Punakha

Travel guide

By Air: Bhutan has no domestic flights or dedicated airport near Punakha. The nearest airport is Paro International Airport, from where travelers continue by road via Thimphu. By Rail: Bhutan has no railway network, so travelers rely entirely on road transport once they enter the country. By Road: From Paro, it takes about 1.5 hours to cover the 50 km to Thimphu, followed by a further 2.5 to 3-hour drive covering roughly 65 miles from Thimphu to Punakha. The route from Thimphu passes over the scenic Dochula Pass at 3,100 meters, featuring 108 memorial chortens and panoramic Himalayan views on clear days. Most tour operators arrange personalized car rentals for comfort and flexibility, since Bhutan has no domestic flights or trains, making private or shared vehicles the only way to travel between towns. Entry Permits: Travelers arriving via Phuentsholing need an entry permit from the Immigration Office there before proceeding onward through Thimphu to Punakha.