Tuesday 1st September, 2026
We stopped at Dochula Pass which at an elevation of 2400 metres offered sensational views with the snowcapped Himalayans in the background. Not today though, heavy fog was over the pass and visibility was quite low. There are also 108 stupors here and some manmade caves on the hillside.
Moving on and descending the other side of the pass, the temperature increased to quite pleasant weather. Our lunch stop was just outside Punakha at a very enjoyable restaurant, craft centre and antique gallery. Food here was really nice with servings of vegetables on offer. Graeme also tried the vanilla ice-cream with the home made bread which was just delicious.
After lunch was a visit to Chimi Lhakhang temple of the "Divine Madman" Built in 1499, it is a fertility temple and visited mostly by women trying to conceive. There is very much the presence of phallus objects in the temple and for sale at the craft shops nearby.
Last visit today was the Punakha Dzong, the winter seat of the Je Khnpo and the Monk Boday. The location of this fortress is at the confluence of two rivers and it is simply splendid. The rivers are the Mo (female) Chu and the Pho (male) Chu (Chu meaning water). It is the second oldest and second largest Dzong in Bhutan and really one of its most majestic structures ! Really rewarding visit.
Back at our hotel, we successfully applied for our arrival cards for Thailand in 3 days time ! (fingers crossed) It's hard to believe we only have 2 days to go in Bhutan.