Punakha Dzong

I got moved to the Punakha lodge for a few days and one of the top things to do while in Punakha is to go to the local Dzong (fortress). The Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungtang Dechen Photrang Dzong (meaning “the palace of great happiness or bliss”)  is the administrative centre of the county/district. Built in 1637–38, it is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan and really the most beautiful fortress in the country (that I've seen so far, but also from what I've been told.). The Dzong was the administrative centre and the seat of the Government of Bhutan until 1955, when the capital was moved to Thimphu. 

PoTD - First Snowfall

You can't really see it, but there is snow in the air here.  I was so excited as I hadn't seen snow in quite some time. Even though it was just a very little bit, I was like a boy in a candy store hopping all over the place while still sitting in the small cramped taxi.  It's the little things in life. 

PoTD - i love this sign

I love this sign. Every time I drive by it I laugh out loud. Poor English signs are always a good laugh but this one has something more for me.  What is the inconvenience they speak about? It's a mystery to me. The sign is on a clear road with no real signs of danger or of a traffic back up, yet for some reason they are regretful?  I don't know what it may be about, but it still makes me laugh and laugh.  

Don't have regrets, dear sign, you are forgiven.

Tiger's Nest

You can't really go to Bhutan without hiking up Tiger's Nest (Paro Taktsang). A temple built into a mountain cliff where Guru Rinpoche (aka Padmasambhava, the guy who brought Buddhism to Bhutan) supposedly meditated in a cave for 3 months during the 8th century. So, why is it called Tiger's Nest?  Well the two legends are as follows.


"Taktsang which literally means "Tiger's lair", it is believed that Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) flew to this location from Tibet on the back of a tigress from Khenpajong. This place was consecrated to tame the Tiger demon.  An alternative legend holds that a former wife of an emperor, known as Yeshe Tsogyal, willingly became a disciple of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambahva) in Tibet. She transformed herself into a tigress and carried the Guru on her back from Tibet to the present location of the Taktsang in Bhutan."

Regardless of the storied origins, the main temple is very impressive.  The hike isn't too hard, though the high altitude does make it harder than if it was in SE Asia or the States. I hiked it in the traditional dress of the Bhutanese men as a way to maybe connect more with the hike, temple and grounds around me.

Drukgyel Dzong

Near the hotel in paro is an old fort in ruins. The Dzong was possibly built by Tenzin Drukdra in 1649 at the behest of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate victory over an invasion from Tibet. In the early 1950s Drukgyal Dzong was almost completely destroyed by fire. Now it lies badly damaged and last years earthquake in Sikkim felt shocks ripple through the area causing the Dzong to fall apart even more.

After I was done touring the fortress I walked down through a little village and back up by the stream that runs by the hotel's side.

Notice the second photo, one of many sacres sites in Bhutan. A phallus.