Before Thimphu was made the capital Punakha was considered the winter capital due to its temperate climate. We experienced that today as it was a remarkable 80 degrees! At just over 4,400 feet in elevation, it makes a big difference.

We had a pleasant late start to the day, heading out at 10. A wonderful thing about this small tribe of 6 is that it’s very easy to flex plans and for us all to agree. In that fashion we began today with an optional activity rather than at the end of the afternoon. Which was to walk across the river suspension bridge!

Approximately 160-180 meters long it was built above the Phochu (Father River) to link the Punakha Dzong with the local villages. It was an easy, pleasant walk across with only a slight sway as it was well anchored on either side by additional cables. Plus, we were early enough in the day that we were the only ones on it! Across we went, spinning the local prayer wheel, peeking into a couple little shops then heading back across.

Once off the bridge we found Passang chatting with a local woman selling pani puri. While we had seen then all over on the streets of Kolkata I choose not to eat street food for stomach safety reasons. But she said she makes all of her stuff with purified water, so we were game to try! They were delicious. Crispy balls made from rice powder, then she smacked the ball with the back of a spoon, making an opening in which she put a potato mixture along with some seasoning. Yum!

We then made a very short drive over to the Punakha Dzong, known as the Palace of Great Happiness. It was built at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu Rivers in 1637. It consists of a tower building and several other buildings, including an incredible temple with murals depicting the historical and spiritual traditions it embodies.

We were allowed to walk through the gate into the interior courtyards. They displayed the amazing architecture and designs of the country.

As usual no photos were allowed in the temple so you’ll have to take my word that it was incredible. To exit we walked through a wooden covered bridge.

Back on the bus we drove off to head to the Sangchhen Dorji Lhundrup Lhakhang Nunnery. Up and up we went in an ever narrowing curving road to reach it. Seemed that some sort of global happiness conference was in progress, but we were still able to roam around a bit.

But the highlight was the opportunity to sit down and speak with some of the student nuns to learn about what motivated them to join and what their daily life was like. Fascinating.

As we drive along we’ve seen many fields of rice being harvested, all cut by hand then having the grain stacked in large structures. The terraces tend to make beautiful designs.

By then it was edging on into the afternoon when we stopped for lunch at a riverside restaurant. We had an entire pavilion to ourselves with a delicious buffet.

And now it’s some free time to rest before dinner and prepare for another move tomorrow.