Bhutan mountains

IMG_4057
Originally uploaded by muddum27

Just Back From: Bhutan

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

paradise highway

paradise highway
Originally uploaded by ruchiro

Undoubtedly, the drive from Geleyphu to Wangdi in Bhutan is one of the most scenic drives in the world. Filled with gorges, rivers, lush forests encompassing Himalayan ranges, meandering roads, intermittent rainfall... Incredible!