Tourist Places to Visit in Punakha, Bhutan, Asia

Tourist Places to Visit in Punakha, Bhutan, Asia

Punakha is a town situated in Bhutan at latitude 27⁰37’ N and longitude 89⁰52’ E. This town forms the center of administration for the district of Punakha dzongkhag. Punakha is 77 km away from Thimpu the capital city of Bhutan. Punakha is 1200 meters above the sea level. At Punakha, the confluence of the two rivers Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu takes place. There are plenty of rice fields located close to these rivers. The weather condition in Punakha is different from that of Thimpu. Summers are hot and winters are warm in Punakha. The pleasant ambience in Punakha and fresh air makes Trekking activity a cherished memory for the tourists.

Apart from rice cultivation, fruits such as oranges, papaya and other vegetables are also grown in Punakha.

History of Punakha

Till the year 1955, Punakha remained the capital city of Bhutan. The magnificent Dzong in Punakha is the proof of the past seat of power of the country Bhutan.

Food and Shopping Punakha

Traditional food of Punakha is mainly based on rice and vegetables cooked with a lot of spices.

Tourist Places in Punakha

There are various excursions conducted in and around Punakha. Some of the places of interest visited in these excursions are listed below

Chimi Lhakhang

This temple was built in the 15^th century, to honor the teachings of Lama Drukpa Kuenley. Located on a hill in the middle of the valley, this temple is also referred to as temple of fertility.

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten

A hike to royal Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, provides an amazing sight of the entire region and the regions beyond.

Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrop Lhakhang Nunnery

This temple is dedicated to Avalokiteshvara (Chenrigzig chagtong chentong). The idol towering 14 foot tall, is made up of bronze. The temple also houses other deities worshipped by Buddhist followers of Bhutan. It is also an education center providing religious teachings and other skills such as statue making, painting, embroidery, etc.

Talo

Located at an altitude of 2,800 meters, this village is spread across the hill slopes. This village has plenty of farm houses with beautiful gardens and provides a spectacular view of the amazing surroundings.

Punakha Dzong (Pungthang Dewachen Gi Phodrang)

This fort was constructed in the year 1637, at the confluence of the two rivers, Mo Chhu and Po Chhu. It was created under the reign of the then King Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Punakha Dzong once served as the most important administrative seat in the country, Bhutan.

Other places of interest in and around Punakha are

Limbukha
Guru Rinpoche Caves(Geon Tsephu)
Hot springs (Koma Taschu)
Punakha Rishta Village
Nalanda Buddhist College

Means of Commutation to Punakha

Roadway:

There is a well maintained road from Punakha leading to Thimphu. Travelers can hire taxi or board a bus to travel to Punakha from Thimphu. Shared taxis end their journey at Kuruthang which is nearer to Punakh. The journey by taxi from Thimpu to Punakha will take about 90 minutes. Punakha is 77 km from Thimpu.

Airway:

The only airport currently fully functional is the Paro International Airport which is located at a distance of 143 km from Punakha.

Accommodation Options at Punakha

There are hotels in Punakha offering luxurious accommodation with amazing view of the surrounding valley. Amenities such as saunas, gym, car parking, free Wi-Fi, etc. are offered at hotels in Punakha at a tariff ranging from $ 475 to $ 1680. Decent hotels with rooms rented at $50 to $70 depending on wether single or double room are available in Punakha. The names of some of hotels in Punakha are listed below: