Cities and regions／Bhutan
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Punakha

Punakha is best understood through its rivers, religious buildings and cultivated landscape. Punakha Dzong, at the Pho Chhu–Mo Chhu confluence, anchors a cultural walking visit.

Punakha Dzong beside the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.
Photo by Jean-Marie Hullot Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY 3.0
The place

What makes it special

  • Visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637–1638 at the confluence of two rivers.
  • See how the valley’s religious life relates to its rivers and cultivated fields.
  • A cultural walk can pair the dzong with the climb to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten.
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten above cultivated fields in the Punakha valley.
Photo by The original uploader was Technopilgrim at English Wikipedia. Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY-SA 3.0
Suspension bridge and walking trail beside the Mo Chhu in the Punakha valley.
Photo by xiquinhosilva Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY 4.0
Travel atlas

Articles in Punakha

Guides to this place

1 article

Punakha

journal.travel Editorial

Guides to this place

1 related guides

Punakha Dzong beside the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.

Punakha along the Mo Chhu to Khamsum Yulley

A day linking the dzong beside two rivers, a climb through cultivated fields and a temple best visited with time and respect.

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Information in context

Sources and references

This profile summarises our destination guides. Their research sources and the geographical reference are listed below.

Profile updated: 27/09/2026