We set out on Sunday morning for several sites in Punaka, including the Punaka Dzong above, widely described as the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan. Here’s a view of the complex from our hotel to give you a sense of its size.

On our way to see the sites we came upon some  archers practicing Bhutan’s national sport. Two opposing teams stand by targets at either end.

Above, a panorama; you can zoom in. There’s a lot of cheering and dancing every time someone takes a shot. I thought it was the shooter’s team mates celebrating a hit, but our guide explained that it’s the other team being jubilant about their opponent missing the target.

saw this little guy by the side of the field.

We stopped at the suspension bridge that leads to KhamsumYueling Memorial Chorten, built by the present king’s mother to commemorate her son’s coronation.  Once over the bridge we hiked up the hill and were rewarded with some  beautiful views of the Ponakha Valley.

Jay with our guide. 

Then  it was on to Punakha Dzong.

The final approach  is across the Bazam Bridge. Like many structures in Bhutan, it has been rebuilt several times since its construction in the 17th century owing to damage from floods, fires and earthquakes.

Like other repurposed dzongs (fortresses) this one is divided between a monastery area and an area of administrative offices (it served as the seat of government in Bhutan until the 1950’s).  Also like other dzongs, there is a central tower and open squares. This Dzong is unique in that it has three courtyards rather than the usual two. Highly decorative inside and out.

Above, paintings at the entrance to the monastery: the now familiar elephant, and the wheel of life.

In the afternoon we walked through a small village, stopped by the local temple, saw a college for monks and finished the day at a nunnery just outside of Punakha.

These dogs seemed to be kissing each other, not the form of greeting I’m used to seeing. 

In the villages people live in small houses passed down in their families. In the cities (Thimphu, Paro) they live in rental apartments.

Below, walking  to the local temple.

Everywhere, cows.

Monks’ robes drying on the line.

A field of white flags in memory of the dead

The nunnery

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