Monday, September 13, 2010
Dochola hike and picnic
A few weeks ago, I was invited to go on a hike and picnic to Dochola- a place of temple and 108 chortens (stupas). I was invited by the Dzongka loppons (Dzongka teachers) from our school and interestingly enough, none of them could speak much English. I was along for the ride and happy to have an "adult day" out of Thimphu (Even though Thimphu is only 40,000 people, it is still "urban"). On the way to Dochola, we stopped and turned off onto a very 4-wheel drive road with an incredible grade. I don't think the driver had used the 4 wheel drive before and we progressed on the road to get stuck at a very steep and very muddy road. After several stops and rocks placed behind wheels and me trying to explain that the 4 wheel drive had to be turned on, I decided to walk. The road was up,up and up. My friends from the trip to Tibet could sympathize with the road. I don't usually get nervous on such roads but with an inexperienced driver and a language barrier, I had to just hike and hope they would follow or figure out the land cruiser (the old style version). Eventually, they caught up with me-in the vehicle. When they saw the next hill and close turns around mountain bends that dropped off, they parked the vehicle and decided to join me on the trail. The monastery was built in the 1700's and is rarely visited (by the looks of the road and the monks when we arrived). The gompa is inhabited by many monks and nuns. There are several retreat houses on the mountain ridge. We visited each temple, made offerings and then walked around the beautiful garden grounds. I was still wondering about the road back and if we were still going to Dochola. We took several photos and then walked back to the vehicle. We had some tea and snacks (no matter where you go and how far from civilization, there is still always a thermos of hot tea. We drove back down. Honestly, I would have preferred to hike back down. The road was no more than 10 ft wide-and as I mentioned, the drop-offs and the very deep mud.
We stopped at the creek crossing and I thought there was another problem but the loppons got out and washed the land cruiser-just like a car wash. We finally made it back to the main road (which has some issues itself) and started back up another mountain to Dochola. We reached the top, walked around the 108 chortens and then had a picnic lunch in the grassy area. While we ate, a huge cloud of fog surrounded us and the area. The fog was very beautiful and a welcomed mist after hiking up to Hungtso Tashigang Gompa. Some stray dogs patiently watched us eat as they knew they would get the left overs. Everyone was full, even the dogs, by the time we headed back to Thimphu. The day was a nice break from work and the busy-ness of Thimphu.
Thimphu Drubchen
Today was the "Thimphu Drubchen" at the Dzong (monastery/temple) courtyard. We arrived around 9:30 and waited with all the locals and a few tourists for the blessings of the Palden Lhamo dance. This was the 300th year of uninterrupted Drubchens. Many Lamas, including the Je Khenpo, monks and lay persons watched the negativities be invited and subdued for the upcoming year. The sun was out and quite warm during the ceremony. This dance is the official ceremony. The Thimphu Tsechu is more of the entertainment version where photography and video is allowed. Emma, Henry and I attended in our full Bhutanese attire- a requirement for entry. We will go to watch the Thimphu Tsechu later this week at the Dzong amphitheatre. Even though we were told, "no photographs," several people were taking pictures on phones-so I did get a few. I'll post once I find my iPhone USB cord (must be with Emma or Henry).
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