Hunting the Bhutanese blue Yeti
If you’ve ever seen a picture of the legendary Bigfoot, chances are you’ve seen a picture of the Bhutanese blue Yeti. These creatures have inspired myths and legends for centuries, and despite never having been scientifically verified, there is still plenty of interest in finding one. In this article, we’ll take a look at what we know about the Bhutanese blue Yeti and see if there is any basis to the myths and legends surrounding it. We’ll also explore some of the techniques that have been used to try and find one.
Bhutan’s national flower is a once-in-a-lifetime find that was previously thought to be a Himalayan legend.
Bhutan’s national flower is a once-in-a-lifetime find that was previously thought to be a Himalayan legend. The blue lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is endemic to Bhutan and is considered the country’s national flower. It is also one of the most rare and endangered plants in the world.
The blue lotus is a beautiful, delicate flower that grows in shallow water along rivers and streams. It has long, slender petals that are a deep blue color. The flowers are pollinated by bees, and the fruit is a capsule that contains several seeds.
The blue lotus was first mentioned in Buddhist scriptures in the 6th century AD, and it was thought to be extinct until 1968, when two specimens were discovered in the area around Thimphu. Since then, there have been sporadic discoveries of new plants, but the number of wild specimens remains relatively low.
The scarcity of the blue lotus means that it is highly prized by collectors and experts alike. Even today, it is difficult to find a specimen for sale outside of Bhutan because export restrictions are still in place.
Despite its rarity, the blue lotus remains an important part of local culture. It is used as an ingredient in traditional medicines, and people make necklaces, bracelets, and other items out of the flowers. The flowers are also used as part of religious ceremonies performed by Buddhists and Hindus alike.
On a clear day, the entire Jomolhari Range, including one of Bhutan’s most sacred places and the country’s second highest peak, can be seen.
On a clear day, the entire Jomolhari Range, including one of Bhutan’s most sacred places and the country’s second highest peak, can be seen. The Jomolhari Range is home to the elusive blue Yeti, which has been reported by many trekkers and hunters over the years. The range is also populated with wild elephants, black bears, and leopards.
Despite the dreadful monsoon weather, I was on the Chele La mountain pass in west Bhutan, 3,780 meters high.
Despite the dreadful monsoon weather, I was on the Chele La mountain pass in west Bhutan, 3,780 meters high. The pass is one of the most popular trailheads for trekkers heading to Mount Chomolungma, home of the world’s highest peak, and the landscape is stunning. The snow-capped peaks loom above the rugged valleys below and rain clouds were threatening at any moment. I was hiking with a group of eight other people who all looked equally excited about reaching our destination.
We had been hiking for about six hours when we reached our first checkpoint where we had to pay an entrance fee of 500 Bhutanese ngultrum (about $7). We then continued hiking for another two hours until we reached our final destination: a beautiful meadow overlooking the valley below. It felt amazing to be so close to such a beautiful place after having hiked for so long in treacherous conditions.
During my week-long stay in the Himalayan Kingdom, Lama and I frequently disagreed. In fact, Lama’s belief that Indian girls are bad hikers was one of our first arguments.
During my week-long stay in the Himalayan Kingdom, Lama and I frequently disagreed. In fact, Lama’s belief that Indian girls are bad hikers was one of our first arguments.
Despite being from a small country with limited resources, India has produced some of the best mountaineers in the world. This is due in part to the rigorous training Indian climbers receive at young ages. According to Lama, however, Indian girls are not cut out for hiking in the high mountains.
“Indian girls don’t have the endurance,” Lama asserted. “They’re also not as strong as Bhutanese girls.”
I wasn’t convinced. After all, I had spent most of my life hiking in rugged terrain across India. And I had never met an Indian girl who couldn’t handle a bit of physical challenge.
Lama’s beliefs about Indian girls were hardly unique among Bhutanese people I encountered during my time there. In fact, many seemed to hold similar prejudices about neighboring countries, including China and Tibet.
Despite our disagreements, I enjoyed spending time with Lama – he was an interesting and intelligent person who made me laugh often. But his views on some significant issues left much to be desired…
However, it turned out that the constant fighting had a positive side: It led me to one of the world’s rarest flowers.
However, it turned out that the constant fighting had a positive side: It led me to one of the world’s rarest flowers.
For years, I had heard about this flower and wanted to see it for myself. So, when I finally got my chance, I didn’t let it go to waste.
Located in the wilds of Bhutan, the blue Yeti flower is said to be one of the most beautiful plants on Earth. And judging by the pictures I saw online, it’s easy to see why: The petals are a deep azure blue, flecked with white.
Unfortunately, getting close enough to take a picture was tough—even for someone as experienced as I am at hunting wildlife. But that didn’t stop me from trying. For hours on end, I hiked through dense forest, searching for a glimpse of this elusive flower.
But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t find it. That is until one day…I found myself face-to-face with a live Yeti!
The encounter was surreal—and definitely one of the highlights of my trip to Bhutan. Afterward, I was able to finally take some photos of the beautiful blue Yeti flower – and trust me, they don’t disappoint (check them out above).