Outdoors

Famous for its unique culture and stunning landscapes, **Bhutan**, the legendary **Kingdom of the Himalayas**, is a country unlike any other. Often called **the last Shangri-La**, this is a place where time runs slower, and the government operates by the unique philosophy of **Gross National Happiness**. Many factors contribute to the famed **happiness and contentment** of Bhutan’s population, from the country’s pride in **preserving its traditions**, languages, and customs to the **prioritization of wellbeing** over material wealth. In this land of dense forests and towering mountains, incredible vistas are all around, and a **connection to nature** is deeply ingrained in the culture. In addition, the practice of **Mahayana Buddhism** profoundly influences the Bhutanese way of life, emphasizing inner peace, compassion, and community harmony. With **stupas and monasteries** on every corner, spirituality is embedded in daily life here. Centuries of religious devotion have led to the creation of incredible landmarks and sacred spaces, including the country’s iconic crown jewel: Taktsang monastery, or **the** **Tiger’s Nest**. One of the most venerated places of pilgrimage in the Himalayas, the monastery appears like something out of a fairy tale, clinging to the rock a towering 800m (2,600ft) above the valley floor. Nowhere in the Himalayas is the natural environment richer and more diverse than it is in Bhutan, home to high, rugged mountains and deep valleys which have been recognized as one of the world’s ten most important **biodiversity hotspots**. One of Bhutan’s ancient names was Menjong Yul, meaning **‘the land of medicinal herbs’**, and the people’s respect for the natural environment means that even today it remains pristine and mostly undisturbed. Here we’ll discover ancient spiritual practices, trek into untouched landscapes and feel the awe of nature’s majesty in this hidden corner of the world. [https://vimeo.com/238777975](https://vimeo.com/238777975) **Let’s go!** **DAY 0 :: FEB 10** Recommended departure to Kathmandu at 17:45-23:30. **DAY 1 :: FEB 11** Connecting flight to Bhutan at 09:00-10:20. On sunny days, the inbound flight to Bhutan is marked by **panoramic views of the Himalayas, including the towering Everest**. The approach through the tiny airstrip of Paro has been termed as “adventurous”, to say the least! Arrival in the afternoon, after which we’ll check in to the hotel in Thimpu and have our first experience with fiery **Bhutanese cuisine**. Later we’ll visit Thimphu’s Memorial Stupa, also known as the **Thimphu Chorten**, a prominent religious landmark in the city with its golden spires and bells. Afterwards we’ll take a short 3-4km hike to Kuensel Phodrang, reaching the **gigantic Buddha Dordenma** at the top of the hill. The **50-meter-high, gilt gold** **statue** fulfils an ancient prophecy dating back to the 8th century A.D. and is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world. Overnight in Thimpu. **DAY 2 :: FEB 12** Today we drive via Dochu-La Pass to Punakha and hike to iconic **Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility),** located on a round hillock on the edge of Punakha Valley. After lunch our exploration continues with a visit to the majestic **Punakha Dzong fortress**, a stunning example of traditional Bhutanese architecture which serves as a winter residence for the Dratshang Lhentshog, the commission for the monastic affairs of Bhutan. Built in 1637, it is picturesquely located in between two rivers – the **Pho Chhu (Male River) & Mo Chhu (Female River)** – and houses sacred Buddhist relics. We’ll then take a walk along the **Punakha suspension bridge**, Bhutan’s longest, stretching 180 m (590 ft) across the water of the Pho Chhu, before checking into the hotel and resting up for the evening. **DAY 3 :: FEB 13** Today after breakfast and formalities we’ll drive to the **Dochula Pass (3,100m)** and begin the hike to the 18th century **Lungchutse Lhakhang temple (3,565m)**. This uber picturesque route passes through primary forests of rhododendrons, magnolias, birches, and bamboos, and occasionally meadows being used as yak pastures. When we reach the temple we’ll be richly rewarded by views over the **entire span of Bhutan’s Himalayan range** and its majestic, snow covered peaks. We will then make our way downhill for about an hour until we reach Dochula Pass, encountering several landmarks and stupas along the path. In the afternoon we will have an opportunity to witness **rural life in Bhutanese village,** and those who would like to can experience a **traditional** **hot stone bath**. For even richer immersion, there is also the option to spend the night in the village. **Celebration of New Year's Eve Bhutan style!** **DAY 4 :: FEB 14** After breakfast we’ll start our last hike, to the sacred **Taktsang Monastery**, known as **the Tiger’s Nest,** situated at an altitude of 3100m in the Upper Paro Valley. During the hike we’ll keep our strength up with a picnic lunch in the woods with spectacular views. Our ancient destination is the abode of gods and monks, a place of great spiritualty since the 8th century. As per the legend of Taktsang, this was the site of a cave in the sheer cliff face used by mystic Guru Rinpoche for meditation. He assumed a wrathful form, Guru Dorji Drolo, riding a flying tigress to subdue the evil spirits in the area. After many centuries, a religious complex took shape here, clinging to the rock face, with the oldest temple built by a Nyingma Buddhist master around 1508. **DAY 5 :: FEB 15** Departure to Kathmandu at 07:00-08:00. Bye bye Bhutan! Optional city tour in Kathmandu before return flight home. **Level of difficulty:** Easy - short but steep trails. The grade may be perceived as moderate to beginners. **Activities:** hiking, walking, sightseeing and getting amazed! Altitude: 2280–3600m, **Duration:** 5 days. **Accommodation & meals:** Comfy 3\* hotels, double sharing. Single room 200 USD extra. Meals included. **Cost: 7,450 AED incl. flights Kathmandu-Paro-Kathmandu, until JAN 30th.** Past this date cost may change. **Connection from Dubai to Kathmandu - excluded.** **Trip starts at Kathmandu airport** on FEB 11th with a flight to Paro. **Specifically included:** * Return flights Kathmandu - Paro - Kathmandu, * Bhutan visa, * All arrangements as per program, **Specifically excluded:** * Connecting flights Dubai - Kathmandu, * Overnight in Kathmandu between the flights, * activities and meals in Kathmandu, * any costs related to visa on arrival to Nepal, * Insurance. **Optional:** * Sightseeing Kathmandu on FEB 15 at 85 USD. **Visas:** **Visa to Bhutan (SDF) is included in trip budget.** [Visa to Nepal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Nepal) available on arrival, if required. See yah in Bhutan x Trekkup Bhutan Crew [Whatsapp 050 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) / [docs@trekkup.com](info@trekkup.com)

