Punakha valley is considered one of the most beautiful and fertile valleys of Bhutan. About three hours drive (71 km) from Thimphu but much at lower altitude (1200m), Punakha valley is warmer than any other valleys in Bhutan.
Before reaching Punakha (about 22km from Thimphu) you will pass through a mountain pass “Dochu La” at 3100m above sea level. On a clear day, the view of the Eastern Himalayas from this pass is one of the best in the country. There are a hundred and nine chortens (stupas) in three tiers of forty five, thirty six and twenty seven circumscribing a single larger chorten at the top. This chortens are called Druk Wangyal Chortens or ‘Chortens of the Victory of the Druk Gyalpo’. The building of these chortens was initiated by Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck when her husband the fourth King, travelled to the South-East of the country in December 2003 leading his army against the insurgents from India.
Besides these magnificent chortens in an amazing setting you will be able enjoy the view of some of the great Himalayan peaks starting from the left with Masangang (7165m), which dominates the district of Laya. The next is Tshendagang ((7100m) and the following peaks are Tserigang (7300m), Jejegangphugang, Kangphugang, the Table top mountain’ Zongaphugang (7100m) and finally the highest peak of Gangkar Puensum at a towering height of 7541m.
Punakha Dzong
The Dzong straddles the confluence of two rivers- Phochu (male river) and Mochu (female river) is the most beautiful fortress in Bhutan. It was named as ‘Pungthang Dechen Phodrang’ or ‘Palace of Great happiness’. This impressive fortress was built in 1637. It was the second of the mighty dzongs built by Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyel, person Read More…
Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten
Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten: Drive about half an hour along the banks of the Mo Chhu (Female river) to the upper end of the valley and about an hour of hike through rice fields and forest to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning monument recently built by the Queens and consecrated in 1999. The Read More…
Chime Lhakhang
Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility was built in 1499 by Lama (saint) Ngawang Chogyel dedicating to the maverick Saint Lam Drukpa Kuenley, commonly known as “The Divine Mad Man”. The temple is located about 30 minutes hike from the main motor road, walking between the valley of Mesina Village engulfed with paddy field and Read More…
Punakha Tshechu
Festival Dates: 19-21 February 2024 Punakha Dromchoe dedicated to the Goddess Mahakala, is a five day long festival held inside the Punakha Dzong. The age old religious aspects are still performed in the same way consisting of Mask dances and various cultural programs. A play of warriors going off to war is enacted on the Read More…
Punakha Winter Trek (Trek 3 Days)
This is a short and easy trek through Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan. The altitude of the trail covers almost a thousand meters in range but the slopes are mostly gradual and should not present hikers with much difficulty. This hike follows the old foot trail from Thimphu to Punakha passes through several villages, Read More…
