Bhutan Hidden Kingdom Day 11

Day 11 (2-7) - Thursday, November 07, 2019 - Overland to Punakha; Visit Chimi Lhakhang; Explore on Our Own

The wake up whistle was at 6:30 but we were up already and preparing for our day. Our bags had to be out at 7:00.

Back on the bus, we began our climb out of the valley through the blue pine forest. The sky was blue with a few fluffy white clouds. The temperature when we left the tent camp was 37 degrees.

We were able to get out of the bus and hike to the top of Lawala Pass. There was a herd of yaks grazing on the hillsides. We had perfect views of Jomolhari Peak (24,035’), the second highest peak in the Bhutanese Range.

Most of the group walked down the pass just to stretch our legs and enjoy the fresh crisp air. Yenten picked us up and we continued on our journey.

After a few minutes, Wangdi realized that Jean was not on the bus. In the middle of the widest part of the one lane narrow road, Yenten turned the bus around and we went back to the summit to retrieve her. An “OOPS!” moment for sure!

Back on the national highway, the road was smoother and we made better time. We stopped for a morning restroom break at Nobding and met a group of women from China. We had fun taking photos together and talking.

Along the highway, we stopped to take photos of a beautiful waterfall. The pure water coming from the high mountain snows was very refreshing.

Our next stop was our lunch at the Dragon’s Nest restaurant where we had eaten three days ago in Wangdu. As soon as we finished we made our way to the trailhead for our hike to the Chimi Lhakhang, Fertility Temple.

The hike was through the terraced rice fields to the village of Lobesa. At the village we began to see the phallic imagery that the Bhutanese see as a sign of good fortune by warding of bad spirits.

At the temple we met the master monk who was very gracious in answering our questions about the temple. The temple itself was very old, built in the 15th century.

Yenten met us with the bus and we drove to the hotel at about 4:00. We had free time to begin looking at our photos and writing today’s journal. Our room had a lovely balcony with fantastic views of the river valley.

Our group met in the dining room for dinner and Wangdi gave us the schedule for tomorrow. Another busy day ahead of us, we went back to our rooms at 7:45.

Meals included: B, L, & D

Accommodations: The Four Boutique Hotel