April 23,24,25

 

April 23, 2012. Jakar to Trongsa

Three hour trip back across the Yotongla pass and then to Trongsa. Here will visit the largest historical Dzong (Trongsa Dzong (fortress) ), site of the emergence of the present Royal family of Bhutan. Also visited the Ta Dzong (watch tower) which now houses the temple dedicated to Jigme Namgyel, father of the first King of Bhutan. Again on the way through the pass you pass by your own botanical garden, Rhododendrons of reds, pinks, and white along with Magnolias and Cats Claw. Also at higher elevations are Silver Fir growing up to 70 feet along with pine and yew. 

 

April 24, 2012

Day 09: Trongsa – Thimphu

Leaving Trongsa,  return  west, stopping to visit the Chendebji Chorten, a large  white  monument  said  to  conceal  the  remnants  of an evil spirit vanquished here. Continuing across the spectacular Pelela pass (3,300m), descend into the valleys of Punakha and Wangdi.

Drive through blossoming hills ( your own botanical garden ) and pine forests, we arrive at Dochula pass (3,100m) for panoramic views of the eastern Himalayan range, including Bhutan’s highest peak Gangkar Phuensum But the clouds were covering the mountain tops again. Long day only 187 K but left at 8:30 and did not arrive until 5:50 taking of 1.5 hours for lunch and the road closure stop it took 7+ hours. Road twists and turns up and down along the valleys and up the mountain sides and today with the road closures there is also a lot more traffic.

 

Day 10: Thimphu Sightseein

Begin sightseeing with a visit to the colourful weekend market, where people from near and far come to sell or buy the fresh produce. The only thing is that this is Wednesday and the market is not open.It is where the village folks jostle with the well heeled resident of Thimphu for the best and cheapest vegetables and other food stuffs. . Visit a nunnery, Textile Museum, the Heritage Museum, mini Zoo to see Takin, the national animal and drive up to see the 147 foot Buddha that has been given to the people of Bhutan by the people of Hong Kong. Drove back to Paro and had a traditional Bhutanese meal for lunch, was a bit spicy but very good. Did not take any of the Chillies with cheese as it is very spicy – but have tried it. Then back to the hotel. This is the same hotel I stayed at on my first day in Bhutan. 

Wood burning stove called a Bukhari - was used to heat homes also in my room at Bumthang

Zhong on hill overlooking village

sign on hotel

weaving of raw silk

Some of the weaving for sale

Moss that hangs on the trees at high elevations

Silver Fir

Rhododendrons - my own botanical gardens

Magnolia tree

Zhong

back to Thimphu

Old houses of clay brick  unused as new hoes have been built

Nunnery

Different variety of Rhododendron

Takin - National animal

Weaving raw silk scarf - takes two days.

Buddha given to Bhutan by Hong Kong.

lady weaving bamboo matting

potatoes are grown here also buckwheat and other grains - no rice

making yak wool thread

Langar- monkeys

108 Stupas