1. Chimi Lhakhang

Chimi Lhakhang is a Buddhist monastery that’s popular with women who are looking for fertility blessings. The temple has peculiar decoration of many phallus paintings and has gorgeous green paddy fields surrounding it. As a visitor, you’d get the unique experience of being hit on the head with a 25-cm wooden phallus and blessed with a prayer. This sacred ground is easily one of the top places to visit in Punakha Valley. And yes, getting hit on the head with a wooden phallus should be one of your list of things to do in Punakha.

Credit: @bykingkishore

2. Punakha Dzong

Punaka Dzong, also known as ‘Palace of Great Bliss’, is easily number 1 on anyone’s list of the places to visit in Punakha Valley.

Built in 1637, it was the centre of administration and the seat of the Bhutan government until 1955. Today, it is the second biggest and second oldest dzong in Bhutan.

Credit: @thebhuriman

3. Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery

The stunning Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery is sitting high up a hill. It provides a breath-taking view of the surrounding Punakha valley and Wangduephodrang Valley. Besides admiring the wonderful structure, you can also engage in some bird watching and witness the river smoke phenomenon.

Inside the nunnery, there’s a huge 14-feet broze statue of Avalokiteshvara as well as other great religious statues.

Credit: @jimpth

4. Khansum Yulley Namgyal Chorten

Khansum Yulley Namgyal Chorten is just 30-min drive away from Punakha Dzong and stands high on a hill in Punakha Valley. Her Majesty the Queen Mother commissioned the construction of this exquisite architecture to deflect negative energy and provide peace for Bhutan.

The building’s interior consists of 4 floors while the exterior resembles a pagoda-like stupa.

To many tourists, the highlight of this visit is in the short hike to reach the Chorten that includes the exciting suspension bridge and views of beautiful rice fields.

Credit: @sjlto