Punakha, Bhutan
Drop down from the Dochu La pass and you feel it immediately: the air gets warmer, the vegetation turns subtropical, and the mood softens. Punakha is Bhutan’s banana and orange belt, a fertile valley that served as the capital for 300 years. It’s still the winter home of the monk body for good reason—the climate is gentle, and the Dzong, sitting at the confluence of the Male and Female rivers, is arguably the most stunning piece of architecture in the Himalayas.
Top attractions in Punakha
- Punakha Dzong — The Palace of Great Happiness, arguably the most beautiful Dzong.
- Suspension Bridge — One of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan, spanning the Po Chhu river.
- Chimi Lhakhang — The Temple of Fertility, dedicated to the Divine Madman.
- Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten — A stunning chorten overlooking the Punakha valley.
- Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang — A hilltop nunnery with breathtaking views.