Delightful Doors of Pobjika - A Photo Story
As you wander through the enchanting valleys and historic villages of Bhutan, time seems to stand still. The vast panoramic views and vistas will beckon you with their old-world charm, leading you on a journey back in time. At Pobjika ,you will be greeted by stone houses amidst fields adorned with eye catching intricate woodwork, on doors and windows and colorful prayer flags that will flutter in the breeze at every turn. The rhythmic sound of traditional music will drift through the air, inviting you to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture. As you explore the weathered structures, they whisper tales of bygone era !
Vishwanath Radhakrishna
Bhutan aptly, as all know is referred to as the last Shangri La. The diversity of the country is such that it is blessed with beautiful landscapes, made of sub-alpine Himalayan Mountains, valleys, meadows, flora – fauna, rivers, and sub-tropical plains.
Landlocked in the Eastern Himalayas, most of the population of Bhutan is centralized in valleys and lowlands. The mountainous country has in total about 18 valleys namely,
Thimphu Valley, Lhuentse Valley, Gayltsa Valley, Tang Valley, Jakar Valley, Ura Valley Chungdu Valley, Haa Valley, Paro Valley, Choekhor Valley, Gangtey Valley, Mongar Valley, Punakha Valley, Phobjikha Valley, Shingkhar Valley, Trongsa Valley, Bumdeling Valley and Zhemgang Valley.
Each is unique in its own way.
The central valleys are cut off from Eastern Bhutan by the Donga Range and the western valleys are connected to the east by the Black Mountains in central Bhutan. Few of the settlements in these valleys remain isolated from the main cities of Bhutan due to the accessibility.
During the explorative trip this time, the Pobjika Valley located in Central Bhutan was a storehouse of surprises. The U-shaped valley offered us myriad flora – fauna, woods around for numerous day hikes, Village walks, and Gangtey Monastery and the landscape made us feel, it was worthwhile going up there.
During the course of numerous walks, one of the things that caught my attention was strategically built, eco-friendly houses overlooking the valley. Each an architectural marvel, the ethereal designs and colourful patterns were bewitching!
The doors and window panes fascinated me; not only by their aesthetics, but by their style of construction and depicting the cultural richness of the land and local folk.
It is timely to remember an axiom, Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder which is subjective. For me even small likewise, the whole valley of Pobjika glowed and was in a riot of colours with blooms of Primulas, Digitalis, Erigerons, iris, and Asters, fluttering butterflies, and teeming with avian life...colourful all around!
Elaborate sketches and filigree work with floral designs are common features of the doors.
The Purpose of having big doors, windows is to appreciate the beauty of nature. Feel the fresh air, a sunrise setting sun - Finally being close to nature! 
Kaleidoscope of Colours
I had to literally lay down and face up the sky . !
A Traditional door on one side and a modern one
Each has its own charm of its own..!
There are so many such doors to be opened, and I'm not afraid to look behind them!
“When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us.”
Alexander Graham Bell INVENTOR
There is always a ray of Hope!
Few of the doors of the old mansion are locked. I ask myself who owned these and was left with many unanswered questions?
There is a quote by David Hume which goes........
"Beauty in things exists merely in the mind which contemplates them."
Go without a plan as I did, a small attempt to share what my heart throbs!
do aimless walks, and be open-minded and accepting of things as they come on your way, and is the best way to explore.
Behold, Accept and Appreciate the beauty of these timeless doors which has a story to tell about a bygone era, and are soothing for mind and soul..!
If you are moved by the beauty of small things and love them. Please don’t forget to write about it in the comment below.
