First Hike in Asia
During my first major hike in Bhutan, we traveled thru a variety of villages. This was in the foothills of the Himalayas. Whether it was the Tiger's Nest or some small monastery it was alien and interesting.
The hike took us, with the Sierra Club to small clusters of people some of which still used oxen to plow their fields.
We hiked for 17 days, passing many Stupas /Chorten, which must be passed clockwise in their tradition. They are said to contain "jewels," which may only be scrolls and the bas relief near the roof may be inscribed with gold etchings of saints absolutely unguarded. We found one that was broken into about 6 days back into the mountains. Our guide told us that the blood curse for that trespass would be 7 generations back and forward on the criminal's family. We didn't see another sacrilege like that.
During my first major hike in Bhutan, we traveled thru a variety of villages. This was in the foothills of the Himalayas. Whether it was the Tiger's Nest or some small monastery it was alien and interesting.
The hike took us, with the Sierra Club to small clusters of people some of which still used oxen to plow their fields.
We hiked for 17 days, passing many Stupas /Chorten, which must be passed clockwise in their tradition. They are said to contain "jewels," which may only be scrolls and the bas relief near the roof may be inscribed with gold etchings of saints absolutely unguarded. We found one that was broken into about 6 days back into the mountains. Our guide told us that the blood curse for that trespass would be 7 generations back and forward on the criminal's family. We didn't see another sacrilege like that. 
