KHAMUSUM YULLEY STUPA

Today we leave the peaceful valley with the town of Punakha.  We are going to the capital and metropolis of Thimphu.  Before we leave there is one important Stupa yet to visit.  This is the Khamsum Yulley stupa that overlooks the Mochu river valley from it's high perch atop one of the many hills in Bhutan.  To begin the journey you cross a bridge ant then begin the ascent to see the colorful stupa that honors the current king.  It was built by his mother even before he was crowned.

It looks a million miles up as we start the ascent but we all make it in rather short order.   

Then we descend through the rice patties and see the life of a typical farmer.  

Here he isenjoying preparing his lunch over an open fire.

The pride of Bhutan is their tradition.  Everyone is required to wear national dress when they are working but underneath that dress we find that our guide loves motorcycles and has a

tattoo.  Finally we are down from the Stupa and I feel that it is safe to take my picture at the bridge--I didn't want to do it on the ascent as I was afraid that might have jinked it and that the climb would not have been successful.  But it was and it was all beautiful and well worth the effort!       

Now we start for Thimphu and on the way we get a great treat as we come upon yak grazing.  Yaks are so important to the people of Bhutan as they make clothes from them, drink their milk, make delicious cheese served at almost every meal, and eat them as a meat supply

We finally arrive to Thimphu which is as I mentioned is the capital of Bhutan but what I didn't mention is that it is a one street road with no traffic light and only a traffic director.  It is also a beautiful

town as illustrated by the clock tower shown in the this photo. 

 

We also visited the Thimphu Dzong which was also built in the 17th Century.  It is the office of the King as well as houses a temple for the monks.

Now it is time to check into the hotel.  Would you believe that a monk was on hand to provide a special blessing for us and to provide the traditional Holy Thread known "sung keye".  This is worn to keep you protected and also to ward off evil spirits and other misfortunes.