Adventures in Australia and South East Asia: April 19, 2012

Punakha and Wangdiphondrang valley sightseeing

In the morning, drive to the idyllic countryside, north of Punakha and those who wish can do any easy 1 hour walk back following the river for possible sighting of birds and diverse flora. Visit the Punakha Dzong that served as the winter capital of Bhutan until 1958 and the old and new township of Punakha. After lunch, drive to road head from where you can take a pleasant 20 minutes walk through the paddy fields and farm houses to visit Chimi Lhakhang temple dedicated to Bhutan’s popular saint Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the “divine madman” (1455-1529)

Full day today, down the Punakha Valley to the Khumsamyulley Namgyd a Temple erected by the queen Grand mother and dedicated to her son the present King. From the parking to the temple is about a hour walk, mostly up hill but the view from the top is amazing. Was privileged to be able to see a celebration that was going on at the temple today. There were monks from the Pungthang Deckhen Phodrang Zdong and they were chanting, beating drums, and blowing ceremonial horns. Then it was a walk back down and to the Pungthang Deckher Phodrang Zdong, the largest Zdong in Bhutan. The Zdong acts as a regional government office and also a monastery. The guide has explained the painting and has also given me an incite into Buddhism. Then a drive back down the valley and lunch in a small village and a half hour walk through the rice paddies and up to the Fertility Temple -temple of the Devine Madman – Chhime Lhakhang. 4:30 and back to the hotel.