Bhutan's Western Bhutan
Punakha
Winding for nearly 20km, past quaint villages and pine forests, the road from Simtokha is almost as captivating as the destined Punakha. View the delightful country side from Dochula Pass, which at 10,500 feet offers one of the most spectacular views of the Himalayas in the country.
Home to the Central Monk Body and the Je Khenpo, or spiritual leader, Punakha Dzong is a spiritually enlightening experience. It houses many sacred artifacts and the embalmed body of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, and is arguably one of the finest dzongs in the country. A trek through the valley, one of the most fertile in Bhutan due to Punakha’s warm climate, offers natural beauty unmatched, while a visit to Chime Lhakhang, located on a hillock among the rice fields, offers insight into the city’s rich history.
