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Today, travel by road to Punakha- the former winter capital of Bhutan. Punakha, we will stop to visit the Simtokha Dzong which is believed to be the oldest monastery in Bhutan. The monastery now serves as the Institute for Language and Culture Studies; students here are both monks and lay people.

Then leave for Simtokha Dzong, the road climbs through apple orchards and blue pine forests, past a small village to the Dochula pass (Alt. 3010m/9,872 ft.). On the contour of the pass are a group of 108 small and colorful shrines,, the pass offers a beautiful panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains. We stop here briefly to enjoy the scenery and then continue on our travel to Punakha. Now, the road drops down gradually with changing vegetation from alpine to subtropical as we enter the lowland of Punakha.

Settled into your room and re-energized, proceed for the exploration of the valley. We drive through the town of Khuruthang and continue along the banks of the Mo Chu River, passing the Punthsho Pelri Palace and several other winter homes of the royal family. At the upper end of the valley, a 30-minute pleasant hike across a suspension bridge through terraces of rice, chilies, and cabbage, leads you to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten.

On the way back, we stop to visit the Punakha Dzong which is among the most impressive fort architectures of Bhutan. All Bhutan monarchs are crowned in this Dzong first before they ascend the throne in Thimphu.

If you wish, with advance notice, you can experience a 30-minutes long rafting trip down the Mochu River. The river is grade III and offers scenic float down, with views of the Dzong and aquatic birds. ($ 150 for up to 6 people)

Time permitting, we may take another short hike to Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the fertility temple. Local childless women pay a visit to the temple for the fertility blessing.

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