My pictures with their little stories

Cypress tree at Kyichu Lhakhang, Paro Cypress is the national tree of Bhutan and it was good to see a giant Cypress tree at Kyichu Lhakhang , Paro which happens to be one of oldest monasteries in Bhutan.

View of Thimphu from Cycle Ride Managed to arrange bicycles for a ride from a hill near Takin reserve down to the Indian consulate and further to the main market area in Thimphu . Except for the last leg which was uphill, it was a nice ride downhill in the crisp early evening air at Thimphu with some nice views of Thimphu outskirts thrown in.

Looking out from the door of the cantilever bridge at Paro Dzong While I was appreciating the play of shadows on the wooden cantilever bridge of Paro Dzong , I happened to look in the  other direction and saw a totally different perspective. Things can be so different and beautiful on the other side as well.

Shadows on the cantilever bridge, Paro Dzong While the wooden cantilever bridge at the entrance of Paro Dzong is a pretty structure, the play of shadows of the bridge structure on the wooden floor created a very interesting visual which could not have been missed.

Monks returning from an evening stroll to Gangtey Gonpa, Bhutan Gangtey Gonpa is an important monastery in the scenic Phobjikha valley . It is a small village with one street lined up with several shops. The monastery here is historically important and houses several monks. Our walk around the village coincided with the evening stroll of the monks from the monastery.

Taktsang (Tiger's Nest), Paro Like everything in Bhutan, there are several tales associated with Taktsang also known as Tiger's Nest, which is a wonderful monastery. Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) who brought Buddhism to Bhutan is said to have meditated here. He is also supposed to have flown here on the back of a tigress. It is a beautiful climb and reminded me of the climb to Kedarnath, although the climb to Kedarnath is much longer and harder and even more beautiful. It was extremely irritating to pushed aside by the constant stream of horses who were carrying those who were not fit as well as many who seemed fit but preferred not to walk this beautiful path. The green cover all around with liberal doses of red rhododendron flowers could not be missed.

Masked dancers at Ura village festival near Bumthang, Bhutan Mask dance was one of the most eagerly awaited dances at the Ura village festival near Bumthang in Bhutan. Colourful attires, fearful masks and music which was certainly not soft was an experience we were happy not to have missed. All these costumes and the masks are manifestations of deep rooted beliefs on which this society lives. The power of faith and tradition is amazing.