Warm winters, a dzong at the river's meeting point and rice fields on every slope — how to spend a day or two in Punakha.
Punakha is a valley of rice, rivers and warmth, lying about 1,200 metres lower than Thimphu.
What to do
Visit Punakha Dzong in the late afternoon, when the light warms the white walls. Walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, and climb to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten for an overview. Cross the long suspension bridge, then raft the Mo Chhu if you like.
When to go
Spring brings jacaranda blossom around the dzong; autumn paints the terraces gold. Winter is mild here when higher valleys are cold.
Staying
Choose a lodge by the river or a hillside hotel with a view of the rice. Two nights is ideal.
Our Punakha destination guide has more detail.
