Punakha Valley: A Deep Dive into Bhutan's Rich Heritage - 5 Days

Punakha Valley is located in the western region of Bhutan, situated between five other valleys. Punakha has a warmer climate. This valley was the capital of Bhutan. This valley is famous for rice cultivation. Punkaha lies on the banks of two important rivers.

Duration
Duration
5 Days
Country
Country
Bhutan
Difficulty
Difficulty
Easy
Maximum Altitude
Maximum Altitude
3500 meters
Best Seasons
Best Seasons
Spring and Autumn
Accommodation
Accommodation
Hotels
Meals
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start Point
Start Point
Paro International airport
Activity
Activity
Hiking & Sightseeing

Highlights

  • Discovering Punakha Dzong
  • Spiritual and wellness atmosphere
  • Interaction with locals in Bhutan
  • Explore Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten

Trip Overview

During 5 days, you will discover gorgeous views, explore temples, walk through calm villages, feel crisp air, and relax by the riverbank. If you enjoy nature, exploring culture, and being in peaceful places, this trip fits you well.   During the trip, you’ll see green hills, cross high passes, and explore the amazing buildings of Punakha Dzong. You will also get the chance to meet friendly local citizens and become familiar with their daily life.

There is always something to explore in Punakha Valley. If you stroll through rice fields, light butter lamps in a temple, or just sit at the riverbank, Punakha will melt your heart. Participate with us in this peaceful and hassle-free tour. We, Team Orrog, have given you a clear-cut plan for your tour. We can arrange your tour according to your destination.

Discovering Punakha Dzong

Punakha Dzong is a place of joy and happiness. This Dzong is the second biggest fortress at an altitude of 1200 meters. This dzong has six storeys. To reach the fort, you have to cross the bridge. This Dzong serves as a commercial establishment. You may view some of the best structures and beautiful Bhutanese crafts here.

Spiritual and wellness atmosphere

Punakha Valley is known by many tourists for its peaceful environment. You will discover calm and natural beauty here. There are many locations of spiritual significance, from a monastery to a fort.  Here, you have the opportunity to interact with nature and learn about Buddhism.  The monastery offers a wellness experience that includes the opportunity to meditate. You may also offer spring treatment and have temple bell sound healing.  The plants and animals of Punakha make it an outstanding spot for you to be.

Interaction with locals in Bhutan

Meeting people from Bhutan may be a very meaningful and fulfilling element of your trip.  People from Bhutan are recognized for being kind, humble, and putting a lot of value on respect and peace.  People from Bhutan are polite and don't talk too much.  Say hello with a smile and a bow. Inhabitants in Bhutanese villages are generally pleasant. Monks are friendly but should be treated respectfully.

Explore Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten

A visit to Chorten is beneficial for the spirit and the senses.  This chorten offers a magnificent view of the Valley. Each level of the chorten stands for a step toward spiritual growth. You will see different statues and wall paintings on each floor. March to May and September to November are the best times to visit this chorten.

Exploring Bhutan’s Heritage Site in Punakha Valley

  • Punakha Dzong

When it comes to the Valley, Dzong is without a doubt one of the most breathtaking places to visit.  In the Dzong, the Royal Family congregates and exercises their authority.  Due to the garden that is located to the left of the gate and the sculpture that is carved into the stone, the Dzong is even more captivating.

  • Jigme Dorji National Park

Another Punakha's significant location is the awesome Jigme Dorji National Park.  You can come here to learn about alpine zone fauna and rare vegetation diversity.  This vast national park has mountains ranging from 1500 to 6500 meters.  Rare fauna and birds, and wildlife can also be seen when you visit this national park.

  • Poo Chu Suspension Bridge

This bridge is popular in Punakha. The bridge connects the two villages.  It's Bhutan's largest suspended bridge.  Prayer flags in bright colors cover the bridge.

  • Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten

You will feel wonderful after you trek to the Chorten.  The temple was constructed to promote stability and peace within the nation.  The most enjoyable activity that can be done in Punakha is to go up to the monastery.  This monastery is directed by four lovely steps.

  • Talo Monastery

A large and stunning edifice, the Monastery is a lovely place of worship.  The purpose of this monastery is to provide a place of prayer and meditation for individuals from all over the world. Crafts are displayed here.  Local villagers and enthusiasts fill the monastery during the Talo Festival.

