From Thimpu to Wandue Phodrang

It was a magical day in Bhutan on our first day from Thimpu to the east. Our caravan of two passenger buses filled with both people and stuff (gas stoves, gas cylinders, rice cookers, pots, pans, water filters, assorted heaters and refrigerators, clothes, school supplies, mattresses…) and two trucks also full of stuff left the hotel around 10 am. Our first stop was Dorchu La – the site of the lakhang and 108 chortens, which we visited last Sunday. But this time we saw the Bhutan Himalayas – sharp snow-covered peaks. It was a gorgeously clear day.

Next stop was Punakha, the town where the monks in Thimpu go during the winter. The monks returning to Thimpu is the signal for spring’s official arrival and the knowledge that men can no longer wear long underwear on their legs.

After driving a windy road which followed a turquoise-colored river that snaked through the land, we visited the Punakha Dzong. We walked through the courtyard, up a flight of stairs, and spied on monks from above as they emptied butter candles, set out drums, and wheeled in the offerings tray.




From the Dzong, we drove back to where we ate lunch and walked to the Chimmi Lakhang, also known as The Temple of the Divine Madman, the one responsible for all the penis paintings throughout Bhutan and penises hanging on the side of houses. Inside, we were blessed by a bow and arrow and a wooden penis – a blessing of fertility.

Chimmi Lakhang

A store front in Punakha