| Trekking
guides are a strange breed of people. Hardened by years of hanging out
in the hostile environment of our high mountains, they are very strong
headed, almost arrogant some would agree.
Second
opinions about the ways of the mountain just remain opinions; the cause
of many fights with equally stubborn clients (tourists), and many life
threatening incidents in the mountains elsewhere.
So
it was with much reluctance that I agreed to go through "Bhutan- A Trekker's
Guide" by Bart Jordans. I have seen this publication in the bookstores
in Thimphu for a while, but never felt the need of a second opinion about
the mountains that I knew so well. The fact that it was written by a chilip
didn't help either.
The
first thought that struck me on holding the book was that it had a water-resistant
plastic cover. Obviously the author had spent many a times in wet weather
conditions to have thought about this simple but innovative idea of protecting
this Nu.1,300 book (DSB Book Store, Thimphu). The book is also well sized
to fit in your backpack.
The
book starts with a general introduction offering advice on preparation
and fitness, altitude sickness and information to ensure a minimum-impact
trek.
"More
people have reached the summit of Everest than have successfully completed
the Lunana (Snowman) trek!" the book warns. The guidebook covers 27 treks
all over Bhutan. |
