Blessed with the magnificence of the Eastern Himalayas, Punakha is a verdant arcadia in the Kingdom of Bhutan. Due to its vast fertile terrain, the city is known as ‘the land of red rice’. The pristine rivers, Pho Chu and Mo Chhu, flow through the valley creating an enigmatic aura. Punakha packages offer an opportunity to explore the splendour of the valley. Notably, Punakha was the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and the foremost national assembly was hosted here in 1953. The town is popular for Punakha Dzong – the second oldest dzong in Bhutan. A Punakha tour package includes all the major attractions in the valley. 

Places to visit in Punakha

A Punakha trip involves witnessing some of the wonderful monasteries and monuments in Bhutan. The most significant of them is Punakha Dzong. Built at the confluence of rivers Mo Chhu and Pho Chu, Punakha Dzong is an architectural magnum opus. The historic dzong preserves the remnants of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Ranjung Karsapani, a sacred relic which is an image of Avalokiteswara. Known as the ‘place of happiness’, the largest dzong is a must-visit site during a Punakha tour. The 15th century Chimi Lakhang monastery is another important place to visit in Punakha. It is believed that childless couples are blessed with children after paying a visit to the sacred monastery. Further, Khansum Yulley Namgyal Chorten is among the Punakha tourist spots where visitors may find some solace in a spiritual ambience. The chorten is decorated with amazing works of art of Sakyamuni. 

Punakha sightseeing

Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery is a white monument that exemplifies the holistic lifestyle of nuns in Bhutan. Visiting the Mo Chhu River is one of the most charming experiences in Punakha. One can observe the beautiful reflection of Punakha Dzong on the crystalline water of Mo Chhu. Tourists on a Punakha trip enjoy the serenity of nature at the riverside. Punakha sightseeing remains incomplete without visiting Jigme Dorji National Park. It is the second largest national park in Bhutan preserving a pool of endangered flora and fauna. It is named after the third king of Bhutan Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Travellers get overwhelmed by the amazing view of woods crammed with rhododendrons, orchids, blue poppy and cypress. The park is a sanctuary for numerous species of animals and birds, including raven, takin, red panda, tiger, black bear, blue sheep and snow leopard. 

Things to do in Punakha

There are ample of exhilarating activities to enjoy in Punakha. Tourists can indulge in water activities like rafting and kayaking in Mo Chhu River. The excitement dose gets doubled at the Devil’s Gorge. Another thrilling experience is crossing the Punakha Suspension Bridge. Punakha holiday packages also include a safari to Jigme Dorji National Park. Here, one can spot different species of birds and animals. Travellers can find some repose by meditating at Talo Monastery. Further, tourists may visit Rista village to get an insight into the clannish way of life in Bhutan. To create memories of a Punakha trip, tourists can visit the local market to buy some souvenirs. 

Punakha tourism

Punakha, one of the most scenic destinations in Bhutan, is a perfect place for nature lovers. It offers travellers a number of things to do and explore for a soul-satisfying experience. Punakha Suspension Bridge over Mo Chhu River is the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan. The temperature of the Punakha valley remains optimum throughout the year. Punakha packages provide an opportunity to visit the local villages to take a glance at the organic farming and the ethnic lifestyle in Bhutan.