Kingdom of Fungi
21 Aug – 3 Sep 2026Consolidation of the fascinating fungi moments in Bhutan
97 images
Group Moments
21 Aug – 4 Sep 2026Special thanks to Rinzin, Sonam, Peter Roden, Punap Ugyen Wangchuk and all the wonderful people we met in Bhutan.
* Mix of photos contributed by Uygen and Peter
Bhutan Mushroom Tours
Gomo Adventures
* Mix of photos contributed by Uygen and Peter
Bhutan Mushroom Tours
Gomo Adventures
77 images1 video
Flight - Singapore to Paro
20 Aug 2026Onboard the Bhutan National Airline.
Quick 30 mins stopover at Guwahati, no need to disembark.
A scenic flight path among clouds and green ridges as we catch our first glimpse of Bhutan descending into Paro airport.
Quick 30 mins stopover at Guwahati, no need to disembark.
A scenic flight path among clouds and green ridges as we catch our first glimpse of Bhutan descending into Paro airport.
20 images
Paro Town and Rivervalley Hotel
20 Aug – 3 Sep 2026After touchdown, stopping in Paro town for our caffeine shot at Mountain Cafe (local Bhutan coffee roaster).
Quick look around town before we proceed to Rivervalley Hotel. Located out of town area, in a serene valley of paddy fields.
Quick look around town before we proceed to Rivervalley Hotel. Located out of town area, in a serene valley of paddy fields.
38 images
1st Forage
21 Aug 2026The hotel chef and a local farmer is going foraging with us this morning. The plan was to cook the harvest for dinner.
Found a nice pair of slender caesar mushroom and lots of other species.
Foraging is a new "concept" for me. After many years of diving, the idea that I can touch and puck anything was a bit shocking. Taking time to get pass the mental block. LOL
Found a nice pair of slender caesar mushroom and lots of other species.
Foraging is a new "concept" for me. After many years of diving, the idea that I can touch and puck anything was a bit shocking. Taking time to get pass the mental block. LOL
97 images2 videos
From Forage to Table
21-22 Aug 2026Cooking up the morning harvest in Rivervalley Hotel, Paro
12 images
Rinpung Dzong
21 Aug 2026The 17th-century fortress-monastery in Paro is also known as Fortress on a Heap of Jewels
The towering white stone walls and wooden architecture. A solemn and calm feeling as we strolled through the compound on a rainy day.
A quick glimpse of the monk practicing their dance in the main hall. Enjoyed the pano views of Paro city from various vantage points.
The towering white stone walls and wooden architecture. A solemn and calm feeling as we strolled through the compound on a rainy day.
A quick glimpse of the monk practicing their dance in the main hall. Enjoyed the pano views of Paro city from various vantage points.
43 images
Taktsang - Tiger Nest Monastery
22 Aug 2026Instead of the typical 1.5hrs to the halfway point, we took 3.5+ hours to forage cum hike up to the cafe.
Decided to sit out the 2nd half of the climb as we were not entirely well. Maybe the combination of attitude climatisation, residue flu symptoms and feeling heat exhausted ...
Spent the afternoon sipping coffee and soaking in the best view in the cafe.
Kudos to the group who took another 5 hours round trip to the monastery and back. Thanks Uygen for bringing us the last remaining piece of blessed biscuit for us ... LOL.
Catching the last light hitting the monastery before we make our descend.
Decided to sit out the 2nd half of the climb as we were not entirely well. Maybe the combination of attitude climatisation, residue flu symptoms and feeling heat exhausted ...
Spent the afternoon sipping coffee and soaking in the best view in the cafe.
Kudos to the group who took another 5 hours round trip to the monastery and back. Thanks Uygen for bringing us the last remaining piece of blessed biscuit for us ... LOL.
Catching the last light hitting the monastery before we make our descend.
61 images
Hot Stone Bath
22 Aug 2026Hot stone bath with water from sacred stream of tiger nest medicinal water. The water is heated with river stone over open fire.
