[Part-3] Punakha

- December 31, 2016

After bike ride to Chelela Pass it was relaxing day, just side seeing and most importantly its was new year evening. Plan was all set and we were camping near Punakha.

Plan for the day was just side seeing around Thimpu and reach Punakha.

Punakha is around 85 Kms from Thimpu. Finishing our breakfast headed towards Punakha, our first stop for the day was near National Memorial Hall at Thimpu.

Next stop was near Dochula Pass, The most well-known pass in Bhutan and it’s located about 30 km away from the Thimpu.

Dochula Pass: The pass is a popular location among tourists as it offers a stunning 360 degree panoramic view of Himalayan mountain range. The view is especially scenic on clear, winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 stupas gracing the mountain pass.

Bhutanese families enjoy visiting the pass during holidays and weekends to picnic and simply enjoy the scenery. It is common to see families and groups of friends seated amongst the stupas, enjoying a packed lunch and hot tea. For tourists this is ideal location to capture beautiful pictures of Himalayan mountain range during clear, warm days.

Our next stop was at Chimi Lhakhang monastery.

Chimi Lhakhang: is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley (also known as the Divine Madman) and is popular among childless Bhutanese couples as a temple to seek blessings. One should walk for almost 20 to 30 minutes to reach the monastery. The walk take us through flat paddy fields and gentle slope.

And finally we reached our camping spot Punakha around 5.00 PM.

Punakha: Punakha was the capital of Bhutan until the 1960's, and still retains the serene atmosphere of a place with a regal past. The dzong is the main attraction, but there are also other sites of interest in and around this pleasant little town. Along with Paro and Jakar, Punakha completes the triangle of most popular tourist destinations.

Punakha valley has a pleasant climate with warm winters and hot summers. It is located at an average elevation of 1200 meters above sea level. Owing to the favorable climatic conditions, rice grows very well in this region and is the main cash crop cultivated here.

Punakha Dzong: The Punakha Dzong, often referred to as the 'Palace of Happiness', is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan. This spectacular emblem of Bhutanese religious architecture sits right at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers and is perhaps the obvious key to unlocking Punakha’s secrets. It opens for the visitors from 9.00AM to 5.00PM on all working days (closed on general holidays). No entry fee required to enter the Dzong.

Punakha Suspension Bridge: It's just behind the Dzong; there is a small temple at the other end. The view from the bridge is mind blowing! The mountains on all the sides and the river below is breathtaking and it's a good experience to walk to the other end.