Welcome to the historical capital of Bhutan! Before the country’s administration was moved to Thimphu, the government operated directly from Punakha for nearly 300 years. The seed of this rich history can be traced to Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, a lama who came from Tibet in the 17th century to lay the foundation for a unified Bhutan in Punakha. Over the years, the district has stood witness to a number of momentous historical occasions. In 1907, Ugyen Wangchuck was crowned the first Druk Gyalpo, or King of Bhutan, in the Punakha Dzong. More recently, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck was wed to his bride Queen Jetsun Pema in 2011—at the very same dzong. A visit to Punakha is your chance to revel in these layers of history to see what makes the region so special.

The balmy subtropical district of Punakha is also a favorite winter destination for travelers looking to escape the cold. Thrillseekers will be especially excited about the year-round opportunities here for whitewater rafting, mountain biking, and hiking. But you can also enjoy Punakha at a slower pace. The district is known for its picturesque terraces of rice, beautiful monasteries and lhakhangs, and colorful festivals. Raven Tours and Treks will guide you through this fascinating part of Bhutan, from the heights of Dochu La to the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Po Chhu rivers which give it such life and vitality.

There are no airports in Punakha or Wangdue Phodrang, so you’ll need to enter this fascinating region by road. We’ll help you to craft an itinerary maximizing your time here to enjoy all there is to see!

Punakha Dzong:

This beautiful riverside fortress is more than just a backdrop for coronations and royal weddings. It’s also an important religious centre and a shining example of Bhutanese architecture. The dzong’s whitewashed walls make an elegant contrast against the vivid green hills of Punakha; in springtime, this pleasant aesthetic is further enhanced by the gentle bloom of purple jacarandas. Inside the fortress walls, you’ll discover three courtyards and a number of important Buddhist religious relics. When you’re done exploring, head outside to discover the country’s longest suspension bridge, spanning the Po Chhu river just behind the dzong itself.

Dochu La:

No fewer than 108 shining white chortens are gathered together at a high mountain pass connecting Punakha with Thimphu. The pass is called Dochu La, where travelers are drawn to photograph this unique array of religious and historical symbols called the Druk Wangyal Chortens. Their exact number is no accident: 108 is considered a sacred figure in Himalayan Buddhism, and the chortens themselves were built to commemorate a Bhutanese victory over Assamese insurgents. On a clear day, visitors to Dochu La can also enjoy stupendous 360-degree views of the Himalayas from here. For these reasons, Dochu La is more than just a stop on the road to Punakha; it’s an enthralling destination in its own right.

Chimi Lhakhang:

This fascinating temple in Pana Village is closely associated with Drukpa Kunley, the 16th-century lama popularly known as the “Divine Madman.” This unorthodox figure gained notoriety across Bhutan for his sexually uninhibited practices, using phallic symbols to protect against evil spirits. Today, visitors come to Chimi Lhakhang to receive a fertility blessing in his honor: the resident monk at the lhakhang taps the heads of the faithful with a silver-encrusted phallus. Further evidence of the lama’s influence can be found in the form of images depicting flying phalluses, which are painted onto homestead walls throughout Punakha.

Punakha Drubchen:

Visit Punakha Dzong in springtime to catch this annual festival celebrating a historical Bhutanese victory over the much larger Tibetan army in the 17th century. Festival attendees are treated to a lively reenactment of the dzong’s construction, including a dance performance representing the epic battle between the invading Tibetans and the defending Bhutanese. As befits Punakha’s most important cultural event, visitors will also get to enjoy the traditional masked dances and folk music which characterize every tsechu in Bhutan. If you’d like to see this spectacle for yourself, get in touch with us today—we’ll time your arrival in Bhutan to coincide with this must-see festival.

Wangdue Phodrang:

Punakha’s next-door neighbour may lack the high-profile attractions of a bigger town, but Wangdue Phodrang has a rich history all its own. This was an important stop along Bhutan’s central and southern trade routes, and it also once served as a political hub second only to Punakha. Today, visitors are drawn to the district to see the ruins of Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, which is being reconstructed after a devastating fire in 2012. Wangdue is also popular for its hiking trails, springtime rhododendron blossoms, and local temples. Radak Neykhang is perhaps the most interesting of these temples, dating back to the 17th century and situated in a pleasant grove of cypress trees.

Whitewater Rafting:

Get your crew together and take to the water! Punakha is Bhutan’s premier destination for whitewater rafting, with two rivers offering very different experiences. Launch your raft into the Mo Chhu river if you like the sound of an epic 16-kilometer course stuffed with Class 2-4 rapids. If you prefer a gentler experience, consider the Po Chhu river instead. This is a shorter route, stretching for about 10 kilometers and taking you through a series of Class 2-2+ rapids. No previous experience is required to enjoy this exciting river adventure; we’ll set you up with an expert guide and all of the necessary equipment. Just be prepared to get wet!

Biking:

The best trips to Punakha combine the region’s cultural treasures with an exploration of its stunning natural environments. Taking a bicycle along the district’s many winding paths is a great way to enjoy both. The two most popular mountain biking trails both start near Punakha Dzong; one will take you to a local school, while the other will bring you to the neighbouring town of Khuruthang. Both routes offer superb views of the valley, including Punakha Dzong and a wide array of smaller local temples. If you’d like to go biking in Punakha, make sure to let us know in advance. Local rental options are limited, so we’ll have to bring your bike from another stop in your itinerary.

Hiking and Exploration:

Traveling on your own two feet is one of the most rewarding ways to explore Punakha. One scenic footpath starts near Yambesa Village and ascends to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Temple, a multi-tiered structure built to commemorate the coronation of Bhutan’s fifth king. The temple is known for its colorful murals, and it commands incredible views of the valley below. On a clear day, you can enjoy even better views from one of the hiking paths starting at the mountain pass of Dochu La. These routes bring you to the temples called Lungchutse Gompa and Trashigang Gompa, and if you’re trekking in springtime, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful rhododendron blooms. Lesser-known but equally pleasant trails in the region crisscross the hills surrounding villages like Talo and Norbugang.