Nice soak followed by dinner
Nice soak followed by dinner
7 images
Flight - Paro to Bumthang
23 Aug 2026Early start to catch the 7.30am flight from Paro to Bumthang. Love the arty theme of the airport.
Flight path took us all the way to east Bhutan, stopping at Yonphula Domestic Airport, a high-altitude airport (2845m) among the cloud and peaks. After 30-mins stop, we will flew back towards central Bhutan to our destination Bumthang.
Was initially thinking that I would be catching up snooze on the plane but ended up glued to the aircraft window trying to capture the snow capped Himalayan ridges of Bhutan highest unclimbed peak.
Definitely a scenic flight and no complaints of the detour. LOL
Flight path took us all the way to east Bhutan, stopping at Yonphula Domestic Airport, a high-altitude airport (2845m) among the cloud and peaks. After 30-mins stop, we will flew back towards central Bhutan to our destination Bumthang.
Was initially thinking that I would be catching up snooze on the plane but ended up glued to the aircraft window trying to capture the snow capped Himalayan ridges of Bhutan highest unclimbed peak.
Definitely a scenic flight and no complaints of the detour. LOL
36 images
Drive - Bumthang to Ura
23 Aug 2026Thanks to Rinzin and Sonam, the 2 strong men who had to haul our luggages on top of the bus multiple times throughout the trip.
Local breakfast of fried rice and eggs. The apple juice from bumthang is excellent, great balance of sweet and sour.
Local general stores selling cheese and general supplies.
Stopping by a road stall manned by a small boy. Picked up 2 pack of local mushroom foraged by the boy's family.
Onwards for the 1.5 hours drive through winding valleys to Ura.
Local breakfast of fried rice and eggs. The apple juice from bumthang is excellent, great balance of sweet and sour.
Local general stores selling cheese and general supplies.
Stopping by a road stall manned by a small boy. Picked up 2 pack of local mushroom foraged by the boy's family.
Onwards for the 1.5 hours drive through winding valleys to Ura.
19 images
Ura Mushroom Festival
23-24 Aug 2026We visited the festival for 2 days.
The festival comes across as a local community gathering. Entertainment by local singer, sporting events and display of various mushroom species by the national mushroom center. Limited amount of mushrooms for sale by the farmers thou.
Sampling the Mushroom Momo, Teppan Matsutake, Ara infused with matsutake.
Being the few foreign guest in this remote valley, the group was invited to vip stand with the rest of the officials. Local ara tastes pretty smooth, no alcohol burns.
We missed the matsutake soup on day 1. Had the opportunity to savour it from the giant pot, after the officials had their opening ceremony for day 2.
The festival comes across as a local community gathering. Entertainment by local singer, sporting events and display of various mushroom species by the national mushroom center. Limited amount of mushrooms for sale by the farmers thou.
Sampling the Mushroom Momo, Teppan Matsutake, Ara infused with matsutake.
Being the few foreign guest in this remote valley, the group was invited to vip stand with the rest of the officials. Local ara tastes pretty smooth, no alcohol burns.
We missed the matsutake soup on day 1. Had the opportunity to savour it from the giant pot, after the officials had their opening ceremony for day 2.
54 images2 videos
Ura Farmstay and Around
23-25 Aug 2026Farmhouse stay, ran by a very nice Bhutanese lady boss who spoke good English.
Loved the stone and wood architecture of the building.
Enjoyed the authentic local cooking style with ingredients either produced within the farm, foraged or from the region.
Cows, horse, dogs, cats roam freely along the roads, each house having their own apple tree, radish, cabbage patch, all sort of edible produce.
Strolling through the village, smell of firewood fills the air.
Loved the stone and wood architecture of the building.
Enjoyed the authentic local cooking style with ingredients either produced within the farm, foraged or from the region.
Cows, horse, dogs, cats roam freely along the roads, each house having their own apple tree, radish, cabbage patch, all sort of edible produce.
