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 but the bushes, flowers and shrubs were wonderful so we all took it very slowly. 1 hr 40 mins later we made it back down to the road, near Lamperi, where our mini bus awaited. We have had wonderful views of the flowering rhododendrons on all our drives and walks in Bhutan.

Off to lunch, then on to the fabulous Punakha Dzong, perhaps the best and most impressive dzong in Bhutan.

Punakha Dzong also called Punthang Dechenphodrang meaning Palace of great bliss was built by in 1673 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel to commemorate the final victory against numerous Tibetan invasions. Punakha Dzongkhag was the old capital city and the Dzong served as the hub for both religious and overall administration of the country until Thimpu took over in the mid 1950's. Located on a piece of land between two rivers Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu (literally meaning male and female rivers), the Dzong is massive, huge and magnificent in all its architectural grandeur. Although ravaged by flood, fire and earthquakes many times, the Dzong was always rebuilt with its original pattern and design. It is a stunning collection of buildings and courtyards which are elaborately decorated.

Our hotel for the night, Kichu Resort Wangdi, was set in a lovely garden near the river. However, some of our group had problems with the water flow in the showers so were not pleased. Mine was OK, thankfully.