Melanie – September 14th 2016
It was hard to leave. After our first days in a comfortable and well-appointed room, with a picture perfect window view of the Chorten, and super-friendly helpful staff, we were reluctant to leave the Tashi Yoedling. This was the benchmark for all other accommodation for Chris – and for him none ever quite lived up to the Tashi Yoedling.
On to new adventures – today Punakha and the Punakha Dzong that Chris had been longing to see.
Early on the road out of Thimpu we passed what was explained as a Tibetan settlement. Land allocated to settlers from Tibet. Acres of apple groves – the major crop. Stalls dotted the roadside selling apples, local cheese and home-grown vegetables.
Further on we stopped at a memorial built at the request of the Queen Mother to honour Bhutanese soldiers killed in the “Bhutanese war” of 2003. repelling Assamese separatist groups. 108 Stupas were built.
There have been several stories we have read about why 108 stupas
A romantic story of the love of the then King and Queen
A memorial to the Bhutanese army
More about the pass and the Chortens HERE
We were told the significance of 108 was in the teachings of Buddha. 108 is the number of beads on a Buddhist mala. It appears 108 is significant in Buddhism, Hindu and Jewish culture
It was here at the pass we were possibly to get our first view of the Himalayas – on both our visits to the pass our only view was heavy mist.
As we got closer to Punakha the hills were dotted with monasteries high up in seemingly inaccessible places, in the valleys were rice fields and small houses.
We drove into Punakha ready for lunch – feeling hungry is a rare occurence with three buffet meals a day. Friendly staff at the Puenzhi Diner soon had our table laden with bowls of food – a feast of dishes included fried crispy rice and vegetable balls and fiddlehead ferns steamed.
After lunch time for a quick trip out to our first view of the Punakha Dzong. At the confluence of two rivers the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu (Male and Female). What else is one to do when looking at this beautiful construction – Tshering talk me how to do timed selfies!
Returned to our bed for the next couple of nights Hotel Vara – I liked it, Chris not so sure. Big rooms with balcony and view over the valley and river below.
Tshering and I headed off for a walk before dinner. Through the small town, past the local market and down to the valley. A good 1.5 hour walk.
On the way back we stopped to look in on the bakery – MISTAKE – delicious looking chocolate eclairs. And yes they were every bit as delicious as they looked!
