Punakha
Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until and still it is the winter seat of Je Khenpo (the chief abbot). Blessed with temperate climate and owing to its natural drainage from Pho Chhu (male) and Mo Chhu (female) rivers, the Punakha valley produces abundant crops and fruits. There are splendid views of the distant Himalayas at Dochula pas (alt. 3,050m) on Thimphu – Punakha road.
Dochula Pass
The Dochula Pass is a beautiful mountain pass in the snow covered Himalayas within Bhutan which is about 20 km from Thimpu to Punakha where 108 memorial chortens or stupas known as “DrukWangyalChortens” have been built by AshiDorjiWangmoWangchuk, the eldest Queen Mother. Apart from the chortens there is a monastery called the DrukWangyal Lhakhang (temple), built in honour of the fourth DrukGyalpo (head of the state of Bhutan. The pass is located at an elevation of 3,100 metres (10,200 ft) (3,140 metres (10,300 ft) and 3,150 metreson the East West Road from Thimpu to Punakha and further east in the Himalayas amidst the Eastern Himalayan snow-covered mountains. To the east of the pass, the snow clad mountain peaks of the Himalayas are seen prominently and among them is the Mt. Masanggang at 7,158 metres (23,484 ft) which is the highest peak in Bhutan, known in local language as the Mt. Gangkar Puensum.
It’s not just a place of historical and religious importance, but also a popular tourist attraction that any traveler would want to witness on their journey through Bhutan. The best time to visit Dochula Pass, Bhutan is from September to February for picturesque and closer views of the snow-laden Himalayas.
It is one of the most beautiful mountain passes you’ll ever see.
If you like the winter you will be excited to experience the chilly weather and sometimes snowfall at Dochula Pass at a dizzying height of 3,100 m.You will feel the chill in 2°C temperature at a height of 3,100 m.
The 360-degree panoramic views of the Himalayas and some other mighty peaks. On a clear day the high mountain peaks including Masaganang (7,200m), Kangphugang (7,170m), Tsendagang (6,960 m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), and Terigang (7,060 m) can be seen from Dochula Pass in Bhutan.
DrukWangyal Lhakhang temple
Another attraction around Dochula Pass is DrukWangyal Lhakhang temple built in honor of His Majesty the fourth DrukGyalpo, Jigme SingyeWangchuck. The temple is so beautifully built that lovers of ancient art and architecture come from far and wide to see this piece of beauty. The intricate design and structure of the temple present a marvellous blend of history and mythology.
Punakha Dzong is one such beautiful architecture and offers a stunning sight of the luminous aura of the white washed walls on a bright sunny day. Golden, red and black painted woods add to the charisma of this striking architecture.
Punakha Dzong
The Dzong is surrounded by the splendid natural beauty with lush green hills and clear blue sky as a backdrop. The Dzong is also of historical and traditional importance in Bhutan. For a long time it served as the capital. It also preserves the remains of ZhabdrungNgawangNamgyal and holy artefact RanjungKarsapani. Bhutanese people believe the Punakha Dzong is the loveliest Dzong in Bhutan. The beauty is even more highlighted in the season of spring when the towering walls of the dzong are overshadowed with lilac jacaranda blossoms. It is located at the confluence of beautiful rivers of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu in Punakha &Khuruthang. The best time to visit the Punakha Dzong is mid-May when lavender colored jacaranda trees blossom.
This is one of the rare dzongs with three different docheys or courtyards. The first courtyard is meant for taking care of administrative work and contains a big chorten and a sacred Bodhi tree. The second holds quarters of the monks and the coronation and ceremonial rooms. The third courtyard has the sacred remains of Pema Lingpa and Zhabdrung Namgyal.
Chimi Lhakhang Temple
Chimi Lhakhang, known to the English speaking world as The Fertility Temple, is a Buddhist monastery, in the Punakha District of Bhutan. The temple was built over half a millennium ago by NgawangChoegyel, the 14th Drukpa hierarch. Thousands pilgrimage to The Fertility Temple in the hopes of having a child, as well as receiving a wang, blessing, from the saint with the ‘magic thunderbolt of wisdom.’ Drukpa Kunley was one of the key monks that brought Bhuddhism from Tibet to Bhutan. He was know for his unusual methods of teaching and his crazy song lined with humor and sexual connotations, he soon become famous as the “Divine Madman”. This Divine Madman cam eto Punakha to get rid of a demon from Dochula. The demon took the form of a dog and fell dead as he was struck down by the “Flaming Thunderbolt of Wisdom” created by Divine Madman. This Flaming Thunderbolt of Wisdom is what they say was Phallus and thus become symbol of Chimi Lkakhang.
The village of Sopsokha greets us with this divine symbol. The long stretch of paddy fields lay between the village Sopsokha andthe Fertility Temple.
Punakha Suspension Bridge
The Punakha Suspension Bridge is located very much near to the Punakha Dzong and is the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan built above the Po Chu River. The bridge is broad and built in a very nice way and you will be amazed to see that it doesn’t shake so much which can cause a sudden amount of panic among the tourists. The bridge also connects to the nearby villages. There are mountains surrounding the bridge from all the sides which also gives a breathtaking view.
This spot is perfect for photographers and nature lovers as there are stunning views all around.
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
KhamsumYulleyNamgyalChorten is not very old but its amazing beauty and location makes it a worthwhile visit in Punakha district. This Chorten took ten years to be built and was erected by the orders of the Queen Mother for protecting the King and the people of Bhutan.
The Chorten is about 30 minutes of drive away from the Northern part of Punakha. However, like the Tiger Taktsang, it requires some serious hiking to reach the top of the ridge. The walking trail is a little risky during summers though the view is good. For ornithologists, the walk from the KhamsumYulleyNamgyalChorten to the Punakha Dzong via the Sonagasa village is a popular walking trail.
The walk to the Chorten is as memorable as the Chorten itself which is a nice example of colorful Bhutanese architecture.
Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup nunnery
The SangchenDorji Nunnery is situated on a hilltop overlooking the town of Punakha. The Nunnery is beautiful with classic Bhutanese paintings adorning its ceilings and walls. This place is a monastery which is entirely managed by nuns (hence the name nunnery).
Watch the beauty of Sunset from this place during evening. This is Punakha/s newest tourist attraction (built in 2015) by the orders of the Queen mother for celebrating the 60th Birthday of the fourth king of Bhutan.
Do not try ringing any of the bells around the Nunnery. They are meant for specific purposes and not as a form of prayer.