Traffic was at a stand still still as we headed out of town today but Karma asked the police if we could ride through the lane closed to cars that ran past the stadium where the peace prayers were taking place. The stadium was at a lower elevation and open to the street. This afforded a great view inside where up to 70,000 monks and devotees from all over the world were blissing out. The amount of visitors is equivalent to the population of Thimphu – not sure where folks are sleeping!

Today’s destination is the town of Punakha via the Dochu La pass at an elevation of 3150 m/10,300 ft. After clearing most of the city traffic, coffee!

It was a stellar ride – I availed myself of all the low gears and plowed through huffing and puffing all the way – the pace allowed you to take in the stunning views. Of course there were tea breaks but I did not walk my bike once. Thanks to my watch I tracked my blood oxygen saturation through the ride and it held a steady 96%. I was very surprised and very pleased with myself.

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After tea at the summit next to the 108 Chortens, it was a frozen white knuckle descent which I didn’t enjoy as much as the ascent. The dappled-shade-meets-pothole effect needed my full attention so no enjoying the landscape. An added hazard today was a troupe of cheeky monkeys.

I shed a few layers as we continued our descent to the Temple of the Divine Madman for a brief visit before they closed. Folks come here from near and far for fertility blessings – phalluses abound. Enjoyed some atmospheric chanting with drums and horns…hope I can find a recording somewhere.

Opted for the bus for the last short ride to another lovely tourist hotel – the time on the banks of the Puna Tsang Chu river.

Distance: 6.48 km

Elevation gain: 934 m

Elevation descent: 2100 m

Calories: 1769