10.18.2018 Thimphu through the Dochula Pass to Punakha

Some wonderful Kodak moments along the way to Punakha - enjoying once again the views of the monastery and the Great Buddha...

The sacred cows wander in the congested traffic at the crossing - 

totally clueless to their surroundings. 

Between them and the numerable dogs, driving feels like being in a video game.

When we reach the stunning 10,000 foot Dochula Pass, a hazy sky prevents us from enjoying the craggy peaks of the northern Himalayan border. There are 108 memorial chortens or stupas known as Druk Wangyal Chortens; the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang monastery; and the first Royal Botanical Park.

The entrance to Royal Botanical Park

Royal Botanical Park

Some of the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens and

the temple in the background.

Druk Wangyal Lhakhang Temple

Some random photos of life along the highway...

Grilling and selling corn on the cob.

Elementary school.

Some homes.

Farming in a Punakha village.

Our last and most amazing, picturesque stop was the Punakha Dzong (the Palace of Great Happiness), built at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu Rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. 

It housed both the religious and administrative centers. 

It is 600 by 240 feet, with a 6-story, gold-domed tower.

Yeshi downs his official sash before we enter the palace.

Interior courtyard people watching.

Outside the gates 2 cows lounge next to a stupa.