Back to Tours
Thunder Dragon
Cultural and Trekking Adventures in Bhutan
Photo Gallery
| Shrouded in the mists of time and tradition, the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan beckons you |
 |
||
This is the scene
that greets |
 |
||
| One approaches the Paro Dzong by crossing this traditional bridge |
 |
||
| Every Dzong is part government building, and part religious center |
 |
||
| The Bhutanese people are required to wear national costumes out of respect when entering a Dzong |
 |
||
| A line of traditionally-clad Bhutanese approaching the Paro Dzong, accompanied by a singing and dancing priest |
 |
||
| The traditional garment for men is called a "gho" |
 |
||
| One of the many highlights of the Paro Festival will be watching ornately costumed monks performing sacred ritual dances |
 |
||
| The dancers are watched attentively by red-robed monks of all ages |
 |
||
| Taktsang Monastery, known as the Tiger’s Nest, clings to a sheer rock cliff. |
 |
||
| You have the option to hire a horse for the climb to the Tiger’s Nest, but walking is good prep for our five-day trek |
 |
||
| At one point, the path takes us to this dramatic overlook above the monastery |
 |
||
| The 2008 Toto group celebrates its ascent to Tiger’s Nest with a group photo at the lunch cafeteria |
 |
||
| We start an invigorating trek from Paro, . . . |
 |
||
| . . . walking the Druk Path from Paro to Thimphu |
 |
||
| Horses are laden with our luggage and equipment |
 |
||
| Porters also carry large loads of gear |
 |
||
| We keep one horse free of gear for riding if a rest is needed |
 |
||
| The views during this trek are absolutely astounding |
 |
||
| There is plenty of time for bonding and camaraderie along the trail |
 |
||
| The sun sets over one of our campsites |
 |
||
| Yak pastures make for spacious camp grounds |
 |
||
| How often can you have a view of yak outside your tent? |
 |
||
| Yak or no yak, each campsite has an awesome view |
 |
||
| This young monk was the grateful recipient of a Toto Tours t-shirt |
 |
||
| We gather for a final group photo with our trekking staff before returning to civilization |
 |
||
| The trek ends in Thimphu, the only capital city in the world without any traffic lights |
 |
||
| During our time in Thimphu we visit an arts school where the traditional arts of Bhutan are taught, including woodwork, sculpture, painting, and textiles |
 |
||
| Stop by the zoo for a look at an animal found nowhere else on earth, the Bhutanese Takin |
 |
||
| Enjoy singing and dancing at a cultural show |
 |
||
| Tour the sprawling National Dzong at Thimphu |
 |
||
| We will try to be there at 5pm for a glimpse of the King as he leaves work for the day |
 |
||
| The interior of the Dzong contains the governmental offices and a Buddhist monastery |
 |
||
| The weekend market in Thimphu is a feast for the senses |
 |
||
| The visit to Chimi Lhakhang begins with a hike through beautiful rice fields |
 |
||
| A Bhutanese woman harvests rice |
 |
||
| Chimi Lhakhang was built by the “Divine Madman,” Lama Drukpa Kunley |
 |
||
| Our previous visit to Chimi Lhakhang had the unexpected treat of watching young monks engage in a game of soccer |
 |
||
| The Punakha Dzong is beautifully situated between two rivers |
 |
||
| Built in 1637, it was the second Dzong of Bhutan and the seat of government until the reign of the second king |
 |
||
| Monks prepare a meal at the Dzong temple for their fellow monks who are chanting inside |
 |
||
| A monk listens to the chanting inside the Punakha Dzong |
 |
||
| We stop at the Dochu La Pass for lunch during the return drive to Thimphu |
 |
||
| Come with us to the magical Kingdom of Bhutan |
 |
||
| Unforgettable adventures await in the Land of the Thunder Dragon |
 |
||
| Once you have experienced Bhutan, you will always cherish the dream of returning to this Shangri La |
 |
||
Photos and |
Please click on the following link if you would like to read Dan's blog about Toto's first tour to Bhutan in March, 2008, with more photos. |