I often get caught up in a slight debate about what really constitutes a vacation. I strive to go on adventures. The adventure can be small or big depending on the destination and how much time I can dedicate to it, but the focus is on the discovery. Discovery of new places, new cultures, new landscapes, new foods, new scents, new experiences.

I'm sure many people are quite happy to jot off to the beach for a weekend escape, but that bores me. R&R is all well and good, and might even be a bit necessary even on a long adventure to give yourself time to recoup and re-energize when you're out and about 12 plus hours a day exploring the world non-stop. However, the focus of the trip is still adventure. Doesn't have to be "OMG I nearly died" adventure, but just the process of new experiences and discoveries.

Well, short diatribe aside, these stupas are part of a collection of 108 stupas at the Dochula Pass in Bhutan. Bhutan is an excellent choice for an adventure. You can experience the world at altitude higher than what you're likely accustomed to, hike some of the most amazing himalayan mountains, and also feel the peace and tranquility of being in a Buddhist nation.

Some of the 108 stupas that comprise the Druk Wangyal Chortens.