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Punakha, Bhutan’s former capital, is a town with a deep sense of history and culture. Located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, it is known for its monasteries, traditional architecture, and festivals that unite communities. The places to visit in Punakha include centuries-old fortresses, sacred temples, and villages where daily life follows long-standing traditions. Some sites hold religious significance, while others provide a glimpse into Bhutan’s rural way of life, making Punakha a meaningful stop for travellers interested in history and culture.
Top 10 Places To Visit In Punakha
Here are the top 10 places to visit in Punakha, for your next trip to Bhutan:
1. Punakha Dzong
Photo: Rahul Viswanath / Unsplash
The “Palace of Great Happiness,” Punakha Dzong serves as the winter residence of Bhutan’s monastic body, located at the junction of two rivers. The dzong is known for its traditional Bhutanese architecture, featuring intricate wood carvings. The annual Punakha Tshechu festival takes place here, drawing crowds for its masked dances and rituals. The dzong also houses sacred relics of the Drukpa lineage and the remains of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Bhutan’s unifier. The massive wooden door and golden spire testify to its historical importance.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Paro International Airport
2. Chimi Lhakhang
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Chimi Lhakhang was built in honour of Bhutan’s Divine Madman, Lama Drukpa Kunley. Couples from around the world visit seeking fertility blessings. The temple features phallic imagery, symbolising Kunley’s teachings. A short walk through rice fields and a small village leads to this monastery, where monks perform rituals for visitors. The pathway is lined with traditional Bhutanese houses adorned with murals of phallic symbols, representing good fortune and protection.
Must-have Experience: Receive a wooden phallus blessing, symbolising fertility and prosperity
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Paro International Airport
3. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
Photo: David Broad / Wikimedia Commons
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten was built to promote world peace. Standing on a hill, this three-tiered structure is adorned with elaborate murals and sculptures. A 45-minute uphill hike through rice terraces and pine forests leads to the chorten. The location is peaceful, with prayer flags fluttering in the wind. The chorten was commissioned by Bhutan’s Queen Mother to ward off negative forces and ensure the kingdom’s protection. The artwork inside reflects the Vajrayana Buddhist teachings, showcasing deities in different forms.
Must-have Experience: Climb to the top of this temple for a view of the valley
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Airport: Paro International Airport
4. Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery
Photo: Prof Ranga Sai / Wikimedia Commons
Overlooking Punakha and Wangduephodrang valleys, this nunnery serves as both a spiritual retreat and an education centre for Buddhist nuns. The temple houses a 14-foot bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara and other religious artifacts. The nunnery also teaches skills like embroidery and tailoring. The temple’s design reflects traditional Bhutanese workmanship and thus it is a spiritual destination for anyone interested in Buddhist practices.
Must-have Experience: Meditate in the temple’s surroundings
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Paro International Airport
5. Talo Village
Photo: Gerd Eichmann / Wikimedia Commons
Talo Village is known for its well-kept houses and terraced fields. The Talo Monastery is a significant landmark, with religious murals and a peaceful environment. The village hosts the annual Talo Tshechu festival, where monks perform masked dances. The area offers views of the valleys below and is an example of traditional Bhutanese village life. The village also has apple orchards, and visitors can enjoy locally grown fruits while learning about rural Bhutanese lifestyles.
Must-have Experience: Explore the sacred relics and Buddhist scriptures here
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Airport: Paro International Airport
6. Limbukha Village
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Limbukha is a quiet village known for its red rice fields and peaceful atmosphere. The village has a history of advocating for peace, reflected in its annual Meshu festival. The villagers are known for hospitality, often sharing stories about Bhutanese traditions. The hike to the village follows ancient footpaths used by traders and monks. Traditional Bhutanese homes in Limbukha feature elaborately painted exteriors, depicting Buddhist symbols and folklore.
Must-have Experience: Trek through rice fields and experience local hospitality
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 hours
Nearest Airport: Paro International Airport
7. Jigme Dorji National Park
Photo: A. J. T. Johnsingh / Wikimedia Commons
Jigme Dorji National Park is Bhutan’s second-largest protected area, covering diverse landscapes from lowland forests to high-altitude glaciers. It is home to varied and rare wildlife, including snow leopards, Bengal tigers, and red pandas. Visitors can explore the park’s glacial lakes, hot springs, and sacred sites. Local communities inside the park practise traditional farming and yak herding, giving travellers a glimpse into Bhutan’s rural lifestyle.
Must-have Experience: Explore trekking trails
Ideal Trip Duration: Full-day or multi-day trek
Nearest Airport: Paro International Airport
8. Dochula Pass
Photo: Göran Höglund / Wikimedia Commons
Dochula Pass was built to honour fallen Bhutanese soldiers and offers panoramic views of the Himalayas on clear days. The area is a popular tourist stop, with a nearby temple dedicated to Bhutan’s fourth king. Dochula Tshechu, an annual festival held at the pass, features traditional dances monks perform. The pass is often misted during winter, adding an atmospheric touch to the landscape.
Must-have Experience: Drink Bhutanese butter tea while enjoying mountain views
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Paro International Airport
9. Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge
Photo: Faris Mohammed / Unspalsh
The Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge is one of the longest bridges in Bhutan. It connects Punakha Dzong with nearby villages and is lined with colourful prayer flags. Locals often use it, including monks travelling between villages and the dzong. The bridge provides a sense of adventure while also allowing visitors to observe the daily routines of the Punakha residents. The gentle swaying of the bridge adds a dynamic element to the walk, making it a memorable experience.
Must-have Experience: Walk across the bridge and take in the surroundings
Ideal Trip Duration: 30 minutes – 1 hour
Nearest Airport: Paro International Airport
10. Ritsha Village
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Ritsha is a rice-farming village known for its traditional Bhutanese houses and agricultural lifestyle. Visitors can watch farmers at work, learn about rice cultivation, and taste local dishes made from fresh produce. The village follows traditional farming methods, making it a good place to observe Bhutanese rural life up close. The homes here are built using mud and stone in the traditional Bhutanese architectural style. The Mo Chhu River runs close by, adding to the beauty of the landscape.
Must-have Experience: Participate in rice harvesting and try traditional food
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Airport: Paro International Airport
Punakha is rich in history, spirituality, and culture. From exploring ancient fortresses to walking through scenic trails and experiencing local traditions, there are many ways to connect with this region. The places to visit in Punakha offer a deeper look into Bhutan’s heritage and way of life. Plan your trip with TripXL and discover what makes this town a special part of Bhutan’s story.
Cover Photo: Deepavali Gaind / Unsplash
