We got up bright and early for a hearty breakfast at our hotel. The Tsechu festival was in full swing, with the town busier than usual, so we started our ride from the outskirts of town rather.  Michele finally arrived after being delayed in India!

The ride started along a bumpy potholed back road following the river, before ascending up a hill to another Dzong.  It was a very pleasant climb to get our legs used to the altitude.  We had to keep our concentration up, weaving around the bumps before we got back on the main road,.  From there, it was smooth pleasant climb with lots of friendly locals greeting us as we went past.  We had a couple of rest stops along the way, and the local Bhutanese national TV came and interviewed us- we’re going to be famous in Bhutan!

The dzong we arrived at is smaller than the one in the main city, and is currently being restored. We walked up to the main courtyard and caught the breathtaking views of the valley below.  From there we visited a local teahouse, where the owner served us snacks and a very hearty butter tea made from butter from her cattle. She showed us around her house, including the prayer room where a Buddhist monk was resident and chanting prayers- they do this all day at the invitation of families. 

We cycled back down the road we came, so it would be downhill all the way back to Paro. I almost got taken out by a particularly high five from one of the local children.  The ride back down was pleasant, in between weaving around cows and flying off speed bumps.  Unfortunately Rob, one of the UK riders came off his bike with quite a nasty crash, and had to be taken to hospital.  We took the ride a bit slower after that!  There was an archery range where they were shooting arrows with traditional bows. It was quite an impressive distance with the target barely in sight 100m away.

Lunch was another hearty affair- they eat a lot of fresh vegetables cooked with spices- this would be a very pleasant place for a vegetarian. 

After lunch we were back in town and headed up to the National Museum- an old watch tower with seven levels that sits above the Paro dzong.  There were a lot of Bhutanese artefacts showing their way of life and it is well worth a visit.

We walked back down toward the main dzong where Tsechu festivities were in full swing, but most of us were too tired to stay watch, so headed back to the hotel.