Punakha is a town in the eastern Himalayas of central-western Bhutan. It is located at a place where numerous streams confluence to form the Sankosh River, which is elevated at a height of around 5,000 feet (1,500 meters) above sea level.
The town, established in 1577, originally served as Bhutan’s capital. Between the Pho and Mo rivers, which are tributaries of the Sankosh, is where the ancient dzong (fortress or castle) is located.
Punakha Dzong
Since its construction in 1637, the Punakha Dzong has stood as a steadfast representation of a unified Bhutan. Dzongs are remarkable forts that have been used for centuries as administrative hubs in Bhutanese district. One of the most opulent places to visit in Punakha is the Punakha Dzong, the biggest dzong in all of Bhutan. The stunning complex is the pinnacle of Bhutanese architecture, and visitors are in for a treat with its exquisitely decorated rooms and prayer halls.
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
This 2004 construction of a Buddhist temple was ordered by the Queen Mother. One of the most visited tourist attractions in Punakha is the Khamsum Yulley chorten, which was built to fend off all evil spirits and encourage global peace and harmony. The temple complex is a superb illustration of national architectural traditions. Hiking through the paddies and up a little hill covered in prayer wheels will bring you to the temple. When you enter the temple, the first thing you see is a huge statue of Vajrakilaya, a Buddhist deity who is prone to anger.
Mo Chhu
An extremely significant river in the Himalayan nation’s psyche is called Mo Chhu, or the Mother. The river enters the Mo Chhu valley before entering the Devil’s Gorge, a well-liked location for thrill-seekers to go river rafting or kayaking.
However, the river’s path through the surrounding rice fields and through the Namgyal Chorten’s golden domes leads to the Pho Chhu at the base of the Punakha Dzong, making it one of the top Punakha tourist attractions.
Chimi Lhakhang
One of the most significant places to see in Punakha is this stunning Buddhist monastery, which Drukpa ruler Ngawang Choegyel constructed back in the 14th century. According to mythology, this is where the Buddhist monk Drukpa Kunley slew a demon and imprisoned it inside a rock.
Be prepared to see phallic symbols all throughout the temple’s interior and on its walls. The phallus sign is employed across Bhutan to drive away the spirits as a legacy of Drukpa Kunley, who promoted extravagant measures to keep off bad entities.
Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang
Another significant destination on the Punakha religious tourist itinerary is the Sangchhen Dorji Lheundrup Lakhang.
The 14-foot Avalokiteshvara statue is the main attraction of the nunnery and two-story shrine. The temple is famous for the black marble blocks that surround the main stupa and show the 84 Mahasiddhis, which are essential to Bhutanese Buddhism. The temple looks out over the picturesque valleys of Punakha, Toebesa, and Wangduephodrang. The area, which is largely empty, provides beautiful vistas and the peace of a Buddhist temple.
Jigme Dorji National Park
The second-largest national park in Bhutan is called Jigme Dorji. The Gasa district, as well as neighboring districts, including Punakha, are mostly covered by the park, which has long been listed as a potential World Heritage Site.
Its elevational ranges of 1400 to 7000 meters allow it to contain an exceptionally diverse fauna. For birdwatchers, the location is among the best in Punakha and all of Bhutan. The occasional red panda or blue sheep could be seen here. Here you may also find Bengal tigers, snow leopards, and the critically endangered Himalayan black bear.