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).

– Embrace Bhutan Travel