The road to Punakha takes us over the Dochula Pass (3100m/10170ft).

We stopped outside of Thimphu for a giant Buddha photo-op. The smoke is from cooking. Across the road was a migrant-labor camp.

We stopped at Dochula Pass to visit the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (temple), the Druk Wangyal Chortens (108 memorial stupas built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, the eldest Queen Mother) and enjoy the view.

Sights along the way: a cow resting peacefully in the middle of the road, donkeys, Tsasa (miniature stupas) alongside the road, and rice fields.

The last stop before lunch was at ChimiLhakhang, the fertility temple dedicated to famous Buddhist Lama Drukpa Kunley.

The road was one lane and unpaved but all three buses arrived safely.

Lunch was across the river and up the mountain – good food and great views.

Our last stop of the day was at Punakha Dzong, a 15th century fortress standing on an island at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.