Also known as Punthang Dewa Chenpoi Phodrang or ‘The Palace of Great Bliss’, Punakha Dzong is a sight to behold. The fortress was built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region. The Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan’s history and on 17 December 1907, the first King of Bhutan Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuk, was crowned here. Damaged by six catastrophic fires, an earthquake and once by flood, the Dzong has been fully restored by the fourth King. The fortress functioned as the centre of governance until 1955 and still today, it serves as the winter residence of the central monastic body and the administrative centre of Punakha Dzongkhag (district). Important national events such as the Royal Wedding and Coronation of The King were also held at the Punakha Dzong. Dzongchung (or the little Dzong), built in 1328 by saint Ngagi Rinchen can still be seen opposite the main Dzong.

Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.  (summer) & 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. (winter)

One of the oldest and longest suspension bridges of Bhutan measuring about 160 meters is built over Pho Chhu river and located near the iconic Pungthang Dechen Phodrang Dzong, connecting Dzong with Punakha town and the scattered villages. Believed to be built by Thangtong Gyalpo, a pioneering engineer who introduced the construction of suspension bridges into Bhutan and Tibet, this bridge has undergone several renovations since then. Its enthralling experience walking over the bridge, decked with vibrant prayer flags and enjoying awe-inspiring view of the valley, surrounding mountains and the river.  

Chimi Lhakhang, is a Buddhist temple situated on a hillock near Lobesa village of Punakha. It was built by Ngawang Choegyel after the site was blessed by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humour, songs and outrageous behaviour to dramatize his teachings and due to this also known as ‘Divine Madman’. This temple is also known as the temple of fertility and it is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon.

Located about 30-minute drive from Punakha town followed by 30-minutes’ walk across field from the road point, on path adorn with prayer flags and picturesque village houses having paintings of phalluses on their walk, it is a delightful short excursion. 

Perched on a ridge amid pine trees and overlooking valleys of Punakha and Wangduephodrang, gleams the magnificent structures of Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang(Temple). The temple houses a 14-foot main bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrigzig chagtong chentong). Other statues include those of Guru Padmasambawa, Gautama Buddha, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, Tsela Namsum, the 21 Taras and Tsepamay (Buddha of longevity). The Avalokiteshvara statue, one of the biggest in the country, was the handiwork of entirely local Bhutanese artisans.  

The temple complex also houses a permanent higher learning and meditation centre for nuns where, apart from religious trainings, it provides life skill training such as tailoring, embroidery, statue making and thangka painting.

A beautiful hike takes one to the regal Khamsum Yuelley Namgel Chorten, which was built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world. The Chorten dominates the upper Punakha Valley with commanding views across the Mo Chhu and up towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond.

Drive towards Punakha Dzong and later walk across the suspension bridge (about 200m long) through absolutely fresh breeze and fascinating view of Dzong. Follow the farm houses gradually climbing towards Dompala hills. The view of Dzong, Pho Chhu, Mo Chhu rivers and surrounding village is superb amidst chirpine forests. The climb is another two and a half hours to Limbukha. Limbukha farmers grow Bhutan's famous red rice which is supposed to have medicinal values. This particular rice needs clean mountain spring so that the taste is good and nutritional value maintained. Limbukha is also known for its love of peace and tranquility. Legends says that during medieval wars the "limpus" or the people of Limbukha always volunteered as peace negotiators. This is also depicted during yearly festival called 'Serda' when the men are found carrying peace flags instead of swords and fireworks.

The village of Talo (alt. 2,800m) which is scattered along the hill slopes, known for its cleanliness and hygiene among Punakha villages.Talo Sangnacholing is built on a plateau and has majestic view of surrounding villages. The beautiful farm houses of the village have its own flower gardens and on the hill slope corns and sweet peas are grown in abundance. The women of Talo are particular known for their beauty.

Bhutan’s Punakha valley is famous for rice farming where both red and white rice are grown along the river valleys of Pho and Mo Chhu, two of the most prominent rivers in Bhutan. ‘Ritsha’ meaning ‘at the base of a hill’ is a typical village in Punakha. The village houses are made of pounded mud with stone foundations. Each house is only two storey high surrounded with gardens and the rice fields. The gardens also usually have fruit bearing plants like oranges and papaya among the organic vegetables. In the recent years, the farming work is mechanized and power-tillers instead of bullocks are used to plough the fields and villagers have become relatively prosperous. This is a model rice growing village in western Bhutan.

