Stairway to Heaven

It was described and evaluated as the highlight of the trip, but the prospects were not good. I am unfit, the path is steep and muddy and the altitude a hindrance. With the encouragement of my very own personal guru, Sheila, I set off at a slow speed. I am exhausted before I even reach the first flat. It seems to be never ending. Sheila coaches me through correct breathing and walking style and encourages a positive mental attitude. After a while I slip into a kind of rhythm and speed that is right for me, and I seem to be acutely aware of my surroundings and the beauty of the mountains, rather than the arduous climb. The early morning air is fresh and cool there is mist hanging over the trees. Some people rush past us, but we continue at a slow, but comfortable speed. An elderly American gentleman has given up walking and a horse has been sent for, so he kindly lends me his trekking poles. They make a huge difference, and I really feel I am floating along.

Talk is superfluous and would only encumber us as we scale higher and higher up the uneven path. Blue Poppies – the national flower of Bhutan – glow in the undergrowth, whilst the Old Man’s Beard tree-moss hangs eerily from the branches partially engulfed in mist. An otherworldly atmosphere envelops us, heightened by the sight of a dog running down the path with a young pup between her teeth.

I am encouraged by the sight of a small shrine on a ledge, my eyes wandering to the sheer cliffs behind. I gasp laudably as Taktshang Lakhang comes into view where the mist is slowly clearing. The monastery is framed by clouds in such a way that makes it look like a fantasy painting – an artist’s impression of a castle in the sky. I am mesmerized.  I feel as if all emotions have drained from my body and all I can think about is this magical building. I made it. I never had any desire to see the inside of the shrine; I am more than satisfied with the view across the ravine from the tea shop. The mist clears and reveals the monastery in all its glory. This is why I came. The adrenalin keeps me full of energy and I feel spiritually, emotionally and physically invigorated.  This is what dreams are made of.

“If you don’t have a dream, how are you going to have a dream come true?”