Punakha
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At a glance
- Country
- Bhutan
- Region
- Punakha District
- Population
- 7,000
- Best time to go
- October to April
- Main airport
- None — nearest is Paro International (PBH)
- Coordinates
- 27.58°N, 89.87°E
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Overview
Punakha was Bhutan's capital for three centuries, and its dzong at the meeting of two rivers is the most beautiful in the country. The valley sits much lower than Thimphu, so it is warmer, with terraced rice fields, orange trees and jacaranda.
The drive in crosses the Dochu La pass, lined with chortens and prayer flags. Spend a day or two walking between temples and farms, rafting the rivers and simply enjoying the softer climate.
Things to see
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Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0 Punakha Dzong
A majestic fortress where the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers meet, at its loveliest when the jacarandas bloom in spring.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0 Chimi Lhakhang
The fertility temple of the 'Divine Madman', reached by a short walk through rice fields and village houses.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Christopher J. Fynn, CC BY-SA 3.0 Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
A temple on a hilltop above the valley, reached by crossing a suspension bridge and climbing through fields.
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Photo: Göran Höglund (Kartläsarn), CC BY 2.0 Dochu La
A mountain pass on the road from Thimphu with 108 memorial chortens and, in clear weather, views of high Himalayan peaks.
Things to do
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Photo: Afifa Afrin, CC BY-SA 4.0 Raft the Mo Chhu
A gentle rafting trip downstream ends with a view of the dzong from the water.
Find tours -
Photo: Doug Knuth, CC BY-SA 2.0 Cross the suspension bridge
Walk across one of Bhutan's longest suspension bridges, hung with prayer flags, a short walk from the dzong.
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Punakha Drubchen and Tshechu
The valley's late-winter festivals re-enact historic battles in front of the dzong, followed by masked dances.
Where to stay
Khuruthang
The small modern town, with simple hotels and a few restaurants.
Hotels in KhuruthangValley lodges
Resorts and farmhouses set among rice fields and above the rivers, the most peaceful option.
Hotels in Valley lodges
Getting around
Visits are normally arranged through a licensed tour operator with a guide and driver. Many sights are linked by easy walks through the fields.
Punakha is around three hours by road from Thimphu, crossing the Dochu La pass, and four to five from Paro airport.
When to go
The mild climate makes autumn, winter and spring all pleasant, with winter the warmest in Bhutan's central valleys. The jacarandas flower in spring, and summer is hot and wet.
Plan your trip to Punakha
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.