top. This was followed by a picnic lunch by the river then a visit to Punakha Dzong (which is half fort, half spiritual building in photo). We have learnt so much about Buddhism but it is all quite confusing as there are so many Gods and even more stories about them. Lastly we finished the day with a look at the locals holding an archery competition – the target was so far away we needed binoculars to see it but the archers seemed to manage nicely. Everyone got very excited, and the prizes for the winners appeared to be fridges! Rounded the day off with beer, wine and yet more chilli cheese, veggies, rice and noodles – not a lot of variation in diet but just a slight variation on the aforementioned from hotel to hotel. The weather is still sunny and hot during the day but cooler at night.

Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal chorten


Temple Art


This morning (7 Nov) we all got blessed by a passing abbot, everyone lining the road to wait for him to pass. As he did we bowed our heads and he tapped us with a stick from a moving car window... The further east we travel the less westerners we are seeing with is nice, so we were surrounded by locals who were all extremely excited. Climbed (by van I hasten to add) up to 3300m and am writing this from a gorgeous hotel in the Phobjikha Valley which is an area famous for black-necked cranes – of which 21 have arrived so far from Tibet. There is no electricity here after 9pm as it is produced by generators and they are switched off then – no electricity cables are allowed in the valley as they cause problems for the cranes apparently. The wood burner is going full blast, much colder up here and the air is thin.

Locals at the archery in traditional dress



Doug show a lady her photograph


We are all well and having a good time......... it is such a peaceful country where nobody seems to fuss or hurry.