Beautiful Punakha has been inextricably linked with momentous occasions in Bhutanese history. Two of Bhutan’s important rivers converge in Punakha. At their confluence is the majestic Punakha Dzong, an absolute marvel. These rivers are also home to one of the last surviving populations of the critically endangered white-bellied herons.
The route from Thimphu to Punakha is quite spectacular and takes travellers over the renowned Dochula Pass, which showcases interesting monuments along its course and offers the awe-inspiring opportunity to view the great Himalayan Mountain Range.
Driving down from Dochula towards Punakha, visitors can discover the Royal Botanical Park, where an excellent collection of Himalayan plants and good birding sites can be found.The country's most idyllic dzong is situated at the confluence of two rivers. Breathtaking from outside and rewarding inside with rich wall paintings and friendly local monks.
Reached by crossing the 3,116 metre Dochu La, the fertile valley floor is the winter home of the country’s largest monk body and produces a wide variety of fruits and vegetables which you won’t see anywhere else in the country.
