Punakha, Bhutan
The warm former capital, home to Bhutan's most beautiful dzong at the river confluence.
1200m elevation Best in Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr +
About Punakha
Punakha sits at a milder 1,200m elevation, 2.5 hours east of Thimphu over the Dochula Pass (3,100m). It was Bhutan's capital until 1955 and the Punakha Dzong — built at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers — is widely considered Bhutan's most beautiful dzong, especially when the jacaranda blooms in spring.
The Punakha valley is warm and fertile year-round and is a highlight on any 5-7 night Bhutan itinerary. The Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten hike and Chimi Lhakhang (the fertility temple) are traditional add-ons.
Top things to do
- Punakha Dzong (at river confluence)
- Chimi Lhakhang (fertility temple)
- Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten hike
- Dochula Pass (108 chortens)
- White-water rafting on Mo Chhu
- Spring jacaranda blooms (Mar–Apr)
Experiences in Punakha
All experiencesOther Bhutan destinations
Thimphu
Bhutan's unhurried capital — the only one in the world without traffic lights.
Paro
Bhutan's front door — valley of Tiger's Nest and Bhutan's only international airport.
Bumthang
Bhutan's spiritual heartland — four valleys of red rice, apples, and ancient monasteries.
Phobjikha
Glacial valley where endangered black-necked cranes winter from November to March.
Haa
Bhutan's quiet west — alpine meadows, rare-yak pastures, off-the-beaten-path.
Trongsa
Central Bhutan crossroads with the country's longest dzong, birthplace of the monarchy.