Ensconced neatly in the valley bottoms of the high Bhutanese Himalaya, the nation’s one-time capital is a homely, earthy reminder of the country’s deep spirituality and wild, rugged backcountry. In fact, nowhere in the highlands of Bhutan does such a visceral picture of local life emerge, in a place where majestic temples rub shoulders with gushing mountain rivers, and sweeping vistas of terraced rice paddy stop only for the occasional mud hut or timber cabin.
Don’t leave without seeking out the eye-wateringly beautiful Punakha Dzong; the old fortress that defined this hill town as the home of Bhutan’s ancient kings. It’s laden with priceless artifacts of the bygone age, and, as any Punakha tourist guide will tell you, represents one of the most amazing pieces of castle architecture in the whole country. Nearby, the curious fertility temple of Chimi Lhakhang and the Sangchhen Dorji Nunnery offer further glimpses of the religiosity of the region.
Punakha’s position high on the mountain plateaus, enveloped by the Jigme Dorji National Park, also makes it the perfect spot for adventure types, with hikers looking to break into the passes of the Himalayas and rafting opportunities aplenty on the Mo Chhu River, while foodies will love the range of chilli-infused staples cooked up by the locals.