Oct. 18 Drive to Punakha After Simtokha Dzong, the road winds through pine forests and small villages, and passes by chortens and prayer flags before heading up to Dochula Pass (10,000'), the first of four passes of the trip. The prayer flags on mountain slopes, bridges and high passes, transmit prayers to the Gods and keep up a constant communication with the heavens. In good weather, 200 miles of Himalayan summits are in view from this place.