Frankly, my 3rd day in Bhutan passed by in a blur. I recall visiting the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten (Stupa) on the morning after a 1 hour or so hike. After that, we stopped over at the Punakha Dzong, reputedly one of the most famous dzongs in Bhutan before heading down to a temple dedicated to Drukpa Kunley, popularly known as the Divine Mad Man that spread Buddhism through unorthodox methods. People in that area usually have phalluses adorn their walls as a means of reminding themselves of him. My fav shots for each of the sights for Day 3:
14Jun10_Punakha_Dzong
14Jun10_Punakha_ChimeLhakhang
14Jun10_Punakha_ChimeLhakhang_OntheWayUp_Lady
14Jun10_Punakha_DivineMadman_Shop_Way Up
Day 4 was not any better for me as I think I am still adjusting to the altitude differences in all the places that I was travelling to. From Punakha, we travelled back to Paro before heading for Haa Valley via the Chele-la pass, which at 3812m (although the itinerary said over 4000m) is the highlest drivable road in Bhutan. We stopped over at the National Institute for Zorig Chusum in Paro for a quick tour round the school who conducts classes for aspiring artisans. I cannot but be awed by their skill and patience as some take 6 years just to graduate from their art before they can venture out to practice their skill. Mind you, one false line drawn or wrong knock on the wood equates to a discarded item! Commendable!!
15Jun10_Thimphu_NatlInstChusum_Embroidery
Till the next post.....
