April 10, 2013

Emily at Tiger's Nest Monastery

As an ER doc (and IMG Senior Guide), I had the opportunity last fall to help train Bhutanese doctors in Emergency Medicine.  I actually spent the month of November in Thimpu, Bhutan’s capital and location of their largest hospital.  Phil was just finishing up a trek in Bhutan and we literally missed each other by about an hour.  He’s been running trips to this tiny, mysterious, democratic, Buddhist, Himalayan kingdom for about a decade.  We shared a quick phone conversation rather than a face to face but he told me that he’d be leading a trek to Sikkim in October 2013 and wanted to know if I had any interest in going back to Bhutan to lead IMG’s October2013 trip.  Are you kidding?   I can’t wait to get back!

My month in Bhutan last fall was spent largely meeting as many people as possible, making some incredible friends and working with the dedicated physicians and care givers at the Thimpu Hospital.  However, there simply wasn’t enough time to explore the mountains of this kingdom known for its incredible natural beauty and commitment to “Gross National Happiness”.

I did meet IMG’s partner in Bhutan, Dendup, and Phil’s lead Bhutanese guide, Ugyen.  They’ll be great hosts when we return this October.  There’s still time to be part of the team.  And for those who still need more inspiration, check out this amazing blog from Mark Ursino, longtime IMG climber, who was with Phil last year.  The photos alone should provide inspiration enough.

Join me as we visit with old friends, explore Bhutan’s alpine terrain along the Tibetan border and take in the unique culture of this truly one-of-a-kind country.

Emily

November 1, 2012

Last minute shopping. (Mark Ursino)

Wanted everyone to know that we arrived in Thimpu.  Great trip which ended with another great day of weather.  Only 2.5 hours of hiking on the final day and then several hours driving to get out of the mountains, see the winter palace in Punaka and get to Thimpu.

For great trip photos and details, do check out www.markursino.com.  Mark’s a great friend of IMG and has been with us, literally, all over the world.  His detailed trip reports are nothing short of amazing.  Unless you’ve tried doing what Mark does, it’s hard to imagine the amount of effort involved, documenting all aspects of a trip.  Follow his dispatches and you’ll see just how amazing a trip to Bhutan really is.  People, culture, terrain, scenery, effort and memories!  What are you waiting for?

IMG will be in Bhutan next October with Senior Guide, Emily Johnson, at the helm.  She’s volunteering her ER doctor skills in Thimpu this coming month and that experience will make her super qualified to share this amazing country with you.  Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of next year’s dispatches and own the memories which this year’s group now have forever.

Phil Ershler

Great Tiger Mountain (Phil Ershler)

October 29, 2012

Phil checked in last Friday evening and again this morning.  The team is taking in some spectacular views as they make their way through the last leg of the trek, including the Great Tiger Mountain and surrounding valleys.  According to Phil, there has never been better weather, better views, better food or better people in the history of Bhutan Treks!

Tomorrow the group heads to Thimphu.  Everyone is healthy, happy, and couldn’t be more satisfied.

Becky K

October 26, 2012

School Children

Phil reports that all is well in Bhutan. The weather is holding as is the team. They had their toughest day yesterday getting up at over Shingela Pass (16,500ft) but everybody did great. They’ll be descending for the next few days, which sounds easier, but can often be tougher on some folks.

They visited a local primary school and were able to stop in and spend some time with a local family along the way.

It sounds like they’re having a great time!

Tye Chapman

October 24, 2012

Prayer flags flying.

Phil called in this morning with a quick update… The team cruised though Jarila pass at 16,000ft today without issue. They went a step (ok a few steps) further to put in their next camp. This will help them get jump on tomorrow, their toughest day yet, where they’ll get up to about 16,500ft as they pass through Shingela Pass, then it’s down, down, down from there.

They’re eating well and the weather has been ‘reasonable’ for the trek. Bottom-line is  they’re having fun and doing their best to take it all in!

Tye Chapman

October 22, 2012

Phil called in via sat phone at 7:34 this morning with an update on the Bhutan Trek.  Yesterday the team left Chomolhari Base Camp and trekked through Nyelela Pass at about 16000 feet (almost 3000 vertical foot gain), which brought them to the village of Lingshi last night.  This morning as they awoke to perfect weather, they left camp (just below Lingshi) and started out for Chebisa.

School children in Lingshi (Photo: John Dahlem)

First stop was a visit to the Lingshi Dzong.  Originally built in 1668, this Dzong had controlled the border between Tibet and Bhutan and was one of the main defensive fortresses in years past.  Next they stopped in at the town of Lingshi itself for a visit with the local school children.  Continuing on, they made their way to the settlement of Goyak – virtually untouched and unchanged for hundreds of years, one of the most interesting places on the whole trek!  Another hour of walking finally brought them in to the settlement of Chebisa, where they rented a house from one of the horsemen, cooked and ate dinner, and will camp for the night.

Tomorrow morning begins one of the 3 real big days for the team – everyone’s ready!  Weather continues to be good, and everyone is doing fantastic.  All is going incredibly well in Bhutan.

Becky K

October 19, 2012

Chomolhari

Phil called in at 2:30 a.m. our time with a stellar report.  The team is now at Chomolhari base camp at around 13,000 feet, where the weather has been absolutely flawless and the view of Chomolhari (7000 meters) is breathtaking.  Tomorrow will be a very appreciated rest day – they’re in a nice spot to kick back and relax or take a little excursion for some better views.  Everyone is doing great!

Becky Kjorvestad

October 17, 2012

All work & no fun?  Not for Phil!

Phil, cutting the rug on a past Bhutan trek (photo: John Dahlem)

Tiger's Nest monastery

October 16, 2012

Phil & team checked in from the Bhutan Trek:

With views like this, how can life be anything but great. “Tiger’s Nest” this morning. Incredible!!  About 2 hours up. Lunch afterwards on the way down. Dinner tonight in Paro and we hit the trail tomorrow morning.

To learn more about our trip, check in at www.markursino.com.

Ten on the team plus me. Everyone’s ready to hit the trail.

Phil Ershler