Punakha Tourism - Most Beautiful Tourist Attractions in Punakha, Bhutan

Punakha Tourism – Most Beautiful Tourist Attractions in Punakha, Bhutan

Punakha is the district headquarters of Punakha Dzongkhag in Bhutan. It is situated about 70 kms from national capital Thimphu. Until 1955, Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan.

Punakha has an agriculture based economy and rice is the highly grown crop in Punakha. Pho Chu and Mo Chu are the prime rivers of Punakha passes through Punakha.

Pungthang Dewachen Gi Phodrang:

Pungthang Dewachen Gi Phodrang is one of the must visit places in Punakha, built in the year 1637 by Tuebi Zaow Balip to fulfill the order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It is said that this beautiful fortress was built within two years of time. It serves as a winter house of Central Monastic Body.

Punakha Dzong encloses the main sacred historical objects of the Southern Drukpa Kagyu School ‘Rangjung Kasarpani’ and holy relics of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Terton Padma Lingpa. It served as the seat of the coronation of the first King of Bhutan ‘Ugyen Wangchuck’ in 1907.

Geography and Climate of Punakha:

Punakha is situated between latitude 27°37′ in the north and longitude 89°52′ in the east. It has an average altitude of 1,200 meters. Punakha District is surrounded by Thimphu, Wangdue Phodrang and Gasa District. Punakha enjoys warm weather in winter and hot in summer.

Connectivity to Punakha:

Paro Airport is the only international airport in Bhutan and the nearest airport to Punakha with air services to Delhi, Kolkata, Dhaka, Gaya, Guwahati, Mumbai, Singapore, Bangkok and Katmandu.

Tourists can board Bhutan Transport Corporation buses to reach Paro, Thimphu, Jakar and Phuntsholing at any of the local bus terminals.

There are share taxis accessible at Kuruthang to reach Thimphu and Paro and costs around 150 nu for 2 hour journey. Also taxis are good options to reach airport and tourist spots.

Food and Shopping in Punakha:

Punakha houses few shopping centres and well facilitated restaurants, so visitors can reach Paro or Thimphu city for best shopping experience and hospitality.

Things to do in Punakha:

Tourists can enjoy the trekking experience anywhere and everywhere at Punakha.

Tourist Attractions in Punakha:

Pungthang Dewachen Gi Phodrang:

Pungthang Dewachen Gi Phodrang is an ancient beautiful palace, constructed by Tuebi Zaow Balip to fulfill the order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in the year 1637. It has a greater collection of holy historical objects of the Southern Drukpa Kagyu School ‘Rangjung Kasarpani’ and sacred remnants of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Terton Padma Lingpa. The literal meaning of Pungthang Dewachen Gi Phodrang is Palace of Great Happiness.

Jigme Dorji National Park:

Jigme Dorji National Park is the 2^nd largest national park in Bhutan. It named in the memorial of Jigme Dorji Wangchuk and covers an area of Gasa District, Paro District, Punakha District, Wangdue Phodrang Districts and Thimphu District.

Jigme Dorji National Park was established in the year 1974 which covers an area of 4316 km². More than 6,500 species live in this park. The park houses several cultural sites include Mount Jomolhari, Mount Jitchu Drake, Lingshi Dzong and Gasa Dzong.

The park is home to more than 37 varieties of mammals includes snow leopard, Himalayan black bear clouded leopard, bharal or Himalayan blue sheep, Bengal tiger, black musk deer and red panda. It is also home to takin, the national animal of Bhutan, blue poppy flower, cypress tree and raven bird.

Changangkha Temple:-

Changangkha Temple is a prominent temple and a general school located on the boundary of Thimphu. It houses 11-headed Chenresig statue and well known for good view point.

Ritsha Village:

Ritsha Village is one of the best rice growing villages in western Bhutan near Punakha. It is also home to several archeological sites.

The list of other tourist attractions in Punakha:

National Folk Heritage Museum
Simtokha Dzong
Royal Academy of Performing Arts
National Library
National Memorial Chorten
Zangto Pelri Lhakhang
National Textile Museum
Kuensel Phodrang
Motithang Takin Preserve
Changangkha Lhakhang

Ideal time to visit Punakha:-

The best months to visit Punakha will be between February, March and December.

Accommodation Options in Punakha:-

Punakha is home to many budget, mid range and few luxury hotels with cable TV, hot water and Bhutan traditional food. It is recommended for tourists to book the hotels of Thimphu or Paro city for better accommodation. The major hotels in Punakha, Thimphu and Paro are: