April 20, 2012

 

April 20, 2012

Punakha to Jakar (Bumthang valley

Long drive today, started a 7:30, drive down the valley of the town of Wangdiphodrang where there is a very large fortress and an interesting town. Continuing on east crossing the Pele La Pass at 11,152 feet and view the valleys and mountains, including Mt. Chomolhari. Had lunch in Trongsa and then cross Yotong La Pass ( 11,234 ft.) and descend into the valley of Chumey, the first of the four Bumthang valleys. Visited the local weavers of Bhutan's colourful textiles, then on to Jakar- the centre of Bumthang valleys. Staying at the Hotel Wangdichholing in Bumthang arrived at 5:30. The drive was very beautiful, coming up over two high passes and driving again through your own private botanical garden of Rhododendrons which are a blase of reds, pinks and yellows . The magnolias are also blooming and is some areas the trees are covered in large white flowers. Also along the way there are yaks, they have all been domesticated so they are not wild, but at this time of year they are herded up to the high pastures as they can not tolerate the higher temperatures in the valley. The road is very good although there is a lot of road widening and construction, it clings to the side of the valleys and twists and turns up and down. Had to stop in one place as the road was closed and you can only go through at scheduled openings.

The hotel here is very nice, has a wood heater in the room for nights that get cold, but there is also an electrical heater, used the wood heater last nice as it was cold. As I am the only guest it is quite lonely with out someone to talk to in the evening, so have gone to the lobby to watch the news and see some TV .

Tobacco is not allowed in Bhutan unless you have applied to have it or are a tourist.

Yellow Rhododendrons

Zdong

rhododendrons - my own botanical garden

Man sitting along road

Yak

Monkeys along road

Stupas

White and black Yak

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