Punakha

Beautiful Punakha is closely linked with Bhutanese history ; was the old capital of Bhutan and the seat of government till 1955. Located around 72 Kms from Thimpu , it is now the winter capital of Bhutan as it is warmer than Thimpu. Two rivers, Mo Chu and Pho Chu flow through this area making it a very fertile valley suitable for rice farming and Punakha rice is very famous. The Punakha Dzong, one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan is located at the confluence of these two rivers.

A drive from Thimpu to Punakha offers great views of the Himalayas apart from the unique flora and fauna of this region. Dochula pass, which we visited in an earlier episode lies on this route. The area around Punakha is also an excellent birding and wildlife destination as it is home to over 500 species of birds apart from the black bear, panda, leopard and tiger.

The Punakha valley is a fertile region and paddy fields are a common sight here…

Farming activity in Punakha valley

Arriving late evening we checked in to our hotel at Punakha; Hotel Vara. A beautiful hotel located at a slight elevation from the town and overlooking the Mo Chu river, the views of the valley from the hotel were beautiful.

Hotel Vara , Punakha

Next day , after breakfast, we boarded our buses to go around Punakha. Our first halt was at Punakha Dzong about which we have already discussed. After seeing the Dzong, we visited the suspension bridge across the Mo Chu river.

Punakha Suspension Bridge

This second longest suspension bridge in Bhutan is about 180 metres in length across the Po Chhu river and connects the two parts of the valley. The bridge is beautifully draped with prayer flags and is a popular photo location. It was built in the 17th century and is anchored by suspension cables which tend to sway in the wind and when we walk on it. The floor is made of wooden planks. Walking across the bridge we reached a small restaurant where we had coffee and rested for a while.

The Suspension bridge from a distance

The coloured flags on the bridge

On the suspension bridge

The restaurant

Riverside Lunch

By the time we finished the dzong and the bridge, we were all ready for a nice meal. And what a surprise we had. A riverside lunch was organised . With the sound of the gurgling waters and the gentle breeze blowing in, we really enjoyed the lunch. Some pictures…

An enjoyable riverside lunch…

Post lunch we proceeded to the famous Punakha Nunnery.

Punakha Nunnery

Located on top of a small hillock with beautiful views of the valley, this is a training school for nuns. It also offers life skill training like Thangkha painting ,embroidery and tailoring.

The temple is an example of Bhutanese architecture and design and contains a 14 feet bronze statue of Avalokiteshwara . Statues of Padmasambhava and the Taras are also present apart from the meditation halls. Its unique location makes it visible as one drives into Punakha. Some pictures…

The main temple

The view from the nunnery with the chortens and the road on the hillside.

River Rafting

Let me now take you through some pictures of a River Rafting session on the Mo Chhu river we had earlier on at Punakha. The rafting was enjoyable and we had a great time. The river was not very rough and we encountered grade two rapids as we rowed along…

The rafts and rafters get ready

Starting off with excitement…

Soon we got used to the rapids

We sang and rowed along….

After the rafting session was over, we all wanted to get back as we were wet and shivering…

What better way to get over this than a warm bonfire?

The bonfire…

A video of the bonfire….

On our last night at Punakha, we had a bonfire at the hotel where we all sang and danced in the warmth of the fire. What an ending to our time at Punakha!!!!

Next we week we are at Paro. See you from Paro, till then, do give me your feedback and comments.