Today’s distance was a little less and a relaxed ride to the old capital of Bhutan, Punakha from the new capital Thimphu. Ride Captain Ajit had informed us that we will saddle up and roll by 9 am. Despite that all were ready with breakfast but were delayed by 30 minutes. Briefing was done by ride Captain, today’s group sequence was changed, group B was asked to go first with the same riders sequence and group A will follow them. Vinay recited the prayer for today’s rides success. Our tour led by guide Buddha informed that today we will spend two hours in Thimphu itself seeing popular monuments and then leave for Punakha.

Our first stop after checkout was at Viewpoint of Thimphu, we had reached on top of Thimphu city from where we could have a good view of the entire city covering the major attractions, we saw, Parliament House, Supreme court and Kings Palace. They were in close vicinity and were looking great, totally made with Bhutan style of architecture. Great view, all spent some time to take pictures as these monuments as a back drop. Next we headed to the tallest Buddha statue, located on a hill, it was a challenge to ride to the top of the hill with many hairpin bends, reached slowly but was worth it. A giant statue of bronze and gold was sitting on a huge gold plated structure with a museum inside it. Spent over one hour and took many pictures, it was a beautiful statue, not to be missed. Slowly we started for our next stop, Dochula Pass, a pass from ancient times connecting Thimphu and Punakha valleys.

The road to Dochula was amazing and the scenic one. We spent over an hour here and had tea break as well. Took many group pictures on bikes etc. Slowly we moved towards Punakha valley, it was a 50 km ride, took one hour, reached our hotel, a beautiful property of our tour guide Buddha, all were in time for a good lunch. Since today was a relaxed day, it was informed that Punakha is popular for White River Rafting, whoever is interested can join for the same and can go ahead. 15 members opted for the same, we were taken to the start point of the rafting site, it was almost 20 km from the hotel, all enjoyed a good rafting experience for next one hour, reached the end point, had a tea break and our vehicle were ready to take us back to hotel.

Our tour guide and owner of the hotel, Budha had organised a gala dinner party for all, a great gesture from his side, a down to earth and humble person with a large heart, a true sign of happy people. All had gathered for the wonderful evening. Music and dance went on for the next three hours and close to 10 pm, we ended the party and joined for dinner and subsequent retirement to the rooms. A day well spent seeing Bhutan and experiencing people’s hospitality. God keeps blessing this wonderful country.