Location: Punakha
Top Things to do in Punakha
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What to do and see in Punakha, Punakha District: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
Punakha (Dzongkha: སྤུ་ན་ཁ་) is the administrative centre of Punakha dzongkhag, one of the 20 districts of Bhutan. Punakha was the capital of Bhutan and the seat of government until 1955, when the capital was moved to Thimphu. It is about 72 km away from Thimphu and it takes about 3 hours by car from the capital Thimphu. Unlike Thimphu it is quite warm in winter and hot in summer. It is located at an elevation of 1,200 metres above sea level and rice is grown as the main crop along the river valleys of two main rivers of Bhutan, the Pho Chu and Mo Chu. Dzongkha is widely spoken in this district.
Restaurants in Punakha
1. Punakha Dzong
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,390 reviews
Reviewed By Bhutan_Visit - Thimphu, Bhutan
Punakha Dzong (Fort); One of the most high light place to visit in Bhutan and this fort is very important in the history of Bhutan. It is also the finest example of Bhutanese architecture and also built in a strategic location, confluence of two rivers ( mo chu -Mother river and pho chu -Father river) Join us #bhtc for a trip to Bhutan:
2. Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup nunnery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 169 reviews
Reviewed By Marf13669 - Ogdensburg, United States
The Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang is a temple plus nunnery perched on a ridge overlooking Toebesa, Punakha and Wangdue valleys. The site is comprised of a double storied temple resembling Nepal’s Boudhanath Stupa and a nunnery complex. located on the top of a hill with 360 degree views across three valleys. The complex has a very serene feel where Buddhism can be practiced with ease. We were lucky enough to view nuns chanting in the temple. The site is breathtakingly beautiful.
3. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 210 reviews
Reviewed By Bhutantoursntreks - Thimphu, Bhutan
Driving north of Punakha along the mochhu river itself offers a great deal of that rustic rural Bhutan ambiance with traditional villages and beautiful rice fields. After about an hours drive we can already have a glance of this magnificent tall stupa sitting right above a small ridge surrounded by terraces of rice fields. To get to the stupa we have to cross a small bridge over the mochhu river and stroll between those small path between green rice fields. Often we see villagers working at the fields living a simple daily lives. Few strolls later we ascend upon the ridge which takes just about half hour if you are fit enough. Once on top the intricate design of the stupa welcomes us with its amazing beauty and spirituality. You can also enter this large stupa which is up close a large temple and then climb its upper floors to set foot unto its balcony to enjoy the amazing and panoramic view of Punakha valley below. Mochhu river flows winding through the valley with villages and rice fields, and rich forests on either sides. Then bordering the valley with huge ridges. It feels so peaceful up there looking down the valley and its definitely worth the visit!
4. Punakha Suspension Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 551 reviews
Reviewed By shyamankur - Bongaigaon, India
This is long hanging bridge. Pl visit during evening. its beautiful all around and nice experience to walk in this bridge.
5. Chimi Lhakhang Temple
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 516 reviews
Reviewed By KCAjith - Chennai (Madras), India
A temple dedicated to a Tantrik priest, who claimed to have great powers in increasing fertility in women and providing relief to childless couples. Small in size compared to other gigantic temples. We had to do a short trek to reach the temple set in a scenic, green covered plateau. Nice small structure with beautiful motifs and smaller structures. Serene atmosphere.
6. Royal Botanical Park, Lampelri
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By Arunverma - Amritsar, India
We all visited this park on 11th December on way to Punakha from Thimphu. Unfortunately we could not see many flowers. The Royal Botanical Park, Lampelri, is the first botanical park in Bhutan and forms the backdrop of the Dochula Pass . The park forms a biological corridor of 47 square miles (120 km) between the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park and the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park and has a popular botanical garden within it which is spread over an area of 125 acres (51 ha). This is planted with 46 species of rhododendron of which 18 species are native to the park while the other 26 species are brought from other regions of Bhutan and planted here. These bloom during mid March to early August.The botanical garden of the park has within its limits the 108 stupas (chortens) at the Dochula Pass (3100m).The park was formally declared open in June 2008 to mark the anniversary of the Coronation of King Jigme Kesar Namgyel Wangchuk and centenary of Bhutan's monarchic rule. Mr. Phenden Gyamtsho is the Park Manager, heading a technical team of young, humble and hardworking staff. The park facility centre opens from 9am to 5pm in summer and from 9am to 4pm in winter. The park seriously embarks on waste management advocacy programs to educate the general public. Garbage IN and garbage OUT policy is being emphasised.
