Punakha, Bhutan: travel guide
Bhutan's former winter capital, where two rivers meet below a great dzong
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.
About Punakha
Punakha was Bhutan's winter capital, and its warmer, lower valley still feels gentler than the high passes around it. The great dzong stands where the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers meet, one of the most photographed buildings in the Himalaya.
Punakha Dzong is the centrepiece, with its whitewashed walls and wooden bridge over the water. Nearby, the long Punakha Suspension Bridge sways across the river, Chimi Lhakhang, the Fertility Temple, sits among rice fields, and Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten crowns a ridge with views over the valley. Walking beside the river is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon.
Punakha suits first-time visitors to Bhutan and photographers alike. Spring and autumn are the most reliable seasons, and the lower altitude makes it a comfortable stop in cooler months too.
- Country
- Bhutan
- Currency
- BTN
- Time zone
- Asia/Thimphu
Last updated
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 to Punakha
Nearest airport: Paro (PBH), about 50 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Car With Driver
- Walking
More in Bhutan
Frequently asked questions about Punakha
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Punakha?
- The highest-rated places in our Punakha guide are Punakha Dzong Viewpoint, Punakha Dzong, Punakha Suspension Bridge, Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple), Riverfront Punakha.
- Where should I stay in Punakha?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Punakha: Riverside (Pho Chhu / Mo Chhu), Khuruthang (Town).
- How do I get around Punakha?
- Ways to get around Punakha covered in our guide: Car with driver, Walking.