Punakha

Punakha, once the capital of Bhutan, is a beautiful valley town surrounded by rivers and mountains. It is well known for its pleasant weather, historic dzongs(fortresses), and peaceful atmosphere. The town sits at the meeting point of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, which are two major rivers that meet at Punakha in Bhutan, making it one of the most beautiful places in Bhutan.

The highlight of Punakha is the Punakha Dzong, also called the “Palace of Great Happiness,” among Bhutan’s most admired landmarks. Many travellers also prefer exploring Punakha through Bhutan tour packages, which make it easier to cover attractions and experiences. Along with rice fields, traditional homes, and long suspension bridges, the beautiful town gives a glimpse of Bhutan’s culture and lifestyle. Whether you visit with family, friends, or alone, Punakha holds something for everyone.

Best Time to Visit Punakha:

The best time to visit Punakha is from October to March, when the weather is cool and perfect for exploring. Winter brings clear skies, making it great for sightseeing and photography. Spring, especially in March and April, is also beautiful as the valley is filled with blooming jacaranda flowers.

From June to September, Punakha experiences monsoon rains, which make the valley lush and green, but heavy showers may interrupt travel plans. Still, the monsoon is less crowded and peaceful. Autumn and winter are ideal for enjoying Punakha Dzong, river rafting, and walking across the famous suspension bridges.

How to Reach Punakha:

By Air:

Direct Flights

1. Departure City: New Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati
2. Arrival City & Airport: Paro International Airport, Bhutan
3. Time Taken: Around 2-3 hours
4. Airlines: Druk Air, Bhutan Airlines

Connecting Flights

1. Departure City: Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad
2. Arrival City & Airport: Paro International Airport, Bhutan
3. Layover Cities: Kolkata, New Delhi, or Bangkok (depending on airline)
4. Time Taken: Around 5-8 hours (including layover)
5. Airlines: Druk Air, Bhutan Airlines, connecting international carriers

By Road:

You can reach Bhutan from India by road through entry points like Phuentsholing (West Bengal), Gelegphu (Assam), and Samtse. Major Indian states such as West Bengal, Assam, Sikkim, and Meghalaya have good road connectivity. Travel time is around 10-14 hours from cities like Kolkata and Guwahati. Indian citizens need a passport or a voter ID.

By Rail

There is no direct rail link to Bhutan, but the nearest railway stations in India are Hasimara (West Bengal, 20 km from Phuentsholing), New Jalpaiguri (NJP, about 150 km from Phuentsholing), and New Alipurduar. From these stations, travellers can take taxis or buses to the Bhutan border and then continue by road to Punakha.

Places to Visit in Punakha:

Here are some of the places to visit in Punakha. There are thousands of people who visit here and enjoy the pleasant weather, green hills, and delicious local food.

1. Punakha Dzong: Known as the “Palace of Great Happiness,” this riverside fortress is famous for its grand architecture and beautiful location. It is one of Bhutan’s most photographed landmarks.
2. Suspension Bridge: One of the longest bridges in Bhutan, it offers breathtaking views of rivers and valleys. Walking across it is a thrilling experience.
3. Chimi Lhakhang: This temple, also known as the Fertility Temple, is visited by couples who wish to have children. It is believed that if you wish with your pure heart, God will listen to your prayer. This temple is in a rural area, in this way you can experience Punakha tourism’s unmatched beauty.
4. Dochula Pass: A mountain pass on the way to Punakha, decorated with 108 stupas. It provides panoramic Himalayan views on clear days.
5. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten: A beautiful temple built for peace and harmony. The short hike to reach here offers scenic views of the valley.