Punakha Tour Packages
Punakha is a warm valley at the meeting of two rivers, crossed via the Dochula Pass and its 108 chortens. Punakha Dzong is one of the most beautiful buildings in the Himalaya.
Punakha at a glance
- LocationBhutan, South Asia
- Time zone30 minutes ahead of India
- Driving sideLeft
- Calling code+975
- CurrencyBhutanese ngultrum (BTN), pegged to the…
- LanguagesDzongkha, English
- Power plugsTypes C, D, F, G and M · 230 V
- Ideal stay1–2 days
Best time to visit: March to May and September to November
Top Punakha travel packages
A few of our Punakha itineraries in different travel styles. Every one is private and can be changed to suit you.
Cultural holidaysThimphu · Punakha · ParoBhutan Highlights6 Days | 5 Nights
Honeymoon packagesParo · Punakha · ThimphuBhutan Honeymoon6 Days | 5 Nights
Road tripsThimphu · Punakha · ParoBhutan by Road from Bagdogra7 Days | 6 Nights
Pilgrimage toursThimphu · Punakha · ParoBhutan Monasteries & Tiger's Nest6 Days | 5 NightsEssential tips for travelling to Punakha
Bhutanese ngultrum (BTN), pegged to the Indian rupee. Carry some local currency for markets, small shops and tips, and ask your bank about international card charges before you travel.
Not compulsory; guides and drivers are commonly tipped at the end of a tour.
Drink bottled or filtered water; it is cheap and easy to find.
Types C, D, F, G and M · 230 V. Indian two-pin plugs usually fit; carry an adapter for three-pin chargers.
113 (police), 112 (ambulance)
Languages spoken: Dzongkha, English.
Fly into Paro or drive in through Phuentsholing. All travel within Bhutan is with a licensed guide and vehicle.
Indian visitors pay a lower Sustainable Development Fee than other nationalities; we confirm the current rate when you book.
The Tiger's Nest hike takes 4–6 hours round trip; go early and wear good shoes.
Stop at Dochula Pass early for the clearest mountain views.
General guidance. Local rules and services change; we confirm details for your dates.
Where is Punakha?
Who should visit Punakha?
Plan your Punakha trip from India
Everything you need to know about Punakha
Punakha is a warm valley at the meeting of two rivers, crossed via the Dochula Pass and its 108 chortens. Punakha Dzong is one of the most beautiful buildings in the Himalaya.
Highlights include Punakha Dzong, Dochula Pass, Chimi Lhakhang and Punakha suspension bridge. Local food worth trying: Red rice and Local dishes. Plan 1–2 days here; it suits couples, culture lovers. Our Punakha itineraries run from 6 to 7 days and every one can be changed to suit you.
When to go
March to May and September to November. Jacarandas bloom at the dzong in spring.
How to reach Punakha
- By air: Paro (PBH), about 4 hours
- By rail: No railway
- By road: About 3 hours from Thimphu
View all Punakha packages
Private, customisable itineraries with prices quoted for your dates, hotel category and group size.
6D / 5NThimphu · Punakha · ParoBhutan Highlights
Thimphu's dzong and Buddha, Dochula Pass and Punakha, and the hike to Tiger's Nest in Paro.
View itinerary →
6D / 5NParo · Punakha · ThimphuBhutan Honeymoon
Boutique lodges, Punakha's suspension bridge, a hot-stone bath and the Tiger's Nest climb together.
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7D / 6NThimphu · Punakha · ParoBhutan by Road from Bagdogra
Enter through Phuentsholing by road and loop through Thimphu, Punakha and Paro.
View itinerary →
6D / 5NThimphu · Punakha · ParoBhutan Monasteries & Tiger's Nest
Thimphu's dzong and Buddha Dordenma, Punakha Dzong at the river confluence, and the hike to Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest, above Paro.
View itinerary →6D / 5NThimphu · Punakha · ParoBhutan Happiness Tour
Six days in the Land of the Thunder Dragon: Thimphu's giant Buddha, the 108 chortens of Dochula Pass, Punakha's river-fort and the cliffside Tiger's Nest monastery above Paro.
View itinerary →5 itineraries
More places in Bhutan
Top things to see in Punakha
Cultural experiences in Punakha
Heritage and landmarks
On the menuFood to try
- Red rice
- Local dishes
Outdoor activities in Punakha
Many activities are seasonal. Best time for Punakha: March to May and September to November. We check operating seasons for your dates.
Punakha travel tips
Visa and entry
Entry rules for Indian passport holders change, including visa-free, visa-on-arrival and e-visa schemes, so confirm the current rules on the official government or embassy website for Bhutan before booking flights. Most countries require a passport valid for at least six months beyond your return date. We check the current requirements when we prepare your quote; we cannot guarantee visa approval.
Health and safety
Buy travel insurance that covers medical treatment and evacuation; healthcare abroad can be expensive. Carry prescription medicines in their original packaging with a copy of the prescription. Some places here are at high altitude: rest on arrival, drink plenty of water and ascend gradually. For current safety advice, check the travel advisories published by the Government of India and the embassy in Bhutan.
Currency and tipping
The currency is the Bhutanese ngultrum (BTN), pegged to the Indian rupee. Not compulsory; guides and drivers are commonly tipped at the end of a tour.
Best time to visit
March to May and September to November. Jacarandas bloom at the dzong in spring.
Getting around
Fly into Paro or drive in through Phuentsholing. All travel within Bhutan is with a licensed guide and vehicle.
Local etiquette
- Dress modestly at temples, churches and mosques, and remove footwear where asked.
- Ask before photographing people, and follow photography rules at religious sites and museums.
- The Tiger's Nest hike takes 4–6 hours round trip; go early and wear good shoes.
What to pack
Pack warm layers, a down jacket and gloves, modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees for religious sites and comfortable walking shoes.
Phone and internet
Indian mobile operators sell international roaming packs, or you can buy a local SIM or eSIM on arrival with your passport. Check that your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM before you travel.
Budget
We don't publish fixed prices because the season, hotel category, flights and group size change the cost. Your written quote lists exactly what is included, so you can compare like for like.
Punakha FAQs
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What plug type does Bhutan use?
Is tap water safe to drink in Bhutan?
What is the time difference between India and Bhutan?
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What are the emergency numbers in Bhutan?
How much does a Punakha tour package cost?
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Destinations near Punakha
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NepalLumbini
Lumbini is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, and a UNESCO site.
Plan your Punakha holiday
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