ThimphuPunakhaParo
Western Valleys Weekend
Four days covering the three essential valleys of western Bhutan.
Punakha
Warm valley, river-fork dzong and the fertility temple of the Divine Madman.
- Altitude1,250 m
Lower and warmer than the west, Punakha is a valley of rice paddies, orange groves and jacaranda in spring. It was the capital until 1955 and its dzong, set where two rivers meet, is often called the most beautiful building in Bhutan.
Journeys that stay in Punakha
See all 63
ThimphuPunakhaParo
The Dragon Kingdom Classic
Our signature first trip: six days in Thimphu, Punakha and Paro at a gentle pace.
ThimphuPunakhaPhobjikha (Gangtey)Paro
Valleys & Cranes
Add the glacial Phobjikha valley to the classic western route — perfect in crane season.
ThimphuPunakhaPhobjikha (Gangtey)+2
Heart of Bhutan
Ten days from Paro to the temple valleys of Bumthang and back, crossing three high passes.
ThimphuPunakhaPhobjikha (Gangtey)+3
Grand Bhutan: West to Centre
A thirteen-day loop with time to linger in every valley from Paro to Bumthang.
Samdrup JongkharTrashigangTrashi Yangtse+7
East to West Traverse
Enter from Assam at Samdrup Jongkhar and cross the whole kingdom to fly out of Paro.
Hotels in Punakha
See all 7Punakha
Dhensa Boutique Resort
Boutique resort with a Bhutanese-farmhouse feel and an infinity pool.
Farmstays
Kabesa Rice Farm Homestay
A family farm among the terraces above Punakha, close to Chimi Lhakhang.
Where to eat
Chimi Lhakhang Cafeteria
Bhutanese set meals · Sopsokha, near Chimi Lhakhang
Phuenzhi Diner
Bhutanese, Chinese · Khuruthang, Punakha
Babee Restaurant
Bhutanese, Indian · Punakha