Embrace Dubai's Winter in Our Outdoor Yoga Class Find peace in nature and reconnect with yourself amidst the greenery and blooms of Nad Al Hamar Park 1. This is your time to listen to your body and breathe in the fresh outdoor air. Class Highlights: 🧘‍♀️ Gentle yoga flow surrounded by trees and flowers 🔔 Special 10-minute singing bowl meditation after practice to align your energy with nature 🌿 A nice winter wellness experience **Details:** 📍 **Location:** Nad Al Hamar Park 1 🗓 **Days:** Monday to Thursday ⏰ **Time:** 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM 💵 **Contribution:** Donation-based 📋 **Registration:** **RSVP required** Come as you are — all levels are welcome. Let’s move, breathe, and heal together in the heart of nature. **Spots are limited — please RSVP to join us.** Simply bring your mat and an open heart. 🌸 *Feel free to share with someone who needs a moment of calm this winter.*

Are you looking for guided indoor activity to burn some calories and have fun? Join our volleyball classes at the Dwight School to learn volleyball in a fun way! \*Beginners friendly \*Mixed groups \*Classes tailored for you individually \*You'll learn every skill from professional \*Game-like drills (you'll start learning how to play from the very first class) \*Coach with vast experience \*\*played professionally for 22 years, \*\*coached for 5 years, \*\*FIVB & USAVolleyball coaching certificates \*AED 150 per 2h class \*Ask for your discount when buying a package Click wa.me/971504872545 to get more info.

**Note : Registration is confirmed only through [MeetNtrain](https://meetntrain.com/community/Volleyballpartners)** [WhatsApp Group ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hv4ZnN1kKA18JfPpxcpweN) Get ready for an exciting evening of **beach volleyball on soft sand** 🌴🏐 This session is designed for **intermediate-level players** who already know the basics and are ready for fast rallies, good energy, and competitive fun. Come play, vibe, and enjoy the beach atmosphere with a great group of people! **📍 Location:** Kite Beach - Dubai **🕘 Time:** 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM (2 hours of play) ⏳ *Spots limited to 18 players – secure your spot early!* ⏱ *Note: Timing may change – join the [WhatsApp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hv4ZnN1kKA18JfPpxcpweN) for updates.* **💵 Fee:** 40 AED per player **✅ What’s Included:** * Cold water 💧 * International music with high-quality sound 🎶 * Guided games & refereeing by your host, Noah 🎤 📲 *Join our WhatsApp group for full details & to confirm your spot!* **📬 Contact:** Reach out via WhatsApp or email to confirm your participation. **[Book Now](https://meetntrain.com/community/Volleyballpartners)** **Noah : 0504746210**

**REGISTRATION THROUGH WHATSAPP : 0552176382** Looking to kick a ball around and have fun? Join us for a friendly game of football! Whether you're a seasoned player or just getting started, all skill levels are welcome. This event is perfect for players who want to improve their fitness while enjoying a social game of football in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. We cater to all types of players, from experienced footballers to beginners who want to learn and have fun. Our group is all about providing a positive and inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. Join us on the pitch and let's have some fun together! As always, we will be playing outdoors, so please remember to bring appropriate footwear, comfortable athletic clothing, and water to stay hydrated. Don't miss out on a great opportunity to meet new people, get in some exercise, and indulge your love for the beautiful game. See you on the field!

