On a clear day the pass offers visitors a spectacular view of the majestic eastern Himalayan Ranges. A cup of hot coffee or tea at the pass has almost become part of tradition for people travelling to and fro from Punakha to the capital city.
There is a small cafeteria at the pass that offers a chance for travelers to enjoy a hot beverage or a snack, it is located just off the road and overlooks the pass and is an ideal place to sit back, relax and enjoy the view.
Another striking feature at the pass are the 108 DrukWangyalKhangzangChortens, that were built for the well-being of all sentiment beings on earth. The 108 Chorten were built as a tribute to the Kings of Bhutan for their selfless service and leadership they offer to the people of Bhutan. These Stupas or Chortens also represent the peoples love, appreciation and loyalty towards the country‟s King.
After visiting the above places, you can stop and have a tea and lunch at DrukWangyelcaféif your lunch is not pre-arranged.
After you are done with Lunch we will drive back to Thimphu, on the way we will visit
Botanical Garden
The botanical gardens in Serbithang, about 15 kilometres from Thimphu, is becoming a popular weekend spot for Thimphu residents who want to get away from the city. On the weekends, the garden is taken over by families on picnic, couples strolling arm in arm, and children playing around on the lawns. Sometimes there are loners who go to the viewpoint from where the hill drops sharply. From this point one can catch the afternoon breeze, see the Thimphuchu and farmers working in the fields below and the rising hills in the distance.
The 29-acre garden which was established in 1999 and inaugurated by Her Majesty the Queen, AshiSangayChodenWangchuck, to commemorate the silver jubilee of His Majesty's coronation is still being developed. According to the project manager of the garden, the actual planting of plants and trees started a year later, in 2000. The 29-acre garden has been managed by just nine people.
But the garden has an exchange programme with a botanical garden in Edinburgh, Scotland, which should help upgrade the knowledge and skills in the development and management of the garden.The purpose of a botanical garden is not just to amuse people, but that it serves a greater purpose of educating, conserving and researching. A botanical garden has plants bearing the records of where it was collected from, who collected it and when it was collected. Therefore, the most important and interesting aspect of a botanical garden is its educational impact.
Weekend market
The weekend market is highly recommended to travelers who want to experience the local Bhutanese way of life. The weekend market is located in a set of stall of both side of the Wang Chhu River. The market essentially is a farmers market, where every week vendors from throughout the region start arriving by Thursday evening and stay at the market till Sunday. It is interesting to see the well-heeled and well to do residents of the city jostle with the common folk
for the freshest produce of the region.
Depending on the season you will find different kinds of fruits and vegetables available in the market. The most striking feature of the market are the chilli stalls that sell chilli in its fresh or dry from. Chili is the favorite spice of the Bhutanese and no Bhutanese dish is complete without a generous garnish of the fiery chilli.
Across on the western banks of the river, the KundeylingBazaam houses a collections of shops
and stalls that sell textile, clothing, handicrafts, and other goods that the locals may need. You
will also find a lot of cheap ornamental goods on sale that have been imported from Nepal it is
advisable to visit the market with a guide who can help you hunt for a good bargain.
National memorial chorten
The National Memorial was built by Bhutan's third king, H.M. Jigme DorjiWangchuck who is also known as the "father of modern Bhutan." He wanted to erect a monument carrying the message of world peace and prosperity. However, he was unable to give shape to his idea in his lifetime due to pressures of state and other regal responsibilities. After his untimely demise in 1972, the Royal Family and Cabinet resolved to fulfill his wishes and erect a memorial that would perpetuate his memory and also serve as a monument to eternal peace, harmony and tranquility.
The National Memorial Chorten was gifted to the nation on 28 July, 1974. The exquisite wall paintings and the delicately carved statues reflect deep insights into Buddhist spirituality and a rich tradition of prayer and learning.The National Memorial Chorten is known as the „most visible religious landmark in Bhutan‟.TheChorten was consecrated by His Holiness, the Late Dudjorn Rinpoche. Unlike other Stupas the Chorten is not a shrine for the mortal of the late
King. The Chorten on contains a photograph of the King in full ceremonial attire. The King had intend for the Choten to be “ aChorten that represents the mind of Bhuddha ”
The national Memorial Chorten is located in the center of the capital city, Thimphu and is designed like a Tibetan style Chorten. The Chorten is patterned of the classical Stupa design with a pyramidal pillar crowned by a crescent moon and sun. One of the most distinct features of the Chorten is its outwards flaring rounded part that makes the Chorten look more like a vase rather than the classical dome. The interior of the Chorten has a large number of paintings of Tantric
deities, in explicit sexual poses that sometimes can be a little disconcerting to visitors.
Overnight stay in a hotel in Thimphu.
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