Strolling through the village, smell of firewood fills the air.
50 images
Porcini and Matsutake Breakfast
23-25 Aug 2026Thanks to the hardworking folks in the group who left at 5am to the nearby forest to forage for breakfast π We slept in ... π
A electric blackout did not stop everyone from continuing with breakfast preparations.
The 100% buckwheat pancakes were exceptional, especially with butter from the farm and jam of himalaya raspberry foraged yesterday.
A electric blackout did not stop everyone from continuing with breakfast preparations.
The 100% buckwheat pancakes were exceptional, especially with butter from the farm and jam of himalaya raspberry foraged yesterday.
32 images
Search for Sangay Shamu
24 Aug 2026Matsutake is known in Bhutan as Sangay Shamu, which translate to Buddha's Mushroom.
Uygen got the first prize and found a matsutake. I chanced upon the 2nd prize, a pair of mock matsutake π
Very enjoyable afternoon spent pressing ever piece of moss patch under the pine trees. You can also hear folks humming " Matsutake ... where are you π€£"
Fantastic variety and concentration of shrooms in the area. Someone found a big porcini today.
Uygen got the first prize and found a matsutake. I chanced upon the 2nd prize, a pair of mock matsutake π
Very enjoyable afternoon spent pressing ever piece of moss patch under the pine trees. You can also hear folks humming " Matsutake ... where are you π€£"
Fantastic variety and concentration of shrooms in the area. Someone found a big porcini today.
46 images2 videos
Drive - Ura to Bumthang
25 Aug 2026Stopping by a buckwheat field for some photo ops.
Watching some painters at work on their very DIY looking platforms.
Red Panda is the only brewery by a Swiss. Beer culture has yet to pick up in Bhutan.
Watching some painters at work on their very DIY looking platforms.
Red Panda is the only brewery by a Swiss. Beer culture has yet to pick up in Bhutan.
20 images
Jambay Lhakhang Temple
25 Aug 2026Built in the 7th century, oldest temple in Bhutan. One of the 108 temples which was built to pin down the demon. This temple pins on the left knee.
Sense of strength and calm as you enter the courtyard. In a very small and intimate setting, it houses the 3 huge buddha statues, where you can walk right up and touch their feet as a sign of respect.
No pictures allowed in all temples' main hall.
Sense of strength and calm as you enter the courtyard. In a very small and intimate setting, it houses the 3 huge buddha statues, where you can walk right up and touch their feet as a sign of respect.
No pictures allowed in all temples' main hall.
14 images
Kurjey Lhakhang Dzong
25 Aug 20263 buildings built during different period. The oldest building was built around the cave that has a rock with the body imprint of Guru Rinpoche.
Also known as Cradle of Buddhism, as this is the place where the spread of Buddhism started in Bhutan.
Also known as Cradle of Buddhism, as this is the place where the spread of Buddhism started in Bhutan.
13 images1 video
Jakar Dzong
26 Aug 2026Castle of White Bird.
Impressive architecture and glad to have the opportunity to sit through 15mins of chanting session, where the head monk and his group of monks chanted to the sound of Nga (drums), Dong , Gyaling, Damaru , cymbals, beads ...
Impressive architecture and glad to have the opportunity to sit through 15mins of chanting session, where the head monk and his group of monks chanted to the sound of Nga (drums), Dong , Gyaling, Damaru , cymbals, beads ...
39 images
Drive - Bumthang to Phobjikah
26 Aug 2026The drive from Bumthang to Phobjikha valley, goes through 2 highland passes at 3400+ meters.
Yotonga La Pass (3435m). Found various species of mushrooms that only grows on dunk and various alpine flowers.
Wildlife sighted while travelling on the bus after Bebela Pass area. A community of Gray Langur and a pair of Yellow-throated Marten.
Keeping fingers crossed for the red pandas but no luck yet. No Tigers or Snow Leopard for Sock yet.
