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Punākha: Travel guide, prices and free housing · 2026

Punakha is the administrative centre of Punakha dzongkhag, one of the 20 districts of Bhutan. Punakha was the capital of Bhutan and the seat of government until 1955, when the capital was moved to Thimphu.

Punakha · CC BY-SA 4.0

Map of places
Now in the cityPunākha+19°CClear · sunset 05:15 PMupdated 05:29 PM
EntryPick a passportThe answer depends on the passport.
Places on the map2
Exchange rateBTN 94.93per 1 $BTN — the local currencyas of Nov 2, 2026
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Punākha in pictures24 photos
John Claude White · pdm · Jan 1, 1905
L Shyamal · cc-by-sa-3.0 · Nov 1, 2010
Mario Biondi writer · cc-by-sa-3.0 · Mar 26, 2013

Getting there and staying

2 sources · As of November 3, 2026
Source: TravelHub · OurAirports (public domain)

Visa and practicalities

Choose a passport

Set your passport — processing time, fee and documents differ between passports.

Safety and health

Safety · official adviceour data as of Nov 3, 2026
UK Foreign Office (FCDO)No restrictionsNo travel restrictions in force.
Full text

New information about dual nationals returning to the UK (‘Entry requirements’ page).

US State DepartmentLevel 1Usual care is enough — no special measures.
Full text

Exercise normal precaution in Bhutan . Bhutan is generally a safe destination for travelers. Medical services for routine and emergency procedures are limited, specifically in rural areas. Read the Health section of the Travel Guidance on this page for more information. Bhutan regularly experiences flooding, landslides, and wildfires. The country is also vulnerable to earthquakes.

Source: UK FCDO Foreign Travel Advice · US Department of State Travel Advisory

Getting here

Getting hereOurAirports (public domain)
Paro International Airport PBH49 km away — the nearest airport
Bagdogra Airport IXB184 km from the centre
Xigaze Peace Airport / Shigatse Air Base RKZ203 km from the centre