Chorten Kora near Trashi Yangtse in Eastern Bhutan was constructed in 1740 by Lama Ngawang Loday in memory of his late uncle, Jungshu Phesan, and to subdue local spirits. The lama went to Nepal himself and brought back a model of Bodhnath carved in a radish. He had it copied here so that people could visit this place instead of making the arduous trip to Nepal.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Elisabeth Levy, Santa Rosa
Bhutanese guide Palden with Elisabeth Levy in front of the Punakha Dzong.
Photo: Courtesy of Elisabeth Levy
I went because: I saw a postcard showing Tigernest Monastery high up on a cliff and heard Bhutan was the last Shangri-La.
Don't miss: A festival, and be sure to read as much as possible before you go.
Don't bother: Don't worry, you will have a guide and a driver, no matter if you are by yourself or in a group. Everything you see is interesting and unusual.
Coolest souvenir: A coin and a drawing I received as a present from Anjali, a 10-year-old Bhutanese girl.
Worth a splurge: Anything handmade by the Bhutanese.
I wish I'd packed: More cash. A few stores accept Visa, but it is very complicated.
Other comments: Bhutan is a small country in the Himalayas with a colorful history. A wonderful experience.
Read more: sfgate.com
