DrukwangyeL Chorten at Dochula pass.

Drukwangyal Chortens at Dochula

A few hours drive from Thimphu to Punakha, you will come across 108 stupas at Dochula. It is built by the eldest Queen, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. Depending on the weather one can get a beautiful view of the snow-capped ranges of the Himalayas from Dochula, the highest point on this road.

Chimi Lhakhang

It is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley( Divine Madman ), who in the late 15th century used humour, songs and outrageous behaviour to dramatize his teachings . This temple is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon.

Nalanda Buddhist Institute:

Called Dalayna or Daley Gompa by the locals, the Nalanda Buddhist Institute is a Buddhist Monastic school. It was founded in 1757 by the 9th Je Khenpo (spiritual leader of Bhutan) the Gyelwa Shakya Rinchen Rinpoche who also established Phajoding Monastery in Thimphu. Maha Mind Bhutan will be able to arrange guests to have tea and a talk with Rinpoche during his free time if requested.

Talo Sanga Choling Monastery:

This Monastery is located above Nalanda Buddhist Institute and is a beautiful monastery located amongst a pine grove.

Punakha Dzong, the old capital city of Bhutan

Punakha Dzong

A massive structure at the junction of two rivers built in1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, .It was in Punakha, the first hereditary Monarch, King Ugyen Wangchuck was enthroned on 17 December 1907 and served as the winter capital till 1955,Today It serves as winter capital for the monk body that moves their headquarters from Thimphu

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chhorten

It was built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world. The Chorten dominates the upper Punakha Valley with commanding views across the Mo Chhu and up towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond.