Bhutan | Dochula | Punakha | Thimphu

Drive – Thimphu to Punakha

Embrace Bhutan Cultural Tour

Thimphu | Dochula | Punakha | Bhutan

09 Nov 2019 | Sat

Day 03 of 13

  • Drive | Thimphu to Punakha
  • Dochula Pass | 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens
  • Lunch | Divine Cafeteria Punakha
  • Chimi Lhakhang
  • Punakha Dzong
  • Drubchhu Resort Punakha

Drive | Thimphu to Punakha

In the morning drive to Punakha (4,450 feet), considered to be the ancient capital, where the climate is much different than the rest of Bhutan. It is almost tropical year round due to its low altitude.

Heading out of Thimphu the road gradually climbs through apple orchards and then forests of blue pine and cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high up near Dochu La Pass (10,230 ft.). This pass offers panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayan Mountain ranges (visibility permitting). Here we will spend some time for tea/coffee and photographing the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens (Stupas).

The remaining part of the drive to Punakha is mostly a descent along a series of hairpin bends, dropping down to the lowland of Punakha valley (4,450 ft).

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A Beautiful Drive

Our wonderful drive from Thimphu to Punakha gave us a chance to see the beautiful Bhutan countryside. The highlight of the trip was stopping off at Dochula Pass and its 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens/Stupas (which I cover here, Dochula Pass – 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens).

Sights Along The Way

Farmers Making Hay Mounds
One of Many Areas of Prayer Flags
Sharing the Road with Cattle

Drive | Thimphu to Punakha

Map – Drive | Thimphu to Punakha

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