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    Balmy former capital home to Punakha Dzong

    Capital of Bhutan and seat of the government until 1955, the little town of Punakha still enjoys a serene and regal ambience from its stately days. Found in a fertile valley at a relatively low 1,200 metres above sea level, come here for warm, sultry days filled with history, trekking and culture – with the grand temple, Punakha Dzong, deemed the star of the show.

    Sitting on the confluence of two chief Bhutanese rivers, Punakha Dzong has been fully restored to its original splendour and so considered one of the country’s most striking ancient fortresses. Housing many precious relics, its whitewashed exterior contrasts beautifully with colourful sacred murals and carved wooden balconies and windows, making it one of Bhutan‘s most photogenic landmarks.

    The unspoilt nature of fruit trees, flourishing rice fields and distant Himalayas adds to Punakha’s beauty spots and can be explored on idyllic hiking, cycling and river rafting tours.

    Luxury accommodation in Punakha

    There are many incredible places to stay in Punakha. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:

    Punakha

    Six Senses Punakha
    The Punakha Six Senses, affectionately known as the Flying Farmhouse sits high on the hillside, the raised building overlooking the valley, pine forests, streams and fluttering prayer flags below. This is a truly beautiful lodge that harnesses a rustic charm, echoing its rural surroundings. The main building of the hotel is built of sandstone, flagstone floors, grey tiled pitched roofs and wooden beams. Inside the contemporary design is simple yet welcoming. Large picture windows bring the outside, inside and the warm tones of the wood panelled walls and wooden furniture give a welcoming feeling.  Architecturally there are some outstanding features within the lodge, including the elevated restaurant and curved heated swimming pool below, making the lodge standout as somewhere very special. Log burners are situated throughout the property, so although this valley is known for its warm climate, the chill of the night is kept at bay with the roaring of the fires.  The lodge has 16 suites and 3 large villas, perfect for groups or families. All the rooms have outside terrace areas and the villas come with their own private pool and living spaces. The communal areas of the lodge include the living room and lounge and the exceptional Ari restaurant that serves up inspired cuisine, influenced by both international and Bhutanese flavours. The restaurant is situated indoors but there’s also an outside dining area where fires burn late into the night so that guests can spend the evenings under the stars. The Six Senses spa and wellness centre is a haven of rejuvenation and relaxation. There are three treatment rooms, a gym, two meditation huts and yoga facilities. The outside heated pool, curved and raised is a wonderful place to relax or enjoy some exercise with stunning views.
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    Why book with Jacada?

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    Personalised design

    We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

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    Authentic experiences

    Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

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    Responsible travel

    Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.

    Trip Inspiration

    Get inspired with our Punakha example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure

    Classic Bhutan Explorer

    11-Day Trip

    Classic Bhutan Explorer

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    11-Day Trip

    Classic Bhutan Explorer

    Discover Bhutan's cultural and natural highlights on this classic and comprehensive tour in complete Jacada style.
    From
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    Deluxe Bhutan Adventure and Thai Beach Relaxation

    13-Day Trip

    Deluxe Bhutan Adventure and Thai Beach Relaxation

    From
    $0 pp

    13-Day Trip

    Deluxe Bhutan Adventure and Thai Beach Relaxation

    Discover Bhutan with an action packed adventure through Thimphu, Punakha and Paro before some well-deserved beach relaxation in Thailand's beautiful Phuket
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    $0 pp
    Bhutan, Nepal and Thailand Explorer

    15-Day Trip

    Bhutan, Nepal and Thailand Explorer

    From
    $0 pp

    15-Day Trip

    Bhutan, Nepal and Thailand Explorer

    A two-week adventure of the extraordinary scenery, culture and intrigue of Bhutan and Nepal, ending with four beautiful days relaxing on the Thai island Phuket
    From
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    Ready to plan your adventure?

    Whatever you want from your Punakha adventure, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

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    Plan your trip to Punakha

    Whatever you want from your adventure in Punakha, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

    Start planning

    Your trip, your story

    We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.

    Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.

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