Incredible luck at Dochu La – we could see the Bhutanese Himalayas clearly.
Rose early (5:45) for early set off. Left at 7:10 (more or less on time for once) for Thimpu.
We snapped one or two street scenes – we’d done a lot of snapping on the outbound journey along this route.
Collected air tickets and did email to Fiona…
I have no idea why Pema hid behind a tree at this juncture. Perhaps he thought I was going to complain about him to our Steppes East agent, Fiona. Perish the thought. I think it was just a query about one of our onward flight documents that I wanted checked/confirmed ahead of potential problems at the airport.
Then on to big Dzong (Trashi Chhoe Dzong) which did little for us…
Then on to Thimpu weekend market which did a lot more for us: – trinkets, vegetables, spices, etc…
…and newspapers – my letter has been published in full! On to see the archers, followed by lunch at Plums
After lunch set off for Paro. We actually saw and snapped Himalayas at Dochu La! [See headline picture]…
Checked into hotel somewhat tentatively as a big forest fire seemed mighty close and there was no electricity. Went off touring anyway – took pictures of Paro Dzong, museum etc…
…then up to ruins of Drukgyel Dzong for stunning photos
…on to start of trial – then back to see round stunning Kykhu Lhakhang (really old monastery).
Then back feeling very nervous via Olathang Hotel, which has room. (By this time I have concluded the Druk Hotel is not a good idea).
We get leave to leave from the manager who is in a conference with a three star general) and flee to an Olathang Cottage (which I like but at first Daisy doesn’t), as our sense of humour fades as fast as the day!
We learnt afterwards that the Druk Paro did not burn down, but it did smell smoky and was without power for quite some time.
Photographs from this day are pictures 053 to 085 in the album you can click through below:
