Western Bhutan
Punakha
Bhutan's former capital, a sub-tropical valley at the confluence of two rivers, home to the country's most photographed dzong.
Elevation: 1,200m / 3,900ft
Overview
Punakha served as Bhutan's capital until the 1950s and remains the winter residence of the Je Khenpo, the head of Bhutan's monastic body. At a much lower elevation than Paro or Thimphu, its valley has a sub-tropical climate that supports rice paddies and citrus orchards year-round.
The valley's centerpiece is Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father river) and Mo Chhu (mother river) — widely considered the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan, and the site of every Bhutanese king's coronation.
- Punakha Dzong at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers
- Punakha Suspension Bridge, one of the longest in Bhutan
- Chimi Lhakhang, the 'temple of the divine madman', a fertility temple reached by a walk through rice fields
- Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a hilltop temple with valley views
- Dochula Pass on the drive in from Thimphu, with 108 memorial chortens
Getting There
Punakha is roughly a 2.5–3 hour drive from Thimphu, crossing Dochula Pass (3,100m), or about 4 hours from Paro. There is no airport in the valley.
Best Time to Visit
Punakha's lower elevation makes it pleasant nearly year-round, including winter when higher valleys turn cold. Spring brings blooming jacaranda trees around the dzong; the Punakha Drubchen and Tshechu are held each February/March.
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Tours Through Punakha
Authentic Bhutan Tour - 8 Days
A deeper cultural expedition across Bhutan's western valleys, with time in the Phobjikha Valley, winter home of the rare black-necked crane.
Bhutan Pilgrimage Tour
Privileged access to Bhutan's holiest Buddhist sites, including Tiger's Nest and Jambay Lhakhang, on a journey rooted in Buddhist tradition.
Bumdra Trek - 8 Days
Cultural sightseeing through western Bhutan followed by a short trek to camp at a sacred site above Tiger's Nest, overlooking the Paro valley.
Scenic Bhutan Tour - 6 Days
An ideal introduction to Bhutan through the mystical valleys of Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and Gangtey.
Thimphu Tshechu - Oct
Celebrate one of Bhutan's biggest festivals in the capital, with masked dances and the day-long Thimphu Dromchoe, across Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro.
Bhutan Bird Watching Tour
A birding tour across Paro, Punakha, Gasa, Phobjikha, and Thimphu — home to roughly 736 recorded species, including 30 globally threatened varieties.