The Darchor Of Wangdue Phodrang

The Himalayas. A place where man can practically reach the heavens. Home to some of the greatest peaks on Earth. Of course, even the "small" mountains aren't that small. Looking down into the valley here, I was at an altitude of 2,921 m (9,583 ft). Maybe it's the altitude and its effects on the oxygen flowing through my blood, or maybe it's that unmeasurable intrinsic value of traveling to a peaceful nation that prides itself on the happiness of its people, but something about this place brings deep reflection and happiness to me.

I'm not Buddhist, but seeing these prayer flags does make me stop and think a bit. It adds to my overall reflection. Speaking of these flags, these are actually called Darchor prayer flags, as they're large flags in a rectangular shape attached to a pole, compared to the Lung ta prayer flags you might see strung up on a diagonal line from high to low. These flags are meant to blow through the wind, spreading their good will and compassion to the area.

Prayer flags on the side of a mountain in the Himalayan nation of Bhutan.