Punakha is the kind of place that makes you forget to check your phone. We've been bringing people there for years, and seeing their faces the first time they lay eyes on this valley never ceases to amaze me.
This was once Bhutan's ancient capital; you can still sense that. But the first thing you'll notice is how friendly it feels to the rest of Bhutan. No freezing here - just perfect weather all year.
We love how relaxed Punakha feels. Sure, there are amazing places to visit in Punakha - old temples and historic spots that'll blow your mind. But our favourite moments happen when you're just wandering around, maybe watching farmers in the rice fields or having tea with locals who want to chat.
We always tell people - Don't pack your schedule too tight here. There are plenty of things to do in Punakha, but leave room to explore on your own too. Maybe you'll find a perfect river spot or get invited for dinner. That's just how Punakha works.
Ready to see what we mean? Get to know about all the places to visit in Punakha to know why it is a part of all our Bhutan Tour Packages.
Places to Visit in Punakha - A Complete Travel Guide
1. Punakha Dzong - The Heart of Punakha
When it comes to places to visit in Punakha, the first and most famous is the Punakha Dzong. Also called the Palace of Great Happiness, this dzong sits at the meeting point of two rivers-Pho Chhu (male river) and Mo Chhu (female river). It’s surrounded by beautiful jacaranda trees that bloom in spring.
Built in the 17th century, the dzong is not only an architectural wonder but also holds deep religious and historical value. It was once the seat of the Bhutanese government and still houses many important relics.
Walking through its wooden bridges, white walls, and large courtyards is like walking through history.
Location: Confluence of Mo Chhu & Pho Chhu Rivers, Punakha town
Entry Fee: INR 500 (USD 6.50) per adult; children under 5 enter free, under 18 at half price
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5 PM in summer; 11 AM – 5 PM in winter
Suggested Read: Bhutan Road Trip Package
2. Chimi Lhakhang - The Temple of Fertility
Among the must visit places in Punakha Bhutan, Chimi Lhakhang is unique and quite unusual. This small temple is located in a village surrounded by rice fields and is known as the fertility temple. It was built in honour of Lama Drukpa Kunley, also known as the “Divine Madman,” who was famous for his bold and humorous ways of teaching Buddhism.
Couples from around the world visit Chimi Lhakhang to seek blessings for children. To reach the temple, you’ll enjoy a short and peaceful walk through the village and fields.
Location: Lobesa Village, 10 km from Punakha Dzong
Entry Fee: Free (donations welcomed)
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM daily
3. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten - A Hilltop Beauty
If you're someone who enjoys a bit of hiking, then this spot is for you. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten is a beautiful stupa built by the Queen Mother for the well-being of the kingdom. It sits on a hill and offers a breathtaking view of the Punakha Valley, making it one of the best Tourist attractions in Punakha.
It takes about 45 minutes to reach the top on foot, passing through rice paddies and gentle trails. Once you reach it, you’ll be rewarded with peace, beauty, and a panoramic view that’s hard to forget.
Location: Ridge above Punakha, 10 km from Dzong near Yepaisa Village
Entry Fee: Free; donations accepted. Guide optional (INR 500–1,000)
Timings: Approximately 6 AM – 6 PM (some sources note 9 AM–12 PM & 1:30 PM–5 PM)
4. Suspension Bridge - Walk Over the River
Another one of the top places to see in Punakha is the Punakha Suspension Bridge. It’s one of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan and offers a fun yet calming walk over the Mo Chhu river, making it best Tourist places in Punakha.
Colourful prayer flags dance in the wind as you walk across, and the sound of the river below adds to the charm. It connects the town with villages on the other side and gives you a great view of the valley and the dzong.
Location: Near Punakha Dzong
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Always open
5. Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery - A Place of Peace
High up on a hill above Punakha, this beautiful nunnery is often missed by tourists-but it's one of the most peaceful tourist attractions in Punakha. The white stupa, a large bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara, and the views of the valley make it a must-see places To Visit in Punakha.
It’s home to Buddhist nuns who not only pray and meditate but also learn arts like embroidery and statue making. Watching their calm routine and learning about their way of life is a quiet, humbling experience.
Location: On a ridge above Punakha, 33 km from town, reachable by car
Entry Fee: INR 200–250 (US$3–4); donations welcome
Timings: 9 AM–5 PM (lunch break 1–2 PM)
6. Talo Village - Traditional Bhutanese Life
If you want to escape the usual tourist trail and experience local life, head to Talo Village. Located at a higher altitude, this small village is neat, clean, and full of traditional Bhutanese charm. The gardens are well-kept, and the houses have that classic Bhutanese style with wooden windows and painted walls.
The villagers are friendly, and the peaceful environment makes it a great place for a short stay or walk. Talo Monastery nearby is also a quiet and spiritual place to explore.
Location: 5 km uphill from Punakha (1‑hour hike or short drive) at 2,800 m elevation
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Daytime, best from morning to late afternoon
7. Ritsha Village - The Rice Bowl of Punakha
Ritsha is known as the “rice bowl of Bhutan.” This village is famous for its green rice fields and is a great places To Visit in Punakha to take photos, relax, and enjoy the simplicity of village life.
Most houses here are made of mud, bamboo, and wood, and the people are welcoming. It’s one of the tourist places in Punakha where you can truly connect with nature and the Bhutanese way of life.
Location: Along the Pho & Mo Chhu rivers, about 1 km off the Punakha–Gasa highway
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Daytime
Suggested Read: Complete Bhutan Tour Package
8. Limbukha Village - Home of Peaceful Warriors
Limbukha Village is another gem among the places to visit in Punakha. It is known for its peace-loving people and the annual Limbu Tsechu festival. This village also has a tradition of using symbols of peace instead of weapons in festivals-quite unique!
You can also hike to the village from Punakha, passing through forests and small farms. It’s a great spot for slow travel and meaningful conversations with locals.
Location: About a 3-4 hour hike from Punakha town
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Best visited in the morning or early afternoon
9. Mochhu and Pochhu Rivers - Calm and Adventure Together
The best places to visit in Punakha aren’t always temples. The rivers in this area-Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu-are also big attractions. You can enjoy peaceful riverside walks or go rafting in Bhutan if you're up for some adventure.
The rivers flow through the valleys of Bhutan, offering beautiful picnic spots and photo opportunities. In the early morning or late afternoon, the light over the water is magical.
Location: Flowing through Punakha Valley
Entry Fee: Free (Rafting is paid)
Timings: Daytime
10. Dochula Pass (If You’re Driving from Thimphu)
While not in Punakha itself, Dochula Pass is on the way and should not be missed. It’s a mountain pass with 108 chortens (small stupas), built to honour Bhutanese soldiers. On a clear day, you get a view of the Himalayan snow peaks-absolutely stunning.
If you're entering Punakha by road, stop here for tea and a few unforgettable photos.
Location: On the way between Thimphu and Punakha
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Always open
Final Thoughts
Punakha isn’t loud or flashy, and that’s exactly why people fall in love with it. The places to visit in Punakha range from grand dzongs to sleepy villages, quiet rivers to hilltop chortens. Each place has its own story, its own charm.
It’s a place where you can slow down, take deep breaths, and just be. Whether you’re a spiritual traveller, a nature lover, or someone who enjoys exploring new cultures, Punakha welcomes you with open arms.
If you're planning your Bhutan trip, make time for Punakha. You’ll come back with more than just photos-you’ll come back with peace.
