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Punakha Tourism

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About Punakha

Punakha was the capital of Bhutan before Thimpu was made the capital city. There are many places to see in Punakha. It is popular for its temples, sightseeing viewpoints, courtyards, valleys, towers, and mini excursions in and around this town. This is one of the religious centers of Bhutan. It is at the confluence of two rivers of Bhutan. You can visit this town for taking short tours, stopping before heading towards other things to do in the Haa Valley, Gangtey, and Wangdue which have many places that are a haven for wildlife and nature photographers. These valleys have Alpine forests and mountain views that are serene and breathtaking. You get a countryside feel when you visit this riverside town, Punakha.

There are not too many tourists places to visit in Punakha. Tourists come to this town to rest, eat, and drink, before visiting other places of interest in Bhutan. You can visit monasteries, temples, Chorten, walking bridge, hill side village, and a collage where you can interact with the monks. You can go to the riverside as a weekend getaway. For most part, there is handful of places to be visited in this part of Bhutan. Quiet and tranquil, this is one of the holy places in Bhutan that is a home to monks. Whether you're on a Bhutan tour or seeking adventure, Punakha offers ample opportunities to immerse yourself in thrilling experiences amidst its tranquil surroundings.

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648 Reviews
By 648 Travellers
4.8 ★ Rated By 3L+ Travellers
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ronak Sharma
On: 07 Jan 2026
5
I really appreciate the team to take care of all ten details mentioned in the plan . Thank you 🤩 
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Niharika Mehndiratta
On: 17 Oct 2025
5
I recently completed a 7-day trip to Bhutan arranged by your team, and I wanted to share my feedback and appreciation for the experience. From the moment we landed to our...Read More
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Bhadresh Limbachiya
On: 30 May 2025
5
Best services
Hameeda Bharwani_img
Hameeda Bharwani
On: 17 May 2025
5
HOSPITALITY AND STAY OVERALL..VERY HAPPY LOOKING FORWARD TO CONNECT FOR OTHER TOURS IN FUTURE
Giridhar Gatte_img
Giridhar Gatte
On: 28 Apr 2025
4
Well organized, peaceful visit 
Yatin Pawar_img
Yatin Pawar
On: 02 Apr 2025
5
Our trip to Bhutan was absolutely fantastic! From the moment we reached Phuentsholing, to the time we left, everything was properly planned, and the experience far exceeded our expectations. Thillophilia planned all of this really well.  A huge shoutout to our guide, Mr. Kinley, and our driver, Mr. Sungten, who made this journey truly special. Kinley’s deep knowledge of Bhutanese history, traditio...Read More

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Punakha FAQ's

Travel advice

  • Most of the places in Bhutan are conservative, so do not wear tight or revealing clothes.

  • There are many buses and taxis available to travel to this place from Thimpu.

  • Do not enter temples in casual clothing. Wear sarongs or something ethnic or traditional when entering temples.

  • Respect their culture and do not talk loudly inside temples or monasteries.

  • Show respect towards the monks and do not say anything disrespectful about Bhutan, its culture, religion, rituals, or the Royal family.

  • Carry all of your travel documents along with you, and keep cash handy.

  • Most of the hotels and resorts in Punakha may not have the credit card facility.

  • Within Punakha there are no options for shopping at all.

  • There is no scope for nightlife in Punakha.

  • This is not a place for noisy camping or partying.

  • You can also use Punakha as a resting point before visiting other places.

  • Always get your own backpack and camping gear when you visit this town.

  • No camping or trekking facilities will be provided to you.

  • Local cuisine is available in most of the hotels and resorts.

  • Carry water bottles, warm clothes, and sunscreen along with you.

Drinking law

This is a religious and sacred town in Bhutan. You will not find any liquor shops or bars inside the town. You must never take liquor along with you when travelling to this place or drink on streets or public places.


Our Recommendations: What you can’t afford to miss?

Dzongs, architecture, and temples

The Punakha Dzong or the fortress is one of the largest fortresses in Bhutan. This fortress stands at the culmination of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu river and is surrounded by lush greens and scenic view. The Chimi Lhakhang Monastery has a history and is dedicate to an unconventional saint in Bhutan, who directed people to look beyond orthodoxies and superstitions.

