Bhutan 不丹2014
Participants: Zwen, Mildred, Rachel, Cong Long, Sarah
Bhutan | June 2014
Day 1 - PARO
Our guide, Wangchuk, fetched us from the airport in his traditional costume.
Paro Sightseeing - visited the ruined fortress of Drugyel dzong which still attracts visitors due to the strategic location of the fort.
Garden
Day 2, before we took off to Thimphu, we visited Kichu Lakhang @ Paro
built by Queen Mother for Dilgo Khytense Rinpoche.
Inside you can find Rinpoche's relic.
I was happy to be here because Brother Ken (late) was a devoted student of Dilgo Khytense Rinpoche
Day 2 - Thimphu
Arriving the streets of Thimphu
National Memorial Choeten
Buddha Dordenma Project
National Sport - Archery. Lucky to catch this national match!
I can't even see the targets! so far away!
Streets of Thimphu
Hotel lobby of our Thimphu lodging
Day 3 - Wangdue
Drive 3 hours to Wangdue phodrang via Punakha crossing the Dochula pass 3100 meters.
At over 3000 meters above sea level, Dochula pass grants one a view of Bhutan in all directions.
At one of the viewing points, 108 stupas (chortens) were constructed as a memorial built by the queen.
Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, to honor the victory of the Bhutanese army in the 2003 war of Southern Bhutan.
Each one contains effigies of Buddha and religious texts.
On a slope nearby, there is a large collection of colorful prayer flags and poles. This site represents peace. 
.... Journey to Wangdue Province continues...
The Chime Lakhang or Chimi Lakhang
is the temple of fertility, dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley – the divine madman of Bhutan.
The temple is located in the Punakha district, which is about 10 kilometers from the Punakha town.
Sopsokha village is 2.5 to 3 hours drive away.
After that, it’s a 10-15 minute walk to the temple – through paddy and mustard fields.
Colorful prayer flags line the path from the village to the temple which is located on top of a small hill.
Very huge Bodi tree in the middle of the small monastery
On fine weather you will see the eastern Himalayan ranges including the highest mountain in Bhutan,
Mt.Gangar Punsum 7520 meters.
The drive from the pass is all the way downhill dropping to the lower and warmer valleys of lobesa.
Visit the Punakha Dzong which served as an old capital of Bhutan.
This remarkable fortress is built between two rivers and has survived many glacial floods and fire.
Every year during the month of February a procession known as the Punakha Serda
takes place to commemorate the victory
Beautiful Bodi tree
The Golden Door
Paper Making Factory
Antique Car
Arts & Crafts School
Drove further down with good view of the Thimphu valley
Drupthob nunnery temple
Motithang mini zoo to see the rare "Takin" national animal of Bhutan
Tiger Nest - Taktsang Monastery (Paro)
It is believed that Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) came in the 7th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave for 3 months.
The demons who were trying to stop the spread of Buddhism were subdued and converted the Paro valley into Buddhism.
During the end of the 17 century, a monastery was built on the spot where the Guru Rinpoche mediated
and it is a pilgrimage site for every Tibetan Buddhist.
The hike, which is a uphill climb takes about 3 to 5 hours through pine forests.
The monastery clings to a huge granite cliff 800 meters from the paro valley.
I was looking forward to meet His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche & family.
I've known His Holiness and Grandpa since 2010.
Interested to visit Bhutan? Please contact me This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Food: I was told not to expect too much as Bhutan is a simple country.
Simplicity is tasty and healthy.
Chilli with Cheese is one of the most traditional Bhutanese dish where Chilli is a main dish rather than a spice.
Breakfast @ Druk Air Business Class Lounge. Love the sandwich and biscuit.
Special Thanks to Kichu Resort for making our stay so wonderful
Kichu Resort @ Wangdue
