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Punakha

Punakha brings together religious architecture, cultivated fields and monastic life in a landscape shaped by the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. The Punakha Dzong and the walk to Khamsum Yulley offer ways to explore the area on foot.

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

  • Punakha Dzong, built in 1637–1638 at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.
  • A walk to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, passing cultivated fields and climbing uphill.
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: 09/10/2026