Bhutan Jewel Travel

Punakha

Popular Sites to visit in Punakha

Drive to Punakha the former capital of Bhutan through Dochula Pass (3150m). On the way stop for a photo stop at Dochula Pass which is 26km away from Thimphu valley, and for Tea and snacks and to enjoy the most spectacular view of eastern Himalayan snow capped Mountains and also the great view of Gasa Dzong at a distance (if weather is clear) .You can see 108 small chorten or stupas which make more beautiful the Dochula Pass. You will be amalgamating into the dense forest of pines.

  • Chime Lhakhang, located on a hillock among the rice field and is a pilgrimage for childless couple. Chimi Lhakhang is know as the “Temple Of Fertility” The journey continues through varying scenes of greenery all the way to Punakha. Visit Punakha town. The Punakha Dzong lies between two great rivers with their names as the Phochu (Male River) and the Mochu (Female River). Presently,this Dzong serves as the winter residence for the Je Khenpo, Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body and also the office of the district Administration. Punakha Dzong was built in 1637 by the founder of Bhutan,Shabdrung Rimpoche. Shabdrung Rimpoche went into meditation in 1651 at the age of 58,for 12 long years in the Punakha Dzong,after he had established the DUAL system of Governance in Bhutan. Shabdrung Rimpoche’s death was announced only 25 years after his death,as it was believed that even after his physical death,he remained in meditation.
  • Punakha Dzong houses many sacred,holy ancient relics,the most sacred being the RANGJUNG KHARSAPANI and the JHOU.
  • Khamsum Yulley Temple: This is a temple situated on a hill top and built by the Queen Mother of Bhutan for the fifth and reigning King of Bhutan. The temple is a mark of Bhutanese architecture and paintings. Its a half day hike round trip.
  • Punakha Suspension Bridge : The longest in Bhutan starting off near the Punakha Fortress and leads to the village across the Punakha River.
  • Talo Monastery: – Talo Monastery is situated on the hilltop of Punakha valley with the beautiful view of Punakha valley. The monastery is surrounded by a valley, famous for being one of the cleanest and hygiene amongst Punakha Village. Talo has become one of the must visit place when you are at Punakha.
  • Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup Nunnery: – The Nunnery and a Buddhist Monastry is of two storied built in a popular site known as Omolatsekha (Bhutan’s tallest statue of Chenrezig chagtong chentong) with the height of 14ft. It has become a must visit place when you are in Punakha Valley.
  • Punakha Ritsha Village: – Ritsha Village is known as “Rice Bowl of Bhutan” as it produces major portion of rice in Bhutan. “Ritsha” means at the base of the hill. And it is also a must visit place in Punakha valley.

Excursion/ Hiking in PUNAKHA

  • Chimi Lhakhang
  • Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
  • Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery
  • Limbukha
  • Talo Village
  • Punakha Ritsha Village
  • Nalanda Buddhist Institute

Adventure / Sports and Other Activities in PUNAKHA

  • White Water Popular River Rafting
  • Biking
  • Trekking

Punakha Tshechu

  • Punakha Drubchen
  • Punakha Tshechu
  • Talo Tshechu