Situated at the altitude of 1200 m above mean sea level Punakha is beautiful place at the confluence of two rivers Pho Chhu and Mo chhu. This peaceful place has many attractions and amongst them Punakha Dzong is the most famous. Build in the 17th century it was Bhutan’s one of the most important fortresses. Now this Dzong hosts the Punakha Tshechu every year. Apart from the Punakha Dzong there is an interesting temple name Chimi Lhakhang which is also called as the temple of the fertility. The two rivers Pho chhu and Mo chhu add extra drama in the surrounding landscape. Comparing to other places of Bhutan Punakha is bit warmer. Punakha also act as a halt point for the tourists going towards Bumthang.
Activities
Sightseeing tour: One can go for local sightseeing tour to the various places of interest in nearby areas. The full day tour program can be customized to meet your needs. Some of the places of interest are Punakha Dzong, Wangdue Dzong, Chimi Lhakhang, Cable bridge, Phobjikha Valley, etc.
Day excursion trip to Phobjikha: One can go for a day trip to beautiful Phobjikha valley or Gangteng valley. This ‘U’- shaped glacial valley is famous for its natural beauty. The Gangteng monastery is also a must visit place here. The Black-necked cranes also can be seen here during the winter season.
Morning Excursion: A blissful morning walk around the Punakha will be a lovely option for the visitors coming here for the first time. The chirping of birds and the gurgling sound of the river will bring a peacefulness in your mind.
Day hike: You can for a day long hike into near Guru Rinpoche Caves, Koma Tsachu (hot springs) which starts from a small community near Punakha name Mitesgang which is’ around 11 km from Punakha. The hike takes around 2 hrs from Mitesgang but the trail is steep. You feel so nice once you reach at the spot.
Places to Visit: Punakha Dzong, Chimi lLhakhang, Wangdue Dzong, Phobijkha, Sunpension bridge, etc.
Travel Guide
Weather
The general temperature in Punakha stays comfortable all time. During summer, mercury sometimes crosses 30°C in daytime and during night it stays around 14°C. The average temperature for Punakha is 13°C during winter. This town never gets snowfall but the surrounding mountains get snowfall during the winter. Punakha gets good amount of rainfall during monsoon.
Local Words
Generals greetings and words: Welcome greetings: Kuzo-zangpo la, Yes: Ong, No: Mengo, Little bit: Atshi-chi, Thank you: Kaadin-chhey la, Road: Lam, Shop/Store: Neyer Tshang, Market: Throm, Medicine: Mein.
Food and Drinks: Hot water: Chhu Tshe, Cold Water: Chhu Khem, Rice: Chum/ Tuoe, Mushrooms: Shamu, Lentils: Sem Chum Chung Ku, Vegetables: Tshe-sey, Butter Tea: Suja, Milk Tea: Naja.
Emotions: Good (Food): Shim-bay, Not Good (food): Me Shim-bay, Good (Places, things): Sacha Legshom, Not Good (Place,things): Yoebab mabmi.
Time: Morning: Do-paa, Evening: Tshi-roo, Night: Nub-mo.
Relationships: Elder-brother: Acho, Younger brother: Nuchu, Elder Sister: Ashim, Younger sister: Num.
How are you?: Gadaybay zhu ga?
I’m fine: Layshom.
What is your name?(informal) Chhey-gi ming ga chi mo?
What is your name? (formal) Na gi Tshen ga chi mo?
My name is Lucy: Ney-gee ming Lucy een la.
How far is it from here? Dikhar lay tharee gademchi mo?
How much? Gaa-dem-chi mo la?
Getting here
The nearest airport name is Paro airport (PBH). It is well connected with Bangkok, Kolkata and Bagdogra airport. But the flight are limited. The nearest popular airport beside Paro is Bagdogra airport (IXB) which is in India.
There is no railway connectivity in Bhutan. The nearest railway station name is Hashimara station (HSA) and New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP) which are in India.
Punakha is well connected by roads with other parts of Bhutan.
Permit
Tourists need permit to get into Wangdue. The visa procedure for Bhutan is different comparing to other countries. Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldives national have different visa procedure. Please contact us to know about the visa procedure in details.
Custom
Bhutan is a Buddhist country where people are very respectful to their culture. While visiting in any religious place please remove your footwear before entering into the main temple. Also it is advisable to wear modest clothes while visiting any religious place. People will happily pose for a picture but please ask them before taking any picture.
Safety
Bhutan is one of the few countries in the world where you hardly find any crime. People are very respectful towards each other. But for any safety concern you can reach to the nearest police station or tourist information center.
Health
You won’t find any mosquitoes here in Punakha. Due to alpine climate tourist generally doesn’t get sick. But if you are allergic to plants and pollen then take precaution. The local hotels and restaurants serve safe drinking water but if you are not sure then you can buy packaged drinking water almost at every place.