Punakha

Punakha: The Fertile Valley of Bliss in Bhutan

Once the winter capital of Bhutan, Punakha remains spiritually significant and is still one of the most beautiful areas in the country. Located at only 1,200 meters, Punakha is one of Bhutan’s warmest and most fertile valleys, and you will find plenty of rice terraces, fruit orchards, and tall mountains in the background rather than the high, altitude terrain you expected.

The drive from Thimphu to Punakha was breathtaking; you drive past 108 sacred stupas at Dochula Pass, see fluttering prayer flags against snow-clad Himalayan peaks, and are treated to stunning views from the hilltops. Upon arrival, you are greeted by the majestic Punakha Dzong, a 17th-century fortress-palace, set dramatically at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers. The Dzong looks especially beautiful in the spring when the jacaranda trees bloom. Many consider Punakha Dzong one of the most beautiful dzongs in the country.

Top Things to do in Punakha

• Punakha Dzong: This is one of the most important and picturesque dzongs in Bhutan, filled with sacred relics, and entered by a wooden cantilever bridge.
• Chimi Lhakhang: This is a very small, quirky fertility temple associated with the “Divine Madman,” and has phallic symbols and grant spiritual blessings.
• Hike to Khamsum Yueling Monastery: This peaceful hilltop temple was built by the Queen Mother, and has spectacular views over the valley.
• Visit village of Ritsha: This is a typical farming village, with mud-brick homes, rice fields, and warm local community.
• Visit the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery: Located on a pine covered ridge, the nunnery is a site to get away from the world and engage in meditative practice and spiritual art, with great views of the valley.

Cultural Highlights

Punakha is very closely tied to Bhutan’s royal history, since all the kings have been crowned here, and the present king was married in the Dzong. Every March, the valley and the Punakha Drubchen festival comes to life, with vibrant re-enactments of Bhutanese military history and colourful traditional masked dances.