Stopping at a sacred spring water source, said to enhance your vocals power, which accounts for the top local singers in this area.
Yotonga La Pass (3435m). Found various species of mushrooms that only grows on dunk and various alpine flowers.
Wildlife sighted while travelling on the bus after Bebela Pass area. A community of Gray Langur and a pair of Yellow-throated Marten.
Keeping fingers crossed for the red pandas but no luck yet. No Tigers or Snow Leopard for Sock yet.
Stopping at a sacred spring water source, said to enhance your vocals power, which accounts for the top local singers in this area.
42 images1 video
Phobjikha Hotel and Around
26-27 Aug 2026We hopped off the bus and walked the last 10 mins to the hotel. Enjoying our first look of Phobjikha valley in the evening light.
25 images
Phobjikha Morning Light
27-28 Aug 2026Sitting in the comfort of the room and enjoying the changing morning light and mystical fog in the valley.
11 images
Hike to Gangteng Monestary
27 Aug 2026Joined the "morning forager" group today. Left at 7am to explore the wetland and hills before the 2nd group joins us for the hike to Gangteng Monastery.
Scenic views of the valley, visited a private temple, sitting among the alpine flowers, funny "conversations" with a local herder who wanted to exchange Peter's shoes ... π
Highlights are the Amanita mushroom, magic mushroom, yellow coloured caterpillar of moth, striking butterflies, etc
Scenic views of the valley, visited a private temple, sitting among the alpine flowers, funny "conversations" with a local herder who wanted to exchange Peter's shoes ... π
Highlights are the Amanita mushroom, magic mushroom, yellow coloured caterpillar of moth, striking butterflies, etc
83 images
Gangteng Monestary
27 Aug 2026The museum in the monastery has an interesting collection of old festivals mask.
Black hat ceremonial costumes which were used by the lamas to perform the rituals prior to the building of new temple. The joker costume, which could only be worn by a very senior learned monk, to mock others during festivals.
Black hat ceremonial costumes which were used by the lamas to perform the rituals prior to the building of new temple. The joker costume, which could only be worn by a very senior learned monk, to mock others during festivals.
17 images
Black Neck Crane Center
27 Aug 2026As it was off-season, we could only have a quick visit to the education center, watch the intro video and view of the 2 rescued cranes in the center.
A rainbow spans across the valley as we were leaving the center.
A rainbow spans across the valley as we were leaving the center.
11 images
Wangdue Phodrang Dzong
28 Aug 2026Rebuild in 2022 after a fire in 2012. The original architecture was rebuilt in 2022.
What's interesting of this place were the stories of the mermaid lives in this river. The mermaid is also well represented in various paintings of the temple walls.
What's interesting of this place were the stories of the mermaid lives in this river. The mermaid is also well represented in various paintings of the temple walls.
31 images
Trans Bhutan Trail, Punakha
28 Aug 2026Nice easy walk, not many mushroom but great variety of butterflies, dragonflies, praying mantis and other bugs.
Great specimen of the cute but deadly Amanita.
Sighted the long flowered lily blooming in the wild.
Great specimen of the cute but deadly Amanita.
Sighted the long flowered lily blooming in the wild.
40 images1 video
Paddy Fields Hike to Temple, Punakha
29 Aug 2026Round trip hike (about 4.5km) from the suspension bridge to the temple and back.
Blazing hot and humid, but definitely worthwhile hike with lots of scenic paddy fields, macro opportunities for butterflies and dragonflies, and amazing pano view at the top of the temple.
Blazing hot and humid, but definitely worthwhile hike with lots of scenic paddy fields, macro opportunities for butterflies and dragonflies, and amazing pano view at the top of the temple.
37 images1 video
Temple Khamsum Yuelay Namgay, Punakha Chorten
29 Aug 2026An important temple in this area as it hosts the local deity Gomo of the area.
What an amazing view at the top of the temple.
What an amazing view at the top of the temple.
