2a Chime
Bhutan - A place named Happiness - A tour of Bhutan's main Dzongs, Lhakhangs & Monasteries; including a trek-climb to the Tiger's Nest and the famous 'Tsechu' (masked-dance festival) of Bumthang
Day-2 (AM): 18th Oct 2013 : Chime Lhakhang
We left Thimpu early in our hired-car and drove towards Punakha.
When we reached Dochu-La pass, it was drizzling and there was no snow peak views to be seen. Nor could we get out of the car to see the 108 Victory Chortens built in a sort of traffic-round-about-island in the middle of the highway. We continued onward hoping to get good weather on our return journey, a few days later.
At Dochu-La ... 108 Victory Chortens
At the Botanical Gardens; for a quick walk in light drizzle
Valley View as we near Punakha
Near Lobesa we first visited the Chime Lhakhang the monastery built in 1499 by cousin of the "Divine Madman" Lama Drugpa Kunley. This Lhakhang is on top of small hill, in a valley and we had to walk through the rice fields and a village to reach it. The Lakhhang is nice and peaceful setting with green lawns and young monks playing football.
Young monks playing football at Chimi Lhakhang
After seeing Chimi Monastery we drove on straight to our Hotel at Wangdue named "Punatsangchu Cottages". This was nice resort on the bank of Punatsang river with a very nice scenic river view from our balcony. In the afternoon we went out again to see the famous and beautiful Punakha Dzong (fortress). See Subpage 2b for that.
Pictures of Day-2 in this album: Chime & Punakha
The Chimi Lhakhang is seen at top of the hillock past the houses of the Village Pana
Driver Nima (L) & Guide Palden (R) at Chimi Lhakhang