DOCHULA

The first stop after leaving Thimphu on the journey East is Dochula pass at 3100 m. Only about 45 minutes from Thimphu.

The pass offers visitors their first glimpse of the Himalayan range. The road to Punakha branches left and curls its way down to the relatively low lands of the Punakha valley.

DRUK WANGYAL Chhortens

DRUK WANGYAL Chhortens , a unique cluster of 108 Namgyal Khangzang Chhortens that spiral up to a main monument Chhorten.

The monument Chhorten was an inspiration of the royal patron, Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck.

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PUNAKHA TOWN

The PUNAKHA area is blessed with a temperate climate and drained by the Pochu (Male) and Mochu (Female) rivers, the valley produces rich crops of rice and fruits, including mangoes, bananas and oranges.

Until 1955, Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan and even today, it is seat of religion.

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PUNAKHA DZONG

In 1637, Zhabdung Ngawang Namgyal built PUNAKHA DZONG at the junction of Pochu and Mochu rivers to serve both religious and administrative centre for Bhutan.

PUNAKHA DZONG houses many sacred temples, including the temple, where the embalmed of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal lies in the state. In keeping with tradition, the everyday rituals, including the serving of meals, are carried out as they were done during Zhabdrung's lifetime.

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WANGDUE PHODRANG

The district of Wangdiphodrang lies south to Punakha. It is more familiarly known as Wangdi. The last town before starving at the central Bhutan, Wangdi is a typical small Bhutanese town. The area is known for slate carving and bamboo weaving.

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WANGDi DZONG

WANGDUE PHODRANG DZONG perches high on top of the ridge between the Punatshangchhu and Tagchhu rivers. Wangdi is a good place to stretch your legs and wander around central and eastern Bhutan.

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