 Uncommon Journeys into the Soul of Bhutan
Places
Bhutan can be divided into three major geographical regions from north to south, each stretching from west to east: the high Himalayas of the north, the hills and beautiful river valleys of the center, and the foothills and plains of the south.
The Northern Region
A range of high Himalayan peaks in the northern region forms the border with Tibet. The Himalayan range extends from Chomolhari (7,314 meters) in the west to Kula Gangri, near the center point of the northern border. Almost none of the snow-clad peaks in this region have been climbed. Bhutan’s highest mountain, Gangkar Phunsum (7497m), in this region still remains the highest unclimbed mountain in the world.
The Bjops, the nomadic people of Bhutan live with their yaks in the high valleys on the southern slopes of the Himalayan range, at an average altitude of thirteen thousand feet. Lingshi, Laya, Lunana and Merak Sakten are the main areas in this region. The Bjops are exceedingly attuned to the energy and dynamics of the earth and weather. In their timeless movement through the wilds of the high mountain valleys, their patterns of life reflect the rhythms of the seasons. As summer progresses, the Bjops climb with their herds to ever higher elevations in search of newgrown grass as fodder for their animals. As winter approaches, they seek the relative shelter of their winter camps, situated in the lower valleys. Around October, before the passes are closed by snow, the Bjops desend to villages and towns in the sourthern valleys to sell yak butter, dried cheese, skins, meat and wool. They buy cereals, cutlery and salt, and then return before the onset of winter.
This region of the greater Himalayas can be reached only by foot. Most of our high altitude treks feature close-up views of some of the awe-inspiring snow peaks and remote villages of the Bjops. The sky-piercing peaks, thunderous waterfalls, turquoise lakes and streams, rolling meadows filled with wildflowers, bracing mountain air, remote yak herders villages and, dense forests of rodhodendron, pine, juniper, fir and dwarf bamboo are what a traveler encounters here. This is also the world where the elusive Snow Leopards roam, and where Blue Sheep, Sambar and Musk Deer graze in solitude.
The Central Valleys
South of the high peaks lies a maze of deep river valleys and forested hillsides at altitudes between 1,100m to 3,000m. The variations in climate are correspondingly extreme, ranging from subtropical to alpine. Most of Bhutan’s towns and villages grew up in this region stretching from east to west along its mountainous and fertile valleys from Paro to Tashigang. With temperate and fertile environment, adequate rainfall and large supply of river water to irrigate the land, many of the valleys here support a flourishing agriculture. The Bhutanese farmers compliment the fruits of their harvest with the products of various domesticated animals that provide diary products, meat, as well as the necessary power for ploughing their fields.
According to historical and linguistic lines, the central valleys are divided into three regions: west, center and east. In the past, communications between these regions, separated by high mountain passes, were few. But today, with the development of a good network of roads and other infrastructure, communications are good across the whole country.
Most of our cultural tours involve driving from one valley to another in this region visiting temples, Dzongs (fortresses) and remote villages.
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Insiders' Bhutan Travel
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