BHUTAN : One Week In Bhutan. Buddha Point, Dochula Pass, Punakha, Thimphu, Paro

Buddha Point, also known as Kuensel Phodrang, is a prominent landmark in Thimphu, Bhutan, featuring a massive statue of Buddha Dordenma. The statue is approximately 51.5 meters (177 feet) tall and symbolizes peace and prosperity for the country. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Thimphu valley, explore the temple complex which houses thousands of smaller Buddha statues, and engage in spiritual reflection. The Dochula Pass is a mountain pass in the snow covered Himalayas within Bhutan on the road from Thimphu to Punakha where 108 memorial chortens or stupas known as "Druk Wangyal Chortens" have been built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, the eldest Queen Mother. Apart from the chortens there is a monastery called the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (temple), built in honour of the fourth Druk Gyalpo (head of the state of Bhutan), Jigme Singye Wangchuck; the open grounds in its front yard is a venue for the annual Dochula Druk Wangyel Festival. The pass with 108 memorial chortens is adjacent to the country's first Royal Botanical Park. Punakha Suspension Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan measuring 180 m in length. This ancient suspension bridge dates back all the way to 1637 when Punakha was in its glory as the capital city of Bhutan. The bridge is believed to be built by the great architect and iron bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo. The suspension bridge has undergone several years of renovation and was originally built to connect Punakha Dzong to the small villages of Shengana, Samdingkha and Sangkha, on the other end of Pho Chhu river. Traditionally, bridges have always been the means for villagers to get from one place to another.