16 images
Divine Madman Pee Spot
29 Aug 2026Legend has it that this is where the Divine Madman Pee ... that's how powerful he is. LOL
5 images
Punakha Dzong
29 Aug 2026If you only have time to visit 1 Dzong, I think this should be the one.
Besides the fact that so many historically significant events are hosted here e.g. the king's coronation, the founder of bhutan ruled and defended multiple attacks from this fort, temple that holds the embalmed body of the bhutan founder, etc
The architecture has so much details. The inside of the main temple hall is amazing.
Besides the fact that so many historically significant events are hosted here e.g. the king's coronation, the founder of bhutan ruled and defended multiple attacks from this fort, temple that holds the embalmed body of the bhutan founder, etc
The architecture has so much details. The inside of the main temple hall is amazing.
36 images
Merengma Bristro Lunch and Workshop
29 Aug 2026A tasty lunch at this modern cafe followed by a workshop by Gabrielle on fun things to do with mushroom that you cant finish eating immediately.
- Fermenting Chanterelles
- Chanterelles salt (blended)
- Mushroom jerky
- Mushroom soak in honey (need to be dried mushroom), about 1 month.
- Dry fry mushroom techniques
- Fermenting Chanterelles
- Chanterelles salt (blended)
- Mushroom jerky
- Mushroom soak in honey (need to be dried mushroom), about 1 month.
- Dry fry mushroom techniques
15 images
Dochula Pass - 108 Stupas
30 Aug 2026Was a foggy day, so did not get a view of the himalayan ridges.
Definitely a tourist hot spot. We must have been in rural area for too long such that this concentration of tourist bus triggered a red flag and made us uncomfortable π¬
Definitely a tourist hot spot. We must have been in rural area for too long such that this concentration of tourist bus triggered a red flag and made us uncomfortable π¬
11 images
Trans Bhutan Trail, Dochula Pass
30 Aug 2026Save the best for last.
Our final forest foray for this trip and this is definitely the best trail of the entire trip. The diversity is just amazing.
Our final forest foray for this trip and this is definitely the best trail of the entire trip. The diversity is just amazing.
105 images
Trans Bhutan Trail Part 2
30 Aug 2026Pre-lunch was a "forest picnic", momos, coffee, tea and watermelon juice.
We spent too much time on the first part of the trail. So to make up, everyone agreed that the 2nd half would be a hike and not foraging.
Keep the macro lens and just walk .. lol.
No stopping unless it is a cordecyptes. π
Muddy trails, river crossing and a light shower to bring out a rainbow to end the perfect hike.
We spent too much time on the first part of the trail. So to make up, everyone agreed that the 2nd half would be a hike and not foraging.
Keep the macro lens and just walk .. lol.
No stopping unless it is a cordecyptes. π
Muddy trails, river crossing and a light shower to bring out a rainbow to end the perfect hike.
22 images
Thimpu City and Around
30-31 Aug 2026A pre-dinner stroll around Thimpu city after check-in to City Heritage Hotel.
Dinner at hotel was wood-fired pizza with topping foraged from the afternoon's hike. A huge porcini and black trumpet mushrooms. Yummy.
Next day, visited by a contemporary art exhibition and lunch with organic mushroom.
Dinner at hotel was wood-fired pizza with topping foraged from the afternoon's hike. A huge porcini and black trumpet mushrooms. Yummy.
Next day, visited by a contemporary art exhibition and lunch with organic mushroom.
33 images
Royal Takin Preserve, Thimphu
31 Aug 2026Taking a peek at the mystical takin (a goat head with a cow body)
21 images
Traditional Medicine Hospital, Thimphu
31 Aug 2026Visit to the traditional medicine museum, a quick overview of bhutan traditional medicine concepts by the curator, followed by a short chat with one of the doctors in the hospital.
Bhutan provides free health care for all (residents and tourists). Everyone has a choice of choosing modern or traditional treatments. Electronic patient records are shared between both branches of medical treatment.
Bhutan provides free health care for all (residents and tourists). Everyone has a choice of choosing modern or traditional treatments. Electronic patient records are shared between both branches of medical treatment.
9 images
Farmer's Market, Thimphu
31 Aug 2026The market has 2 stories. The top top floor is strictly Bhutanese produced only and the lower floor has a mixed of import.
Impressively clean and chilled, no haggling or touting at all.
Impressively clean and chilled, no haggling or touting at all.
33 images
Buddha Dordenma, Thimphu
31 Aug 2026How cool to find out that the main sponsor of this buddha is a Singaporean !
The inner complex was closed as they were setting up to do some repair/ restoration works. So can only use our imagination on how impressive 125,000 mini buddha statues within would be like.
The 1 time I left my jacket on the bus, it turned super windy and cold π₯Ά
The inner complex was closed as they were setting up to do some repair/ restoration works. So can only use our imagination on how impressive 125,000 mini buddha statues within would be like.
The 1 time I left my jacket on the bus, it turned super windy and cold π₯Ά
10 images
Farewell till we meet again
31 Aug 2026Keeping a record of Nadia's "song" in my blog. Too bad we did not have an opportunity to hear her perform ... π
Magic Bhutan
Setting my feet on Paroβs soil
I could feel the air pure and mystical
Through valleys deep and mountains high
I met new souls following clouds in the sky
By muddy path and winding road
Together we carried a curious load
The joy of foraging, eyes to the ground
Where hidden treasures waited to be found
Baskets filled, and spirits too
With Matsutake dreams coming true
Old Temples, many stories told
Days of wonder, the world felt old
Friendships blossomed, new and free
Like mushrooms sprouting silently
So hereβs to our Journey, fun and bright
To Bhutanβs destiny, mountain lined light
To our guides and their vision
Making mushrooms a shared passion
And to you, new friends, from East to West,
May we always make the best of this lifeβs quest π«
Magic Bhutan
Setting my feet on Paroβs soil
I could feel the air pure and mystical
Through valleys deep and mountains high
I met new souls following clouds in the sky
By muddy path and winding road
Together we carried a curious load
The joy of foraging, eyes to the ground
Where hidden treasures waited to be found
Baskets filled, and spirits too
With Matsutake dreams coming true
Old Temples, many stories told
Days of wonder, the world felt old
Friendships blossomed, new and free
Like mushrooms sprouting silently
So hereβs to our Journey, fun and bright
To Bhutanβs destiny, mountain lined light
To our guides and their vision
Making mushrooms a shared passion
And to you, new friends, from East to West,
May we always make the best of this lifeβs quest π«
1 image
Drive - Thimphu to Haa Valley
1 Sep 2026We extended our trip by another 4 nights, heading out to explore Haa Valley. A 3+ hour drive from Thimphu.
Passing by the remaining structure of what would have been the highest longest bridge if it did not collapse during its testing π¬.
Good thing we are travelling there by the old bridge π .
Passing by the remaining structure of what would have been the highest longest bridge if it did not collapse during its testing π¬.
Good thing we are travelling there by the old bridge π .
7 images
Haa Valley
1-2 Sep 2026The white temple and the black temple of Haa are the key attractions of this valley.
The black temple is said to be built on top of a lake and there is a door that leads down to it. Image of the mermaid is also worshipped here.
The area feels like a sleepy border town. We were practically the only folks in the streets. Place to be when you really want to disconnect from the world.
The black temple is said to be built on top of a lake and there is a door that leads down to it. Image of the mermaid is also worshipped here.
The area feels like a sleepy border town. We were practically the only folks in the streets. Place to be when you really want to disconnect from the world.
46 images
Soednam Zingkha Heritage Home, Haa Valley
1-3 Sep 2026I would say that this is our favourite place of this trip.
We always had a thing for the charm and smell of wooden architecture. This heritage house is more that 160+ years old, and currently operated by the 5th generation of the Soednam Zingkha family.
