Bhutan.
The Road to Trashigang

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Description

Bhutan is an extrxaordinary travel destination. The country is steeped in tradition, culture and religion and in particular offers the visitor the chance to experience unique and fabulous dance festivals. It is a sparsely populated, mountainous kingdom, nestling between two large countries. China’s Tibet lies to the north and India’s Arunchal Pradesh lies to the east, Assam to the south and Sikkim to the west.

‘The Road to Trashigang’ documentary follows a road journey from Paro to Trashigang in the east of the country. The most spectacular way to arrive in Paro is to travel by air from Delhi. On a clear day a left side window seat will afford magnificent views of the high Himalaya. From Paro it is but a short journey to the capital Thimpu. Onwards over the Dochu La, a high pass affording great views of the mountains of Bhutan, the road winds it’s way to Punakha. The famous and beautiful Punakha Dzong is built on a flat spot of land at the confluence of two rivers, the Pho Chu and the Mo Chu. Further on, the Phobjikha valley is reached. The marshy centre offers a perfect winter residence to the flock of some 300 black-necked cranes that migrate down each year from the Tibetan plateau. Nearby Gangteng monastery celebrates the arrival of the birds with a dance festival. This is just a taster for what is to come. The road continues its tortuous mountainside route, over the 3750 metre Trumshing La, to the towns of Mongar and Trashigang. For four consecutive days in the autumn, both of these towns put on their own fabulous Tsechus, religious dance festivals. After experiencing the Mongar festival there is a dash over another decidedly difficult stretch of the National Highway, to get to Trashigang in time for the main day of the Tsechu. This is when the Thondrol, or large Thangka, is unfurled in the main courtyard of Trashigang Dzong.

John Myers Photographic invites you to experience Bhutan. A visit to the country is an adventurous and rewarding experience. Bhutan remains a very special country, steeped in tradition and religion. The next few years look set to bring profound changes. It is to be hoped that the government is able to bring the benefits of the modern world to Bhutan without undermining the very things that the Bhutanese cherish about their unique culture.

Running time is approximately 45 minutes.

Tags: Bhutan, Asia