Lunana is the most remote region in the Bhutan Himalaya. It is a high plateau with the elevation above 5000m. Dotted with nameless mountains and glacial lakes, it is where the spirits live. It is the place where the earth touches the sky and words can’t describe its sublime beauty. Lunana is one of the most beautiful places in the Himalaya, not because of high impenetrable mountains but because of the poetry of light it evokes at every turn. We were lucky to win the wether lottery and be granted passage through its beautiful gates. Gratitude is what we left behind…
Heaven
Loju La Pass 5145m
My birthday at 5145m. It is beautiful and I feel grateful.
Night snowstorm at the basecamp for the highest pass of the trip.
The large mountain in the centre is Kangphu Kang 1 7204, next to it is Kangphu 2 6945m, the pointy peak on the right is Kangphu Kang 3 6502 above the Tsoughu Glacier.
Teri Kang 7130m.
Kangphu Kang 1 7204m
Kangphu Kang 2 6945m and Kangphu Kang 3 6502m. On the right is Shien Kangri 6270 above the Tsoughu Glacier.
Table Mountain is on the right.
The highest pass of the trip: Rinchen Zoe La 5350m.
Rinchen Zoe La 5350m
The glaciated mountains are close to 6000m in height.
The Migoi (a strong man or Yeti in Bhutanese) and Mechum (little yeti that inhabits lower elevation forests) or: Me and Victor.
Now lower down the valley we encountered a large yak caravan traveling to Chozo.
Climbing back up 1000m to the next camp.
Another snowstorm, by now we are used to it. The basecamp for our last pass: Tempe La 4665m.
We camped next to the lake below.
Tempe La 4665m
Tempe La 4665m
Horses ascending to the pass
Looking down at our descent route
The fine people I had the privilege to spend the Snowman Trek with: Thank you! Each person brought a special something to the tapestry of this epic experience.
Tempe La Pass from the south.
One of the two sacred lakes we passed on the way down.
Descending from the pass
Om Tscho Lake - the destination for pilgrimages for the Bhutanese buddhists.
The way home!
Lunana is well guarded from all sides!
Long, long descent. The Snowman trek keeps you in its grip until the last hour.
And just like that, civilization…and beer :-)
Our last camp. It is finished. I am sad and elated at the same time. The Snowman Trek embodies the extremes of experience. To enjoy it, one needs to employ a middle way, don’t get swayed by either and just enjoy being in the wilderness in each moment. Easier said than done, but what an opportunity for practice!
The view our last camp in Lunana
What remains is gratitude