Things to do in Punakha, Bhutan

List of attraction in Punakha

Punakha was the capital of Bhutan until 1955, when it was moved to Thimphu. It is nearly seventy five kilometres away from the present capital city of Thimphu. Located at an elevation of 1200 metres above sea level, it is quite hot during summer and warm during winter. Rice is grown as a main crop in Punakha. Here are list of attraction in Punakha to consider during your Bhutan trip.

Punakha Dzong

Punakha Dzong also known as “the palace of bliss or great happiness” sits at the junction of Mo Chhu ( Female river) and Pho Chhu ( Male river). This magnificent fortress was built in 1637 and it is the second oldest and the second largest Dzong in the country.

The main entrance to the Dzong is to cross Bazam (bridge) which was rebuilt in 2008 after the original 17th century bridge was washed away by flood in 1958.

Timing: 9am to 4pm

Suspension Bridge in Punakha

It is one of the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan which connects different localities of Punakha Valley. Sitting high above the Pho Chhu (male river) and adorned with colourful prayer flags, this marvellous structure is believed to be built by Thangthong Gyalpo.

Timing: 9am –6pm

Chimi Lhakhang

Chimi Lhakhang, known as the fertility temple is a Buddhist monastery built by Ngawang Choegyel in 1499 and a small stupa (Chorten) which stands adjacent to the temple today was blessed by Buddhist leader Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the Divine Madman.

The Buddhist leader, Drukpa Kuenley introduce Buddhism in Bhutan and his teachings were bizarre with sexual overtones. Sometimes referred to as “The saint of 5000 Women” due to his unusual lifestyle full of women, wine and poetries. His penis as a symbol is known as “Thunderbolt of Flaming Wisdom” and thus one can easily find building walls adorned with phalluses and monks use wooden phalluses to bless women seeking blessing to beget children.

The hike to this beautiful monastery takes around 30 mins through rice fields and amazing valley views of Sopsokha village.

Visitors all around the world travel to the monastery to get blessings.

Timing: 9am to 5pm

Khamsum Yully Namgyel Chorten

Khamsum Yully Namgyel Chorten is a stupa built by Queen of Bhutan to protect Bhutan from evil spirits and bring peace and harmony to all living things. It took nine years to built this three storied stupa following strict Bhutanese tradition and architecture. The hike takes around an hour through paddy fields offering amazing view of the valley.

Timing: 9am-5pm