After breakfast (7:30 am), you will be driven to Punakha, the winter capital of the monk body. The journey takes you through a windy but scenic drive to the east, reaching the 10,000ft high Dochula pass after about an hour. Marvel at the breath-taking views of the Eastern Himalayan peaks, many towering over 23,000ft. The pass is adorned with prayer flags and 108 chortens (stupas). Enjoy coffee/tea and snacks, Drive through chirpine forests to visit the renowned Chimi Lhakhang, known for its mystical power to grant fertility. Many, including tourists, have reported success in conceiving a child after their visit to this monastery.
Then, drive to visit Punakha Dzong (winter home of the central monastic body), the former capital of Bhutan, beautifully situated at the confluence of Female and Male rivers. It is where the first King of Bhutan was crowned. Follow a short walk across one of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan to observe rare migratory ducks and walk/drive along the male river to spot more birds and otters, including the critically endangered White-Bellied Heron (Ardea insignis). Of the 200 White-Bellied Herons globally, Bhutan hosts 30.
Take lunch at a local restaurant by the bridge. After lunch, you will be driven to the base of a hill (called cat hill but we call it the elephant ridge, because the hill looks like an elephant on whose nose sites the magnificent Punakha dzong) and start hiking uphill through chirpine forests. Most tour guides are not familiar with this hike, so a local guide will join the group. The hike will allow you to have a 3D view of the surrounding valleys spotted with traditional houses and fields. You will stop by a monastery for tea and snacks.
Continue hiking slowly ascending into cool broadleaved forests hosting several bird species, leopards, Himalayan black bears, deer, etc. You will ultimately come off the trail and be greeted by the owner of a farmstay. The farmstay is in a beautiful hillside with outstanding view of the fields, forests, and villages below. You will also be able to sight snowclad mountains from the house. On arrival, you will be treated to traditional Bhutanese tea (locally brewed) and snacks (roasted rice).
After having your tea and settled in, you will experience mineral hot stone bath. It has properties to cure joint pains, piles, and other skin issues. If anything, it will be soothing after your hike. Dinner with the family and observe farm life and night halt at the farmhouse.
