About Punakha

Overview

Punakha was Bhutan's capital until 1955 and is still the winter seat of the central monk body. Its dzong stands where the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers meet, and the valley, at about 1,200 m, is much warmer than Thimphu, with rice fields along the rivers. The road from Thimphu is 72 km, about 3 hours, over the Dochula pass. Most visitors pair the dzong with the walk to Chimi Lhakhang and the climb to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, and some continue east to the Phobjikha Valley.

Best Time to Visit Punakha

Plan your trip around the right season

Mar-MayBest Window

Why visit

Warm, pleasant days, jacaranda trees in bloom around the dzong in spring, and green rice nurseries.

Keep in mind

May turns hot in the valley.

Oct-NovBest Window

Why visit

Clear skies, golden rice fields before harvest and good views from Dochula on the drive in.

Keep in mind

Peak season for tours.

Dec-FebBest Window

Why visit

The mildest part of Bhutan to visit in winter, and the Punakha Drubchen and Tshechu festivals often fall in February or March.

Keep in mind

Dochula can see snow, which slows the drive from Thimphu.

Jun-Sep

Why visit

Lush valley and few visitors.

Keep in mind

Hot, humid and wet, with landslides possible on the Thimphu road.

How to Reach Punakha

Intercity connectivity and travel options

Punakha has no airport. Fly into Paro International Airport, which has Drukair and Bhutan Airlines flights from Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Guwahati and other cities, or enter by road from Jaigaon in West Bengal to Phuentsholing. From Thimphu the road to Punakha is 72 km, about 3 hours over the Dochula pass. Indian travellers do not need a visa but must get an entry permit at Phuentsholing or Paro airport, showing a valid Indian passport or voter ID card; it can also be applied for online in advance. Indian tourists pay a Sustainable Development Fee of INR 1,200 per person per night, with children aged 6 to 12 at half rate and children 5 and under exempt. The entry permit covers only Thimphu and Paro, so Punakha needs a route permit.

Getting Around Punakha

Local transport and practical tips

Local transport

A hired car with a driver is the practical way to move between the dzong, Chimi Lhakhang, the suspension bridge and Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, which are spread along the valley.

Best Areas to Stay in Punakha

Pick the right neighbourhood for your trip

Lobesa and the Punakha valley

Most visits

Hotels and resorts around Lobesa and the valley floor between Chimi Lhakhang and the dzong, many with views over the rice fields.

Khuruthang

Budget stays close to the dzong

The small town of Punakha near the dzong, with simpler hotels and shops.