It was a pleasant, warm morning we started our journey to Punakha from the Bhutanese capital, Thimphu. Bright sunshine flooded the mountains and the valley, scenic beauty all around to behold we kept driving along the road running in parallel with the meandering river. The joy was unfathomable and that was one of the best days in my life. The photos of Punakha are so vivid that simply looking at them can make my day better… 🙂 So, I dedicate this post to the Daily Post Weekly Photo Challenge: Today Was a Good Day.
We completed the local sightseeing in Thimphu on our first day in Bhutan. Next day was scheduled for Punakha Monastery (or Punakha Dzong) which is 3 to 4-hour drive from Thimphu. The drive was as usual beautiful through the Himalayan mountains. I tried to capture the scenic beauty on the way as much as possible.
Dochula Pass
We drove to Punakha via Dochula Pass, one of the highest points in Bhutan (10,000 ft). It’s about one hour drive from Thimphu towards Punakha and a favorite stopover for tourists. The uniqueness of Dochula Pass lies in the wonderful combination of natural and man-made architectures. The place offers 360 degree view of the Himalayan mountain ranges. Bonus is this beautiful architecture – the 108 chortens in circular construction – add to the charm of the place. Unfortunately, we missed the mountain views as it was all covered in cloud in the end of May. Our driver said you can get the best view in winter. 😦 Well, never mind…the view I got is no less lovely. What do you think?
Now take a look at the other side of Dochula Pass. The Druk Wangyal Lhakhang is a beautiful temple built in the memory of the king, Druk Gyalpo.
As the time passed more and more cars arrived at the spot and I could see spontaneous touristy activities all around.
I think there was a feel-good factor in the air which was quite infectious. I felt so happy and grateful to be alive under the sun and enjoy the view.
By the way, if you have time you can enjoy a leisurely break at the beautiful Druk Wangyel Cafe at Dochula Pass. But the place is a little expensive. Here a one-liter mineral water bottle of Rs 20 cost us Rs 36.
There was this curious visitor at the gate of the cafe. But no one seemed to welcome him. Poor doggie! 😦
Important info:
Carry enough drinking water during the long drive from Thimphu to Punakha. We didn’t see a proper shop or restaurant from where we could buy drinking water on the way.
Punakha
Situated on the meeting point of Bhutan’s two important rivers Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu, Punakha Dzong is a place of scenic and spiritual charm. The air, the water, the green plantation looked so clean and pure that you’ll instantly feel in harmony with the place. The monastery is built over a huge area including well-manicured gardens and ponds.
You enter the monastery through this beautiful gateway and cross a traditionally designed wooden bridge that takes you on the other side of Pho Chhu (“Chhu” means “river” in vernacular).
The traditional Tibetan style architecture of the monastery is a treat to the eye. And it perfectly blended with the beautiful surrounding.
Entering the monastery can be a bit difficult with these steep ladder like stair case. Remember, that you must not wear baring clothes, else you may be denied access into the main temple in the images below.
Well, the Punakha Monastery is not only a place for monks and pilgrims. There are other habitats too and they are rapidly growing in numbers. 🙂
It was wonderful to roam around in the monastery premises, full of beautiful orchards and the ponds which they use for pisciculture.
However, Punakha is not just the monastery. It’s much more than that. The clear blue sky, the wide open riverbeds, and the trees and flowers all around make this place divinely beautiful. Take a look at the following images and you’ll agree with me.
After spending some hours in the monastery we went to a riverside restaurant where we were served lunch. After lunch we were on the road again – the road to Wangdue. I’ll share that story soon.
I hope you like this tour of Punakha and Dochula Pass with me. 🙂
You can also take a look at the first part of my Bhutan Tour Photo Essay – Thimphu through my lenses for more photos and information on Bhutan travel.
Amazing places! Your post inspires!
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Then it has served its purpose. 🙂 Thank you!
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Great pictures, thank you for posting them and for posting the information.
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Thank you for the visit and comment.
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Beautiful! I think this is the first time I’ve seen or heard of this area and agree it gets harder and harder to find peace and quiet these days as more places are reachable by tourists!
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Agree with you, Tina. Thanks for the comment.
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Very beautiful photos of a little-know country. Must be wonderful travelling though such an incredible place, away from the tourist crowds.
