Page 18 - Nepal Bhutan Myanmar 22 Day Sample Itinerary

DAY 10 PARO/PUNAKHA At approximately 8:00 AM be ready in the lobby of the hotel in preparation for your overland journey to Punakha, formerly the capital of Bhutan. The drive takes approximately 4 hours. The drive to Punakha is spectacular. You make a gradual climb to a pass over 12,000 ft and then gradually descent to 5,000ft at Punakha. The views of the snow capped Himalayan ranges from the pass are stupendous. The prayer flags add a rich color to the pass. Enroute stop at Tachog Lhakhang view point. Tachog Lhakhang is a 'must visit' temple. The Lhakhang was built by the great master architect Thangtong Gyalpo in the 14th century. The temple houses some very unique statues. To reach the temple, you will have to walk over the irons chains that span over the Paro Chu. Enjoy lunch at a local farmhouse. Punakha is an absolutely incredible place with valleys and terrace farming on both sides of the mountains with a river flowing through the valley. Visit the magnificent 17th century Punakha Dzong. Besides containing many religious and ritual artifacts the Dzong also shelters the embalmed body of its maker. Situated on an island in the middle of the river, the Dzong is the winter residence of the Central monastic body.