You are at leisure in the morning to enjoy the wonderful facilities and views of your lodge – walks around the spectacular surrounding landscape are encouraged. After a slightly early lunch you will enjoy a scenic drive to the tiny town of Punakha and proceed for a walk through the small town of Punakha with your guide and watch the locals go about their daily lives. Life here is even simpler than in Thimphu or Paro, and it takes only a short while to traverse the town.

Head further in the mid-afternoon to the awe-inspiring Punakha Dzong. All of Bhutan’s Dzong’s are a visual delight, and most are located with very scenic backdrops.

Punakha Dzong (officially Pungtang Dechen Photrang Dzong) is definitely among the very best in terms of spectacularly scenic surroundings. Located on the tip of the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) River & the Mo Chhu (mother) River, with a scenic valley and mountains forming its backdrops, arriving at this location itself brings cheer to your heart, before you even cross the 180-foot wooden cantilevered bridge to enter the massive compound.

This is the second biggest and second oldest (1637 AD) Dzong in Bhutan and was the administrative Center of Bhutan’s government until the capital was shifted to Thimphu in 1995. Explore the structures and courtyards inside the Dzong and marvel as your guide explains how life is lived in the monastery, and tells you tales about its history and importance. Enjoy a picnic sunset drink and canapes by the river with amazing vistas – your lodge will arrange a special experience for you.