STRIVE Bhutan (Part 1)
WOW what an adventure to a spiritual land! I was anxious about the itinerary but I am proud to say I DID IT!!!! I hiked and biked 200 miles across the Himalayan pass over a week! I met incredible humans from around the world and quite a group from Atlanta!
After more than two days of travel we landed in Bhutan as a group of nearly 50 Strive Participants, Threshold Sports and Big Change Charity attendees of our group. We saw Mt Everest while flying in which was a quick reminder that we were among the highest peaks and tallest mountains in the world and about to embark on a strenuous journey of our own on foot and bikes!
Day 1: Acclimatization Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monestary
Stats:
EFFORT: 16,000+ steps
DISTANCe: 5.5km (3.4miles)
ELEVATION: +646m (2,119 ft)
Our first hike was to one of the most sacred landmarks of all in Bhutan, Tiger’s Nest. This monastery was built into the cliffside in the 1600’s and is said to have been where the Guru flew in on a flying tiger and brought Buddhism to the land. The hike was magical and steep. I unfortunately came into this with an arch spasm and the descent really aggravated my right arch further but luckily we had an ortho with us and I was able to alleviate the irritation with a soft tissue massage.
Inside tiger’s nest were many buddhas, shrines, candles, offerings and beautiful art. The buddhist religion is fascinating and beautiful. We were not allowed shoes or cameras inside which was enforced by security before entering. You also needed to cover arms and legs to show respect.
Day 2: Hike to Camp 1 beneath a monastery
Stats:
EFFORT: 27,000+ steps
DISTANCe: 5km (3.1 miles)
ELEVATION: +717m (2,352 ft)
We left the hotel and set off into the mountains! Our first hike was through a magical mossy and extremely green forest with ferns growing in trees. If a unicorn walked by I would not have been caught off guard! It was beautiful even though it rained on us we hung prayer flags and had our lead guide, Kinley, sing a blessing for safe passage and all cheered “Lha Gyalo!”
On this hike I used my “she-Wee” the first time and peed standing up like a man! Ha, it worked. so funny.
Camp was nestled under a monastery with our horses roaming free around us! We had a long tent to hold all 50 or so of us with hot tea and cookies ready upon arrival.
Day 3: THE NEVERENDING Hike to Camp 2 at Sand Ox Lake
Stats:
EFFORT: 36,000+ steps
DISTANCe: 15km (9.3 miles although my Oura Ring said 36!)
ELEVATION: +781m (2,562 ft)
The day that broke me! My oura ring said we took 37,000 steps and equated to 36miles! We hiked for 10hours in sun and freezing rain. We went over dozens of ridges up and down, over and through, across and up more. It was never-ending! So many rocks we had to walk over and streams its a miracle nobody rolled and ankle. Then finally we cleared a ridge and could see a lake and city of tiny tents so far away! We saw the destination but it was still so dang far and I was out of snacks. My fellow strivers shared turkey sticks and snack bars and energy drinks as I was a bit pale. What a team!
Day 4: Hike into our final camp 3
Stats:
EFFORT: 30,000+ steps
DISTANCe: 8.5km (5.2 miles)
ELEVATION: +374m (1,227 ft)
This day was smooth but lots of walking on wet rocks again which puts stress on ankles and my arches. It was a pretty hike, chilly with views of the himalayas. We entered camp early and sat in the sun in a circle, some had beer and Bhutanese whiskey and enjoyed a few hours of rest before we had another big education conversation.
Day 5: Summit day at 4220m
Stats:
EFFORT: 16,000+ steps
DISTANCe: 8km (5 miles)
ELEVATION: +7m
Rise and shine to another freezing morning! I slept a bit better and not in every item of clothing I owned but in my base layer so my sleeping bag would do the work… and it did! But the ground was still super hard even with a blow up mattress layer. I kept turning over in circles and even slept in a childs pose every now and again!
We had one more ridge to climb for our summit at 4220m where we took a final group shot! Then a 6mile descent downhill… OW my knees!!!! We went quickly because a hotel was in our future! What a prize!!
That wraps up the hiking portion! Immediately after completing the downhill which comprised of more amazing views, cliffside monasteries, passing a huge monastery and prayer wheel and countless prayer flags, we were greeted by a bus that took us into town first to the bike shop to get fitted for our cycling journey that starts TOMORROW!!! Then alas, we arrived at the Dusit Hotel in Thimphu that holds a surprise….
