Things to do in Punakha – Punakha Boutique

Things to do in Punakha

Chimi Lhakhang (7.2 km) The famous Chimi Lhakhang is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley, the 15th-century Tibetan magician, saint and exponent of ‘crazy wisdom’. Chimi Lhakhang is located in between very beautiful paddy fields near Lobesa, it is one of the most scenically located monasteries in eastern Bhutan and takes about half an hour walk till the monastery from the road. The bodhi tree is believed to have been brought from Bodhgaya. Childless women pray to a fertility goddess.

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten (13.8 km) Follow the Mo Chhu upstream from Punakha Dzong, and the gleaming apex of the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten will soon appear on the opposite bank, a gold-topped beacn guiding you upstream. Seven kilometers (4 miles) northeast of the dzong, the tiered chorten stands 30-meters (100-feet) tall, it three stories covered with painted pageant of characters from the annals of Vajrayana Buddhism – including one protector deity pictured riding a shaggy brown migoi or yeti. A path leads from the roadside to a bridge across the Mo Chhu, before climbing steeply up to the chorten itself. Visit in the cool of the morning then sit to catch your breath and enjoy fabulous views up and down the lush Mo Chhu Valley.

Punakha Dzong (6.8 km) The Punakha Dzong (the palace of great happiness or bliss), is the administrative centre of Punakha District in Punakha, Bhutan. The dzong was constructed by Ngawang Namgyal, in 1637–38. It is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan and one of its most majestic structures. The dzong houses the sacred relics of the southern Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, including the Rangjung Kasarpani and the sacred remains of Ngawang Namgyal and the tertoen Pema Lingpa. The Dzong is located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers in the Punakha–Wangdue valley. The source of the Mo chu river is in the northern hills of Ligshi and Laya in Bhutan, and in Tibet. The Pho Chu River is fed by glaciers in the Lunana region of the Punakha valley. After the confluence of these two rivers, the main river is known as Puna Tsang chu.

Punakha River Rafting Most of the rivers in Bhutan are very steep and highly rushing with limited road access makes it considerably unsuitable for white water rafting. Only a few rivers are opened for rafting considering their safe and easy access. The Pho Chu with its approx 16km course with about 15 rapids of class 2 – 4 is the most popular for rafting in Bhutan followed by the Mo Chu river with a 10Km course comprising around 10 rapids with 2- 2+ rapids.

Talo Monastery (13.7) Talo Monastery is a Buddhist Monastery located on the hills above Punakha at an elevation of 2800 m. The monastery is one of the prominent monastery in the country as it is directly connected to the mind manifestation of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel as well as an essential Drukpa Kagyu Monastery. It is commonly known as Talo Geompa or Talo Sangacholing Monastery. It was founded by Chogtul Jigme Singye (1742-1789), the fourth reincarnation of Lam Thripa in 1767. The interior and exterior of the monastery shows the amazing skills of Bhutanese artist reflecting the importance of culture and religion in Bhutan. There are so many statues and lhakhangs inside the monastery out of which one is Tshapami Statue and Neten Chudru Lhakhang. Below the statue of Tshapami there is a Namsey Tsherim that is sealed for public display. Inner walls of the momastery are painted with Zhabdrung’s images substituting 10,000 Zhabdrung statues.

Kabji Hoka Tsho (18.2 km) This pristine lake is hidden away in the middle of dense jungle vegetation. There is a legend about a lake in Punakha that never overflows as it is continuously drained through an opening created by the deity residing in it, believed to have been created as a result of a demon threatening to flood the place. When reaching the lake, a small path leads down to the water for some magnificent views of Hoka tsho in its peaceful and untouched surroundings. Hoka Tsho means “Lake with a hole”.

Punakha Suspension Bridge (6.2 km) The suspension bridge is almost 250m long which is located very much near to Punakha Dzong and is the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan built above Po Chhu River. The bridge are mountains surrounding the bridge from all the sides which also gives a breathtaking view and it also connects to the nearby villages. The drive here from the dzong takes you past a royal palace and a cremation ground.

Nalanda University (12.4 km) It was built by 9th Je Khenpo Shakya Rinchen, considered to be a reincarnation of Rechung Dorji Drakpa in 1757. It is located below Talo monastery in Punakha. Eventually, the uncle of His Majesty, the Fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuk, Dorji Lopen Yoenten Gyaltsen, requested permission from the King to open an official Buddhist shedra. In 1991, His Majesty gave permission for Nalanda Monastery to become a shedra and in 1992, two lopens (teachers) opened the shedra with 20 monks. Over time, the number of lopens and students has increased. As of 2014, there are 6 lopens and 125 students who range from 8 to 28 years of age.

Discover Khuruthang (walk) Khuruthang town, the administrative center of Punakha Dzongkhag, is a vibrant community that serves as a gateway to the region’s attractions. With its friendly locals and bustling markets, Khuruthang offers visitors a glimpse into everyday life in Bhutan. The town is strategically located near several key sites, including the iconic Punakha Dzong and the scenic Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Whether you’re exploring the local culture or embarking on an adventure in the nearby valleys, Khuruthang is the ideal base for your journey.

Wolakha Nunnery The Wolakha Nunnery, also called the Wolakha Dratshang, is a significant place for Buddhist nuns in Punakha, Bhutan. The nunnery has been important for keeping Bhutanese Buddhist traditions alive, especially those of the Drukpa Kagyu lineage. Set in the beautiful Punakha Valley, the nunnery provides a peaceful place for meditation and prayer. Today, it remains a center for learning and spiritual growth, showing how Buddhism continues to thrive in Bhutan and how women play a big role in it.