This 5 hour day-hike will allow you to access the spot where the monastic body rests during their migration and treat you to stunning views of the Punakha Valley and the Punatsanchu project.
The central monastic body used this route while migrating between their winter residence in Punakha and summer residence in Thimphu. Begin your day with a gradual descent towards Toeb Chandana where you must visit the historic house of Toeb Chandana. There the Trail ascends gently until Sew Drangsa offering you scenic views of the Wangdi valley throughout the trail. Sew Drangsa is the exact spot where the monks rested and stopped for their lunch during their migration. Make a quick stop at the café at Sew Drangsa for some refreshments if you aren’t carrying any. From there on, the trail takes you straight to the Punakha Dzong. The entire course of the Trail offers scenic views of the valley and Punatsangchu.
We recommend you to carry a simple packed lunch. If not, the best place to have your lunch would be at the restaurants located across Punakha Dzong or Mendelgang. For a quick visit at the Punakha Dzong, we also recommend you take your gho and kira along with your Kabneys and Rachus. Formal dress is required for all Bhutanese citizens to cross at the Bazam. If you do not have formal dress, you may be required to take a three kilometre detour along the motor road to cross the Mochhu. After the visit, walk over the Phochhu suspension bridge to Mendelgang where you will be spending your night.
Punakha Dzong
It was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal around 1637 at the confluence of two rivers Phochhu (male river) and Mochhu (female river), houses Bhutan’s most treasured relic, the Rangjung Kharsapani. Guru Rinpoche had prophesied about this Dzong which would be built by a man named Namgyal who would arrive at a hill resembling an elephant. So, when Zhabdrung arrived at Punakha, he chose the tip of the trunk of the sleeping elephant where the current Dzong is, as the perfect site to build. Despite withstanding Tibetan invasions, it has suffered numerous fires, floods and glacial lake bursts.
Pungthang Dechen Phodrang now popularly referred to as Punakha Dzong served as the capital and seat of the Government until early 1950s. The coronation of His Majesty the First Druk Gyalpo Ugyen Wangchuck took place in this very majestic Dzong. It currently serves as the winter residence for the monk body.
Distance in km: 15.2 kilometres (9.44 miles)
Elevation Gain: 300 metres (984 feet)
Starting Elevation: 1,818 metres (5,965 feet)
Ending Elevation: 1,227 metres (4,062 feet)
Maximum Elevation: 1,818 metres (5,965 feet)
The Trans Bhutan Trail is a not-for-profit social and tourism enterprise. 100% of the profits go back into maintaining the Trail and supporting communities and individuals along the route. Travelling with us is the best way to support our mission. Please also consider becoming a member or making a donation through one of our charitable partners.
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