Punakha, Bhutan: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know Punakha served as Bhutan’s ancient capital for over 300 years and still hosts royal weddings and coronations? This subtropical valley, nestled at the confluence of two mighty rivers, offers a dramatically different experience from the rest of Bhutan. While travelers often focus on Thimphu and Paro, Punakha’s golden dzongs, emerald rice terraces, and warm climate make it the unexpected highlight of many Bhutanese journeys.

Getting to Punakha & Planning Your Journey

Punakha is located about 85 km (53 miles) east of Paro International Airport, Bhutan’s only international gateway. Most visitors arrive in Bhutan via flight to Paro, then travel to Punakha by road.

By Air

There are no direct flights to Punakha. You’ll need to fly into Paro International Airport, which has connections from Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu, Singapore, and several Indian cities. Druk Air (Royal Bhutan Airlines) and Bhutan Airlines operate these routes.

By Road from Paro/Thimphu

The journey from Thimphu to Punakha takes approximately 2.5-3 hours and passes through the scenic Dochula Pass (3,100 m/10,170 ft). The drive offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas on clear days. From Paro, the journey takes about 4 hours.

Visa Requirements

All visitors to Bhutan (except Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals) require a visa, which must be arranged in advance through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. Since 2022, Bhutan has implemented a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of $200 per person per night, which goes toward supporting sustainable tourism initiatives.

Best Time to Visit Punakha

Punakha enjoys a subtropical climate that’s significantly warmer than Thimphu or Paro, making it a year-round destination. However, some seasons offer better experiences than others:

The Punakha Tshechu (festival) typically occurs in February or March, offering a unique cultural experience if you time your visit accordingly.

Getting Around Punakha

Punakha Valley is spread out, with attractions scattered throughout the area. Here are your options for local transportation:

Tour Vehicle

Most visitors explore Punakha as part of a tour package, which includes a vehicle with driver. This is the most convenient option as public transportation is limited.

Private Car Hire

If you’re traveling independently, you can arrange a private car with driver through your hotel. Expect to pay around 2,500-3,500 Nu ($30-45 USD) per day.

Walking

Some attractions like the Punakha Suspension Bridge and Chimi Lhakhang are accessible via short hikes. Walking through the valley’s rice fields and villages offers a wonderful way to experience local life.

Where to Stay in Punakha

Punakha offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to cozy guesthouses. Most properties feature traditional Bhutanese architecture with modern amenities.

Luxury Options

Six Senses Punakha and COMO Uma Punakha offer premium experiences with spectacular valley views, spa facilities, and exceptional service. Expect to pay $500-1,000+ per night.

Mid-Range Options

Zhingkham Resort, Drubchhu Resort, and Meri Puensum Resort provide comfortable stays with traditional charm at $150-300 per night.

Budget-Friendly Options

Hotel Lobesa, Hotel Vara, and Punatsangchhu Cottages offer clean, basic accommodations from $50-150 per night.

Dining & Local Cuisine in Punakha

Bhutanese cuisine is characterized by its spiciness and use of local ingredients. Here are some must-try dishes and dining spots in Punakha:

Local Specialties

• Ema Datshi – Bhutan’s national dish of chilies and cheese
• Phaksha Paa – Pork cooked with spicy red chilies
• Red Rice – Nutty, mineral-rich rice grown in the Punakha Valley
• Momos – Dumplings filled with cheese, vegetables, or meat
• Ara – Traditional rice wine, often served warm

Where to Eat

Most visitors dine at their hotels, which typically offer both Bhutanese and international cuisine. For local experiences, try:

• Chimi Lhakhang Cafeteria – Simple local food near the fertility temple
• Punakha Valley Restaurant – Riverside dining with valley views
• Dochula Resort Restaurant – Perfect for lunch when crossing Dochula Pass

Vegetarians will find plenty of options, as many Bhutanese are Buddhist and vegetarian dishes are common. However, be aware that “vegetarian” dishes may still contain chili, which is considered a vegetable, not a spice in Bhutan.

Top Attractions & Things to Do in Punakha

Punakha Dzong

The magnificent Punakha Dzong (also called Pungtang Dechen Photrang Dzong) is Bhutan’s most spectacular fortress. Built in 1637 at the confluence of the Mo Chhu (Mother River) and Pho Chhu (Father River), it serves as the winter residence for Bhutan’s central monastic body. The dzong houses sacred relics and features stunning architecture, intricate woodwork, and beautiful courtyards.

