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Exploring Punakha in Bhutan as a tourist offers opportunities to witness its rich cultural heritage and beautiful surroundings and participate in various outdoor activities, making it the perfect getaway for nature enthusiasts. There are several things to do in Punakha that will ensure tourists have extensive and unique experiences, including visiting prominent temples, exploring its landscapes, and enjoying water rafting in its rivers. Additionally, tourists can participate in activities such as hiking, trekking, archery, and exploring the local villages to get a glimpse of the local way of life.
15 Best Things To Do In Punakha
There are several things to do in Punakha where tourists can enjoy having memorable experiences. Here is a list of 15 best things to do in Punakha:
1. Visit Punakha Dzong
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Visiting Punakha Dzong is one of the best things tourists can do in Punakha, as it allows them to witness its amazing architecture and learn about its historical significance. Punakha Dzong is strategically located between two rivers, Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu, making it a must-see sight for tourists. Tourists visiting the Punakha Dzong can participate in activities such as crossing the wooden bridge, taking photographs, kayaking, river rafting, and exploring some of the nearby attractions.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM, (closed on Sundays)
Location: Punakha Valley
Suggested Read: Discover The Top Things To Do In Bhutan
2. Explore Chimi Lhakhang
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Chimi Lhakhang is one of the best places to visit in Bhutan, where tourists can learn about Drukpa Kunley, also known as the Divine Madman, making it an ideal destination for a unique experience. Tourists can learn about the religious beliefs and Bhutanese folklore, fully immersing themselves in the spirituality of the temple. Additionally, tourists can experience the local way of life by visiting the village of Sopsokha and the local shops to collect phallic-shaped souvenirs based on the temple’s theme.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Location: Punakha District, Bhutan
3. Hike To Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
Photo: David Broad / Wikimedia Commons
Hiking to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten is one of the best things to do in Punakha, and tourists can enjoy panoramic views of the valley and the beautiful surroundings. Tourists participating in the hike start by crossing the bridge that passes through the Mo Chhu River towards the top of the hill. While hiking, tourists can find a sheltered area that has a unique prayer wheel, making it ideal for a memorable experience.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Location: Hilltop in Punakha overlooking Mo Chhu River
Suggested Read: National Memorial Chorten
4. Walk The Punakha Suspension Bridge
Photo: Doug Knuth / Wikimedia Commons
Tourists looking to know what to do in Punakha can walk along the suspension bridge to enjoy amazing views of the surrounding areas. While walking along the Punakha Suspension Bridge, tourists can view the Himalayas, the Pho Chu River, which passes below, and the beautiful green valleys. Walking the Punakha Suspension Bridge is the perfect activity for tourists seeking an adrenaline rush, as it is quite high and has a swaying motion as visitors cross through.
Timings: 10 AM – 11 AM
Location: Pho Chu River, Bhutan
5. Visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery
Photo: Prof Ranga Sai / Wikimedia Commons
Visiting the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery is one of the best things to do in Punakha. Tourists get amazing panoramic views due to its hilltop location and witness nuns’ daily way of life. Tourists visiting can witness the religious training and vocational skills taught to the nuns, including embroidery, statue making, tailoring, and thangka painting. Additionally, tourists can observe chanting and prayers, which offer a unique spiritual experience for nuns at the Buddhist College.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Location: Hilltop above Wolakha overlooking the Punakha Valley
Suggested Read: Phobjikha Valley In Bhutan
6. Explore Ritsha Village
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Exploring Ritsha Village is one of the best things to do in Punakha, and it offers tourists the perfect opportunity to witness the traditional Bhutanese way of life. Tourists visiting the Ritsha Village can enjoy views of the surrounding rivers, hills, and rice fields, creating a unique and memorable experience. Additionally, tourists can interact with the local communities to learn about their local way of life and get a glimpse of their traditions.
Location: Punakha, Bhutan
7. Enjoy River Rafting
Photo: sarangib / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Enjoying River Rafting is one of the things to do in Punakha for tourists to have thrilling experiences and enjoy views of the surrounding beautiful landscapes. For beginner water rafting tourists, Mo Chhu River is the ideal option as it has gentle flows and low-class rapids. Pho Chhu River is the perfect choice for experienced water rafters as it has faster currents and high-level rapids, making river rafting in Punakha an ideal activity for a unique and memorable experience.
Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM (April to October), 7 AM – 3 PM (November to March)
Location: Punakha Mo River and Pho Chu River in Bhutan
Suggested Read: Explore The Serene Lakes In Bhutan
8. Visit Talo Monastery
The Talo Monastery is among the best things to see in Punakha, where tourists can experience Bhutanese spirituality and culture. Tourists visiting the Talo Monastery can explore some of its temples, including Neten Chudrg, and also view the statues which were brought from Samye in Tibet. The strategic location of the Talo Monastery, with an elevation of 2,800 metres, makes it ideal for tourists to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding conifer and dense forests.
