Punakha

Punakha Luxury Travel

Punakha, a subtropical oasis tucked between Thimphu and the Phobjikha Valley (Gangtey), offers a dramatic contrast to Bhutan’s higher-altitude valleys. Lush rice paddies and guava groves blanket the valley floor, while the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers snake elegantly through the landscape. The valley enchants travelers with its serene natural beauty, intriguing history, its postcard-pretty dzong, dreamy slopeside luxury lodges, and outdoor recreation.

Punakha Travel Highlights

Explore Punakha Dzong’s courtyards, temples, and murals alongside an acclaimed Bhutanese architect

Walk among the 108 Stupas of Dochula Pass built in honor of the fallen Bhutanese soldiers

Raft or float along a glacial river

Enjoy a serene, pastoral walk to reach Khamsum Yulley Monastery

Admire sacred statues at Sangchhen Dorji Nunnery

Visit a family farm for a home-cooked dinner and try your hand at bamboo-bow archery with a national champion

Cross Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge

Savor a chef-catered picnic lunch on the riverbank of Punatsangchhu River

Take a guided hiking with a park ranger in Jigme Dorji National Park

Go biking along the same mountain trails preferred by His Royal Highness

Related reading: The Best Things to Do in Bhutan

Things to Do in Punakha

The former capital of Bhutan, Punakha boasts a rich history and culture, much of it centered around the 17th-century Punakha Dzong, the country’s second-oldest and most photogenic. The white-washed and gold-accented dzong, which was the seat of Bhutan’s government until 1955, arises from the riverbanks at the confluence of the Mo Chhu (female) and Pho Chhu (male) rivers, seen as an embodiment of masculine and feminine balance.

One of the best ways to take it all in is afloat a raft—or during a traditional festival, like Punakha Tshechu, Punakha Drubchen, or the truly one-of-a-kind Warrior Festival, celebrating the fierce Pazaap warriors, whose spiritual home was the dzong. And, if you visit in late spring (May or June), you’ll be treated to a delightful display of jacaranda trees adorned with purple blossoms, bathing the dzong in a royal hue.

But Punakha’s crown jewel is Chimi Lhakhang, the famed “fertility temple.” Built by the revered (and irreverent) Divine Madman (Drukpa Kinley), the temple and surrounding town is decorated with phallic symbols—a whimsical reminder of a colorful legend, and a token of fertility and protection. Today, childless couples flock to Chimi Lhakhang, seeking blessings and a playful tap on the head from a monk wielding a red wooden phallus—a ritual believed to enhance fertility.

For a change of scenery, hike across a suspension bridge through verdant rice paddies and vegetable farms on your way to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, a gleaming, multi-tiered gilded stupa offering panoramic views of the lush river valley. Here, you might even meet a local elder with stories of the past.

For the thrill-seeker, Punakha offers river rafting with Class I, II, and III+ rapids, with a chance of spotting the white-bellied heron, the rarest heron in the world. Or, confront your fear of heights by crossing the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan. The 520-foot-long bridge, festooned with fluttering prayer flags, holds a special place in Bhutanese hearts. It’s dedicated to a star-crossed couple, Singye and Galem, who are Bhutan’s “Romeo and Juliet.”

Where to Stay in Punakha

The valley brims with some of Bhutan’s best luxury lodges. Memorable stays include Six Senses Punakha, Amankora Punakha, and &Beyond Punakha River Lodge. For a taste of local charm, consider Como Uma Puhnakha or Dhensa Boutique Resort.

The Best Time to Visit Punakha

Thanks to its subtropical climate, Punakha enjoys humid summers and warm winters, making it a great destination for year-round or winter travel. However, travelers might want to avoid the rain-heavy monsoon period that typically begins in mid-August and runs through mid-September.

February and March are considered the best times to visit Punakha. The spring weather is pleasant and it’s also when the Puhakha Drubchen takes place—a five-day commemoration of Bhutan’s victory against the Tibetan army in the 17th century.

Not far from Punakha, the Druk Wangyel Tsechu is celebrated each year on December 13 in the stupa-dotted Dochula Pass. Backdropped by mountain peaks, masked members of the Royal Bhutan Army (versus monks) perform in tribute to Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King of Bhutan.

Keep reading: The Best Time to Visit Bhutan: A Month-By-Month Guide