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Exactly! Bhutan’s tourism industry is growing but it is yet to be swarmed by the crowd of travelers. So, there is a sense of calm and simplicity which I liked very much. Thank you for dropping by Debbie. Do visit again 🙂
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I read one of Isabelle Allende’s books – forgot the title – the Kingdom of .. something…. which was based on her travels in Bhutan – beautiful story – I really hope Bhutan does not go the way of so many other south east asian countries and uses tourism as an income generator – because the country gets spoiled by countless tourists, people become money orientated, foreign problems enter the country and their goes the neighbourhood. i hope at least one country can remain free from the marauding hordes of tourism. a few backpackers like yourself is all Bhutan needs. thanks for the story and photos, and yes, i will drop in again 🙂
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Is it “Kingdom of the Golden Dragon”? Thanks for mentioning. I’ll look for this book. 🙂 And thank you for sharing your beautiful thoughts. I agree with you. Since tourism has the potential to earn foreign money and thereby develop the economy. Let’s see how long this small kingdom can retain its simplicity and purity. Thank you 🙂
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Oh yes, it is kingdom of the golden dragon! thanks!
lets hope it does keep its purity.
the world needs places like that. 🙂
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Absolutely! 🙂
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Lovely photos. Bhutan is beautiful. 🙂
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Thank you Kashmira 🙂
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beautiful 🙂
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Glad you liked it. Thank you. 🙂
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The pictures are as if slices of a heavenly life are here on your blog Moon ! I agree with Shweta , I too have seen you for the first time in a picture ..and you look fab girl 🙂 The description is clear and intriguing (chu is river, remember to take water with you ) and I would certainly love to visit this place with bee hives people , greenery and serenity… A Wonderful place .
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Thank you for a lovely comment Kokila. I believe if you visit the place we’ll get some wonderful haikus and visualize the natural beauty there even through your words… 🙂
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The monetary looks calm and peaceful, this is the first time I see you in a picture and lovely to see you my friend. Your description and account of Punakha is so good, I didn’t regret not seeing the mountain photos.
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Wow…that’s so nice of you to say that Shweta… the place is so picturesque, I thought my words are not enough! 🙂 Thank you
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Wow, what an amazing place. Beautiful pictures!
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Yes, the place is amazing indeed … 🙂 Thank you for dropping by.
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I really enjoyed looking at your fabulous photos.
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That is pretty big a compliment for me…thank you so much Kalpanaa 🙂
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Wow… you enjoyed every bit of it… the mountains here look green green, the Himalayan mountains, sometimes they are snow capped, barren look, sometimes green… I suppose the green mountains are not Himalayan mountains… lovely architecture… when anyone talks about temple I think of temple as in India a religious place where Gods are placed to worship but checking out these temples, its more open, colouful, cheerful and has nature all around it…just my kind of temple any day. The pass looks lovely, the roads, the veiws, the structure for the king… it was a good travel exploration for me too… and I am tempted for this Bhutha travel(:… no visas required for it right?.
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Amazing photos
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Thank you
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Wow.. beauty..
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Thank you 🙂
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Undoubtedly beautiful ..Thanks for the article
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Thank you for dropping by and reading my article.
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Awesome pics! I keep my hopes to visit the place with me 🙂
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Thank you! Hope is everything…and I can see you are gradually turning to an optimist.. 😛 😀
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Yes, I am thinking about impossible things only 😀
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hahahaaa … I like your sense of humor
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Nice pics. Beautiful country.
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Yes…Bhutan is a beautiful country! Thank you.
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Beautiful photographs!!
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Thank you! Glad you liked them. 🙂
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I’ve never been to Bhutan.. seems it’s extremely beautiful 🙂
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Yes…it is, Deeshani. 🙂
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Awesome snaps…… What a lovely place to be……….
Natureram
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Thank you. It’s really a wonderful destination,.
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Very nice post Moon. The monastery and the temple in the naturally beautiful place look so serene and beautiful. It is apparent from the pics that peace prevails in the whole atmosphere,
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Absolutely! The atmosphere was soothing and peaceful and the scenery …a treat to the eye. 🙂 Thank you so much for the comment.
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Hi Moon, Thanks for inviting me for 3-Day 3-quote challenge last month. Though with delay but i have posted my first day’s quote on my blog page. Have a look. Thanks once again for inviting me for this challenge. https://suyashchopra.wordpress.com/2015/07/26/3-day-3-quote-challenge-day-1/
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Thank you for accepting the challenge Suyash. Your quote is awesome!
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Thanks Moon for inviting me for it and for liking the quote. Watch this space for more 🙂
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I loved the tour more so as I have so many fond memories of the place!
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Yeah…it’s one of my best tours too. The place is so beautiful!
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Gorgeous photos!
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Thank you 🙂
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Especially like the last three pics of the river. Reminiscent of our Rocky Mountain streams. 🙂
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Glad to know that Tom … you are lucky to live amidst the beautiful nature! 🙂
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That’s awesome!!!! 🙂
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Thank you Jatin 🙂
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Bhutan to me is a beautiful mystery. lovely pics
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Very well said Andy, thank you so much for the comment.
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Bhutan is so gorgeous! Thanks for sharing 🙂
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Absolutely! 🙂 Thank you too for the comment.
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awesome snaps 🙂 would love to visit one day 🙂
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Thank you 🙂 I am happy when my post inspires people to visit the place I wrote about. 🙂
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