Punakha

Western Bhutan

1,250 m4,101 ft above sea level

Punakha lies in a broad, warm valley where the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers meet. Compared with the higher valleys of Paro and Thimphu, the climate here is generally milder, and the landscape feels lush and fertile. Rice fields, fruit trees and small villages spread across the valley floor, while forested hills rise on either side. The rivers add to Punakha’s character, bringing opportunities for gentle walks, rafting and quiet moments beside the water.

At the heart of the valley stands Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most striking fortresses. Known as Pungthang Dewa Chhenbi Phodrang, or “Palace of Great Happiness,” it was built in the 17th century at the meeting of the two rivers. Its whitewashed walls, ornate woodwork and central towers make a memorable sight, especially when the jacaranda trees around the dzong bloom in spring. Punakha Dzong remains an important religious and administrative centre and serves as the winter residence of Bhutan’s Central Monastic Body. It also has a prominent place in the country’s history: Bhutan’s first king was crowned here in 1907.

A covered bridge crosses the Mo Chhu to the dzong, while the nearby Punakha Suspension Bridge stretches above the river, decorated with rows of colourful prayer flags. Walking across offers a different view of the water, valley and surrounding hills.

Several worthwhile visits take you beyond the dzong. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten stands on a hill above the Mo Chhu, reached by a walk through rice fields and across a suspension bridge, followed by a climb through the forest. The richly decorated chorten and its upper terraces reward visitors with broad views over the river valley. Chimi Lhakhang, associated with the Buddhist teacher Drukpa Kunley, is reached by a pleasant walk through fields and the village of Sopsokha. The temple is an active place of pilgrimage and is widely known for its fertility blessings.

Punakha’s religious life is also celebrated during Punakha Drubchen and Punakha Tshechu, when the dzong’s courtyards host ceremonies, masked dances and gatherings. These festivals offer a lively view of Bhutanese culture and devotion; dates vary according to the lunar calendar.

The valley is well suited to exploring at an unhurried pace. Visitors can stroll through villages, watch daily life in the fields, take a riverside walk or simply enjoy the changing light on the hills. Punakha is also a natural stop on the journey between Thimphu and central Bhutan, with Dochula Pass along the way. Its combination of fertile countryside, powerful rivers and important cultural landmarks makes the valley one of Bhutan’s most inviting destinatio

Wangdu or Punakha ?
Punakha’s main town centre is Khuruthang, about 8.5 km from Bajothang, the town centre of Wangdue Phodrang, and around 9 km from Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. The towns and districts are distinct, but they are close enough that visitors may see “Punakha” used broadly for accommodation and attractions in the wider valley, including places near Wangdue Phodrang. When booking a stay, check the property’s exact location, as travel times to Punakha Dzong and other sights can vary.

Photo: Leon petrosyan / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Best time to visit: March to May, September to November
Getting there: By road from Thimphu over Dochula Pass, about 3 hours
Suggested stay: 1 to 2 nights

Places in and around Punakha

Groups always run in this order. Inside each group, the must-see picks come first; hikes and places to stay follow the order Windhorse recommends.

Sights and attractions in Punakha

Sight

Drive from Punakha to Paro

Drive from Punakha to Paro: Takes about Approx.(3 to 4 Hrs).Distance covered is 128 KM.
Sight

Punakha – Damji – Gasa Tsachu

Depending on the road condition, the drive from Punakha to Damji takes about 2/3 hrs.
Sight

Punakha and Wangdue

Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang, often mentioned together due to their close proximity, share a picturesque valley at an elevation of approximately 1300 meters, blessed with a pleasant semitropical climate.
Sight

Road from Punakha to Jakar

The drive from Punakha to Jakar (Bumthang) is a scenic journey through the heart of Bhutan.
Sight

Road from Punakha to Trongsa

The drive from Punakha to Trongsa spans about 133 kilometers and takes roughly 5 to 6 hours, offering a scenic blend of natural and cultural beauty.
Temples & Monasteries

Chimi Lhakhang

The temple, adorned with hundreds of prayer flags, graces the edge of a picturesque plateau overlooking fertile rice fields and river below.
Nature & Viewpoints

Punakha Suspension Bridge

Punakha suspension bridge is one of the longest bridges in Bhutan measuring roughly 520 feet long. A bridge that is always adorned with colorful prayer flags.
Temples & Monasteries

Dalay Goenpa (Nalanda Buddhist College)

Dalay Goenpa or Dalida is as well-known as Nalanda Nalanda Buddhist College in Bhutan.
Towns & Valleys

Ritsha Village

Bhutan's Punakha valley is famous for rice farming where both red and white rice are grown along the river valleys of Pho and Mo Chhu, two of the…
Towns & Valleys

Talo Village

The village of Talo (alt. 2,800m) which is scattered along the hill slopes, known for its cleanliness and hygiene among Punakha villages.
Temples & Monasteries

Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery

Located on the ridge overlooking Punakha & Wangdue.
Towns & Valleys

Limbukha Village

Limbukha village is accessible by feeder road from Punakha and Wangdue. Limbukha farmers are known for growing Bhutan's famous red rice which is supposed to have medicinal values.
Stupas & Chortens

Khamsum Yulley Chorten

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chörten, perched atop Nyizergang hill, is a sacred site accessible via a 40-minute uphill hike.
Dzongs & Fortresses

Punakha Dzong

Punakha Dzong is arguably the most beautiful dzong in the country, particularly enchanting in spring when the surrounding Jacaranda trees are in bloom.
Temples & Monasteries

Lungchutse Temple & Retreat Center

Starting at Dochula Pass (3100m), the trail gradually ascends through a forest of hemlock, birch, and rhododendron. It's a well-marked path winding through ancient forests with towering trees.

3,550 m / 11,647 ft

Restaurants in Punakha

Restaurants

Chimi Lhakhang Cafeteria

A glass-walled cafeteria by Chimi Lhakhang looking over village houses and rice terraces. Bhutanese and Indian buffet with red rice; dessert, tea and coffee included.
Restaurants

Merengma’ Bistro & Bar

Bhutanese, Indian and international dishes, plus cocktails, wine and coffee, with views towards Punakha Dzong, just across the river from Khuruthang.
Restaurants

Tenphey Bhutanese Cuisine

A town-centre restaurant cooking authentic Bhutanese dishes with local ingredients, including ema datshi, phaksha paa, jasha maru, bathup and red rice.

Where to stay in Punakha

23In the order Windhorse recommends

Eco lodge

And Beyond Punakha River Lodge

And Beyond River Lodge in Punakha is the first-ever &Beyond owned lodge in Asia.

5-star eco lodge
Farmstay

Aum Leki Farm House

Leki Wangmo farmstay is beautifully located on a mountain slope surrounded by rice fields. The view of Punakha valley from here is breath-taking.
Farmstay

Chimi Lhakhang Farm House

Chimi Lhakhang Village Homestay provides accommodation with a kitchen, located in Punakha. The homestay offers a TV and a shared bathroom with free toiletries, a hair dryer and bath.
Resort

Dhensa Boutique Resorts

Dhensa Boutique Resorts sits in the heart of the verdant and lush Punakha Valley.

4-star resortWindhorse uses this hotel
Resort

Dhumra Farm Resort

Dhurma Farm Resort is a pioneering farm resort focusing on high-end tourism. Our philosophy is not to have busloads of visitors.

4-star resort
Resort

Dochula Resort

The Resort is located on the way to Punakha about 31km and 45minutes drive east of capital,Thimphu.
Resort

Drubchhu Resort

Being centrally located, Drubchhu is in close driving range of all the myriad sights and activities of Punakha valley and to a certain extent that of Wangdue valley.

3-star resortWindhorse uses this hotel
Boutique hotel

Four Boutique

The hotel features three floors, each accessible by an elevator. On the ground floor, you'll find the reception area, along with a comfortable lounge adorned with traditional paintings.

4-star boutique hotel
Hotel

Himalayan Dragon Nest
Hotel

Hotel River Valley
Hotel

Hotel White Dragon

White Dragon Hotel was established on 1st February 2020. Located perfectly by the Punakha highway and walking distance from Khuruthang town.

2-star hotel
Resort

Khuru Resort

Picturesquely located on a hill slope overlooking Punatsangchhu river and Khuruthang town, Khuru Resort offers pleasant and comfortable stay amidst nature bounty.

3-star resort
Farmstay

Labana Farm House
Farmstay

lunakha Farm House
Homestay

Mendrelgang Home stay

Mendrelgang Home stay is located in between Thimphu-Punakha highway surrounded by green hills at Toebisa. Where time stands still and life goes on at a snails pace.
Tented camp

Pemako Luxury Tented Villa
Farmstay

Phurba Farm House
Hotel

Punakha Residency

Punakha Residency is a tourist standard hotel based in Punakha (Khuruthang Town), the winter capital city of Bhutan.

4-star hotel
Hotel

Six Senses Punakha

This beautiful lodge has a rustic feel and is blessed with a warmer climate.

5-star hotel
Boutique hotel

The Four Boutique Hotel

Located in PunÄkha, The Four Boutique features a garden, terrace and free WiFi. This 3-star hotel offers a bar.
Hotel

Village Hotel
Eco lodge

Wangdue Eco Lodge

Wangdue Ecolodge is a family managed ecotourism venture. Built on the ancestral land of the family, the valley faces the confluence of two rivers.

3-star eco lodge
Resort

Zhingkham Resort

Zhingkham Resort in Punakha is the newest unit of Bhutan Hotels & Restaurants.

4-star resort