Punakha

 We had a longer drive today so we had an eight o'clock depart time to Punakha.  As usual, we made several stops along the way to take photos.

Because of the mountainous nature of Bhutan, you can often get a view of someplace you've just visited from a higher vantage point.  It helped to give perspective of the size of some of the structures.



Our first stop was at the Nepalese style stupa at Chendebji.  The eyes on the stupa are what mark it as Nepalese.  We were able to visit a classroom where different groups of monks were studying.  You have to remember that some of these monks come to study as young as 5 years old, so there's still a lot of boy in them which we got to see first hand.




Continuing on to Punakha, we took the Pele La pass over the Black Forest.  At the top there was a little tent market where several locals had set up shop selling cashmere scarves and other trinkets.  The prices were very good so we left a lot of money with the locals.

Our main destination for today was Punakha Dzong which is the second oldest and second largest in Bhutan.  This dzong is known for its cantilever bridge that crosses over the river adjacent to the Dzong.  This dzong is the site for all the coronation of the kings of Bhutan.  It appears on some denomination of money and is a big tourist site.





 Tonight we were treated to the lovely four star resort of Densa Boutique. The idelique setting looking down over the hillside coupled with the truly beatiful rooms could have kept me happy for many days.  Before dinner native dancers performed near our gethering place for drinks.  Let me interject by saying every evening began somewhere near a bar!


Tomorrow: Back to Paro


Tonight we were treated to the lovely four star resort of Densa Boutique. The idelique setting looking down over the hillside coupled with the truly beatiful rooms could have kept me happy for many days.  Before dinner native dancers performed near our gethering place for drinks.  Let me interject by saying every evening began somewhere near a bar!

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