Punakha is the former administrative centre of Bhutan situated in the western part where the famous Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungtang Dechen Photrang Dzong is located. The Dzong was built strategically at the confluence of rivers Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu in 1637, by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The Dong is known to house the sacred relics of the southern Drukpa Kagyu School including the Rangjung Kasarpani, and the sacred remains of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Terton Padma Lingpa. Punakha was the winter capital of Bhutan till 1955 after which the capital was moved to Thimpu.

There are lots of places to see around Punakha and it is better to come via travel operators who have sound knowledge about the place. Also, certain areas do not allow entry without a licensed tour guide to accompany you. Punakha travel packages will cover the following places: The Chimi Lhakhang village, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley was built in 1499 and is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humour, songs and outrageous behavior to dramatize his teachings and due to this also known as "Divine Madman". This temple is also known as the temple of fertility.Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten another place of attraction located in the upper Punakha valley was built to erase negativity and promote peace, stability and harmony. Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery is a temple that houses 14 ft bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara. Other statues include those of Guru Padmasambawa, Gautama Buddha, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Tsela Namsum, the 21 Taras and Tsepamay (Buddha of longevity). The Avalokiteshvara statue, one of the biggest in the country, was handcrafted by local Bhutanese artisans. 

Limbukha, a quaint hillside village, few hours’ drive from Punakha is the place where the famous red rice is grown. This place is also known for its peace loving people. The picturesque village of Talo Sangnacholing built on a plateau is famous for cleanliness and hygiene and its beautiful women. They grow their own farm products in their field and farm houses are a common sighting here. Punakha Ritsha village, another famous location included in Punakha travel packages where both red and white rice is grown and each house has a garden and rice field attached. You can also visit the Guru Rinpoche Caves, 2 hour walk from Mitesgang. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche visited these caves after his retreat at Maratika in Nepal, and it was here that he saw the fully form of Amitayus, the Buddha of Long Life. With that your tour with Punakha travel packages, a memorable journey comes to an end.

There are buses and taxis available from Thimpu to reach Punakha. Several pretty resorts and hotels have come up in and around Punakha to help tourists explore this district. Every hotel is equipped with modern amenities along with facility for currency exchange and dining restaurants that serve continental cuisines. Book your accommodations online in advance or through Punakha travel packagesto avail great discount deals and rooms with magnificent views of green slopes and deep breathtaking valleys.