We left Wandue this morning heading back to Paro. This time Dochula pass was sunny and clear so I was able to see the 108 stupas at the top. This pass reflects Bhutan's artistic and spiritual traditions. It is quite beautiful. Prayer flags hang everywhere, fluttering in the wind. The temple at the top was built within the last 10 years, commissioned by the queen mother. It is the first temple I have seen with crystal chandeliers. There are beautiful paintings telling the story of the war that the 4th king led, and the stability that was brought to the nation.
We stopped in Thimpu to check out the weekend market. I have never seen so many fresh vegetables all in one place. And I recognized most of them! All the farmers bring their products here to buy and trade. Sherab picked out a bunch of bananas and some mandarins. Yum! Way better than what you get in the supermarket.
I enjoyed at hot stone bath offered in one of the farm houses. Tea was served first, as always. They heat stones in a fire and place them in the front of large wooden tubs that look like cattle troughs filled with water. It is very rustic but oh so nice! A good way to loosen me up for the trek up to the Tiger's Nest tomorrow.
My trip is nearing it's end. Tomorrow is my last full day. The icing on the cake should be the trek tomorrow to the Tiger's Nest. It is a picturesque monestary perched high on a cliff at 10,000 ft. in elevation. It takes about 4 hours round trip to hike. What a wonderful way to end my visit!
