Charge Around The Globe: Lexie and Ford Explorer head into the mountains of Bhutan

With the colours and sights of India in the rearview mirror, Lexie and the Ford Explorer continue their electric journey around the globe with a crossing into mountainous Bhutan.

Starting in Bhutan’s financial, industrial and trading capital, Phuntsholing, the road out leads Lexie towards the first destination, Paro. The people of Bhutan rely on one road to travel in to and out of the centre of the country so it is extremely well-maintained, meaning easy work for the Explorer.

As they climb the sharp inclines towards Paro the sight of hundreds of Tsa-Tsa decorate the mountain ledges – small cone-shaped offerings representing ancient prayers for the well-being of loved ones, both alive and departed. These are the kinds of sights visitors have only been able to see here since 1974 when the country opened up to tourists for the first time.

After a stay over in Paro, it’s a trip to what is reported to be the oldest nunnery in Bhutan, Kila Goenpa nunnery. The road to reach it is a dirt track with dustings of snow, but again the Explorer makes light work of it as they reach the mountainside destination. Amongst the  quiet, it’s the perfect place for Lexie to contemplate how far she’s travelled on this epic journey so far.

The following day, Lexie points the Explorer from Paro towards Thimpu, the country’s political capital since 1961 and largest city. Before arriving she drives up to the 169ft tall Buddha Dordenma Statue that overlooks the city. The incredible monument can be seen from all over, and when lit up at night it becomes a beacon in the dark of Bhutan. It’s a fitting last stop before heading into Thimpu and then back to Paro, ready for the next leg of the journey in Vietnam.

Asia has already proven to be a spectacle for Lexie and the Ford Explorer, with the magic of Bhutan a memory to treasure as the journey continues. You can follow their Charge Around the Globe at Ford News Europe’s X, Instagram and YouTube as well as at Lexie’s Instagram and YouTube. Or simply follow the #ChargeAroundTheGlobe hashtag.  

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