There are countless amazing rivers, streams, creeks and waterfalls in Bhutan, but many are inaccessible due to the extremely steep terrain. Most of the larger rivers are torrents in the rainy season, and thus the rocks are without any moss as they are sand and rock blasted by the friction of what the water brings from its sources high up in the mountains.
Other rivers are just incredibly beautiful, with smooth boulders, some covered with mosses and algae, but still hard to get to as they are deep in gorges that will take a day’s hike to round trip.
Then there are the small streams and creeks – seemingly everywhere. Some dry out in the dry season, while others have water all year. Many are embraced by humans to such an extent that they build a prayer wheel over it, powered by the water.
This is an example of the countless water falls in its natural state – untouched by anything by the elements of nature. These are also very inaccessible sometimes, and even though they might look “just over there” from the car, they can be really dangerous to get to as often they are above or below slippery boulders or thickets of vegetation that are growing in such steep slopes that you simply give up.
Fortunately this beautiful waterfall was just in reach when you take one careful step at a time. The previous waterfall looked equally accessible, but my guide simply refused to go there with me, and I reluctantly had to concur after some careful looking around.
The moss was so radiantly green and lush, and felt like velvet to the touch, and is living proof that this stream never becomes a torrent, nor is there any human activities above uprooting vegetation or soil. Thus you have a pristine waterfall containing clear water.
This waterfall did not cross the road, nor did it flow run in such a way that it was easy to divert into pipes for human use, as was the case in many other locations. This added to the protection of the creek, as no humans ventured up to this position due to its cumbersome location.
In other locations locals had placed large plastic pipes in the water which they used to fill up water tanks, or to simply wash their cars. Others used it to take a shower.
This creek was only used by birds and mammals, though.
Such is the diversity of Bhutan.
Elevation: 3173 meters
Last updated on 25 November 2020