Your visit to Punakha will be filled with peace, the beauty of nature, and enriched with the culture. You will interact with the local people and experience the simple and happy lives of the people. You will see many beautiful gardens, peaceful woods, and the fantastic mountain views that are the most picturesque. Everything about your holiday, such as the place where you sleep, the meals, the personnel, the guides, and the transport, is being taken care of by us, Team Orrog. We made sure that you can easily chill out and find greater joy by doing so. We will be there to walk with you and see you off, even as we make sure that the departure is smooth and secure. It is something you absolutely can't forget, even with time.

Short Itinerary

Day 01 :

Day 1: Arrival in Paro and drive to Punakha. Check in at Riverside Resort, relax, and enjoy a welcome dinner with river and hill views.

Day 02 :

Day 2: Visit Punakha Dzong, explore the fortress and river confluence. Afternoon romantic boat ride on the Mo Chu River, swim, and dinner with a private view.

Day 03 :

Day 3: Trek to Chimi Lhakhang for a couple’s blessing. Lunch, relax with a garden walk, couples massage, and evening dance with other couples.

Day 04 :

Day 4: Free day for exploration and activities: coffee by the river, photoshoot, hot stone bath, horse riding, biking, birdwatching, or relaxing together.

Day 05 :

Day 5: Couples cooking class for a traditional Bhutanese meal with other couples. Evening stroll, souvenir shopping, rooftop cafe, or club with drinks and dancing.

Day 06 :

Day 6: Early breakfast, transfer back to Paro. Lunch, receive a special gift, then airport drop-off for departure with memorable stories

Price Includes

  • Accommodation in a good hotel
  • Professional Drive
  • Comfortable SUV Vehicle
  • breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Certified English-speaking guide
  • All internal taxes and entry fees
  • personal car
  • Farewell dinner

Price Excludes

  • Beverage and bar bills
  • Tip to guide or driver
  • Flight to Paro and the visa fee
  • Medical expenses
  • Personal room

Punakha Valley: A Deep Dive into Bhutan's Rich Heritage Itinerary

Maximum Altitude
Maximum Altitude: 3500 meters
Start Point
Start Point: Paro Airport
Duration
Duration: Half to full day (depending on arrival time)
Difficulty
Difficulty: Easy
Activity
Activity: cultural sightseeing & optional traditional hot stone bath
Best Seasons
Best Seasons: Spring and Autumn
Meals
Meals: Breakfast

If you are from outside Bhutan, you will enter the country through the Paro airport. There, you will meet with our representative. Following that, they will drive you to your destination in a private vehicle. The trip to Punakha, Bhutan, will begin. If you are already in the country, then you can come directly to Punakha. At the destination, you will check into your hotel. Take a little rest after checking in. Then, you can have your breakfast.

Immediately following breakfast, you will make your way to the Dzong. Adjacent to the monastery, you will observe the meeting point of two rivers.  The Mo Chhu (Female) and Pho Chhu (Male) rivers converge at this location. Then, you will go across the river on a bridge. From the bridge, you will get an excellent view. Subsequently, you will be heading to the monastery. After that, you will make your way back to the accommodation. When you get to the hotel, you can rest or try a traditional hot stone bath.

Gallery

Maximum Altitude
Maximum Altitude: 3500 meters
Duration
Duration: 3–4 hours (round-trip trek plus temple visit)
Start Point
Start Point: Hotel in Punakha
Difficulty
Difficulty: Easy
Activity
Activity: Trekking through village and rice fields, cultural and spiritual exploration
Best Seasons
Best Seasons: Spring and Autumn
Meals
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, after waking up, you will have breakfast. After that, you will meet your guide. You will be exploring and uncovering the secrets of the Temple of Fertility. You will hike through Sopsokha village. During your trek, you will traverse a beautiful rice field. As you walk through a Sopsokha village, you will see a heritage-style house and a phallus.

You will arrive at Chimi Lhakhang after a short ascent. Upon your arrival, you will see lamps illuminate the dimly lit inner chamber. There, you can witness people meditating and monks chanting. After exploring the temple, you can also receive a fertility blessing. Then, you can learn about the Divine Madman. Here, you can engage with locals to gain insights about their past. Here, you can buy some interesting souvenirs. Upon the conclusion of your activities, you will return to your hotel. You will stay in the same hotel today.

