October 27, 2011
Bhutan
Phil called in early this morning from Thimphu, (about 4pm in Bhutan) to report that the team was just loading up for the hour’s drive to Paro, where they will spend tonight.
Tomorrow morning they will hop a direct flight to Bangkok, where some will continue on flights back home to family and friends, and others will spend a little extra time visiting Thailand.
Thanks to all the team members for a successful trek!
Becky Kjorvestad
October 26, 2011
Bhutan (Photo by Phil Ershler)
Yesterday the gang arrived safely back in Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city, after a spectacularly scenic drive from the trail head at Tashitang. A quick stop at the Punakha Dzong – the winter palace of the king – invited some great photo ops in perfect weather and breathtaking scenery.
After some well deserved hot showers, the team will enjoy some local sightseeing and shopping today. Phil says all is well, and the team will soon depart for Paro for flights to new destinations.
Becky Kjorvestad
Mt. Jichu Drake (Photo by John Dahlem)
October 24, 2011
Phil called in from Bhutan on the last night of the trek at their final camp. They will journey to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan tomorrow for the end of the program. Phil reports it was “the perfect group of people, perfect weather, a perfect trek and the perfect outcome.”
The trek was an overwhelming success and the entire team had the experience of a lifetime!
George Dunn
October 22, 2011
A little snow isn't about to slow them down
Phil called in with the latest from the Bhutan Team. After enduring snow & rain on the 4-hour trek from Lamithang yesterday, the team finally arrived in Laya (12,600’) – just in time to pitch tents and take down a hot dinner in the homes of the locals. By morning, the skies had cleared and they were able to enjoy a nice breakfast outside while basking in the breathtaking views of the snow covered peaks and surrounding scenery. The rest of the day was spent walking around the village of Laya, getting cleaned up and preparing for the final push tomorrow.
Only two days of walking remain before completing the trek – tomorrow they will move on to Konea.
All is good!
Becky Kjorvestad
October 21, 2011
Prayer flags at the pass.
Phil called in with another great report from the Kingdom of Bhutan. The team made it up and over Shingela pass yesterday, which sits at roughly 16,500ft. The weather was “great for walkin”. Herds of blue sheep were one of the many highlights as was hanging prayer flags as they crested the pass.
After a nice break they descended into Lamithang for the night where it rained and snowed a bit – not to worry they were tucked into their tents for the night as it began to snow.
Today will be a relatively short day as they make their way from Lamithang to Laya. A well deserved rest-day in Laya follows on Sunday.
All is well in Bhutan.
Tye Chapman
October 19, 2011
Phil called in to report that all continues to go well in Bhutan. In fact, he called this one the luckiest crews he’s had in quite awhile as the weather continues to cooperate. Most recently the team crossed Jarila pass at 4600m then descended to the river where several members of the team braved the frigid waters on foot while others hopped on the horses they have with them.
Another big day awaits tomorrow as they’ll cross the Shingela pass (4960m) then drop down to Lamithang
Tye Chapman
October 17, 2011
IMG Partner Phil Ershler called in via sat phone throughout the weekend with updates from the Bhutan Trekking team. Here’s a summary of what’s been happening:
10/15/11: The group had a nice rest day at Chomolhari on Saturday. Weather was in and out, but decent overall.
10/16/11: Sunday, the team trekked over their first pass – Nyelela Pass, at nearly 16,000’ – and then descended into Lingshi camp, at 13,200’.
10/17/11: Today (Monday) was another reasonably good day. After a night of camping near the village of Lingshi, the team enjoyed a hearty breakfast before making a 45 minute climb uphill to see the Lingshi Dzong. The Dzong has been vacated since suffering significant damage earlier this year due to the earthquake in Sikkim. After a visit to the village school, the group departed Lingshi and made their way down towards their next camp at Chebisa (12,700’). The team experienced intermittent sun, clouds and occasional rain spurts, but all in all good weather for trekking.
Tomorrow will be a big day with two passes to cross – Gobula pass and another unnamed pass with about a 3000’ gain. They’ll drop some altitude as they descend to their next camp at Shomuthang, about 13,900’.
All is well!
October 14, 2011
Phil called in this morning at 6:50 a.m. Pacific time via sat phone from Chomolhari Base Camp. The trekkers enjoyed another great day, weather continues to be perfect. Everyone’s doing well, walking strong, and eating way too much. Tomorrow will be an active rest day with a few hours wrapped in hiking, then they’ll spend a 2nd night back at Chomolhari BC. All is well.
The team celebrated yesterday with a toast to Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck and his new Queen, Jetsun Pema, as they were wed yesterday.
Good times all around!
Becky Kjorvestad
October 13, 2011
Chomolhari
Phil called in today to report that his team is doing well in Bhutan. They’ve completed Day 2 of the trek – a 14 mile day putting them in Thang Thangka (~11,000ft). Tomorrow they’ll make their way to Chomolhari Base Camp which sits at 13,400ft where they’ll spend two nights.
Great weather & beautiful views – a trekkers dream.
Tye Chapman
October 10, 2011
The news from IMG Partner Phil Ershler is that the Bhutan Trekkers arrived in Paro safe and sound, all luggage accounted for. After checking in to the hotel, they were greeted by sunshine while they met with the owner of Bhutan Nomad, our partner in Bhutan.
Tomorrow the group will take in some sightseeing in Paro, highlighting the famous 17th century Taktsang Monestary (Tiger’s Nest), located in the cliffside overlooking the Paro valley.
Becky Kjorvestad
