Punakha
Bhutan's most beautiful dzong at the meeting of two rivers, and the historic winter capital
A city of Bhutan
🗓️Best time to visit
February–April when the jacaranda trees bloom purple around the dzong — arguably Bhutan's most photogenic season here.
📸Top activities & landmarks
- Punakha Dzong at the confluence of the Po Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers
- Dochula Pass and its 108 memorial chortens
- Bhutan's longest suspension bridge over the Po Chhu
- Chimi Lhakhang, the 'fertility temple'
🏨Where to stay
Riverside farm resorts, quieter and more nature-immersed than Thimphu or Paro.
⚠️Tips & warnings
Stop at Dochula early in the morning to see the full eastern Himalayan range before afternoon clouds roll in.
📍 On the ground
Getting around: A three-hour drive by licensed car from Thimphu, crossing the famous Dochula Pass (3,100m) lined with its 108 memorial chortens.
Halal & prayer places: Not declared — a rural farming area; carrying pre-prepared halal meals or snacks from Thimphu is advisable.
Local safety: Same as country →
Cost figures: 2026 prices: Punakha Dzong entry ~$1, the suspension bridge over the Po Chhu river is free to cross, a simple farmhouse lunch $8–12.
⏱️How many days?
1-2 days
Suggested plan:
- Dochula Pass + Punakha Dzong
- The suspension bridge + Chimi Lhakhang
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