Punakha

The Green Valley & Paddy fields

Experience the village, countryside area of Bhutan

A tiny mountain hamlet Punakha is located in the scenic and fertile valley of Mo Chhu river and Pho Chhu river, its popular for the most impressive fortress of Bhutan “Punakha Dzong”

Punakha is highest producer of paddy in the region, the low altitude allows to grow paddy twice a year and making the land most fertile in the area.

One can take The drive from Thimphu to Punakha is quite spectacular as the road meanders through the renowned Dochula Pass, which offers the awe-inspiring opportunity to view the great Himalayan Mountains.

Driving down from Dochula towards Punakha, visitors can discover the Royal Botanical Park, where an excellent collection of Himalayan plants and good birding sites can be found.

Why visit Punakha

(Things to do & see at Punakha)

Punakha Dzong

Standing at majestic bank of Pho Chhu river and Mo Chhu river, the Punakha Dzong was built in year 1637-38 and is the second oldest dzong in the Kingdom.

The dzong houses the most sacred scriptures of the souther drukpa of the Kagyu shcoll of Tibetan budhism which also includes Rangjung ksarpani and sacred remains of ngwang namgyal.

Chimi Lhakhang

Built in 1499 by the 14th Drukpa, Ngwang Choegyel the temple was built in the honor of great sain Drukpa Kunley also known as the divine madman due his supernatural power.

The temple is most visited temple by locals and outside visitors as well, its popularly known as fertility temple.

The Lhakhang is believed to bless newly wedded couples who seek fertility and children. The monastery is the repository of the original wooden phallus that Drukpa Kunley brought from Tibet. It is used to bless people who visit the temple on pilgrimage, particularly women seeking blessing to beget children.

Punakha Suspansion Bridge

The Picturesque Bridge is sarounded by green valley all around given and spectacular view of Punakha valley, it is one of the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, with length of 160-190 m and perched high above the river Po Chhu drapped with prayer flags all around.

The bridge connects punakha city to punakha Dzong and its mainly used by local people to travel on daily basis from one side to another side.

White Water Rafting

Famed for the confluences of the two mighty rivers and the scenic moutains of Punakha valley, white water rafting in Bhutan is gaining attention of traveler visiting punakha, the white water rafting with view of valley all around and dzong are the major attraction and must to do for adventure lovers visiting punakha.

Talo Village

The village of talo is situated at an altitude of 2,850 m is known for its cleanliness and hygiene. The talo goenpa in the snowy peaks ovelooks the punakha valley as its sits on the top of mountains.

The talo goenpa was founded in year 1767 and is one of finest heritage site to be visited during visit to Punakha.