Punakha

Photo of Punakha
Credit: Image by Suket Dedhia from Pix
Photo of Punakha
Credit: Image by Suket Dedhia from Pix
Photo of Punakha
Credit: Flickr user Richard Mortel
All hotels in Punakha Apartments & villas in Punakha Find more hotels in Punakha

About Punakha

Punakha was Bhutan’s capital until 1961, and this is where you’ll find the regal buildings you would expect to find in an ancient capital.  The dzong is the main attraction, it’s extremely photogenic, sitting on an island between two rivers.  You reach it via a wooden bridge, and inside are all the treasures you’d expect to find in a royal palace.

The Best Places to Stay in Punakha

  • Dhensa is right in the heart of the Punakha Valley, with valley views from all of the 24 rooms and suites.  Inside the hotel is sleek and contemporary, with lots of light coloured wood and big French windows.  There’s also an excellent spa.  But you’re just ten minutes walk from a traditional Buddhist convent.  

Some of the Most Romantic Places to Stay in Punakha

  • The Como Uma Punakha is a luxurious lodge escape at the end of the Punakha Valley.  There are just 11 rooms, with beautiful green valley views, plus regional artwork and Sheesham-wood furniture.  There’s a private villa too.  And a stylish restaurant.  
  • Amankora Punakha is another luxurious lodge, this time on the other side of a dramatic suspension bridge over the Mo Chu River in the Punakha Valley.  Once over the bridge you’ll be rewarded with 12 luxury rooms and suites, a beautiful infinity pool and a two storey spa with incredible views of this dramatic, subtropical valley.  

Prefer an Apartment or private Villa?

If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we recommend you visit our online partner, booking.com.

Travel Information

  • Bhutan’s only international airport is the Paro International Airport, which is connected to Bangkok, Delhi, Mumbai, Dhaka and Singapore. Interestingly Bhutan has no railways, so the only other way to travel is by road.
  • If you’re thinking about hiring a car we recommend checking what our online partners, Rentalcars have to offer.

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The best hotels in Punakha

Dhensa
Dhensa

Punakha

This boutique hotel is located in the heart of Bhutan's verdant Punakha Valley. Guestrooms are sleek and contemporary with crisp white linens, wooden accents and valley views from a private balcony; soak in the bathtub with vistas from French windows. Book into the holistic hotel spa; a chic escape.

  • Local exploring - Set just 10 minutes' walk from a Buddhist convent, there is lots of local culture to explore close to this hotel
  • Romantic Break - Couples love the contemporary design of this luxury hotel; book a couples' massage for a romantic evening in
  • Spa breaks - Offering yoga, spa treatments and an outdoor hot-stone bath, book this hotel for your next spa break
  • Sights nearby - Walk to the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang convent, perched on a ridge amid pines, for morning prayers
from $372 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
COMO Uma Punakha
COMO Uma Punakha

Punakha

This luxury lodge is located on the western end of the Punakha Valley in Bhutan. The bright and airy guestrooms feature Sheesham-wood furniture, regional artwork and sweeping valley views; book a private villa for a separate living room and terrace. Dine at Bukhari Restaurant; a stylish getaway.

  • Back to Nature - Set in a remote location in the Himalayan Kingdom, this hotel is perfect for a tranquil back-to-nature retreat
  • Local exploring - This hotel is perfectly placed for easy access to attractions like Punakha Dzong and Divine Madman’s Temple
  • Romantic Break - Couples love the stylish and contemporary suites at this hotel; book a private villa for added indulgence
  • Sights nearby - Visit the Punakha Dzong, the second oldest and largest dzong in Bhutan and one of the most spectacular structures in the country
from $476 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Amankora Punakha
Amankora Punakha

Punakha

This luxury lodge is reached via a suspension bridge over the Mo Chhu River in Bhutan's Punakha Valley. Guestrooms feature a king-size bed, traditional wood-burning stove and banquette window-seat; book a suite for a separate living area. Unwind in the infinity pool; an exclusive valley retreat.

  • Spa breaks - With a two-storey spa onsite that includes a yoga/meditation room and steam room, book this hotel for your next spa break
  • Back to Nature - With a spectacular location overlooking a pretty, subtropical valley, this hotel makes a unique nature retreat
  • Romantic Break - Couples love the romantic atmosphere at this former farmhouse hotel; book a suite for a cosy living room
  • Sights nearby - Visit the beautiful 17th-century Punakha Dzong and the 15th-century fertility temple Chime Lhakhang
from $1044 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees