Floating Goddess

A magical and memorable day begins with a drive up the peaceful Do Chhu (river) Valley, up a rough track past tiny hamlets to the trailhead. Deep in ancient forest we follow the rushing course of the Do Chhu deeper into this remote and untouched valley – very few foreigners have passed this way. In the season the flowering rhododendron provide a riot of color and on a warm day Pilgrims may be tempted into a refreshing dip in one of many swimming holes. Towards the head of the valley the trail switchbacks as it steepens and Chumbu Monastery can be glimpsed above with craggy peaks looming behind. The monks at this spectacularly positioned and remote monastery afford all pilgrims a warm welcome particularly if they are bearing small gifts and offerings for the supernatural statue of the ‘Flying Yogini’, that seemingly floats in the air. The monastery is built in 14th century and having paid our respects we climb higher to a beautiful mountain lake before bidding the monks a fond farewell and head for home.