Punakha

Temples & religious sites

Punakha Dzong

Punakha Dzong serves as the administrative center of Bhutan's Punakha region. Built in 1637, it is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan and houses sacred relics of the Drukpa Kagyu tradition.

Nature

Sankosh River

A river that rises in northern Bhutan and flows into the Brahmaputra River in Assam, India; the section near Wangdue Phodrang is also known as the Puna Tsang Chhu.

Views & landmarks

Punakha Cantilever Bridge

A roofed wooden bridge spanning the Mo Chhu River to Punakha Dzong, notable for its distinctive cantilever structure. It also holds deep religious significance, used when monks move to their winter residence or during festival processions.

Nature

Mo Chhu

A river flowing through Punakha, Bhutan, originating in the mountains along the Tibetan border and running south. Just below where it meets the Pho Chhu River stands Punakha Dzong, set against beautiful scenery.

Views & landmarks

Punakha Suspension Bridge

This long suspension bridge spans the river running through Punakha and is colorfully decorated with prayer flags. It's a great spot to enjoy valley views while crossing.

Temples & religious sites

Talo Monastery

A three-story Buddhist monastery perched on a hill near Punakha, 2,800 meters above sea level. Considered one of Bhutan's most sacred sites, the mountain trail leading up to it offers serene scenery along with traces of deep devotion.

Temples & religious sites

Nalanda Buddhist Institute

A Buddhist monastic college set on a hillside on the outskirts of Punakha, below Talo Monastery and above Wolakha village. It's about a 25-minute drive from the main road, making the quiet mountain approach part of the experience.

Nature

Pho Chhu

One of Bhutan's major rivers, it originates in the Gasa region bordering Tibet and flows down to Punakha. Below Punakha Dzong, it meets the Mo Chhu river, forming a scenic confluence.