Punakha

The road from Thimphu climbs to Dochula Pass (3,100 m), where 108 memorial chortens frame a sweeping panorama of the eastern Himalaya on clear days, before descending through rhododendron forest into the sub-tropical Punakha valley.

Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, sits at the confluence of the ‘male’ and ‘female’ rivers. It served as the seat of government until 1955 and is still the winter residence of the central monastic body. In spring, jacaranda trees bloom violet against its whitewashed walls.

Beyond the dzong, walk through mustard and rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of the ‘Divine Madman’ Drukpa Kunley, hike up to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, or cross Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge.