Our Bhutanese team
Bhutan offers so much for the traveler looking for a completely different experience. The main reason that we chose Bhutan was it’s combination of culture and trekking-we always choose a destination that will challenge us physically. OOOHHHHHHH—and challenge us it did! Trekkking the Himalayan mountains in Bhutan is not for the average day-hiker. We knew it would be tough-we have hiked the 200-mile Annapurna Circuit in Nepal (for my 40th), and knew that high altitude treks are demanding, but this particular 8-day trek ’bout kicked my ass!
Our travel partner, David Frieder from Denver (who was a total stranger prior to this trip), finally made it to Bhutan after several failed flight-attempts. We immediately hit it off and knew that he would be a great traveling team mate.
After 5 days of cultural touring and tough day-hikes, we set off on our journey. I finally got over the worst of my giardia parasite with the help of 2 grams of Tinidazole. (Giardia is nasty–one “eggy” burp can clear a room!!)
We were introducced to our staff-there was Minjur “cook”, Tenzin “lunchboy”, Gyaltshen “cowboy” and of course Jambay, our guide. We had 7 ponies and pack-mules to carry our baggage, the cook-tent, our tents, and all food and supplies. The first day was fairly easy, 17 km, winding through small villages and rural farm houses. It seemed absurd (more…)