Locals call this place ‘Dalayna’ while the monks refer it as ‘Nalanda Buddhist College’. Drive here in the afternoon and enjoy your evening tea supplemented by the ravishing view in front, along with interaction with local monks.

The Divine Madman’s Trail is a leisurely five-hour trail starting from Thinleygang Temple (1.1/2-hour drive from Thimphu) on the foothills of Dochula pass to Laptsakha village in Punakha. Thinleygang Lhakhang (temple) is the place where central monastic body used to overnight in ancient times while traversing from summer residence in Thimphu to winter residence in Punakha or vice versa. The temple was built in 15th century and served as religious seat of Ngawang Chogyal and later visited by Lama Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. 

The maverick saint, Lama Drukpa Kuenley is popularly known in Bhutan as ‘Divine Madman’ who in late 15th century used humour, songs and outrageous behaviour to dramatize his teachings. On this Divine Madman Trail, one can retrace the steps of Lama Drukpa Kuenley when he chased a demon from Dochula to Chimi Lhakhang in Punakha. The Divine Madman Trail itself is a stretch of rich forest comprising of Dochula’s conifers before dropping dramatically into cool broad leaf, then warm broad leaf and finally to subtropical vegetation. This expanse of area is home to huge diversity of plants and an estimated 250 species of birds. 

From Thinleygang temple continue down towards Toeb Chandana and visit Toeb Chandana Lhakhang also known as Chandana Lhakhang, meaning ‘where the arrow landed’.  Legends say that when Lama Drukpa Kuenley fired an arrow from Tibet to determine his course, it landed here in Toeb Chandana. This temple was built in 15th century to ward off the evil energy of a demoness and then served as the religious seat of Ngawang Chogyal. Next door to the temple is the house of Toeb Tshewang, whom Drukpa Kuenley arrow is said to have stuck when it landed. Legend has it that, dressed as a hunting beggar, Drukpa Kuenley courted Tshewang’s wife and that, in a fit of jealous rage, Tshewang drew a sword which Drukpa Kuenley miraculously knotted. Thus, realizing Kuenley’s divine power, Tshewang offered him his wife as a gift to aid him in fulfilling his prophecies. The building still houses the eleven-stepped wooden ladder that Kuenley’s arrow is said to have struck and the descendants of Tshewang have preserved the house as a monument for fifteen generations.

After this interesting visit to historical Chandana village the trail continues further through pine trees and hiking up through a gentle slope hill with stunning views of mountains and rivers. Along the Trail one will also spot some unusual species of bamboo trees not normally grown in such climate. As one hike along, the fluttering butterflies, the chirping of birds’ merges with the sound of gushing stream and cool breeze all along the trail. The trail ends at Laptsakha village where you’re picked up by your vehicle and drive to Punakha. 

Located at an altitude of about 2000m, this stunning and tranquil lake is hidden amidst thick jungle vegetation and considered one of the most pleasant half day excursions in Punakha valley. The lake is believed to have holes inside which sucks all the water and because of that there has been never water overflow and flooding outside. It’s a pleasant two hour’s walk (one way) from motorable road from Chorten Nyingbo, the winter residence of Trulku Gyaltsey Tenzin Rabgye. Spring and Autumn are the best season for hike to Kabji Hoko lake.

Nestled in a peaceful and natural setting, the 17th-century Chorten Ningpo temple stands as a symbol of Bhutan’s spiritual legacy and architectural mastery. Located at a distance of approximately 15 kilometres from Punakha town (about 45 minutes drive), the temple can be reached through a scenic drive via verdant valleys and traditional, charming Bhutanese villages. The main temple is a masterpiece of true Bhutanese architecture, boasting intricately carved wooden beams, radiant murals and a tiered roof with a magnificent statue of Maitreya (the future Buddha) and images of the great lamas of the Drukpa lineage. This magical spot was once a dense forest inhabited by evil spirits. The great oak tree outside the monastery is said to have grown out of the blazing log that the ‘Divine Madman’ threw (the tree’s bark is still black from where it was burnt). Its prayer hall housing ancient Buddhist texts and a colossal statue of Buddha Shakyamuni is the pulsating centre of Chorten Ningpo where devout followers come together to perform religious ceremonies and recite sacred scriptures.  In 2005 the monastery began to house orphans from the nearby village. A small Buddhist educational institution was founded where children can study both traditional Buddhist scriptures and texts as well as modern subjects.