On 20th November, 2021, Me and my father started journey at about 6 AM from base of Phajoding hiking after about half and hour drive from my place at Dechencholing.The day started with full of energy and excitement as being so honored to take my father to such sacred and amazing place for his first time, moreover it has been about few years that I couldn't visit the place. We are carrying our own pack lunch as the hike will take full day where about two to three hours walking uphills. With a walking stick in each hand, we started the journey with full of hopes and adventures mind.

As mentioned, the hike took us about two hours where I mostly struggling in keeping my pace to walk along with him, He has such a stamina which he has been accumulating working in the field in village at Bumthang for many years. Actually, I have secretly worrying about how he would reach to the destination which is uphill walking at his age, however I felt repentant for my mistrust and miscalculation.

As we climb up, it is so refreshing to have a glance of the temples constructed on the beautiful mountains which give us extra adrenaline to speed up to reach the destination. There are about five temples located at different area. It will be blessed if we could visit all the temples, however, we are only able to visit few main temples.

View from Thujidrak

We visited main temple where the monk at looking after explains us impeccably about the history of the place and monuments that are preserved for many decades. It is so good to learn how the Great saint Phajo Drugom Zhipo founded and attached to the place. As we aim for Thujidrak temple, we are able to visit few temples on the way. You would be thrill to experience the scenery from the Thujidrak which bless us with the birds eye view toward the Thimphu /based.

While we visiting the Thujidrak, we meet with group of young girls and boys where they are planning to visit Pumola which is about 30 minutes walk from the Phajoding. Looking at their excitement, we two also decided to visit the Pumola. Before we started our unplanned journey, we re-energized ourself with delicious lunch which we have been caring from the base at one of perfect place with great scene.

Pumola under renovation

The Pumola is highway from Thimphu to Paro during olden days when there is no motor road. At our visit, we could see many people putting their hard work to reconstruct the temple and it is also inspiring to see young people volunteering in construction of temple. We are also delighted to meet again with young groups. As we explore the place, the group and we became the friends and decide to share each other company on our way back to the base.We also took each other photo and group photo for may be to upload in our social media account.I am sure, especially the girls might have been uploaded their new friend in their accounts. I personally felt our past strong karmic deeds that brought us there at sacred place.

It took us about two hours way back to the base. but the experiences and thrill that I acquired way back overcame the tiredness of journey.

On the way back, we became so closed and shared lots of funny things without any hesitation, In fact I came to understand that even stranger can be our best companion that gives us lots of memorable experience at our great journey to the greatest destinations.It became quite dark when we reached our based where we say our final adieu with the hope that we will meet again in future with same or better health and wealth.

With by Father

Recommendation for hike:

• Take your own pack lunch and water. you will enjoy simple picnic with your loved one.
• Do not burden yourself with unnecessary thing.
  
• Take a walking stick which will give you strength to walk.
  
• Possible to get mountain sickness and take medicine if you are the one.
  
• Go in group so that you will enjoy each other company, however there is no harm/risk in solo hike also.