Bhutan Trip - Day 4 || Exploring Thimphu - Punakha Dzong & Suspension Bridge

Welcome to Day 4 of our Bhutan adventure! Experience the serene beauty of Punakha in the early morning, followed by a visit to the majestic Punakha Dzong. We explore its stunning courtyards and learn about its rich history. Enjoy a scenic suspension bridge walk and end the day with delicious momos back at our stay. Join us in this unforgettable journey!

Our Story:

Our day starts early in the morning with breathtaking views of Punakha from our stay. The serene beauty of the morning sets the perfect tone for the day. Breakfast is served outside, allowing us to enjoy the view while savoring our meal.

We then head to the magnificent Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungthang Dewa chhenbi Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness), one of the most beautiful and historically significant fortresses in Bhutan. It is located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers and is known for its stunning architecture and intricate details.

Inside the Dzong, we explore its three main courtyards. The first courtyard houses the administrative offices, while the second courtyard is where the monks reside. The third courtyard is the most sacred, containing the temple where the sacred remains of Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan, are preserved. It's also the place where the Guru Rinpoche took Samadhi. The intricate murals and carvings throughout the Dzong tell the rich history of Bhutan.

After our tour of the Dzong, we walk towards the Punakha Suspension Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan. Spanning 160 meters, it offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding landscapes. Walking across the bridge is an exhilarating experience, providing unique photo opportunities.

We then head back to our stay and enjoy a meal at a local restaurant, details of which you can see in the video. Finally, we wrap up the day with a relaxing evening enjoying momos at our stay.

Details of our stay will be revealed on Day 5, including an introduction to the owner, who will explain the uniqueness of the stay.

Important Details for Indian Travelers:

-SDF (Sustainable Development Fee) is compulsory at Rs 1200 per person per night.
-A guide and cab are mandatory.
-You need your passport or voter ID to get the permit (no visa required for Indian citizens).
-All Indian currency notes work in Bhutan, with no restriction on Rs 500 notes. However, it's advisable to carry Rs 100 and Rs 200 notes in small amounts like Rs 10,000.
-1 INR is equal to 1 Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN).
-Travel insurance per person for Rs 500, which can be obtained from the immigration office.
-Proof of hotel and flight bookings is required for immigration.
-The fee for Simply Bhutan Museum is Rs 1000 per head.
-The entry fee for Thimphu Dzong is Rs 500 per person.
-Thimphu Dzong entry timings: after office hours during weekdays and all day on weekends.
-Guide and cab services are available until 6 PM, as that is their service time.
-The entry fee for Phunakha Dzong is Rs 500 per person.

About Me:
I'm an explorer at heart who loves to share experiences and adventures. A car enthusiast, I work as an Analytics Manager focused on customer experience. With an MBA and a B.Tech degree, I bring a unique perspective to my travels. I'm married and live in Bangalore.

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