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Phajoding Monastery Hike and Overnight Camp
Sonam Dendup • June 6, 2020
Its an Overnight Camping Experience in Thimphu
The Phajoding Monastery and its complex of temples look down upon the Thimphu valley from very high up in the mountains. It is a moderately strenuous 3 hours hike uphill through the cool pine trees and though the hike is challenging however it is also very rewarding to be so close to nature and its serenity and beauty. Phajoding Monastery at 3,640 meters consists of few temples, sacred religious sites and a collection of glacial lakes if one ventures further away from the monastery across the mountains.
Founded in the 13th century by the saint Lama Phajo Drugom Zhingpo, the main monastery and its sacred sites have a deep religious history and significance that resonates strongly with the Bhutanese culture and traditions. Nearby a temple is a holy spring water that is considered to cure speech impediments in people especially children.
While a tour of the temples and sacred sites fulfills the spiritual yearning, the hike along with an overnight camp in the woods make for a complete outdoors adventure. There are many beautiful campsites all over the place and the highlight of the camping being the sunrise and sunset over the Thimphu valley.
For the more arduous hiker, there is the most beautiful and challenging option to visit few lakes after crossing the Shachumla Pass.
Through this undisturbed tropical, sub-tropical and Alpine regions of virgin forests, waterfalls and lakes, highland nomadic villages, undisturbed nature and views of the Greater Himalayas and Snow Capped Peaks, Bhutan offers some of the best trekking experiences all year round.
The view from there is the panoramic sight of almost all the tallest Himalayan Mountain of Bhutan like majestic Gangkar Puensum, formidable Table Mountain and Tiger Mountain. As it is located at the top, the view of the Himalayan ranges is better than anywhere in the area, even as compared to famous Dochula Pass.
For Bhutanese, Gross National Happiness means a good government that creates an enabling environment for people to pursue happiness in a meaningful way. The result is a country at peace with itself, and people at peace with themselves!
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Clinging on a huge rock towards the north end of the Tang valley lies the Thowa Drak Hermitage just like the famed Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro. From the valley or road point it is a stiff 3 hours hike uphill through the serene and peaceful forest. Sweeping views of the Tang valley and the landscape can be enjoyed along the way with a bird’s eye view from the main site.
A quick visit to the Swiss Cheese Factory and Brewery is a refreshing alternative after visiting many temples and religious sites in the Bumthang valley. The Factory was started in the late 1960’s by a Swiss national Mr Fritz Maurer who visited Bhutan and settled in Bumthang.