Punakha

Punakha is located next to the Capital of Bhutan of about 75 Kms from Thimphu. Punakha valley is one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan, because of its rivers, nature and for having some of the most beautiful temples of the country. Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until and still it is the winter seat of Je Khenpo (the chief abbot). Blessed with temperate climate and owing to its natural drainage from Pho Chhu (male) and Mo Chhu (female) rivers, the Punakha valley produces abundant crops and fruits. There are splendid views of the distant Himalayas at Dochula pas (alt. 3,050m) on Thimphu – Punakha road.