Bhutan ~ Himalayan Odyssey
Punakha DZong (Pungtang Dechen Photrang Dzong) - This is second largest and oldest DZong in Bhutan situated at the confluence of two rivers Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu (Chhu is river in bhutanese) in Punakha. The palace is surrounded by the beautifully Lilac coloured jacaranda trees which blooms in springs. The river streams hosts one of the most critically endangered White Bellid Heron (Ardea insignis) in this area. I was NOT fortunate enough to see one :(
Punkaha DZong from inside - Though we were late in our arrival here in May, few tress inside the campus were still having lot of flowers and they all spread like lilac carpet on the ground. It was too early for tourists, the monks were just starting their day...
Punkaha DZong from inside - Though we were late in our arrival here in May, few tress inside the campus were still having lot of flowers and they all spread like lilac carpet on the ground. It was too early for tourists, the monks were just starting their day...
inside Punakha Dzong - DZong is used to be the old world fortress kind of structure whuch would host the different district administrative offices, courtyards, temples and monks accomodation. This one was built in 1637-38 and was Bhutan's capital for long until it moved to Thimphu in 1955.
Wall painting inside Punakha DZong - What I liked the most about this country is its relationship with nature. They rever nature traditionally and have hardly exploited it under the name of development as we do here in India. Seen here is a wall painting where a buddhist monk is shown with all nature and wildlife around. Special note to the winter migrating visitors The Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis) which are shown here and make bhutan as the winter home and protected heavily since generations in Punakha's phobjikha valley.
Prayer Wheels inside Punakha DZong - Prayer wheels are almost found everywhere inside the country at DZongs, monasteries and even by roadside, outside shops/houses. I have seen people chanting some prayers always while rotating these prayer wheels. Do NOT miss the intricate work of the paintings and wood carvings till the minute details surrounding these prayer wheels.
Jakar DZong in Bumthang as seen from other side of Bumthang River. Bumthang is one of the most beautiful places in Bhutan. We arrived with rain here and afternoon was washed away. By evening, the light faded fast, but the DZong lights came up, clouds and mist started rising in the valley behind to add the drama. I just needed a good place in foreground, which I got as soon as I crossed over the bridge and included this beautiful river.
Jakar DZong in Bumthang - Typically, everywhere the bright colors are used to paint the DZongs in Bhutan. For bhutanese, it is compulsory to observe the dress code before entering the DZong that means wearing the national dress for both male and female.
inside Jakar DZong in Bumthang - The internal fortress like structure hosts different offices like roadworks, education. Also, they host big space for courtyards. Once inside the DZong, you get to understand how massive they are and can definitely host large number of people simultaneously. They also host lot of cultural programs that happen in the city.
Jakar DZong in Bumthang in morning. After the previous day rain, the sun shone brightly next day morning giving the sky a complete makeover with patches of clouds trying to hide sunrays. It was very beautiful morning and a completely a different view of the DZong altogether.
Bumthang town is small. As you see here, the town is over in just two busy market streets which hosts the lodging on top and restaurents and shops on ground floors. You can still see Jakar DZong at the far distance.
The three musketeers - This trio was playing in light drizzle while we were going on our way Jakar Dzong. I stopped my bike and they stopped their play and posed like this. I asked them to resume what they were playing, but they were very shy and did not play while the camera was out.
After visiting Jakar DZong, we visited a monastery which was nearyby. The monks there were friendly and did not object to the cameras. This little monk must be a class monitor kind of person. He did not join his rest fellow students for snacks line (or finished early, no idea). But, as soon as his teacher walked out, he made a nice conch shell call to indicate all monk students to return to the class. He was nice chap and was posing happily.
This beautiful temple (or Chorten) was just by the roadside, alongside the river, surrounded by nice prayer flags and in lovely location.
Trongsa DZong - We had just passed this town and not made any visit here. But, this DZong that is the largest DZong in Bhutan can be clearly seen here situated just looking over the george of the Mangde River. There is a huge hydro-electric project just down this river which looks like a scratch-mark over the forest. (see next page for photograph)
Do not forget to write about how you liked them below. Thanks for the time spent here.