Punakha Valley

Punakha sits at 1,200 meters in a subtropical valley where the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers meet — warmer and greener than most of Bhutan. Punakha Dzong, built at the river confluence in 1637, is widely considered the most beautiful dzong in the country and served as the capital until the 1950s. The surrounding valley is terraced with rice paddies, dotted with farmhouses, and framed by forested ridges. In spring, jacaranda trees bloom purple along the riverbanks. The Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten hike and the long suspension bridge over the Mo Chhu are easy half-day additions.