This monastery was built in the 15th century and was dedicated to the saint, Lama Drukpa Kunley. He is revered in both Tibet and Bhutan. He was a tantric Buddhist who raised the bar of spiritual wisdom much above the conventional teachings in Bhutan. There is also a cafeteria attached to this monastery where you can eat after visiting this monastery. There are many paintings of phalluses that are showcased on the walls of the monastery, because this saint worshipped them and also encouraged other monks to worship them.

The Khamsum Yuley Temple in Ngezergang, away from Punakha is one of the most elaborate temples in Bhutan. The engineering, architecture, and the décor of this temple is built as per the holy scriptures of Nyingmapa Buddhists. On the inner walls of this temple you will find finer artworks of Buddhist spiritualism. You can also visit the Wangdue Phodrang for its view and sightseeing as it overlooks the Punak Tsang Chhu river.


Adventure activities

You can go kayaking and river rafting in the Pho Chhu River that is closer to the Eastern Himalayas. Punakha valleys are the most ideally suited for mountain biking. You can take biking trails in these areas that lead to Tschochagsa. This is the most ideal place for trekkers and bikers, and you also get to do a few water sports activities. You can also take hiking trails to the Chorten Nebu where you are likely to find the spotted deer and the wild boar. You can explore more of nature and wild life when you trek in the places nearby Punakha.


What you will like there?

Hiking and trekking trials

You get the best of nature view when trekking in the areas near Punakha, by the river and valleys. You can also take a trek near the fortress, which is huge and provides best sites for viewing and sightseeing. You will find hot springs at Koma Tsachu, where you can enjoy bathing in the solar lights. You can also take a trek to the Guru Rinpoche Caves, which is a temple cave and one of the sacred sites.


Temples and monasteries

Punakha is a town that has a college for monks, where you can interact with them here. You can visit temples, monasteries, and villages nearby for sightseeing and getting the cultural delight of this place. There are also many hillside resorts where you can stay and get a panoramic view of the town and the mountain range.


Nearby places

There are many places near Punakha that you can visit by taking local transportation or by car. You can visit Thimpu, Paro, Mongar, Samdrup Jongkhar, and many others nearby towns for sightseeing and outdoor activities.


Recommended reads for destination

Website

Visit Bhutan

Forum

Trip Advisor Travel Forum

Books

Lonely Planet Bhutan (Country Travel Guide) by Bradley Mayhew


Punakha Reviews

5 New Reviews This Week
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review-img
Ronak Sharma
Reviewed: 07 Jan 2026
5.0/5
I really appreciate the team to take care of all ten details mentioned in the plan . Thank you 🤩 
ronak Sharma
ronak Sharma
ronak Sharma
ronak Sharma
ronak Sharma
ronak Sharma
(5+)View All
review-img
Niharika Mehndiratta
Reviewed: 17 Oct 2025
5.0/5
I recently completed a 7-day trip to Bhutan arranged by your team, and I wanted to share my feedback and appreciation for the experience. From the moment we landed to our final day, the entire trip was beautifully planned and executed. The itinerary struck a perfect balance between sightseeing, rela... Read More
Niharika Mehndiratta
Niharika Mehndiratta
review-img
Bhadresh Limbachiya
Reviewed: 30 May 2025
5.0/5
Best services
review-img
Hameeda Bharwani
Reviewed: 17 May 2025
5.0/5
HOSPITALITY AND STAY OVERALL..VERY HAPPY LOOKING FORWARD TO CONNECT FOR OTHER TOURS IN FUTURE
review-img
Giridhar Gatte
Reviewed: 28 Apr 2025
4.0/5
Well organized, peaceful visit 
review-img
Yatin Pawar
Reviewed: 02 Apr 2025
5.0/5
Our trip to Bhutan was absolutely fantastic! From the moment we reached Phuentsholing, to the time we left, everything was properly planned, and the experience far exceeded our expectations. Thillophilia planned all of this really well.  A huge shoutout to our guide, Mr. Kinley, and our driver, Mr. ... Read More

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