A city that was once the pinnacle of the Kingdom of Bhutan, Punakha is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Land of Thunder Dragons! Steeped with history, spread with the gratifying Bhutanese cultures, and dotted with numerous sacred historical landmarks, this gorgeous city was also the capital of Bhutan from 1637 to 1907.

Having such a remarkable past, the city today, has become a prominent tourist destination in the country. Also, since the city is located at 1,200m above the sea level, it remains quite warm throughout the year. This in fact, entices visitors round the year. To know more about this picturesque city, let’s have a look at some of the wonderful places to visit in Punakha, and admire its magical beauty!

Punakha Dzong

Pungtang Dewa chhenbi Phodrang – the Palace of Great Happiness, or the Punakha Dzong is indisputably one of the most beautiful places to visit in Punakha! Built in 1637-38, this sacred monastery is the second oldest as well as second largest dzong in the Land of Thunder Dragons. The dzong was built by Ngawang Namgyal, the first Zhabdrung Rinpoche.

With pictorial mountain peaks as its neighbour, Punakha Dzong is among the soon to be listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Bhuta. A six-storied building with a central tower, it measures up to 180m (in length), 72m (in width) and has three different ‘docheys’ (or courtyards). The first courtyard has a white-washed stupa and a bodhi tree, second courtyard has quarters for the monks, and the third one has the mortal remains of Pema Lingpa and Pgawang Namgyal.

Note:

Visitors must wear full sleeves and full pants while entering Punakha Dzong.

Photography is strictly restricted around the prayer hall.

Visitors’ Timing: 11:00AM – 03:00PM (Winter), 11:00AM – 05:30PM (Summer)

Entry Fee: Nu 500 (Adults), Nu 250 (Students)

Chimi Lhakhang Temple

Standing graciously on a scenic hillock, Chimi Lhakhang is a pious Buddhist monastery has a legend that says it was built on a rock where a demon was subdued. Locals believe that an outlandish monk called ‘Mad Saint or Divine Madman’ defeated the demon and got it trapped within the rock. Well, the monk was called such due to his unconventional methods of preaching and teaching Buddhism; humour, songs, and outraged behaviour were common in his teaching methods.

Established in 1499 by Ngawang Choegyel, the fourteenth Drukpa hierarch, this holy Buddhist temple has a unique square shape with traditional yellow roof, prayer wheels and white slates on its exterior part. Chimi Lhakhang’s prayer hall is replenished with horns, bells, dorjis, thangkas, drums, and several other religious artefacts. One of the most surreal places to visit in Punakha, Bhutan, this monastery is often visited by new-mothers to get names for their new-born child.

Visitors’ Timing: 09:00AM – 05:00PM

Entry Fee: No Charge

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten

One of the most unique places to see in Punakha, Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten is a remarkable site that visitors shouldn’t miss! Unlike other chortens in Bhutan, it was built by HM Queen Mother (in 2004) to safeguard Punakha Valley from evil or negative forces and bring peace and harmony. While other chortens in the country were built to be Buddhist praying ground, this specific one was built as a magical tool.

Overlooking to the scenic Punakha Valley, Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten stands strong on a ridge, and boasts of being one of the finest architectural marvels in the Last Himalayan Kingdom! One can reach its base by driving around 30 mins from Punakha town. From the base, one must undertake an uphill climb through a rustic suspension bridge, pictorial paddy fields and lush greeneries.

Visitors’ Timing: 06:00AM – 06:00PM

Entry Fee: No Charge