Punakha is a beautiful town located 72 km away from Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. The whole city is surrounded by big mountains, fountains, and trees. A city to enjoy for nature lovers. And so travel lovers often flock to this beautiful town of Punakha to get a different kind of experience.
Best time to visit Punakha in Bhutan
March to May and October to November are the best times to visit Punakha in Bhutan.
Places to visit in Punakha
The entire town of Punakha is actually worth a visit. There are various beautiful structures and temples inside the city. Although there are few places to see in Punakha, there are exciting travel experiences to be had. Places to visit in Punakha are:
- Punakha Jang: Punakha Jang is a very prestigious place for the royal family of Bhutan. Punakha Jang is the most interesting among all other Jang buildings in Punakha city. There are several places to visit nearby. Here the entry fee is 300 taka.
- Namgal Chorten of Khamsum Yuli: This temple was originally established for world peace and prosperity. Here are the tracking options. From the top of this temple, the beauty of the entire valley is breathtaking.
- Sangchen Tailor Luendrup Nunnery: A place of worship for meditating Buddhists. A beautiful building carved in wood with red, black and gold colors on the white walls is an eye-catcher. More than 100 nuns (Christian priests) stay here. There is a huge 14 feet bronze statue of Avlokeswara. From here the beauty of Punakha Valley is mesmerizing.
- Jangdo Pelri Temple: This temple is a religious and sacred place in Bhutan located in Phuntsholing town. Guru Murthy will be seen here. The inner walls of the temple are decorated with various colorful paintings of the life of Gautama Buddha.
- Chimi Lakhang Temple: This Chimi Lakhang temple is known as a special ghostly place in Punakha. If you are an adventurer then the inside and outside environment of the temple will give you a different kind of experience.
- Suspension Bridge: The second largest suspension bridge in Bhutan, from which a wonderful view of Bhutan’s mountains, valleys and Phu Chu River can be seen. Its excellent construction style is noticed by everyone.
- Talo Monster: 2800 meters above the Punakha Valley, you can see the picture of rural life in Bhutan. This village is a true example of how the locals of Bhutan live amidst the diversity of nature. An hour’s drive from Punakha town is a must-see.
- Mo Phu Chu River: For a thrilling experience in the cool waters of the Mo and Phu Chu Rivers, a trip to Punakha would not be complete without rafting. This is a different feeling for adventure lovers.
- Torsa Protected Nature Reserve: It is a special attraction for tourists. It is the only natural reservoir in the world that has not yet been destroyed by human habitation. It is surrounded by broad foliage of alpine and mountain trees. Here you will find various types of endangered trees, plants and beautiful lakes.
- Jigme Dorji National Park: This park is the second largest in Bhutan and many types of endangered animals can be found here such as snow leopard, Himalayan masked deer, Asiatic wild dog, red panda and many other species can be seen in this park. There are several reserve houses for rare species. Especially for bird lovers, the bird reserve house will surely appeal.
- Dochula Pass: This place is the holy land of Bhutanese. The Buddhist monastery here is the main tourist attraction. The Himalayan range can be seen from the top of this pass. Dochula Pass can be visited on the way from Thimphu to Punakha.
You can also visit places like Ha Valley, National Library, Royal Botanical Park, Handicrafts Emporium, Painting School and Traditional Medical Institute.
Trekking hills or valleys
Punakha Valley has several trekking hills. Such as Kamsun Yuli Namgel Chorten, Jana Village (next to Kitchu Resort), Dochula to Thinlegang No and Lamperi to Lumbitsawa.
How to go to Punakha?
Whether you come to Bhutan by road or by air, you have to come to Thimphu first. And to go to Punakha, permission should be taken separately from Thimphu Immigration Office. Punakha can be reached from Thimphu by taxi or car reservation. It takes about 2.50-3 hours to cover 85 km by taxi. Punakha can also be reached by bus. There are two or three buses from Thimpu to Punakha which depart daily at noon for Punakha. In that case, however, it takes less time.
Where will you stay?
There are several good quality hotels and cottages to stay in Punakha. Several hotels including Mendrelgang Home Stay, Himalaya Dragon’s Nest Hotel, Punatsangchu Jamon. However, the cost of staying in hotels a little outside the city will be lower. A good double room for two can be had for $24-35.
Travel expenses to Punakha
Rafting in Punakha will cost a little more. Off-season will cost 1000-1500 rupees and on-season 2000-2500 rupees. In total, 5 days and 4 nights stay will cost 220-230 dollars per person. However, if a group of 4/5 people is matched, the cost per person for 4/5 days will be between 170-190 dollars.
Where to eat and drink
On the way from Thimpu to Punakha, Dochula Resort will be visible. The food here is quite interesting. A variety of drinks are available here along with local food. You can also eat different dishes like Khema Datsi, Ega Datsi.
Where to shop in Punakha
Local people make various types of woolen goods from sheep’s wool. These things are usually available in small shops in Punakha city. Again, the city center also offers a variety of shopping options. You will find various types of dry fruits in food. You will also find various items including Buddhist idols, women’s jewelery and home decoration show-pieces in the local shops of Punakha.
Some travel tips
- It is better to hire a taxi to see the places inside the Punakha city of Bhutan, but in that case, you have to bargain in advance. And try to rent a car from Bhutanese drivers. It will reduce the cost and get mixed and good drivers.
- If international roaming is not activated on the mobile SIM, the network will not be available from Funtsholing. So you have to buy Bhutan Tourist SIM separately.
- Carry traveling or trekking shoes with good grip for mountain climbing and trekking, sneakers and sunglasses to protect yourself from the harsh sun.
- When buying anything, buy cheaply.
- Participating in any of the Bhutanese local festivals will give you a new experience while enjoying your trip even more.
- Keep necessary medicine and first aid box with you in case of travel.
