Feel the Peace Within
Your Journey to the Heart of Bhutan
Follow Us:
Feel the Peace Within
Your Journey to the Heart of Bhutan
Follow Us:
Punakha, a beautiful valley of Bhutan, has large rice fields and rivers. It remained the capital town of Bhutan till 1955. Punakha is nestled on the banks of two rivers Pho Chu and the Mo Chu Rivers. This valley has plenty of rice fields, due to which it is known as the rice bowl of Bhutan.
This town is blessed with breathtaking landscapes, alluvial soil, colourful monasteries and architecture. The history of Punakha is captivating, which attracts millions of tourists every year. Let us explore some interesting facts about this beautiful Bhutanese town and a short tourist guide.
The best time to visit Punakha is from October to March. The winter season opens the door to heaven with clear skies and panoramic views of huge mountains. Winter is the best time to enjoy activities such as mountain biking, river rafting and trekking.
If you want to witness the real beauty of Punakha, visit the place between April and June. This is the springtime when flowers bloom fully, which enhances the beauty of Punakha.
Avoid a trip to Punakha during the monsoon. You will face many roadblocks and landslides at several places.
Punakha is a beautiful spot in Bhutan with numerous attractions. It is a perfect place for frequent travellers, hikers and large groups. Some of the best tourist attractions to visit in Punakha are:
1. Punakha Suspension Bridge
Punakha Suspension Bridge is one of the top spots in Punakha Suspension Bridge. This is the longest bridge constructed on the Mo Chhu and Po Chhu rivers. The length of this suspension bridge is around 160-180 meters. This bridge is covered by prayer flags and is a perfect spot for photography.
2. Punakha Dzong
Punakha Dzong is the 2nd oldest dzong in Punakha. This place is significant from a political point of view as the first national assembly was conducted in 1953. Punakha Dzong features the elegant architecture and includes 6 towers. This dzong includes 6 towers, and you have to cross the bridge to reach this dzong.
A special thing about Punakha Dzong is that it is constructed without any nails. Punakha Dzong is located at a height of 1200 meters.
3. Dochu La Pass
The next must-visit place on the list is Dochu La Pass. Punakha is recognised as a wonderful place. Dochu La Pass is constructed to honour 108 dead soldiers of Bhutan. It is situated at an altitude of around 3100 m on the Thimphu-Punakha Highway. The pass offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and tall green trees. Many visitors come to Dochu La Pass with their families and friends every year.
4. Chimi Lhakhang Temple
Chimi Lhakhang Temple is a wonderful Buddhist monastery located on a scenic hillock. The temple construction has an interesting story in which a demon was trapped in the rock. This unique temple has a square shape with a yellowish roof and prayer wheels. The prayer hall of this temple has many dorjis, horns and drums.
5. Ritsha
Ritsha village is famous for rice cultivation on the banks of the rivers Mo Chu and Pho Chu. This village produces red and white rice and has many paddy fields around it. You can feel the beauty of remote Bhutan by visiting this place. It is one of the best photography locations for photographers.
6. Torsa Strict Nature Reserve
This nature reserve is perfect for wildlife lovers and adventure junkies. The whole region has mesmerising beauty filled with Alpine meadows, tropical grasslands and shrublands. This patch of land is an inhabited area in Bhutan. Trekkers love to walk on the routes surrounded by tropical grasslands and forestland.
This place is home to species such as the Chest-breasted Partridge and Wood Snipe. It is a must-visit place for trekkers and nature walkers.
Punakha is a small town in the centre of Bhutan. It was the capital of the Wangchuk kings who ruled the country. Frequent travellers can try many new things in Punakha, such as:
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten is a beautiful temple containing Buddhist scriptures. It was commissioned by the Queen Mother of Bhutan, Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk. The trek to this temple is a wonderful experience, as it includes a walk to the top of the temple. The most exciting thing about this hike is capturing the panoramic views of the valley.
Another must-try activity is rafting in the white waters of Punakha. The Mo and Pho Chhu rivers are famous for rafting, where many people from different parts of the world visit each year. The Brahmaputra River is a popular spot for sports fanatics who love to do rafting among many rapids.
Jigme Dorji National Park is a well-known place for nature lovers. Many travellers from different countries visit this park to discover the various bird species. You can also witness the special, colourful Himalayan birds and wild animals at this park.
Buying items from the local shops of Bhutan is a must-try thing for every traveller. You can purchase amazing stoles and woollen clothes from the local markets of the city. Apart from that, you can also buy dry fruits, jewellery and various home décor items from the stores.
A Bhutan trip is incomplete without a spiritual journey to its monasteries. Talo monastery is one of the best places to visit in Punakha. It is situated at an altitude of 2800 meters and has the backdrop of the surreal Punakha valley. This place is visited by many people every year for meditation and trekking. A visit to this place will relax your mind and body.
The main way to travel to Punakha is by road from Thimphu. The distance between Thimphu and Punakha is around 73 km. The whole route to Punakha offers a scenic view of nature and the surroundings. This journey includes sights around the Dochula Pass.
The perfect stay duration in Punakha is between 1 to 2 nights. You can easily visit all the main attractions of the city within 2 days.
If you want to explore different places in the town, a trip is 5 to 7 days is highly recommended. A long trip will offer you a rich experience of rafting, trekking and other activities.
Punakha celebrates many festivals every year. The most significant festivals of Punakha are Punakha Drubchen and Punakha Tshechu. These festivals host traditional Bhutanese dances and masked performances. Many artists act in the role of historical leaders during these festivals.
The traditional wear of men in Punakha is the Gho, and women wear the Kira. These festivals usually last for 3 days and mark the victory of the Bhutanese militia.
Some festivals in Punakha include rituals and ceremonies with spiritual activities. People of the town come together and pray at the temples or monasteries.
What are the local dishes to try in Punakha?
The local cuisines to try in Punakha are:
Where to stay in Punakha?
Punakha has many hotels, villas and five-star hotels for stay. You can check the online websites to see the latest room tariffs and availability.
Where can I see the timings of local tourist attractions?
You can visit the official site of any major attraction in Punakha to get the timings. Another way is to ask the locals or tourist guides about the visiting hours of the major attractions.
Which precautions must I take before going to Punakha?
Punakha is a safe tourist destination for everyone. However, you must take care of certain things while visiting this country. Do not travel at night to the remotest areas of the city or near the valleys. There might be a risk of wild animals roaming at night. If possible, you must visit the crowded areas like markets and shops in the dark hours.
What is the special thing about Punakha that attracts tourists?
Punakha is famous for its colourful monasteries, breathtaking valleys, views of the Himalayas and climate. The place is filled with trekking trails and routes for hiking.