Don't have a group, completely fine. badminton sessions for all levels.. Aed 45 for two hours, aed 28 for one hour come and play with us. teams will beade on levels to have exciting matched contact no +971 50 6658 933 join below WhatsApp group for regular updates. [https://chat.whatsapp.com/L5XeBmwIJ33GNRli4CF7Bc](https://chat.whatsapp.com/L5XeBmwIJ33GNRli4CF7Bc)

**REGISTRATION THROUGH WHATSAPP: 0522955859** Looking to kick a ball around and have fun? Join us for a friendly game of football! Whether you're a seasoned player or just getting started, all skill levels are welcome. This event is perfect for players who want to improve their fitness while enjoying a social game of football in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. We cater to all types of players, from experienced footballers to beginners who want to learn and have fun. Our group is all about providing a positive and inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. Join us on the pitch and let's have some fun together! As always, we will be playing outdoors, so please remember to bring appropriate footwear, comfortable athletic clothing, and water to stay hydrated. Don't miss out on a great opportunity to meet new people, get in some exercise, and indulge your love for the beautiful game. See you on the field!

**Summary** Celebrate America's 250th year and the [Columbus Clippers'](https://www.milb.com/columbus) 50th season by watching [Franklin County's](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbus_Clippers) best team play the [best game in the world](https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/babe_ruth_140116) at [one of the ten best](https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/minors/2025/03/26/huntington-park-voted-top-10-minor-league-ballparks-usa-today-10best-awards/82656048007/) baseball stadiums in the United States in their 2026 home Saturday opener! The first pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. The gates always open an hour before the scheduled first pitch. I'm usually at the ballpark a half an hour before the scheduled first pitch. Clippers' games usually last around two and a half hours. Being a few minutes early will help us secure good seats. **Parking** I personally always like to park in the [McConnell Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/McConnell+Garage/@39.9685114,-83.0103938,17z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388f24145462d1:0x6238c0f0c851ab70!8m2!3d39.9692957!4d-83.0081175!16s%2Fg%2F1jkw6y27y?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). If nothing else is going on in the area, this should be $7. However, I've also seen it be as high as $22. I can't say for certain what it will be for this game, but once I know, I will post in the comments. Alternately, there are other lots in the area you can try which will probably be a few dollars cheaper. [Here is a map](https://img.mlbstatic.com/milb-images/image/upload/q_auto/milb/ernng44ya2xkr4wbheql) of all the garages and lots surrounding the stadium. Keep in mind that many of these are outdoor lots and your car will be out in the elements. If you decide to look for a different lot, I would mildly recommend either the Buggyworks Lot or the Broadbelt Lot, but I have never parked in either of these myself. Although it won't apply for this game, keep in mind that street parking is also free citywide in Columbus on [Sundays and holidays](https://www.columbus.gov/files/sharedassets/city/v/1/public-service/right-of-way-permit/on-street-parking-out-of-service-policy-and-procedure-final-8.15.2022-signed.pdf). **Where We'll Be** Here is a [map of the ballpark](https://img.mlbstatic.com/milb-images/image/upload/milb/qkqohbqjgtx5uwo6zkgn.pdf). We'll be sitting on Level 3 of the [Left Field Building](https://www.milb.com/columbus/ballpark/huntington-park) (aka the "AEP Power Pavilion"), which features a 110 foot bar with six open patios overlooking the field. This area is covered and will be out of any sun or rain that may transpire. If you enter the park through the Center Field Entrance (which is at the intersection of Nationwide Blvd. and Neil Ave.), there will be a door to your immediate right after you enter that leads to a staircase up into the Tower. This door is not well-marked, and if you've never been to Huntington Park before, you may wonder if you're actually allowed to go in and up the stairs. Yes, you are. We'll be on the Tower's "Level 3". I have uploaded to the Photos section of this event page, below, a picture of the sign you want look for after you ascend the stairs, so you'll know you're on the correct floor. **Tickets** Do not buy your tickets ahead of time. They will literally be twice as expensive if you buy them on Ticketmaster. Instead, go to the ticket window near the Center Field Entrance. Buy a *Standing Room Only* ticket (don't worry, you won't be standing), which will cost you a flat $8 with no other taxes or fees. These tickets never sell out, and this is the cheapest way to get into the park. **Carry-Ins** Per the team's [website](https://www.milb.com/columbus/ballpark/a-z-guide): "Soft-sided coolers are permitted in the general seating area [which is where we'll be], but not hard-sided coolers; also no alcohol, glass bottles, or cans will be permitted. SMALL bags or backpacks of food items and beverages in plastic bottles are ok. Reusable water bottles are permitted, but must be empty upon arrival. Diaper bags are allowed." I always bring a disposable plastic bottle of water and refill it as I need at the park. Bottled water at the game is something like 4 or 5 dollars. So if you want a bottle of water, I recommend bringing your own bottle instead of buying it at the park. **Food & Drink** The area we'll be in has burgers, hot dogs, salads, soft pretzels, ice cream, and other sorts of things you would expect at a baseball game. I've posted pics of the menu in the Photos section, below. The burger and fries are $14 plus tax, and they're not bad. (This is what I usually get.) The beer is *really* overpriced. It's like $9, or $20 for a pitcher. If there's some people to help me drink it, though, I'll buy a pitcher of Michelob Ultra. While we'll be on the penultimate floor of the Tower, the top floor (which has a great view, but is fully exposed to the elements) has a [Dirty Frank's](https://dirtyfranks.com/) hot dog stand. I've never gotten anything from there, though I've been told it's good. The Donatos pizza stand is also a very short walk away from where we'll be. I love Donatos, but the pizza is so expensive at the ballpark. It's like $9 for a personal-sized pepperoni. It is good, though. **Peroration** Let's (watch them) play ball!

