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— Mongar to Trashigang:   This morning we make the sixty mile, three-hour drive from Mongar to Trashigang. We will cross at the 8,000 ft. KoriLa pass and stop for tea and cookies as we have all along the way whenever crossing a pass. Beyond the pass, driving through corn fields and patches of banana trees, we come to the village of Yadi where we will stop at a farm house and photograph weavers making natural dyes from native plants. After Yadi the road zigs and zags in what seems like never ending switchbacks descending to SheriChu village at the Sheri River.  After SheriChu we come across roadside sheds where oil is extracted from lemon grass. After crossing two more rivers the road climbs up to Trashigang town at 3,775 ft.

In the afternoon we visit Trashigang Dzong and roam the streets of Bhutan’s second largest “city.” The Dzong precariously hugs a huge long spur, jutting out over the GamriChu river and commands a remarkable view of the surrounding countryside. Built in 1659 A.D. it is practically impregnable, protected on three sides by the river and ravines and from behind by the mountains. Today it serves as the administrative seat of the district and houses a Drukpa monastic community.

Overnight at the charming and quaint Kelling Lodge, with views over the top of the dzong and valley below. We will spend two nights here.