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PUNAKHA

Punakha district is a significant place in Bhutanese history and it is still given the importance it deserves. One of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan it attracts many tourists.

The town which is 77 kilometers away from Thimphu, takes about three hours to reach. It was once the capital of Bhutanfrom 1637 till 1955 and the first National Assembly Bhutan was held in this district. The whole area is spread over 1,096 square kilometers, with 1,891 households and a population of around 21,674 people.

Punakha is the winter residence of the central monk body, the summer residence being Thimphu. With Phochhu (male) and Mochhu (female) rivers flowing through the valley,  the fertile land of Punakha is popular for growing organic vegetables, fruits and rice.

Khuruthang is the main town of Punakha which is about four kilometers from the dzong.

By Road

There are no available bus services between Chennai and Bhutan and thus you must come to Kolkata. From Kolkata you can easily get a bus to Bhutan. It takes 18 hours to reach Phuentsholing from Kolkata. You can also opt for the bus, private taxi or any other local transportation in order to reach Bhutan.

By Train

Again there is o direct train route between Chennai and Bhutan, hence convenient options are New Alipurduar, Siliguri, New Jalpaiguri and Hasimara. Once you reach Jaigaon you can avail a taxi/cab to reach Bhutan.

By Air

Paro International airport is the only airport of Bhutan. Druk Air is the only airline which operates regular flights to and from Paro to Gaya, Bangkok, Kathmandu, Dhaka, Kolkata and Delhi. Unfortunately there are no direct flights from Chennai to Bhutan and hence first you can travel to Kolkata or Delhi and then fly to Bhutan.

Chimi Lhakhang

The fertility temple is visited by couples who have problem conceiving and they have been blessed miraculously with children. Couples are blessed by a replication of the iron bow and arrow of Drukpa Kuenley, his scriptures and the phallus. Some couples stay overnight at the monastery.

Khamsum Yueling Monastery

The temple was built by the Queen Mother to promote world peace and for the sound health and long life of the King. It is elaborately built and contains some of the finest spiritual artworks painted on the inner walls. The temple exhibits paintings of Buddhist teachers and tutelary deities of Bhutan