We will meet next to the restrooms at the [Big Meadows Picnic Area](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/HBK_Web_1980.png). They're all the way at the back of the park, and they can be found at coordinates [40°09'06.6"N 83°02'30.2"W](https://www.google.com/maps/place/40%C2%B009'06.6%22N+83%C2%B002'30.2%22W/@40.151828,-83.0423587,214m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m10!1m5!3m4!2zNDDCsDA5JzA4LjAiTiA4M8KwMDEnNDUuMSJX!8m2!3d40.1522222!4d-83.0291944!3m3!8m2!3d40.151827!4d-83.041715?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTIwNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) (near the playground and the zip line). We'll hike about 5 miles at [Highbanks Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/highbanks/) on the Dripping Rock and Overlook Trails. Afterward, we'll head over to [Olentangy River Brewing](https://www.olentangybrew.com/) for drinks, coffee, or food (their Sunday [food truck](https://www.olentangybrew.com/eventsandfood) is Venezuelan and always gets good reviews). The actual address of the brewery is [303 Green Meadows Dr S, 43035](https://www.google.com/maps/place/303+Green+Meadows+Dr+S,+Lewis+Center,+OH+43035/@40.1551938,-83.0144045,17.25z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x8838f395cef06c97:0xe407de61b3e30069!8m2!3d40.1551765!4d-83.0124352!16s%2Fg%2F11c26jc7j9?entry=ttu). If you can't make the hike, we should be there by noon. **How to find our starting point in Big Meadows:** If you are new to Highbanks, the Big Meadows picnic area is 1.5 miles into the park just after you turn into the park off of U.S. Route 23. That is, after you enter the park, drive a mile and a half into the park. You will come to a crosswalk with a yield sign in the middle of it (this is not to be confused with the first such crosswalk you come to just in front of the Nature Center, which you arrive at maybe a quarter of a mile into the park). Just after this second crosswalk, make a left. Then make another almost immediate left into the parking lot on your left. There you will see the jungle gym and the kiddie zip line to your left. I will be just in front of the restrooms just a bit further down from the jungle gym and picnic shelter; the restroom building will also be on your left.

Hosted by Wild Ones Columbus How to Install a Bog Garden, with David Marsolo Saturday, March 14th, 2026 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (Eastern Time) Innis House (Inniswoods Metro Park) , 940 S. Hempstead Road, Westerville, OH Public Welcome Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking A bog can serve the same functions as a traditional rain garden but has the advantages of being low maintenance, climate resilient and attractive for a much longer part of the year. David Marsolo is a long time Wild Ones member. He has been maintaining artificial bogs at his suburban Westerville home for about 20 years. He will describe how to install a bog and fill it with many interesting native plants including pollinator and host plants https://columbus.wildones.org/calendar-of-events-and-programs/?wo_event_id=11160