September 2015
Punakha, Bhutan
You can see the Chorten on the top of the hill from the bridge
The walk to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten begins by crossing a delightful, and very stable suspension bridge. The area under the bridge serves as a pushing off spot for rafting and kayaking down the Mo Chuu.
The walk is through lovely rice paddies with the first breathable stop being the prayer wheels set on the hillside half way up.
The next leg is slightly easier as there are stone steps that are set into the hill for the better part of the walk.
The Prayer Wheel at the Chorten
The building took eight years to build and is dedicated to the fifth king. The sculptural center is breathtaking, just chock-a-block with Buddhist iconography. As always, photos are forbidden inside the chorten, however, you are able to climb to the roof, three stories up, and gaze down on the valley for spectacular views and once again the use of your camera.
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There are 108 smaller Chortens surrounding the main Chorten.
Looking down on the Suspension Bridge from the Chorten
The Welcome Gate
Some sites along your route…….
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The suspension bridge is very, very stable