Punakha, Bhutan: travel guide
Former winter capital of Bhutan, famous for the majestic Punakha Dzong at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, and the Punakha Suspension Bridge.
- Country
- Bhutan
- Currency
- BTN
- Time zone
- Asia/Thimphu
Top places to visit in Punakha
Punakha Dzong
dzong · 4.8 rating · about 1.3 h · check the fee at the gate
"Palace of Great Happiness," built 1637–38 at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers; Bhutan's second-oldest and arguably most beautiful dzong, and the site of royal coronations and weddings.
Punakha Suspension Bridge
bridge · 4.7 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
One of Bhutan's longest suspension bridges (~180 m) over the Pho Chhu, draped in prayer flags; a gentle, scenic walk near the dzong, open at all hours.
Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple)
lhakhang · 4.5 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
15th-century temple dedicated to the "Divine Madman" Lama Drukpa Kunley, famous for fertility blessings; reached by an easy walk through rice fields and the phallus-painted village of Sopsokha. Closed 1–2 PM.
Riverfront Punakha
river · 4.4 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Tranquil riverside park on the banks of the Mo Chhu with crystal-clear water, picnic spots and rafting put-ins; a calm spot to relax in the valley.
Punakha Dzong Viewpoint
scenic · 4.9 rating · about 0.3 h · check the fee at the gate
Elevated roadside viewpoint across the river giving the classic panoramic shot of Punakha Dzong framed by the Mo Chhu and surrounding mountains.
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
chorten · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Ornate four-storey chorten built by the Queen Mother for the wellbeing of the kingdom, reached by a scenic uphill hike across the Mo Chhu and through rice terraces.
Things to do
- Pho Chhu River Rafting Rafting · 2 h
- Mo Chhu River Rafting Adventure · 2 h
- Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten Hike Hiking · 2.5 h
Where to stay in Punakha
- Riverside (Pho Chhu / Mo Chhu)
Warm valley along the rivers near the dzong, home to several resorts with views; lower altitude than Thimphu/Paro.
- Khuruthang (Town)
The modern town centre with budget and mid-range guesthouses and local eateries.
Hotels
- Six Senses Punakha 5-star
- andBeyond Punakha River Lodge 5-star
- Pemako Punakha 5-star
- COMO Uma Punakha 5-star
- Zen Punakha 4-star
- Spirit Village Lodge 4-star
Where to eat
- Merengma Bistro Bhutanese, Bistro · about BTN 650 per person
- Chicken Dinner Bhutanese, International · about BTN 650 per person
- Ku-Kham House Bhutanese, Indian · about BTN 650 per person
- ST WiFi Tourist Lunch Place Bhutanese, Indian · about BTN 650 per person
- Kuenga Restaurant Bhutanese · about BTN 650 per person
- Vintage Cafe Bhutanese, Cafe · about BTN 650 per person
- Tenphey Bhutanese Cuisine Bhutanese · about BTN 650 per person
- Bridge View Restaurant Bhutanese, Fast Food · about BTN 250 per person
Getting around
- Car With Driver main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Walking
Every city has walking. 2.5 km ceiling is a placeholder default, not a researched per-city figure -- Singapore is sheltered and air-conditioned, Bangkok often has no pavement.