Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
Dhensa Boutique Resort
After breakfast, drive to Punakha valley (74km, 3-hours drive) via the sacred mountain pass Dochula (3150m), enjoy a panoramic view of some of Bhutan's highest mountains (weather permitting). From Dochu La Pass, we continue driving towards Punakha, passing through some villages, the elevation drops gradually and the road winds through the pine trees. As you reach the lower valley, you'll feel the drastic change in altitude from 3,150m just an hour and a half ago to the subtropical valley at 1,200m.
About 11km before reaching Punakha town, visit the famous 15th-century Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility). After local lunch at one of the beautiful farmhouses, drive to Punakha and visit the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture, the historic 17th-century Punakha Dzong and spend some time appreciating the intricate woodwork and sacred wall paintings. We then walk to Bhutan's longest suspension bridge across the Phochu river. Punakha Dzong is flanked by two glacial rivers - Phochu (male) and Mochu (female) rivers.
Distance from Thimphu - Punakha 74km, Driving time 3-hours, Punakha altitude 1200m
Dinner and overnight at 5-Star Uma Punakha by COMO Hotels or 4-Star Dhensa Boutique Resort. Uma Punakha is located on a peaceful hilltop surrounded by fertile rice fields and overlooking the Mochu river meandering through the Punakha Valley while Dhensa Boutique Resort is located on a quaint hillside in the village of Wolakha about 30 minutes before reaching the historic Punakha Dzong.