Did you know Punakha Dzong is the coronation place of all the kings of Bhutan belongs to Wangchuck family? Punakha valley situated around 85 km’s east from Thimphu City, around three hours drive to reach via Thimphu-Wangdue Phodrang Highway. Recommend to have a stop at the Dochula Pass (3100 meters), where on a clear sky you can get a spectacular view of the Himalayas. One would also see 108 memorial stupas known as “Druk Wangyal Chortens” built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, the eldest Queen Mother at Dochula pass.
Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan has high historical significance. The magnificent Punakha Dzong acted as the center of recorded historical activities. It was the site of coronation his Majesty Ugyen Wangchuck as the first King of Bhutan on 1907. It is also the place where many important treaties were signed between British and Bhutanese government. It is currently the administrative center of the district.
February/March is a good time to visit as “Demoche” the annual festival is held at the Dzong during the period. The Cultural richness of Bhutan is mainly portrayed during this five-day annual festival.
Weather at Punakha
Punakha is generally warmer than Paro and Thimphu. Average October temperature stays within 12 – 21 º C. For more details visit Punakha Weather.
Cuisines at Punakha
Bhutanese and Chinese are the preferred cuisines here.
Places at Punakha
Punakha Dzong
Centre of attraction Punakha Dzong has an astonishing view once you get down from your vehicle and stand in front of the confluence of Pho Chhu (Father) and Mo Chhu (Mother) rivers in the Punakha–Wangdue valley. You would find out gardens with changing colors all around the administrative center of the Punakha district. Constructed on 1637 by Ngawang Namgyal, 1st Zhabdrung Rinpoche, this is one of the most beautiful Dzongs in Bhutan. This is also the place where Royal wedding between Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and his fiancée, Jetsun Pema in 2011.
View of Punakha DZong
Once you are inside the Dzong, take a couple of hours to visit all the sacred places inside it. While coming out, you would surely have a high regard for Bhutanese art and architectures. A 55 meters long covered wooden bridge just outside the Dzong crossing the Mo Chhu (river) is another place to enjoy the splendid view of the valley and the Dzong.
The entire area is a photographers’ heaven, great place to shoot amazing colorful photos. Note that the Dzong is normally closed for public viewing in the winter season. Hence it is a good idea to check the timings before you plan your visit.
Punakha Suspension Bridge
Near to the Dzong, the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan built on top of Pho Chhu connecting nearby villages. It can be reached after a short hike from the parking lot. View of the nearby mountains and the river is panoramic from the bridge. Want to feel the thrill? Walk through the bridge and share your experience in the comments below.
Chimi L’hakhang Temple
It’s a nice walk/trek around half an hour to reach the temple from the car parking space. This hilltop temple is also known as “Fertility Temple”. Try to follow a proper dress code while visiting this sacred place. There is an interesting story behind the legacy of the temple, gives you the motivation to get introduced to locals and listen to it from them.
River Rafting
Mo Chhu is very favorable for river rafting without much risk. “Druk rafting” gives you a platform to have incredible rafting with their well-planned services. It is around two hours rafting experience covers most of the beautiful landscape beside the River.The view of the Punakha Dzong from the river is something to cheer for. Take help from the tour guides to capture the moments in your camera.
Shopping Destinations
Street Markets are the best place to shop from at Punakha. Lamps, stones, carved slates are available in the marketplace. It is a good idea to roam around the market to look into different available options.