Bhutan’s leader spends two weeks to climb 150 miles, scaling a 17,000ft mountain pass that’s tougher than EVEREST to visit his subjects in a remote region
The King of Bhutan has scaled one of the most treacherous mountain passes in the world on an epic trek said to be more difficult than scaling Everest.
King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, 36, climbed through the glaciers and ice fields of Rinchen Zoe La in the north of the country which reaches heights of more than 17,000 feet.
The climb was part of a 150 miles two-week trek, according to his official Facebook page, so he could reach the remote Sephu region to spend Coronation Day with his subjects.
Intrepid: The King of Bhutan (pictured) has scaled one of the most difficult mountain passes in the world
Explorer: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, 36, climbed through the glaciers and ice fields of Rinchen Zoe La
The monarch – known as the Dragon King in the local Dzongkha language – was seen in full outdoor mountain-climbing gear as he trekked through the snow-covered landscape with his entourage.
The route across the Lunana region, also known as the Snowman Trek, and is considered by many to be amongst the toughest treks in the world.
A spokesman for the royal said: ‘After over two weeks of trekking across the most difficult places in Bhutan, His Majesty The King arrived at Sephu, the first settlement since Thanza in Lunana, and spent Coronation Day with the thousands of people who had gathered at Bechu Goenpai Thang to welcome their King.’
After the climb, the head of state spent the night camped beside a sacred lake, Um Tsho.
Royal: On his expedition the monarch met Tenzin Wangdi (right) who mans the flood warning station in the outpost of Thanza
Trek: The monarch – known as the Dragon King – was seen in full outdoor mountain-climbing gear
Don’t look down: The route across the Lunana region and is considered by many to be amongst the toughest treks in the world
On his expedition the monarch met Tenzin Wangdi who mans the flood warning station in the outpost of Thanza.
Tenzin, who is from Zhemgang, has not seen his family in months as he carries out his duties.
In April this year the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited the tiny, Himalayan nation as part of a royal tour that also saw them visit India.
During their trip William and Kate took part in a three-hour trek to the breathtaking Tiger’s Nest monastery perched on a Bhutan clifftop.
Built into the side of a steep cliff above a beautiful forest of rhododendrons, some 10,000 feet above sea level, it is one of the most spectacular temples in the world.
The climb was part of a two-week trek, according to his official social media profile
After the climb, the head of state spent the night camped beside a sacred lake, Um Tsho.
The royal couple admired the ‘absolutely stunning’ scenery on their way up and beamed as they posed for photos.
Kate described it as an ‘amazing experience’, adding ‘I feel very lucky and fortunate to see such beautiful scenery. As William said, we have learnt about the country.’
The King of Bhutan had sent some of his own horses to accompany the couple in case either struggled and needed to go on horseback.
As they started the final approach, down 1000 steps and across a bridge over a yawning chasm, the waiting monks started a musical religious welcome. Chanting, bells, cymbals and trumpets all sounded to welcome the royal couple.
The royal couple also attended a reception celebrating Britain’s relationship with Bhutan. Kate wore a dress by Beulah, with poppies on, which is the national flower of Bhutan.
The royal Bhutanese couple are hugely popular in the mountainous kingdom.
They attracted the attention of royal watchers across the globe when they married in 2011 – the same year as William and Kate.
Source By HARVEY DAY FOR MAILONLINE