Today started with a short hike to the Chimmi Lhakang Monastery. The first part of the hike followed a path which meandered through the rice fields. At the Monastery there was a number of young novice monks playing outside. One of their footballs had got stuck up a tree, so a few of our group got a very long pole and managed to knock the ball out the tree. This resulted in a football kick about with the monks before going into the small temple. On the walk back from the Monastery I checked the temperature and although it was not even 10:00 am it was 31c.
After the hike we visited the Punakha Dzong, this was once the capital building before the capital was moved to Thimpu. The Dzong is an impressive building at the best of times but is currently getting decorated for the coming royal wedding of the king and future queen. Bhutanese people are very loyal to their king and there is much excitement about the wedding which takes place on the 13th October. We have all been givens badge with a picture of the royal couple. In the courtyard of the Dzong there where some ladies practicing a dance they will perform at the wedding. There is no way I could describe the inside of the temple at the Dzong, it is the most beautiful temple I have ever seen and will be the location of the wedding ceremony.
After lunch we took another hike, this time up to Khamsym Yuley Chorten. This too was an indescribable place. The Chorten has three levels inside and you can climb out onto it's roof for the surrounding views.
At the Chorten I took a photo of our young assistant guide,
Sangay Hbk Thinley, with my phone.
Phil
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