Visitor Tips: Open daily 9am-5pm (except during special ceremonies). You’ll need a guide to enter. Remove hats and shoes before entering temples. Photography is permitted in courtyards but not inside temples.

Punakha Suspension Bridge

At 160 meters (525 feet) long, this is one of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan. Crossing high above the Po Chhu River, the bridge offers spectacular views of the valley and Punakha Dzong. The swaying bridge, adorned with colorful prayer flags, connects the town to the dzong and provides a thrilling experience.

Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple)

Dedicated to the 15th-century saint Drukpa Kunley (known as the “Divine Madman”), this temple is famous for blessing couples hoping to conceive. The 30-minute walk to the temple passes through the village of Sopsokha, known for its phallus paintings on houses (believed to ward off evil and bring good fortune). The temple itself contains various fertility symbols and a blessed wooden phallus.

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten

Built by the Queen Mother, this four-story temple sits atop a hill overlooking the Punakha Valley. The 45-minute hike through rice fields and pine forests leads to spectacular views and a unique temple dedicated to removing negative forces and promoting peace. The interior features colorful murals and statues representing various Buddhist deities.

River Rafting on Mo Chhu

Punakha offers Bhutan’s best river rafting experiences. The Mo Chhu River provides gentle Class I-II rapids suitable for beginners, while the Po Chhu offers more challenging Class II-IV rapids for experienced rafters. Most rafting trips provide views of the Punakha Dzong from the water—a perspective few visitors get to experience.

Rafting costs range from 2,000-10,000 Nu ($25-125 USD) depending on the route and duration. Your hotel or tour operator can arrange this activity.

Cultural Experiences & Festivals

Punakha Tshechu

This three-day religious festival takes place in February or March (dates vary according to the lunar calendar). Held in the Punakha Dzong courtyard, it features spectacular masked dances, religious performances, and the unfurling of a massive thongdrol (religious tapestry). The festival commemorates the victories of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of Bhutan as a nation-state.

Farm Stays & Village Visits

Several communities around Punakha offer homestay experiences where you can participate in farm activities, learn traditional cooking, and experience authentic Bhutanese rural life. The villages of Talo and Nobgang are particularly known for their beautiful traditional houses and friendly residents.

Traditional Hot Stone Bath

Experience the traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath (Dotsho), where river stones are heated in a fire, then placed in wooden tubs filled with water and medicinal herbs. This therapeutic bath is believed to help with joint pains, skin problems, and general relaxation. Many hotels and farmhouses in Punakha offer this experience.

Practical Travel Tips

Etiquette & Cultural Sensitivity

• Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites (shoulders and knees covered)
• Remove hats and shoes before entering temples
• Walk clockwise around religious structures
• Ask permission before photographing people
• Never climb on religious structures or touch religious artifacts

Health & Safety

Punakha is generally safe, but medical facilities are limited. Bring any necessary medications, sunscreen, and insect repellent. The altitude is lower than other parts of Bhutan (1,200m/3,900ft), so altitude sickness is rarely an issue here.

Money & Connectivity

The Bhutanese currency is the Ngultrum (Nu), which is pegged to the Indian Rupee. ATMs are limited in Punakha, so bring cash. Major hotels accept credit cards. Mobile coverage is generally good, and most accommodations offer Wi-Fi, though it may be slow.

Packing Essentials

• Lightweight, modest clothing with layers for temperature changes
• Comfortable walking shoes for hikes and temple visits
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
• Insect repellent (especially during summer months)
• Reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste

Ready to Experience Punakha?

Punakha offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and spiritual significance that captures the essence of Bhutan. Whether you’re marveling at the architectural splendor of Punakha Dzong, crossing the swaying suspension bridge, or rafting down the turquoise waters of Mo Chhu River, this valley promises experiences that will stay with you long after your journey ends.

Most visitors regret not allocating enough time to Punakha, so consider spending at least two nights here to fully appreciate all this magical valley has to offer. As the Bhutanese saying goes, “In Punakha, happiness flows like the rivers that embrace the dzong.”