In the morning we drove to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, meaning fortress of victory, which was built to commemorate the the victory over the allied Tibet-Mongol forces. In the early 1950's the Dzong was completely destroyed by fire and sadly the Dzong is now in ruins. However, the Dzong is still worth visiting for its ruins of charred huge wooden beams, watch towers, mud walls and the courtyard, all remnants of an impressive Dzong. It was built in 1649 by the local Zhabdrung in a location chosen for its control of the route to Tibet. The building was used as an administrative centre until 1951 when a fire caused by a butter lamp destroyed it.

Also visited Kyichu Lhakhang which is one of Bhutan's oldest and most sacred temples. The inner temple is believed to have been built in 659 and additional buildings were constructed in 1839. The Kyichu Lhakhang houses some of the oldest relics and an original 7th century statue of Buddha Sakyamuni. The wooden floor of the main Lhakhang is inlaid with turquoise and other precious gems and stones.

After lunch we started a walk from the National Museum along the forested hillside to Zuri Dzong, built in 1352, and then down to the Uma resort continuing on into Paro and crossed the bridge where our mini bus waited. The views down over the valley and dzong were wonderful and it was good to stretch our legs on our 1st walk.

Visited a Home Museum on the way back to the hotel.