The 10 Best Places to Visit in Punakha Bhutan

Bhutan lies in the eastern Himalayas and is well known for its natural beauty, culture, and tradition. Popularly known as the ‘Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon,’ this small country is renowned for its conservation of natural and cultural resources. Tourism in Bhutan is developed sustainably, allowing tourists to experience the authentic essence of the country while aiding in the conservation of its breathtaking landscapes. While Thimphu serves as the political, cultural, and economic center, the valleys and towns of Bhutan, particularly Punakha, offer some of the best places to visit in Punakha, Bhutan, showcasing its rich heritage and stunning scenery.

One of them is Punakha which is the second largest town in Bhutan and was the capital of this country before. This beautiful town lies at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers with valleys of rice terrains on its periphery. The architecture of Punakha is very fascinating and one of the main attractions is the Punakha Dzong which speaks volumes about the history of the kingdom and its culture. People are always attracted to the beautiful views, the festivals, and the friendly nature of the people of Punakha that make Punakha one of the most famous tourist destinations.

When you are planning tourist Places to Visit in Punakha Bhutan you will find that most of them are associated with nature, religion, and history. Starting from the historical dzongs and temples, to the serene rivers and beautiful trekking routes, Punakha has something for everyone. If you are in search of an adventurous trip, a cultural experience or just a quiet vacation amidst the natural beauty, Bhutan tour packages has a lot to offer and is sure to make your trip a memorable one through one of the most beautiful regions of Bhutan.

Here is The 10 Best Places to Visit in Punakha Bhutan

1. Punakha Dzong

Punakha Dzong also called the “Palace of Great Happiness” is one of the most recognizable symbols of Bhutan. Built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, this beautiful fortress is situated at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. The dzong is famous for its beautiful construction, large white washed walls, beautiful golden roofs and wooden balconies carved out of wood. The grounds are filled with courtyards and temples that the visitors can enter and look at the murals and religious items. The dzong is most beautiful in winter when monks from Thimphu Dzong move here because of better climate.

2. Chimi Lhakhang

Chimi Lhakhang is also known as the ‘Fertility Temple’ and is devoted to the saint known as Drukpa Kuenley, also referred to as the ‘Mad Saint’. Sitting on a hill top the temple is enclosed by rice fields which provides a vantage view of Punakha valley. This shrine is a magnet for pilgrims and couples who want to conceive a child and are given a wooden penis for good luck. The temple is a wonderful place to learn about Bhutanese culture and spirituality and therefore one of the most attractive Places to Visit in Punakha Bhutan.

3. Punakha Suspension Bridge

The Punakha Suspension Bridge is one of the longest suspension bridges in the country of Bhutan and is approximately 160 meters long spanning across the Mo Chhu River. This bridge which links the dzong to the other villages provides a clear view of the green vegetation as well as the flowing river below. Crossing the bridge is quite thrilling and is a great place for photography. The views from the lodge are also spectacular and there are better trails for hiking around Punakha for people who want to see more of the scenery.

4. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten

About half an hour walk from Punakha is the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a beautiful stupa constructed to symbolize peace and harmony. This is a well carved monument with artistically carved paintings of various gods and ideologies of Buddhism. The hike to the chorten is not very strenuous and it takes about an hour and half to reach the top, during which one has to cross through thick forests of rhododendrons and oak trees, but the view of the Punakha Valley and the great Himalayas is worth the effort. The chorten is a perfect spot for meditation and for that reason, anyone who wishes to have a quiet time should have to Places to Visit in Punakha Bhutan.

5. Wangdue Phodrang Dzong

A few kilometers from Punakha is the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, another impressive fortress that you should not miss. Despite the fact that the construction of the dzong was partially damaged in 2019 by fire, the restoration of the building has saved its history. It is built on a hillside which provides a vantage point of the valley and the surrounding territory. This site is a good place for learning the history of Bhutan and its architecture while admiring the view.

6. Punakha’s Rice Fields

The terracing of the rice fields in Punakha is quite beautiful especially when the rice is ripe and ready for harvest and the fields are a bright green and gold. The techniques that the farmers in this region use in farming and irrigation give the area a beautiful view that is irresistible to photographers. Tourists can go for a stroll through the rice fields, meet the growers, and learn more about the agricultural activities of the country. This makes the visit very personal and gives the visitors a feel of the local culture.

7. Mo Chhu River

Stretching from the southern to the central part of the country, the Mo Chhu River is not only picturesque but also has features such as white-water rafting and kayaking. The clear waters flow through beautiful valleys and offer great experiences to the extreme lovers. There are several local operators who provide rafting trips for different experience levels of the clients. It is also ideal for fun seekers and leisure-takers since after the day’s adventurous activities, they can sit by the river banks to watch the sunset.

8. Punakha’s Local Markets

Visiting local markets in Punakha is one of the best ways of learning more about the local culture of the people of Bhutan. The markets present various products such as traditional artefacts, fabrics, and foods from the region. Meeting with locals and getting to taste some of the local specialties such as ema datshi, a dish made from chilies and cheese, can be one of the pleasures of the trip. These markets are ideal for buying such souvenirs that could be made by locals and buying them would be quite fulfilling.

9. Drukpa Kuenley’s Temple

This unique temple is a shrine of the “Mad Saint” or the “Jolly Saint”, Drukpa Kunley. The temple has sculptures and paintings that depict the saint and his preachings. It is an interesting place that can be distinguished from other, more typical for Bhutan, temples. The temple of Drukpa Kuenley is one of the most fascinating Places to Visit in Punakha as it offers information on folklore and spirituality of Bhutanese people.

10. Festivals of Punakha

It is always a great idea to embrace the festivals of Punakha in order to get the feel of the Bhutanese culture. The Punakha Drubchen and Punakha Tsechu are two of the biggest festivals held in this area with lots of music, dancing, and colorful costumes. In these occasions people go out to watch cultural displays that involve colorful processions and religious ceremonies or dances. If you are privileged to Places to Visit in Punakha the country during festival time, do not miss the opportunity to dance for the best feel of the culture.

Conclusion

Punakha is an enchanting place that can tell the tourists a lot about the Bhutanese culture and offer breathtaking views of the nature. Starting from the famous Punakha Dzong to the beautiful walking paths and the colourful markets, every place is a peek into the cultural heritage of this beautiful kingdom. Not only does the visitor get to enjoy the beautiful and stunning views of the country but also gets the welcoming nature of the people in Punakha.

When planning your trip to this fantastic town, it is crucial to take a Bhutan Package that would show you the best places to visit in Punakha and more. Whether one is in search of an adventure, the divine, or just the right holiday destination, Punakha is a place that will not only give one memories to cherish for the rest of his or her life but also memories that will be worth cherishing. Do not miss the opportunity to familiarize yourself with this treasure of the Himalayas and find out more about what is in Bhutan.

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