Preparing for the hike

Come 17^th November, 2011, two of my professors from the University of Montana, the USA will be in Paro, Bhutan. Their visit to Bhutan this time is in continuation to the grant that we received for my masters degree study. This time the hike would be very important for me as the data I would collect during this hike would probably serve as a baseline date for my doctoral study, which is why I am definitely excited about the hike.

Professors will be in Thimphu for quite some time attending the International Climate Summit that the Institute (Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environment) is organizing (14^th -19^th November, 2011).

My professors and I hiked in some interesting places in Bhutan. We hiked from Drugyel in Paro to Damji in Gasa and Tongtophy in Trongsa to Reutala in Zhemgang via Jangbi, Phromzor, Kuda, Nabji, Korphu and Nimshong in 2008. In 2010 we hiked from Nashiphel in Bumthang till Chajeyna (4700 masl) and back. The entire hikes were not just for fun but to explore the possibilities of my future research sites and to help me with the techniques to conduct interviews with the community.

This time the hike will be from Ura in Bumthang to Royal Manas National Park via Panbang, my home town. I am particularly very excited about the hike as the opportunity will be used to collect data on the fuelwood consumption across the altitudinal gradient in Bhutan (Temperate- Sub-tropical zone). Along the way, the efforts will also be made to understand the famous AILA (believed to be local guardian who takes care of the families’ property).

Comments

letro said…

Thats gonna be a great opportunity. Best wishes for your endeavours sir.

November 14, 2011 at 7:33 PM

Unknown said…

Thank Leo,
I am really looking forward to the hike. I will blog if I see or find out anything interesting.
Cheers.

November 15, 2011 at 10:12 AM

Unknown said…

GREAT NEWS! I love hikes and treks. I wish I was in your group. I did drugyel to dragey pang tsho and back, Laya and lingshi trek, dongkola trek and jumoljhari base camp during my college days. Go on...
I have written an article which might interest you. please visit http://snovu.blogspot.com/2011/11/dying-lake-needs-your-attention.html

November 21, 2011 at 2:57 PM

Unknown said…

Sonam,
I love hike and have done good number of hikes. I will read your article and write about this hike once I reach back.
Cheers.

November 23, 2011 at 8:29 PM

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Expression from an Idiot by birth:

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