Today we visited Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten.

Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten, also known as Nyizergang Chörten and Punakha Zangdopelri) was built in 2004 by HM The Queen Mother, Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, in Nyizergang — about a forty five minute walk uphill from the footbridge in Yepaisa Village.

It was built in accordance with the instructions of Lopon Sonam Zangpo, with the intention of bringing peace in the world in general, and to clear obstacles for the country of Bhutan in particular.

Its exterior is in the form of a pagoda like stupa while the interior consists of four stories containing images of the deities of mandalas of Vajarakilaya.

First we walked across the flag strewn cable foot bridges across the river, through rice paddies currently growing wheat and peppers, and mooing cows until we reached the foot hills below the stupa.

Then it was a hike that took us up to a height 400 metres above us to the temple through the smell of pines with outstanding views of the river valley.

Inside, with the help of the monk, we first lit 12 butter candles in prayer to our friend Erik who had died the previous day. We reflected on his life, and in the Buddhist tradition, hope he would enter the human realm in his next life.

We then circled clock wise the three interior levels. The statue inside actually stands over three stories tall so we were able to observe different aspects at each level.

Panoramic views of the Mo Chhu river and Punakha valley were before us as we stepped up to the roof.

It is spectacular.

After a much easier walk down we went river rafting.

The Mo Chhu “Mother River” was a pretty gentle ride at Rapid level 1. Apparently in summer, at its fullest, it grows to a low Rapid level 4. (The Po Chhu river is the “Father River” currently at level 2, and growing to a strong 4, adds 2 hours drive, hence we did the milder). (Apparently the father river is named as such because it is noisier like men!).

The views were spectacular and we saw some ducks along the river banks and fish merrily swimming below.

Its is so pleasant being on the water in beautiful weather surrounded by quiet unspoilt nature.

An hour later we came ashore for our picnic lunch.

The hotel provides hot and cold running service. Last night at dinner David asked me for a tissue and before we could blink an eye they had brought over a tissue box. They don’t allow you to do anything as their goal is provide totally impeccable service. Today they helped me to take off my life jacket, something of course I am totally capable of doing. It will be a challenge to have to return to normal life where we must fend for ourselves. And let’s not talk about the hot water bottles as part of turndown….David has already made his request for when we get home.

Next we went to the Dzong, which is the most important in Bhutan as all important ceremonies happen here, such as the King’s Coronation as well as that of the Head Monk.

The Punakha Dzong (meaning "the palace of great happiness or bliss" is the administrative centre of Punakha District

Constructed by Ngawang Namgyal, 1st Zhabdrung Rinpoche, in 1637–38, it is the second oldest and second-largest dzong in Bhutan and one of its most majestic structures. The dzong houses the sacred relics of the southern Drukpa Lineageof the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, including the Rangjung Kharsapani and the sacred remains of Ngawang Namgyal and the Terton Pema Lingpa. Only the King and the Head Monk are permitted to visit these relics and a special Monk caretakers of the relics at all times.

In 2008, after completion of a new cantilever bridge, the new bridge was hailed in a celebration entitled "100 years of Wangchuck Monarchy in 2008 and to the coronation of His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in the Punakha Dzong"

The first part of our journey was a crossing of the bridge and then climbing the very steep staircase into the main building.

We wandered through the impressive administrative side (they even have signs above the doors for each department, just like in a standard office building), before we reached the religious side of the complex.

Inside the temple is very grand with a double height ceiling and 3 large Buddhas along the wall- the man that brought Buddhism to Bhutan, Buddha, and finally the Mad Bearded Man.

We walked along the painted walls which told story of Buddha’s life and learned more about his process of reaching enlightenment.

It is magnificent and inspiring.

Back at the lodge we both had massages. Going along with the hotel will do anything for their guests they had shipped in a male therapist from another property. We can’t say enough positive things about the Six Senses.