Punakha Dzong
Located in: Punakha
History & Overview
Crowned as Pungthang Dechen Phodrang Dzong ("The Palace of Great Bliss"), Punakha Dzong reigns majestically at the sacred confluence of Bhutan's Pho Chhu (Male River) and Mo Chhu (Female River). This architectural masterpiece served as Bhutan's capital and seat of government for over 300 years until 1955, when the royal court moved to Thimphu (72km/3 hours away). Today, it remains the administrative heart of Punakha District and one of Bhutan's most spiritually significant dzongs
Chimi Lhakhang
Located in: Punakha
History & Overview
Towering above the emerald rice terraces of Lobesa, Chimi Lhakhang stands as one of Bhutan's most iconic spiritual sites. This hilltop sanctuary, accessible via a pleasant 10-15 minute stroll through the phallus-adorned village of Sopsokha, was established in 1499 to honor Lama Drukpa Kunley - the eccentric "Divine Madman" who challenged religious hypocrisy through outrageous wisdom.The temple has gained international renown as Bhutan's premier fertility pilgrimage site, where hopeful couples receive blessings from the lama's sacred wooden phallus. Local lore abounds with accounts of miraculous conceptions following these rituals.
Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten
Located in: Punakha
History & Overview
Commanding a serene ridge at Kabisa Gewog in Punakha, this four-story architectural gem overlooks the lush Mochhu Valley and surrounding villages. Built over nine years (1999-2008) under the patronage of Her Majesty Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, the temple was constructed following sacred Buddhist scriptures rather than conventional engineering plans—a testament to Bhutan’s unique fusion of spirituality and craftsmanship.
Punakha Suspension bridge
Located in: Punakha
History & Overview
Spanning the roaring Pho Chhu River just upstream from Punakha Dzong, Bhutan's longest suspension bridge (160 meters) offers both an adrenaline rush and breathtaking valley views. Accessible via a short dirt road off the main highway, this engineering marvel connects to a picture-perfect traditional Bhutanese farmhouse nestled against forested mountains—a scene embodying Bhutan's harmony between culture and nature.
Sangchen Nunnery
Located in: Punakha
History & Overview
Perched on a serene ridge above Wolakha village in Wangdue Phodrang, this sprawling temple complex rises majestically amid fragrant pine forests along the route to Drolay Goemba. Established as a Buddhist college for 120 nuns, the nunnery was generously funded by Dasho Yab Ugyen Dorji, father-in-law of the Fourth King, to advance women’s spiritual education in Bhutan.
Rafting Services
Located in: Punakha
History & Overview
While Bhutan's steep, raging rivers with limited access restrict most commercial rafting, two exceptional waterways offer thrilling adventures. The Pho Chhu (Male River) delivers Bhutan's most exciting whitewater with a 16km stretch of 15 technical rapids (Class II-IV), including the heart-pounding "Punakha Rollercoaster" section perfect for experienced rafters. Its gentler counterpart, the Mo Chhu (Female River), provides a 10km beginner-friendly route with 10 Class II-II+ rapids winding past iconic landmarks like Punakha Dzong. These carefully selected sections - the only legally navigable rafting routes in Bhutan - combine adrenaline with cultural immersion, as trips often include riverside temple visits. Professional operators ensure safety with international-grade equipment and certified guides, while seasonal flows (best March-May & Sept-Nov) create ideal conditions to experience Bhutan's wilderness from this unique aquatic perspective. The Mo Chhu's calmer waters even allow for family-friendly floats amidst stunning valley scenery, making rafting one of the most memorable ways to engage with Bhutan's dramatic landscapes.
Talo Sangngak Choling
Located in: Punakha
History & Overview
Perched above the Punakha Valley at 2,800 meters, Talo Sangngak Choling Monastery stands as a vital spiritual center of the Drukpa Kagyu lineage - a tradition tracing back to the Primordial Buddha Vajradhara. Founded by Chogtrul Jigme Singye (fourth reincarnation of Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye), this 19th-century monastery commands breathtaking panoramic views of lush alpine valleys framed by Bhutan's rugged eastern Himalayas. Located 16km from Khuruthang town near Punakha Dzong, the complex serves both as an active monastic school and a living museum of Bhutanese Buddhist art, with its golden roofs gleaming against forests of blue pine
