Bhutan · City Guide
Punakha
Punakha is Bhutan's most historically significant valley and the site of the magnificent Punakha Dzong, widely considered the most beautiful building in Bhutan, a magnificent fortress monastery at the confluence of the Mo and Pho Chhu rivers that served as Bhutan's winter capital for over 300 years. The beautiful fertile valley with its rice and banana plantations, the spectacular suspension bridge and outstanding hiking in the surrounding hills makes Punakha one of Bhutan's most rewarding destinations.
Elect's take
"Punakha Dzong is the most beautiful building I visited in Bhutan. The combination of the confluence setting, the extraordinary architecture and the spiritual significance creates something genuinely moving and I would rate it among the most beautiful buildings in all of Asia."
Punakha Dzong is a massive fortress monastery at the confluence of the Mo and Pho Chhu rivers, its brilliant white walls and golden roofs reflected in the water below creating one of the most photogenic buildings in Asia. The dzong houses a magnificent gilded altar and was the site of the Royal Wedding of the 4th and 5th Druk Gyalpos (Dragon Kings). The valley below Punakha is Bhutan's lowest and warmest, providing beautiful rice terraces, banana and citrus plantations. The spectacular Punakha Suspension Bridge, one of the longest traditional bridges in Bhutan at 160 metres, provides excellent views of the dzong. The Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten across the river provides beautiful valley views.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
Punakha Dzong
Bhutan's most beautiful building at the confluence of two rivers with golden roofs.
Suspension Bridge
One of Bhutan's longest traditional suspension bridges with excellent dzong views.
Fertile Valley
Bhutan's warmest valley with rice terraces, banana and orange plantations.
Khamsum Chorten Hike
A beautiful walk through farmland to a remarkable stupa with panoramic valley views.
Royal Heritage
The site of royal weddings and the winter capital of Bhutan for over 300 years.
Dochu La Pass
An outstanding mountain pass with 108 chortens and views of the Himalayan peaks.
