Bhutan - Day 3

 Today we hiked up to Tango Monastery outside of Thimphu. 

The hike was up a well maintained trail, steep as pretty much everything is in Bhutan. 

The monastery is undergoing extensive renovations which was really interesting. Inside they were repairing the almost 400 year old paintings while outside they are literally rebuilding all the walls.  In this picture you can see the thinner old walls and the base of a much thicker new wall.

 

They brought up materials via skyline and then used manpower to move the blocks on rollers via a lever and pulling.  The contrasts in Bhutan are amazing.

These items are the 'backpacks' that the monks use to carry larger items. 

Like most places in Bhutan, the monks are whired into the larger world.  Cell phones work and they have TV.

On the way back down we had one last look (with the obligatory dog).  Also passed a nice sign about wishes and Sawako spun a prayer wheel.

On the drive back to Thimphu we passed the workers prepping the stones for the monastery wall,  a Bhutan stupa (Nepal stupas are round), a wind driven prayer wheel, and a large building using bamboo instead of steel to support floors before the concrete has cured.

After lunch we visited the very large (see the small people in front) sitting Buddha on the hill over Thimphu.  There was a prophesy that Bhutan would have 3 large sitting Buddhas - this is the second one built by donations from all over the work.  Below the Buddha is a large temple.  The stupa at the gate is in the Nepal style as it is round.

In the courtyard we saw this outside 'incense burner'.  Bhutanese only use incense inside.  For outside they burn trees leaves like cypress or perhaps cedar.  The view from the top was great.

On the way back down we saw the old fortress which is used as government offices.  In the green trees to the left is the Royal palace (much smaller than the old fortress).

We then went to an animal rehabilitation center to see the Takin, Bhutan's national animal.  Kind of a large (up to 1300 lbs) cross between a ox and a goat.

We also saw several other unique animal species.

Barking Deer

Blue Sheep

Monal

We wrapped up the day walking around Thimphu's main shopping street and seeing the human traffic signal (the only one in the country).  There are no franchise chain stores in Bhutan.

The gate to the street, notice the cell phone tower.

Main plaza

Dogs in front of KK convenience store

Each building had many businesses in it

I will not be posted for the next 5 - 6 days as I will be trekking with no wifi access.