Punakha

Punakha Zhong, Punakha, Bhutan - panoramio - Punakha Dzong

Punakha, a former capital of Bhutan, is in the west of the nation.

Punakha Halal Travel Guide

Punakha had been Bhutan's capital from the 17th century up to 1955, when it shifted to Thimphu. When you visit the town, you still feel a regal yet peaceful aura. The dzong and the remains of unifying ruler Ngawang Namgyal are the major attractions within Punakha, though there are other sites to see and things to do. Punakha is part of the triad of Bhutan's three most visited travel destinations, along with Jakar and Paro.

Travel to Punakha

There is an option of taxis or buses from Thimphu, and the journey takes around one and a half to two hours. Shared taxis depart from Thimphu Bus Station and terminate at Khuruthang, which is around 5 kilometers south of Punakha Dzong.

Get Around

All attractions in the town (including the dzong) can be visited on foot. There is a taxi rank near the dzong, where taxis can be hired for visiting sites of interest outside the town, but within the valley.

What to see in Punakha

• Chimi Lhakhang 27.526747, 89.877955 - Between very beautiful paddy fields, it is one of the most scenic monasteries in eastern Bhutan and takes about half and hour to trek/walk till the monastery from the road. Best time of day to vis early morning. It was established by Drukpa Kunley, who also is credited with introducing to the nation the training of phallus paintings, and placing statues of phalluses on rooftops, to drive away evil spirits.

• Geon Tsephu (Guru Rinpoche Caves). A short drive up a rough road or two hour walk from the highway at Mitesgang and there is a small temple and sacred caves. It is said that Guru Rinpoche visited these caves after his retreat at Maratika in Nepal, and it was here that he was able to fully see the form of Amitayus and the Buddha of Long Life. As is common at many Bhutanese sacred sites and there are self risen characters in rock and places to scramble through while making dedications for the benefit of other beings and to remove one's own defilements. Pilgrims can lay their bedding at the temple or use the pasture just below for camping (though leaches are common in the summer). Mitesgang is around 12km down the valley Punakha Dzong.
• Koma Tsachu (Hot springs). are near the small community of Mitesgang. There are three bathing pools covered by simple roofs, and a four-roomed building with solar lighting, where sleeping bags and mats can be laid (there is no charge for staying in the building). Outside and there is ample room to pitch tents and rock overhangs to camp under.

• Pedestrian suspension bridge behind the dzong 27.589431, 89.868872 An almost 250 m long suspension bridge across one of the Mochu/Phochu rivers. It's very beautiful and serene, very good to sit and just watch the flow of the river. Many people do not visit this, but those who have would consider it as a must go.

• Punakha Dzong. Majestically standing on an island between the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Monday Chhu rivers and the city's dzong is one of the most photogenic of all Bhutan's ancient fortresses, and you will see pictures of it hanging in hotels and restaurants throughout the nation. The dzong is joined to the mainland by an arched wooden bridge, and contains many precious relics from the days when successive kings reigned the kingdom from this valley. The dzong serves as the winter home of the monastic body.

Things to Do

Trekking

There are many wonderful hikes in and around the Punakha Valley.

• Hike an hour or so up to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten high on the hill in the upper Punakha valley.
• Visit Jana village. Start from the suspension bridge near Kichu Resort and cross the Dang Chhu river.  The route goes through a village and Rice fields and the hike takes around 1.5 hours to reach Jana village. There and back will be around 3 to 3.5 hours, with plenty of time to explore Jana Village.
• From Dochu La to Thinleygang – drive about 15 minutes from Dochu La pass (just below the tourist cafeteria) and make an excellent 5 hour hike downhill towards Thinleygang village through a forest of oak, maple, alder, hemlock and fir.  In Spring you will be greeted by a wonderful array of blooming flowers – rhododendron, magnolia, primula and cotoneaster.  The people of Thinleygang village mainly used this trail in the old days to move their cattle up to the pass in summer and back to the village in winter.  If you are lucky you will see some beautiful birds.  Your vehicle will be waiting for you at Thinleygang to take you to Punakha (or back to Thimphu).
• From Lamperi to Lumbitsawa – the hike takes just over 4 hours to reach Lumbitsawa and the walk is all downhill through forest from Lamperi Park.  This hike is good to do in early Spring and Autumn, especially for birdwatchers.  It is not a good route for summer months as it can be muddy and there are chances to meet bears…
• Take a three or four hour walk round trip from Dochu La to Lungchuzekha Gompa. From the 108 chortens the route gradually climbs into white, pink and red rhododendron forest for one and a half hours with some steep sections before branching left to Lungchuzekha and right to Tashigang.  The walk affords excellent views of the Himalayas and you can return by the same route or you can descend by a different route to Tashigang Goempa where there is a good view of Hongtsho village.  Then descend to Hongtsho where the driver will meet you.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Punakha

Punakha - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Punakha, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Punakha. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Punakha and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Punakha. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Punakha. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inPunakha: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Punakha.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Punakha: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Punakha, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Punakha.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Punakha, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Punakha, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Punakha and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Punakha, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Punakha, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Punakha without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Punakha is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Punakha.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Punakha is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Punakha, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Punakha Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

• Damchen Resort - Khuruthang ☎ +975 2 584367, +975 2 584368 - Nu.2,000-3,300

• Zhingkham Resort - Logodama, Punakha ☎ +975 2 584722, +975 2 584723, +975 2 584724, +975 2 584725 - Nu.4,000-4,500 A pleasant resort overlooking the Puanakha Valley.

Luxury

• Como Uma Punakha - Uma Punakha | Botokha, Kabesa ☎ +975 2 584688 - Stunning river and mountain views. Healthy meals prepared with local ingredients. Very professional staff.

• Dhensa Resort - ☎ +975 2 584434A restful resort with views across the Punakha Valley. Local and international cuisine. Spa facilities.

Travel Next

• Phobjikha

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