Driving to Gangtey

All in all, we were excited about getting on the road and heading to Gangtey where the Black Necked Cranes reside during their migration.  The only thing is, the migration had yet to begin.  So, the drive will basically be an overnight in Gangtey.

Our first problem was sighted with clouds and mist. IF it was raining or beginning to rain, the National Highway would be a problem.  A huge problem!  It's under major construction with bulldozers, ditch digging and excavation of boulders along an unknown number of miles along the way.

Well, Tashi heard from another guide that a large mudslide and boulder had stopped traffic on both sides.  With that news, we stopped in Trongsa for lunch and wait to see if we could continue.

Tashi was visibly concerned while he waited with another guide...

The word came that the boulder was moved and traffic was allowed to flow so we pressed on...

Gridlock was impossible and the road was extremely dangerous with the constant threat of boulders falling on us or us falling off the side of the road into a ravine hundreds of feet below.  The road was beyond bumpy and it took us 9 hours to get to Gangtey.  It was not pleasant yet this was the ONLY route to the West.  Tough travels but we prevailed and made it!

Once we got to Gangtey we were beyond tired and annoyed as heck with the perpetual BOUNCING AROUND!  Almost to the hotel!  YaY!  Then, a flat tire.  Ouch.  Tashi called the hotel and had a car come pick us up.  We had no idea what the surrounding landscape or hotel looked like.  All we wanted was a bed, not even a bath... just a quiet and still bed! The staff asked if we'd like a fire as there was no heat other than a cast iron stove. So, he came in and got us a crackling fire going, we jumped into bed and fell asleep while the fire toasted up the room. Ahhhhhhhh.  :)