Punakha

Punakha Dzongkhag has been inextricably linked with momentous occasions in Bhutanese history. It served as the capital of the country from 1637 to 1907 and the first national assembly was hosted here in 1953.

Nestled in the midst of the breathtaking sceneries of Bhutan, Punakha is famous for its picturesque beauty and Buddhist majestic dzongs. Among the many fascinating things to explore here is the Punakha Dzong, which is a stunning piece of architecture with an amazing view of the sparkling water. This dzong or palace is also the administrative centre of the Punakha district. Discover your spiritual self at the Chimi L'hakhang Temple, which can be reached by hiking through some charming paddy fields. The Punakha suspension bridge here gives you a perfect bird's-eye view of the surrounding mountains and the magnificent river flowing below. This bridge is an adventure in itself, and is definitely not for the faint hearted! You can enjoy some river rafting at the Druk Rafting Service, which makes for a fantastic experience.

Top Places to Visit in Punakha

1. Punakha Dzong

Located at the juncture of Phochhu Mochhu Rivers, Punakha Dzong is the second oldest and second largest dzong, and the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan. Once served as the ancient capital untill 1955, it is the winter residence of the Central Monastic Body and still enjoys high status in religion and politics nationwide. The fortress itself is an excellent Bhutanese architecture with lots of Buddhist legacy and cultural relics in delightful look. It is extremely beautiful when the white walls, monk’s worn red robes are reflected against the shining sunshine.

2. Chimi Lhakhang Temple

A walk through a beautiful village and lush green rice fields, you will see a humble bust unique temple where cute child monks learn Buddhism, women and couples pray for children and health of babies. Originally, this Temple of Fertility was built to worship the Devine Madman - Lam Drupa Kuenley, a famous Buddhist master teaching Buddhism in un-conventional ways. The blessing legend is odd but always efficacious among the Bhutanese. Your confusion about various paintings of phallus symbol on Bhutanese houses can get clear explanation from here. Better find a chance to tour a local farmhouse and visit interesting shop and enjoy fresh air around.

3. Punakha Suspension Bridge

The second-longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, Punakha Suspension Bridge is perched over the Mo Chhu and Po Chhu (river) and is about 160-180 meters in length. It is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the world that connects Punakha Dzongkhag to the rest of the valley. Believed to be built by Thangtong Gyalpo, the bridge has undergone several years of renovation. It has an integral part in the architectural history of Bhutan as it was built to connect the villages of Samdingkha and Wangkha by the kings of Wangchuk. The bridge is beautifully draped with prayer flags and makes a perfect spot for bird watching and photography. Although it is built sturdily, it shakes when winds blow strongly, and that is when the thrill is at its zenith.

4. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten

Efforts to hike for 30 minutes crossing the iron Suspension Bridge, terrace fields and pray wheels will be rewarded ultimately once reach the elaborate chorten. Symbolized as a traditional Bhutanese style architecture, this majestic Chorten is the only stupa enshrining all kinds of Dharmapalas in Bhutan. Most important, all the architecture inspiration comes from the doctrines of Buddhism. On this shrine, you can sit under the Bodhi tree, mediate for a while, watch the monks, and enjoy exquisite Buddha statues and mural paintings representing Buddhist teaching and manifestation. And don’t miss the spectacular view of the whole Punakha Valley from the top.

Places To Eat in Punakha

1. Chimi Lhakhang Cafeteria

Formerly known as the Farmhouse Restaurant, the Chimi Lhakhang Cafeteria in the Chimi Lhakhang Monastery has an excellent à la carte menu and also a great buffet spread, comprising of Indian and Bhutanese cuisine. The restaurant has a window from the ceiling to the floor from where you can enjoy stunning views of the temple and surrounding rice paddy fields.

2. Phuenzhi Diner

Phuenzi Diner, located in Khuruthang new town, serves noodles, rice and ema datsi, for tourists to enjoy local flavours. Don’t forget to try the pancakes here!

How to Get to Punakha

Currently, there is no airport located in Punakha and Paro Airport is the only international airport tourist can take flights to Bhutan. Hence, visitors are planning to visit Punakha have to fly to Paro first and then transfer to Punakha from Paro by driving.

Paro to Punakha - Punakha is located in the northeast of Paro, about 130km by 3.5 hours’ driving. If you go straight to Punakha from Paro, you will pass Thimphu valley after about 1.5 hours’ ride and continue driving eastward to Punakha in central north Bhutan.

Thimphu to Punakha - Punakha is in northeast side of Thimphu. It’s a 2.5 hours' drive journey to Punakha from Thimphu with a distance of 85km. Firstly, you will drive towards south Thimphu Valley to leave Thimphu via the Thimphu-Punakha National Highway, soon you can have great view of the Simtokha Dzong while turning to west-east road. Then you will drive upward to Dochu La Pass (3,140m – the highest point en route) after 45 minutes’ driving from Thimphu, next continue a 1 hour & 45 minutes’ drive on descending ways to arrive in Punakha.

Best Time to Visit Punakha

Located in Punakha valley with an average elevation of 1,200m, Punakha enjoys a moderate climate feature with warm winters and hot summers. The best time to visit Punakha is from February to April and October to December, when the weather and climate is fairly mild and comfortable with more clear days. Meanwhile, Punakha hold colourful festivals during the two periods.