Over a hundred monasteries were built in the sixteen hundreds, and most are still standing. During that time period, many bridges were built to connect the valleys and shorten the time required to get to the monasteries for religious celebrations. We are waving from the top–thrilled that we made it over this ancient pathway. See the huge iron links that hold the bridge together? They were little comfort while crossing as the bridge swung in the wind and seemed weighted down by prayer flags.
This fortress was built in 1144 to hold back the Tibetans who came over the high pass six times in an attempt to invade Bhutan. The fort is slowly crumbling but was clearly made to withstand not only the Tibetans but the passage of time.
The phallus is a highly treasured symbol of potency and fertility in Bhutan. There are artistic depictions everywhere. I hiked up to this Craft/Textile center and shop, located on a steep hillside. My friends watched from below mumbling something about bad marketing, location, location, location and no beer–no cheer.
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