We were the only guest during our stay ( It was the low season or MAYBE Uygen reserved the entire place for us π). Our hostess was so gentle, warm and attentive.
We enjoyed the food a lot. Everything was "farm to table",
E.g. ginger carrot soup, Japanese pears, fresh made yogurt, plum jam, potato with garlic, turnip leave with garlic, etc,
The hotstone bath was relaxing. Although we did not do the contrast bath of alternate cold / hot bath as the river was raging that day π
We always had a thing for the charm and smell of wooden architecture. This heritage house is more that 160+ years old, and currently operated by the 5th generation of the Soednam Zingkha family.
We were the only guest during our stay ( It was the low season or MAYBE Uygen reserved the entire place for us π). Our hostess was so gentle, warm and attentive.
We enjoyed the food a lot. Everything was "farm to table",
E.g. ginger carrot soup, Japanese pears, fresh made yogurt, plum jam, potato with garlic, turnip leave with garlic, etc,
The hotstone bath was relaxing. Although we did not do the contrast bath of alternate cold / hot bath as the river was raging that day π
57 images
AA Pano Hike, Haa Valley
2 Sep 2026Hike started with quite a clear day, but the sun did not last too long. Started raining an hour into the hike, making the trails even more muddy and slippery. That's becoming a norm.
Thankfully there is no lack of mushrooms in this area. Some magic were also found here.
Thankfully there is no lack of mushrooms in this area. Some magic were also found here.
83 images
Drive - Haa Valley to Paro
3 Sep 2026Quick stop at the viewpoint to see the 3 identical mountains which represent the 3 deities.
7 images
Chele La Pass Hike
3 Sep 2026This highest hike for this trip starting at 3900+ m.
Was telling myself that I would switch focus to alpine flowers for this hike, but cant help that the big rain yesterday made the entire forest floor bloom with mushrooms π .
Didnt get a good shot of a small bird feeding a juvenile cuckoo. Caught a glimpse of a large group of blood pheasant scuttering across the forest floor.
Cold windy start at the trail head, very muddy trails, slippery rocks and several wet crossings. Rain came down half way in the trail ... but all worth it.
The hikes ends at the oldest nunnery in bhutan. We did not go up as the rain was getting heavier.
Was telling myself that I would switch focus to alpine flowers for this hike, but cant help that the big rain yesterday made the entire forest floor bloom with mushrooms π .
Didnt get a good shot of a small bird feeding a juvenile cuckoo. Caught a glimpse of a large group of blood pheasant scuttering across the forest floor.
Cold windy start at the trail head, very muddy trails, slippery rocks and several wet crossings. Rain came down half way in the trail ... but all worth it.
The hikes ends at the oldest nunnery in bhutan. We did not go up as the rain was getting heavier.
77 images
Back to Rivervalley Hotel, Paro
3 Sep 2026Back to the same hotel and same room where it all started for this trip.
The dogs are still on night duty ... barking all night long π
The dogs are still on night duty ... barking all night long π
3 images
Final hike for this Trip
4 Sep 2026The plan was to hike to Chumphu Ney.
Unfortunately, the car could not get to the trail head due to a landslide.
Plan B, we decided on Ragoe Monastery. Shorter hike but more climbing π¬
Rinzin and the driver carried our packed lunch all the way up, we ended up having lunch in the caretaker's house.
Visited the 2 temples there and according to those locals, visiting Ragoe Monastery is similar in significance as tiger nest, as both temples are blessed by Guru Rinpoche, and the deity statues were made by the same sculptor at the same time.
Unfortunately, the car could not get to the trail head due to a landslide.
Plan B, we decided on Ragoe Monastery. Shorter hike but more climbing π¬
Rinzin and the driver carried our packed lunch all the way up, we ended up having lunch in the caretaker's house.
Visited the 2 temples there and according to those locals, visiting Ragoe Monastery is similar in significance as tiger nest, as both temples are blessed by Guru Rinpoche, and the deity statues were made by the same sculptor at the same time.
52 images
