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Monthly Archives: November 2010
Skybar
It’s not the booze you are paying for, it’s the views.
Parts
Bangkok Skyline
Southern Border
In the entry for November 4th you saw Bhutan’s border with China, here is a look at the border with India. The photo was taken from one of the two Drukair jet planes, an Airbus A319. As of 2009 buying the two airplanes was the biggest transaction Bhutan had ever made.
Looky No Touchy
Remember we set off to take a look at the highest unclimbed mountain of the world? Turns it out we got the best look at Gangkhar Puensum (7570 m) through the giant Nikon telescope donated by the Japanese expedition that was disallowed to climb it but managed to conquer Liangkang Kangri next to it instead. The telescope is installed near the Dochu La pass at about 3000 m.
And Now For A Vote …
What if your 4th generation king decided it was time you participated in the selection of your government? The first general election in Bhutan was held in 2008, the constitution now defines it as a democratic constitutional monarchy.
Bamboo
As we follow the river to lower altitudes the air warms and the vegetation changes from dominant conifers to bamboo jungle.
Rain
Mercifully the rains didn’t start until today. What falls as rain down here is snow just a hundred meters above, we were more than a thousand meters higher just yesterday.
Thongle La, ~ 4650 m
As we cross the highest pass on our route we encounter groups of yak herders moving to lower altitudes. Unlike horses, the yaks have no trouble finding the hidden trail, acting as bovine snow plows. The herders make an offering of booze to appease the mountain spirits and ensure safe travel. The maps have located the pass between 4500 and 4900 meter so we make a guess based on our barometric altimeter.