Trashigang

Calm and laid back Punakha is Bhutan’s former capital city. It is known for being a significant cultural centre where you learn a lot about the region’s heritage. Punakha still hosts grand events where Bhutan’s royals are crowned. Its less populated landscape and clear blue sky make it a great place to rejuvenate your senses.

Punakha Dzong

The Punakha Dzong, also known with the name of 'Palace of Happiness', is the second oldest and second largest dzong of the country. This stunning emblem of Bhutanese religious architecture is located at the union of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers and is an obvious key to untying Punakha’s hidden mysteries.

Chimi Lhakhang Monastery

The Chimi Lhakhang Monastery is the second most visited place in Punakha. This unusual temple is widely known as the fertility temple as it blesses childless couples with kids. It was raised in the 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kunley and has numerous historical tales linked to it.

Wangdue Phodrang

Wangdue Phodrang is a significant gateway to the distant districts of Eastern Bhutan. The dzong sits on the ridge overlooking the Punak Tsang Chhu (river) and Dang Chhu. From here you can catch awe-inspiring bird’s eye views of the surrounding regions and spend some time in the lap of solace.

Khamsum Yuley Temple

This elaborate temple in Bhutan was commissioned by the Queen Mother of the 5th King. It stands on a small hill called Ngezergang. The intricate iconography in this temple makes it stand out. The temple is constructed as per the Holy Scriptures of the Nyingmapa Buddhists rather than common engineering methods.

Pho and Mo Chhu

Do not miss a chance to spot rice farming in Punakha Valley. Here both red and white rice are cultivated along the river valleys of Pho and Mo Chhu (rivers). Enjoy the simple life of locals here and talk to them to know their cultures better. These people live in pounded mud houses with fruit gardens of oranges and papaya all around.

Limbhukha village

For a more peaceful escape, visit the Limbhukha village. It is said that Limpus (inhabitants of the village) were peace negotiators during the medieval ages. Here the festival of Serda is celebrated to promote peace.

Other places to visit in Punakha are:

• Royal Botanical Park

How to Reach Punakha

The best way to reach Punakha is by taking a flight to Paro International Airport from where you can find buses and taxis to reach the Punakha Valley. Travellers can also board a bus from Kolkata Esplanade station to Phuentsholing. The bus reaches Punakha via Thimpu and the journey takes as long as 3 hours.