Things to do & places to visit in Punakha District, Bhutan

Punakha District #3 destination in Bhutan 2023. The average rating score is 4.63 based on 2.990 traveler reviews, of 9 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Thimphu, current date and time: Saturday, May 11, 2024, 22:53.

Top things to do (9)

• Multi-day Tours
• Gardens
• Private Tours
• Religious Sites
• Hiking & Camping Tours
• Bridges
• Points of Interest & Landmarks
• Parks
• River Rafting & Tubing

Top places to visit

1. 5.0 Punakha Dzong (1.397 reviews)
   - MUST VISIT IN PUNAKHA
   Religious Sites
   
   
   The Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungthang Dewa chhenbi Phodrang is the administrative centre of Punakha District in Punakha, Bhutan Built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1637–38, and it is the second oldest and second-largest dzong in Bhutan. Punakha Dzong was the administrative center and the seat of the Govt. Of until 1955 when the capital was moved to now Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. See more..
   
2. 4.5 Punakha Suspension Bridge (556 reviews)
   - Longest Suspension Bridge in Bhutan
   Points of Interest & Landmarks • Bridges
   
   
   Suspension bridge 182mts hanging bridge. Connecting between 2 village called mendagang and chang. Basically used to connect 2 village but later become a tourist spot. A small restaurant Bridge View Mendagang is fantastic with tea and variety of Bhutanese and Indian food.. See more..
   
3. 4.5 Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten (214 reviews)
   - Worth all the effort to get there
   Points of Interest & Landmarks
   
   
   A brisk walk through paddy fields and then a hike up a small hill brings you to this place of absolute tranquility. It takes about 30-45 minutes from the car park which is the same spot where you do rafting on the Mochu ( female river). From the car park you cross the river using a suspension bridge and then through the fields to the hillock. Built by the queen mother to ward Bhutan of obstacles and for world peace, it’s an awe inspiring building of 4 levels. You can go to the top and the views from there of the Punakha valley are worth all the walking. At the ground level the gods are very wrathful (vajrakilaya, to subdue the evil spirits) and as you make your way up they get calmer finally culminating with the tranquil Buddha. The building is relatively new, commissioned sometime in 2004 and the exterior has a pagoda style yet soaked in tradition. Don’t miss this if you are in Punakha. See more..
   
4. 4.5 Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup nunnery (171 reviews)
   - A Serene and Beautiful Place
   Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks
   
   
   The Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup nunnery was built as a Buddhist college for nuns that is located on a hilltop in Punakha Valley. The nunnery is very visible from the valley below because it is the only complex located on this particular hilltop. The feeling at the nunnery is that of serene peace which can be attributed to the prime location on this hilltop with beautiful landscaping all around. One very distinct structure at the nunnery is the large, white-colored Stupa that is very similar in design to that of several other Stupas in Nepal. The nunnery is a nice, quiet and peaceful place to visit - checkout the view from the nunnery to the Punakha Valley below the hilltop. See more..
   
5. 4.5 Druk Rafting Service (90 reviews)
   - Great rafting trip for beginners
   Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM River Rafting & Tubing
   
   
   We did an hour long rafting trip in Punakha with these guys. The 2 team members who joined us, family of 4, were very courteous and experts. Since the river was shallow this time of the year and there were very few mild rapids, we had a fun and easy pace to the rafting trip. The boat, gear and staff was very good! See more..
   
6. 4.0 Chimi Lhakhang Temple (516 reviews)
   - Fertility temple
   Religious Sites
   
   
   For the ritual, the woman needs to carry a wooden phallus and walk around the temple 3 times in a clockwise direction. The monk will then chant prayers, follow by choosing a name for your child and you will make a donations. Man will have to step out of the ritual hall before the ritual commences so that the diety will not be jealous of the man. See more..
   
7. 3.5 Royal Botanical Park, Lampelri (45 reviews)
   - Good stopover
   Spent 1-2 hours Parks • Gardens
   
   
   On your way to Punakha, you can make a short stopover at this Garden to stretch your legs. It is a very good picnic spot with nice views and has play area for kids. See more..
   
8. 2.0 Kingdom Rafting Service Bhutan (1 review)
   - Time in Weekends
   River Rafting & Tubing
   
   
   Thanks Mr Agam I really enjoyed rafting it was my first time in my life it was my life time memories. So it was really amazing services. Thanks term you all make me feel the adventure so next I am coming with my family too. Coz I love your service. With love Dilu.. See more..
   
9. Chen-Ray Travel & Tours (0 review)
   Saturday: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Multi-day Tours • River Rafting & Tubing • Hiking & Camping Tours • Private Tours
   
   
   See more..