Gallery

Maximum Altitude
Maximum Altitude: 2,300 meters (Longchu Lake)
Duration
Duration: 5–6 hours (round-trip trek)
Start Point
Start Point: Dechencholing Village
Activity
Activity: Trekking through forest and grasslands, nature meditation, scenic lunch
Best Seasons
Best Seasons: Spring and Autumn
Meals
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Difficulty
Difficulty: Easy

On this particular day, you are required to get up at an early hour.   Afterwards, you will have a hot coffee. Then, you will have a short ride to Dechenchholing village. Your trek will commence from this village. During the expedition, you must ascend the incline. In a short period of time, you will gain altitude. So, walk at a steady pace. During the walk, you will travel through woodland and the farmlands. You will be able to notice different kinds of trees and listen to the birds.

By trekking for hours, you will reach the Lake. You will be able to see the mountains from the lake.  At the same time, you will be enjoying your meal. You can also capture some moments and meditate for hours. After exploring the lake, you will descend to Punakha. You will follow the same path. You will be staying at Punakha for the night.

Maximum Altitude
Maximum Altitude: 3500 meters
Duration
Duration: 5–6 hours (including driving and walking)
Start Point
Start Point: Hotel or local cafe in Wangdue Phodrang
Activity
Activity: Cultural sightseeing, village walk, spiritual visit
Best Seasons
Best Seasons: Spring and Autumn
Meals
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
Accommodation: Hotel

You will wake up early in the morning. Then, you can have breakfast at a local cafe. Afterwards, you will embark on a journey to Wangdue Phodrang Fort. You can spot various mountains and different landforms during your journey. Following a little journey, you will reach Wangdue. When you get there, you will notice a beautiful fort. You can also explore Bhutan’s rich history here.

After spending your time, you will move towards the Rinchengang village. It will take you a short period of time to walk to the village. You will cross the bridge over the furious river. Once you have crossed the bridge, you will arrive at the settlement.  You will be able to recognise an ancient stone home.  You can see the way that people live here. After exploring the village, you will then go to the Nunnery. Following the completion of your tour to the nunnery, you will return to the fort.  You will be spending the night in Wangdue Phodrang.

Gallery

Maximum Altitude
Maximum Altitude: 1,200 meters (Punakha area)
Start Point
Start Point: Wangdue Phodrang
Duration
Duration: 3–4 hours (travel and packing)
Best Seasons
Best Seasons: Easy
Activity
Activity: Travel, final meal, packing, departure arrangements
Best Seasons
Best Seasons: Spring and Autumn
Meals
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

You will make your way back to Punakha when you have finished touring  Wangdue Phodrang. You will travel on the same path. The final meal of the tour will be served to you after you have arrived at Punakha. After that, you will pack your bag. Then, you will return to your home. If you are from another country, our representative will drop you off at Paro airport. They will drop off 3 hours before the flight time. We will make arrangements for a car to take you back to the location if you are from the same country.

Gallery

Know Before You Travel

  • The Valley has a variety of fun things to do,:

    spiritual destinations, and cultural attractions.  You can see Dzong, the fertility shrine, and the monastery in a short amount of time. If you appreciate being outside, you can travel to Chorten.  You may meet people from the region by going to Talo village, Nobgang village, and the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery. You may go around Lobesa's Rice Fields for a natural walk.  Rafting on the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers is one way to have an adventurous experience.

Punakha Map

Download
Punakha Map

Punakha Valley: A Deep Dive into Bhutan's Rich Heritage 5 Days

FAQs for Punakha Valley: A Deep Dive into Bhutan's Rich Heritage

FAQS

Orrog is one of the certified companies in Bhutan. We have years of experience with the certified guide. All the tours we have conducted are safe. 

Some of the important places you should not miss during the Punakha valley are Punakha Dzong, Chimi Lhakhang Monastery, Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge, and Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery. Despite these places, there are lots of activities to do in Punakha.

This place is also known as the Palace of Great Happiness. Punakha Dzong is known for its stunning architecture. It holds great historical importance and is located at the lovely meeting point of two rivers.

To cancel the tour, you have to go through the cancellation policy. You can directly contact our office. Some of the amount will be deducted from your advance payment.

This monastery is famous for its unique blessing. This monastery is especially visited by couples to receive a fertility blessing. To reach the monastery, you have to hike for a certain amount of time.

The ideal time to visit Punakha Bhutan is from October to April. During these months, the weather is pleasant and good for sightseeing. If you wish to join the Punakha Tshechu festival, you should come in February or March.

Yes, all age groups can explore Punakha. You can easily reach the different locations in the valley. We can customize your package according to your destination.

The Punakha tour is available for booking year-round. But we recommend you book your trip a month ago for good hotels and vehicles. 

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Price Per person
$ 1,250.00
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  • Thimphu,Bhutan
  • 975+17160228

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