Trans Bhutan Trail: Day 10

It was a long night and an early morning. During the night, local dogs barked almost non-stop. No, really. Not an exaggeration. When we emerged from our tent, dogs were laying around nearby sleeping. Guess they wore themselves out. After a decent breakfast (yay pancakes and peanut butter!) we headed out just after 8:00. Our guide decided it would be a good idea to cross a swampy area before returning to the trail. Why? Anyway, we started at 6,500 feet of elevation and after three hours and much sweat we had ascended to 9,200 feet. Not much to see today but we did get a couple views and saw some odds and ends.

We stopped midday on a rocky part of the trail to have lunch. Afterwards, we started our descent. Not much to see except for an ancient stupa and some river rapids right before landing at our night’s camp just over a suspension bridge in Razawo. Our final elevation today: 6,300 feet. We would be camping right next to the river which is probably the best site so far. We had coffee and French fries after our arrival. We then hung our prayer flags that were given to us by the tour organizers on the bridge.

We also spent some relaxing time at the edge of the river.

We had a very nice dinner and for dessert the camp chef “baked” a cake with “Tashi Delek” on it meaning Good Luck. It was a very kind gesture.

The mess tent

Tomorrow we have possibly our toughest day yet as we have to climb almost 5,000 feet to the Pelela Pass. It’s our last day of trekking so we’ll have to give it everything we’ve got.