I think one day is not enough to explore and experience the scenic charm of Punakha and the monastery. But you know… you are always short of time on a tour like this. There is so much to see but we have only a few days to spend. 😦 So, after lunch by the river Pho Chu we were on the road again – the road to Wangdue (pronounced as Wangdi). Wangdue district, one of the largests in the country, is home to a number of scenic valleys among which Phobjikha Valley and Lobesa Valley are to name a few.
Wangdue is less than an hour by car from Punakha. However, we didn’t have time to drive down to the interior of the district as we had to return to Thimphu by that evening.
It was a sunny afternoon. We enjoyed a drive along the Mo Chu River towards Wangdue.
We drove through the picturesque town of Wangdue Phodrang. The town seemed a newly built one with symmetrical houses and buildings of vivid colours that lends a different charm to the place.
We passed by the Wangdue Monastery which was completely burnt from short circuit in 2011. The monastery was a replication of the Punakha Monastery. It is now being reconstructed again, so visitors are not allowed. We could see the monastery from a distance. By the way, our driver charged Rs 1000 extra for this drive as it was not in our itinerary from the beginning.
The valley, bathing in the light of summer sun looked awesome from a distance. We stopped by the road to absorb the beautiful scenery with my senses. Who knows, if I would be able to see this ever again or not! So behold and capture the beauty of this world as much you can, in this one life.
We returned to Thimphu by 4:30 in the evening. So, I had a couple hours in hand to explore the neighboring locality and makeshift markets. I utilized it as much as possible. Will share that story with you soon. 🙂
P.S: Till then you can check out the first two parts of my Bhutan Tour photo essays for more photos and information on Bhutan travel:
Footloose Forever 
wow!! I enjoy a lot b/w reading this post and photos…very good post Moon
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Glad you liked the post. Thanks for dropping by. Keep visiting. 🙂
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Now, who would not enjoy being there 🙂
You are lucky to travel to such sites…they look heaven!
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Yeah… I feel lucky to be there and experiencing the divine beauty of the place. Thank you so much Alok for the comment.
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Wow…beautiful post with stunning images 🙂
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looks excellent 🙂
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Thank you 🙂
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Miles of fields, gardens and the clear blue sky. Each time I see these pictures I feel that you have had a trip to heaven Moon. 🙂
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Oh..yes, Somali, for those few days I felt like I was in heaven. Beauty, peace and happiness all around all the time. Thank you 🙂
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Stunning captures..
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Thank you
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how interesting is the big block of houses! It seems to not fit with the rest of the country. Loving reading about your experiences in Bhutan! Such a special place!
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Great pictures, Moon..wonderful weather and than has been reflected in your clicks…
aamar Bhutan jawar ichche bere gyalo aaro ei chhobigulo dekhe…. 🙂
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Tahole ghurei eso beshi deri na kore … 😀 It makes me happy when you say so .Thank you for appreciating my work …always… lucky to have you as a friend.
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Same here…the feeling is mutual… 🙂
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I am sorry Moon, I haven’t been regular off late and this shows how much i missed 😦 The post is awesome!!! As you rightly pointed the weather is superb and I can imagine the monastery was destroyed due to short circuit. Hopping on to the other two posts in the series.
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Glad to see you, Shweta and please don’t say sorry …, I can see you caught up quickly 🙂 And there is more to come on Bhutan tour 🙂
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