A lot of Bhutan is seen enroute to different towns. 2 such towns which were on our list were Phobjhika and Punakha.
From Thimphu we decided to first head to the valley of Phobjhika. This is known to house the black neck cranes but we were out of luck as the migratory birds were to arrive only a week later. The drive to this valley town is very scenic with mountainous ranges, rivers and a view on every hair pin turn. The Govt of Bhutan has maintained the forest cover and it covers about 60% of Bhutan - absolute untouched beauty!
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| View from Dochula Pass |
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| View from Dochula Pass |
Our first stop enroute was the Dochula pass with a spectacular view of the Himalayas. Located about 3300m above sea level it has some really good views which are completely worth the chilliness that you have to bear. After spending about an hour taking in the scenery we continued down the winding roads. The roads in Bhutan are fairly good too. A quick stop for lunch, I spotted the famous Peach wine (Zinzum) at the bar counter and I wanted to try it. Its like Summer in a glass! The fresh fruity flavour just hits you and its quite refreshing.
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| Peach Wine |
On our way towards our next stop which was the Gangtey Monastery we stopped when we spotted some Yaks grazing in the field. A few pictures later we set off towards the monastery which was unfortunately under renovation. The Gangtey monastery is one of the first monasteries which was dedicated to one of the forms of Buddhism. When you enter most monasteries the first thing you realise is how cold they are. Filled with intricate work depicting the 8 lucky signs, various teachings of Buddha, magnificent idols and very colourful flags adorning the ceilings; they all have a sense of calmness that instantly prevails, transporting you to another world.
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| Prayer Wheels at Gangtey Monastery |
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| Yak grazing |
We then headed to our homestay in the valley. Pemba homestay was 1 among 10 other houses we could see in the valley and it was really really cold. It was an experience altogether - sitting in the chilling darkness, warming ourselves against the burner, playing with the owner’s little daughter, eating homecooked Bhutanese food; it was a complete village experience. We got through the night covered in multiple layers and still freezing; wondering if we will survive the night. I guess the native Bhutanese are very used to the cold.
Anyhow with dawn we started towards our next town - Punakha. Phobjhika to Punakha is a 3hr drive. Our tour guide was very keen to take us to the fertility temple and ensured a quick visit. We proceeded to our hotel in Punakha, checked in, rested and set out to explore the Punakha Dzong & Suspension bridge.
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| Punakha Dzong |
Punakha Dzong is the second oldest Dzong constructed by Guru Rinpoche. Buit on the confluence of two rivers Mo Chu ( Female river) and Pho Chu ( Male river) this fort monastery served as protector during war and continues to serve as the venue for the Royal engagements like coronation, wedding etc. Almost at all the monastries we visited we asked for a guide at the ticket counter and we were given one. Bhutanese arr very religious people and expect guests to follow the dress and other etiquettes in the dzongs. We were quite fascinated to see the kind of offerings they had to Buddha and other deities - included everything from chips, biscuits to even alcohol in one place.
After the tour of the dzong we headed to the suspension bridge - one very similar to Lakshman Jhula its built across two mountains over the river and is located right behind the dzong. Its a great spot to absorb some scenic views of the mountain and river and maybe watch the sun set behind the mountains.
Tired but happy we returned to our hotel to rest before we set out for Paro the next morning; our last and most awaited town in our Bhutan expedition.
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| Suspension Bridge |
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| View from Suspension Bridge |
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| Phobjhikha valley |
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| Courtyard at Punakha Dzong |
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