International students (as with all foreigners based in Thimphu) must get a route permit in advance to cross Dochula and beyond to access districts towards central Bhutan: Punakha, Wangduephodrang, Trongsa, and Bumthang.
Dochula/ Druk Wangyel Chorten
International students (as with all foreigners based in Thimphu) must get a route permit in advance to cross Dochula and beyond to access districts towards central Bhutan: Punakha, Wangduephodrang, Trongsa, and Bumthang.
The Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungtang Dechen Phodrang Dzong (meaning "the palace of great happiness or bliss"), is the administrative centre of Punakha District in Punakha. Constructed by Ngawang Namgyal, 1st Zhabdrung Rinpoche, it is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan. The dzong houses the sacred relics of the southern Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, including the Rangjung Kasarpani and the sacred remains of Ngawang Namgyal and the tertön Pema Lingpa. Punakha Dzong was the administrative centre and the seat of the Government of Bhutan until 1955, when the capital was moved to Thimphu. It is listed as a site in Bhutan's Tentative List for UNESCO inclusion.
Chimi Lhakhang
Chimi Lhakhang is known also as the temple of the Divine Madman (Drukpa Kuenley) and is located around 30 minutes’ walk from the main road through rice fields. This temple is known as the temple of fertility and many infertile couples make pilgrimages here in order to receive its blessing.Wolokha Nunnery / Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup Nunnery
Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup is a nunnery and temple complex that's only a few years old. The nunnery sits on a ridge overlooking the valleys of Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang. This nunnery was founded by Yab Ugyen Dorji, the father of the Queen Mothers. It combines harmonious architectural proportions with carefully designed interiors, full of lovely traditional carvings and paintings. As with most nunneries in Bhutan, it is looked after by the Bhutan Nuns Foundation.
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Temple/Chorten
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten stands out on a beautiful ridge above the Punakha valley. Her Majesty built the Queen Mother, Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck it. It took nine years to build, and Holy Scriptures rather than engineering manuals were consulted to construct this 4-storey temple. It is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture and artistic traditions. This temple has been dedicated for the well-being of the kingdom, its people and all sentient beings. It is 15-20 mins hike from the suspension bridge.