Bhutan / Punakha & Phobjikha / PunakhaPunakha
The Palace of Great Happiness at the Rivers' Meeting
A warm, low valley (1,200 m) three hours east of Thimphu over Dochula pass and its 108 chortens. Punakha Dzong, at the meeting of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu, is the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan and the winter home of the monk body. Around it: the longest suspension bridge in the country, the fertility temple of Chimi Lhakhang through the rice fields, and the hilltop Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. Needs a route permit.
Highlights
- Punakha Dzong at the river confluence
- 108 chortens and Himalayan views at Dochula
- Walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang
- Punakha suspension bridge
- Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten hike
- Rafting on the Mo Chhu
- Punakha Drubchen and Tshechu in late winter
Things to do
- Punakha DzongMorning · 2h
- Rice-field walk to Chimi LhakhangAfternoon · 2h
- Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten hikeMorning · 2h 30m
- Punakha suspension bridge walkAfternoon · 1h
- Rafting on the Mo ChhuAfternoon · 2h 30m
- Dochula chortens and Druk Wangyal LhakhangMorning · 1h
Tours & tickets
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When to go
Best time: October – April
Worth knowing
Monsoon: Landslides on the East-West Highway
June to August is Bhutan's monsoon. Landslides and roadworks close the Lateral Road for hours at a time, especially between Punakha and Trongsa and over Thrumshing La; a 7-hour drive can take a day. Keep a spare day before your flight home, start drives early, and expect clouds over the mountain views. Leeches on forest trails.
Heads up
Punakha Drubchen and Tshechu
The Punakha festivals fall in February or March. Punakha has few hotels, so rooms go early and cost more.
- Punakha Drubchen and Tshechu — The Drubchen re-enacts the 17th-century defeat of Tibetan invaders, with pazaps (militia) in armour at Punakha Dzong, followed by the Tshechu's mask dances. Punakha's hotels are small and few; book well ahead.