I then met with my guide, Hem and driver, Seren. Posing with Hem with my new Bhutanese scarf they had given me.


We then headed off for the ~40 kilometre drive to the capital, Thimphu.


On the way we stopped at an iron chain bridge dedicated to Thang Tong Gyalpo, a pioneering Buddhist civil engineer from the 14th and 15th century. Thangtong Gyalpo is said to have built 58 iron chain suspension bridges around Tibet and Bhutan, of which several are still in use today.


Hem explaining the details on the prayer flags. At center is a Lung ta (powerful or strong horse) bearing three flaming jewels on its back. Four powerful animals known as the Four Dignities adorn each corner of a flag: the dragon, the garuda, the tiger and the snowlion.


A Stupa with mutiple prayer wheels beside Paro Chhu river.


Tsa-Tsa or mini stupas amongst the prayer wheels. Tsa-Tsa are offerings for the well-being of someone – either living or passed away.