Punakha is the ancient capital of Bhutan and, for many, the most beautiful valley in the country. Located at a lower elevation than Thimphu (1,200 meters), it enjoys a subtropical climate, meaning it stays warm even in winter and is lush with rice paddies, orange groves, and blooming jacaranda trees.
The Most Famous Landmarks
1. Punakha Dzong
Often called the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan, it sits at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (male) and Mo Chhu (female) rivers. It served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and remains the winter residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and the central monastic body.
2. Chimi Lhakhang
The famous “Fertility Temple” dedicated to the Divine Madman, Drukpa Kunley.To reach it, you take a gentle 20-minute walk through the village of Sopsokha, where almost every house is decorated with colorful phallus paintings. These are ancient symbols intended to ward off evil and bring good luck.
3. Punakha Suspension Bridge
At 180 meters, this is one of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan. Adorned with thousands of prayer flags, it offers a thrilling walk over the rushing Pho Chhu river and connects the Dzong to local villages.
4. River Rafting
The Mo Chhu river offers gentle “Class I-II” rapids, making it a scenic and relaxing way to see the valley and the Dzong from the water.
Best hikes to do in Punakha
1. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
A stunning four-story pagoda-style temple built by the Queen Mother for world peace. It requires a 45-minute hike through rice terraces, but the view from the top is perhaps the best panoramic view of the Punakha valley.
2. Giligang Hike
Giligang Hike (often called the Jiligang or Cat’s Peak hike) is one of Punakha’s best-kept secrets. It is a moderately strenuous full-day trek that takes you away from the tourist crowds and into the heart of authentic Bhutanese village life and ancient legend.
3. The “Madman Trail” (Dochula to Thinleygang)
This 4-5 hours hike is Perfect if you are traveling from Thimphu to Punakha and want to stretch your legs. You are literally following the footsteps of the Divine Madman when he first entered Bhutan from Tibet in the 16th century.
Special Event in Punakha
1. Punakha Drubchen (The Warrior Festival)
This is one of Bhutan’s most unique events. It doesn’t just feature dances; it features a dramatic re-enactment of a 17th-century battle against Tibetan invaders. The “Pazaps’’: Local men dress as ancient warriors (Pazaps) in traditional battle gear and perform mock battles in the Dzong’s courtyard. It is a high-energy, boisterous celebration of Bhutanese victory and sovereignty.
2. Punakha Tshechu (The Main Festival)
Held immediately after the Drubchen, this is a more classic religious festival. It features sacred mask dances performed by monks and the unfurling of a giant Thongdrel (silk tapestry) on the final day.
3. Talo Tshechu (The Intimate Festival)
If the main festival at the Dzong feels too big, Talo is the perfect alternative. It is known for being clean, quiet, and deeply spiritual. The women of Talo are famous for their beautiful voices and perform some of the best traditional folk songs in the country during the breaks between mask dances.