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Location: Talo Village on the hills above Punakha, Bhutan
9. Explore Jigme Dorji National Park
Photo: A. J. T. Johnsingh / Wikimedia Commons
Jigme Dorji National Park is one of the best things to see in Punakha, where tourists can enjoy amazing views of the beautiful landscapes and participate in various activities. Tourists exploring the Jigme Dorji National Park can engage in activities such as trekking, birdwatching, camping, photography, and jeep safaris through the dense forests. Additionally, tourists can enjoy wildlife by spotting various animals, including rare species of the snow leopard and Bengal tiger and takin, in their natural habitat.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Location: Northwestern region of Bhutan
Suggested Read: National Parks In Bhutan
10. Take A Day Trip In Dochula Pass
Photo: Mussi Katz / Wikimedia Commons
Dochula Pass is one of the ideal places to visit in Punakha, as tourists can get the opportunity to view the Himalayas and see the 108 chortens. Tourists taking the day trip can participate in activities such as leisure hikes to lookout points, joining guided tours, and photography. Moreover, tourists can stop at the cafes to try out the warm Yak milk tea and enjoy the scenic views.
Entry Fee: Free
Location: Between Thimphu and Punakha
11. Visit Limbukha Village
Photo: Thomas P / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Just across the Punakha Suspension Bridge is Limbukha Village, a peaceful and beautiful town. Limbukha is a special place to see how people live in rural Bhutan. It is famous for growing red rice and having strong traditions of peace. The village is known for using peaceful conversation to settle disagreements instead of violence. Its terraced rice fields, interactions with locals, and traditional farming methods offer a cultural experience that is different from the normal tourist routes.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Location: Bhutan
Suggested Read: Spots For Camping In Bhutan
12. Explore Nalanda Buddhist Institute
Photo: Nima t100 / Wikimedia Commons
The Nalanda Buddhist Institute, which is sometimes called Dalayna, is a school for monks that sits on a hillside in the woods near Punakha. Peaceful spot where young monks learn about Buddhist ideas, texts, and meditation. People can see how monks live, talk to them (they often speak English), and enjoy stunning views of the Punakha Valley. The architecture of the institute and the nature around it add to its peaceful beauty, making it a thoughtful stop for tourists who want to learn more about Bhutan’s spiritual customs.
Timings: 24*7
Location: Mendrelgang, Bhutan
13. Trek The Samtegng Winter Trek
It takes five days to complete the Samtengang Winter Trek, which starts in Punakha and ends in Wangduephodrang. Along its 54-kilometre length, it goes through pine woods, terraced fields, monasteries, and a number of traditional villages. Unlike high-altitude Himalayan treks, this lower-altitude path is great for winter because it has beautiful views without being too cold or hot. Trekkers can stay in village homes or tents along the way to experience Bhutanese hospitality and learn more about the country’s culture and landscapes.
Location: Punakha and Wangduephodrang districts
Suggested Read: Snowman Trek Bhutan
14. Relax In Hot Springs
Photo: ROMAN ODINTSOV / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
People from Bhutan have long gone to natural hot springs, or “tshachus,” because they are good for them. There are hot springs close to Punakha where you can relax and enjoy a traditional bath after a day of hiking or rafting. These springs are less touristy than others in Bhutan, but they are still peaceful and surrounded by nature, and locals like to soak and talk. People who come to Bhutan can experience this old healing method and take a moment to relax in the beautiful mountains.
Timings: Chubu Tshachu and Koma Tshachu
Location: 24*7
15. Attend Punakha Drubchen Or Tshechu Festivals
Photo: aleksei_u / Shutterstock
The Punakha Drubchen and the Punakha Tshechu are two of Bhutan’s most exciting events. These religious events happen every year at Punakha Dzong. They include rituals led by monks, elaborate masked dances (cham), and large groups of people dressed in traditional clothes. The uncovering of the huge thongdrol (religious scroll), which is thought to bless everyone who sees it, is one of the most important parts. These events honour Bhutan’s spiritual history and are some of the best ways to learn about the culture of the country.
Location: Chubu Tshachu and Koma Tshachu
Suggested Read: Exploring The Monasteries In Bhutan Among Its Scenic Vistas
Punakha is an ideal destination for tourists seeking a unique blend of natural beauty, history, culture, spirituality, and adventure. Tourists can get to have extensive and memorable experiences as there are plenty of things to see in Punakha. Plan your trip today with TripXL and enjoy some of the best things to do in Punakha, the perfect getaway in Bhutan.
Cover Photo: Nihar Modi / Unspalsh
