Drove back into Jakar and then up the western side of the valley to the Jampey Lhakhang which is believed to have been built in 659. It is a fabulous little temple and was visited by Guru Rinpoche during his visit to Bumthang. It was mostly filled with old folk going about their daily devotions. We started our walk from this point towards the next temple of Kurjey Lhakhang. This is a large, active and important temple complex and is named after the body print of...

Today we visited Trongsa Dzong, built in 1644, which is a spectacular sight being situated at a strategic location on a mountain spur high above the Mangde Chu (river). For centuries the Dzong controlled the east-west trade and the only road or path connecting east and west Bhutan passed through the courtyard of the Dzong. The Trongsa Penlop (governor) was so powerful that he could close off the massive doors of the Dzong cutting off all communication between eas...

Stopped at a couple of places along the way to our morning walk to take photos and also to have morning tea at a great view point of the distant mountains. Our walk, the Gangte Nature Trail, started near the monastery at Gangte and meandered along for 4 km, first along a lovely pine forest and then down into the glacial Phobjikha Valley. The Phobjikha Valley is home to the Black-Necked Crane who migrate down south from Tibet to spend the winter in 4 different v...

Off at 8:00 today with a drive up to Dochula pass at 3,140 m. Had a good view of Simtokha Dzong built in 1629, reputedly the oldest Dzong in Bhutan, on our way out of Thimpu. Dochu La has a large array of prayer flags and an impressive new collection of 108 chortens. Unfortunately, it was too cloudy to see the Bhutan Himalayas from the top. A km further down the road we started our walk downhill on a nature trail. The path was a bit slippery and muddy underfoot ...

After a quick visit to the nearby Chhundu Lhakhang (monastery) we walked along the Haa river valley from upper Haa, through local villages, into the main town (3 hours) where we lunched. Then proceeded to drive to Thimpu with great views of the lush and green Haa valley. Stopped to view the confluence of the Paro and Thimpu rivers then drove the short distance into Thimpu. Thimpu was surprising large with "high rise apartment buildings" which are restricted to 5 ...