Sikkim, India Dec 2007 Trek to Bazaraya, Himalayas

We've always referred to our Sikkim holiday as the trip that nearly killed us! The planning and discussion with the guide was done via emails, with little details on the location, so what was supposed to be a regular birding trip turned out to be an expedition! Well, we survived to tell the tale...read on! 

The porters leaving our accommodation in Khecheopalri

         

Everything we needed for two nights

Start of the trek through farmlands

passing cow sheds

farm houses and cultivation

Prayer flags fluttering in the wind

Village kids watch us go by

We follow the track and head into the hills

and leave the village in the valley

and climbed higher

into forest with more trees

and rest to enjoy the view of Khecheopalri lake far below

Hard going for the porters

The two of us were unprepared for the steep terrain - it was actually mountain climbing! So the expedition made an unscheduled overnight camp midway 

Afternoon tea in the middle of nowhere

Pakoras and puri prepared by

our multi-talented crew

our very own toilet in the wild!

Sunset over the distant mountains

Frost covered vegetation when we got up

Finally made it to the top of Bazaraya

and views of the snow-capped Himalayas

and mighty Kanchenjunga

Bitterly cold even with polar covering!

Congratulatory message on conquering 3300 m Bazaraya

Group photo before heading down

General location of Bazaraya 

Myanmar 2001 - Mingun Pahtodawgyi and Bell

Mingun Pahtodawgyi was the grandiose project started in 1790 by King Bodawpaya. The 50 m high uncompleted monument is regarded as one of the examples of the eccentricities of the king. It was planned to be a massive 150 m stupa but, according to one story, the superstitious king delayed the work on hearing the prophesy that he would die on its completion. Due to its high cost to the country and people, not surprisingly, after King Bodawpaya died, work on Mingun Paya was abandoned. In 1839, an earthquake badly damaged the monument, causing huge cracks on the structure which now is claimed to be the largest pile of bricks in the world!            

Mingun Pahtodawgyi showing the huge crack caused by earthquake

A small temple built into the monument


Steps lead to the top of Mingun monument

              

Top of Mingun monument with view of Hsinbyume Pagoda

                                                     

The gleaming white Hsinbyume Pagoda

                                                            

                                                                                   

The Mingun Bell that the king never got to place on his monument. At a massive 90 tons, it is the 2nd largest ringing bell in the world.      

Myanmar 2001 - 1000 Cliffside Buddhas, Pyay

Near Pyay is an amazing spectacle of Buddha figurines on the cliff faces of Akauk Thaung mountain flanking the bank of the Ayeryarwady River. Each Buddha figure, of various sizes and repose, is set in its own cavity carved into the rock face. These cavities were the result of years of hard work by the faithful who had chiseled out the repositories and placed the Buddhas out of veneration for the Enlightened One. 

From the boat on the Ayeryarwady, the distant view of the Buddhas and pagoda on Akauk Thaung mountain

Buddha figurines in their repositories cover the cliff face

The Sleeping Buddha on the track leading up to the mountain top  

Myanmar 2001 - U-Bein Bridge, Amarapura

U-Bein Bridge is located near the township of Amarapura in central Myanmar. Constructed of teak, the bridge is the oldest and (at one time) longest wooden bridge in the world. The 1.2 km long structure crosses Taungthaman Lake and is a favourite subject for sunset photography.

Tourists join locals on the daily commute across U-Bein bridge

Watching the world go by on U-Bein bridge

Sunset views at Thaungthaman Lake

Myanmar 2001 - Ayeyarwady River scenes Nov - Dec

The mighty Ayeyarwady river is the largest waterway in Myanmar.  The river plays an important role in the economy and life of the country, being a lifeline for transport of goods, and people and for its fisheries and agriculture. The people living along its 2200 km course depend heavily on the river for their daily water supply, washing and bathing. 

A load of jars going downriver to Yangon

Huge rafts of logs tied together and pushed by tug boats

No more seats inside....the roof will do!

 

Morning mist over the river

Thatched huts provide shelter for the river people 

Similar huts dot the wide river bank  

Plank walkways connect the huts 

Food stall with a picket fence!

A hive of activity on the river bank

No machines - all work using manpower  

even loading heavy logs

After the day's work, men gather under a shady tree 

At the end of a long, hot day......