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Punakha

At 4,100 feet, or 1,250 meters, Punakha is situated at a relatively low altitude compared to the rest of the country, which averages 8,000 feet, or 2,438 meters. Due to its comparatively low elevation and the ensuing sub-tropical climate, Punakha is the breadbasket of Bhutan. Here, farmers harvest two rice crops a year, as well as crops of mangoes, bananas, oranges, and pomegranate.

EXPERIENCES

Chimi Lakhang

Hike to Chimi Lakhang, a temple dedicated to the “Divine Madman”, an eccentric Bhutanese monk from the 15th century who is said to have tamed a female demon with his "thunderbolt." It is not uncommon to see quite skillfully rendered phalluses adorning the walls of Bhutanese temples and homes, and Bhutanese pilgrims travel here specifically to pray for fertility blessings.

Dochu La Pass

Have tea at Dochu La Pass, located between Punakha and Thimphu. Dochu La is marked by a large array of prayer flags and a rhododendron forest surrounding 108 chortens, or stupas. The chortens are a more recent addition to Dochu La; they were built in 2005 to commemorate the loss of lives in fighting between Bhutanese soldiers and Indian rebels.

Farmhouse Lunch

For lunch, visit a farmhouse and join a family for a cooking demonstration and tasting. Enjoy a cup of fresh yak butter tea or home-brewed liquor – fiery arak or sweet sinchang. Help them make ema datsi (cheese chili), buckwheat noodles and pancakes with red rice, served along with hot chili curries.

Punakha Dzong

The grand Punakha Dzong is held by many to be the most beautiful dzong in the country, and is often photographed in the springtime when the purple flowers of the jacaranda trees blossom against the backdrop of the dzong’s white walls. Constructed in 1637, its six-story high "utse," or central tower, is a highlight.

Sunrise at Khamsum Chorten

Watch the sunrise from the Khamsum Chorten. The Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten is a 100-foot tall stupa with three levels. Dedicated to Bhutan’s Fifth King, the Chorten was built to banish negative energy while providing peace, stability, and harmony in an ever-changing world.

White-Water Rafting

Go white-water rafting in the Punakha Valley. Your journey will begin about two miles north of Punakha Dzong, continue past a winter residence of the Queen of Bhutan, and some gorgeous farmland. Rafting time varies from 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your interest. (Available from September through May only).

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PREFERRED HOTEL

Amankora Punakha

Amankora Punakha is located just across a suspension bridge along the Mo Chu River, with suites built around a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse. A small property, there are only eight suites. The hotel is situated in an orange orchard, with views of Punakha Valley and Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful monasteries. The farmhouse has a dining room, courtyard and tea pavilion for dining and refreshments. The spa at Punakha has two treatment rooms, a steam room and a yoga and meditation area. There is fax and Internet access; however the connection is quite slow. There is no fitness center or pool, but hot stone baths are available. The hotel is approximately a four-hour drive from the airport in Paro.

PREFERRED HOTEL

COMO Uma Bhutan Punakha

An intimate luxury lodge situated in a lush valley, the COMO Uma Bhutan Punakha is nestled amongst rice fields and orchards, and overlooks a snake-like bend in the Mo Chu River. The lodge has a selection of villas suitable for a travel party of any size, as well as nine deluxe Valley View rooms with private terraces; all rooms boast comprehensive views of the surrounding landscape. The onsite restaurant, Bukhari, is named for a traditional Bhutanese fireplace, uses ingredients from local farms and can provide delicious meals for any palate. There is also a spa, the COMO Shambhala Retreat, with a range of holistic and Asian-inspired treatments, as well as hot tubs with a birds-eye view of the stunning scenery. COMO Uma Bhutan Punakha is part of the award winning property and luxury retail group COMO Group, with a sister property in Bhutan called COMO Uma Bhutan Paro.

PREFERRED HOTEL

Six Senses Punakha

The former capital of Bhutan, Punakha features stunning nature and enchanting cultural sites. Take in the breathtaking mountain vistas of Dochu La Pass, hike to Khamsum Yuley Monastery, or go river rafting along the Mo Chu River. The Six Senses Punakha is reached by a windy road that climbs through pine forests and passes streams, waterfalls, and chortens (Buddhist monuments). Just a 15-minute drive north of the grand Punakha Dzong, the lodge is nestled several hundred meters above the valley floor amidst the rice fields. Drawing on the region’s agricultural heritage, the hotel is designed in the style of a local farmhouse. Clean lines adorn the mud brick structures, and light fittings cleverly crafted from recycled mason jars illuminate the woven bamboo on the walls. The property offers 16 suites, a one-bedroom villa, a two-bedroom villa, and a three-bedroom villa. Facilities and services include a Living Room and Lounge, all-day dining restaurant, library, outdoor pool, and a Spa and Wellness Center with three single rooms, gym, two meditation huts, and yoga facilities. A satellite hotel of the Six Senses Bhutan, guests can travel to other cities in the country — such as Paro, Thimphu, Gangtey, or Bumthang — all under the Six Senses name. With the opening of the Six Senses Bhutan Punakha, this special hotel will tentatively be added to the Remote Lands itineraries.

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