May 2 Drive to Punakha

Drive to Punakha takes us past Simtokha Dzong, the oldest Dzong in Bhutan, near Thimphu. The road winds past small villages, terraced fields, chortens and prayer flags before heading up to the Dochula Pass (10,000'). 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.