Opened 2023
Where stillness flows, and every journey turns inward
Cradled by paddy fields and forest, this riverside sanctuary invites you to slow down and look within.
Nestled in the lush Punakha Valley and framed by forested hills and distant Himalaya peaks, &Beyond Punakha River Lodge is Bhutan, distilled. With just six canvas and wood suites, a private River House, and a spacious Family Suite, the lodge blends handcrafted Bhutanese design with quiet elegance. As &Beyond’s first fully owned lodge in Asia, it brings our signature care and light-footprint luxury to the last Himalayan kingdom.
Days begin with the hush of the Mo Chu and unfold into hikes, temple visits, river adventures, and slow lunches beneath orange trees. Whether soaking in a traditional hot stone bath or receiving a monk’s blessing, every moment invites reflection. Paddle the river, walk the rice terraces, or journal beside a crackling fire. This is a place for journeys both far-reaching and deeply personal.
Location
Boasting uninterrupted views of the Himalaya, idyllically set on the banks of the Mo Chu, the lodge rewards guests with direct, and exclusive, access to the river. Soft tranquil notes from the nearby perennial stream can be heard from the lodge’s exquisite suites. It is situated within a lush, green landscape, framed by forested hills and distant Himalayan peaks.
To reach &Beyond Punakha River Lodge in Bhutan, you'll first fly into Paro International Airport (PBH). From there, a 3.5 to 4-hour scenic drive through the Punakha Valley will take you to the lodge.
Room Categories
Tented Suite
Двухместный номер с завтраками, 89 кв. м.
по запросу
River House
Двухместный номер с завтраками, 150 кв. м.
по запросу
Family Suit
Четырёхместный номер с завтраками, 310 кв. м.
по запросу
Infrastructure
Those looking to be pampered can indulge in a range of restful treatments and wellness therapies in the beautifully positioned lodge spa, lulled by the wonders of the surrounding orchard and foothills. Balance your chakras with a gentle yoga session, or sink into the bliss of a traditional Bhutanese massage and hot stone bath.
Spa Treatments
Set in a tranquil orange orchid with views of snow-capped peaks, we invite you to lay back and relax in our beautifully decorated massage rooms. Spoil yourself with one of our signature Bhutanese treatments at a time that suits you. All wellness products used are 100% natural, made with only local ingredients.
Yoga Studio
Meditate to the tranquil sounds of the streaming Mo Chu or mindfully flow to the beat of your own heart in the lodge’s yoga studio before indulging in a classic Bhutanese massage and hot stone bath in the traditional Bhutanese lodge spa to ease your mind and body.
Swimming Pool
The lodge’s sparkling rim-flow swimming pool is incredibly inviting on a warm day. Boasting fantastic views over the river, engulfed by the surrounding mountain ranges, this is the perfect spot to not only refresh yourself, but to also enjoy a delectable Bhutanese meal and beverage.
Adventure Shop
Within the lodge’s Adventure Shop, expect to find a range of high-quality, handpicked authentic handicrafts and fashion wear that showcase the very best of the region. Sourced from local artisans, these unique items, such as a range of traditional Bhutanese textiles, provide the perfect memento
Go deeper into the valley
Tailor your time in Punakha with immersive experiences shaped around your rhythm, from sacred temples to river thrills. With over 20 hectares (50 acres) to explore, the lodge and its surrounds are brimming with active adventures making it the ideal base for intrepid outdoor enthusiasts. Choose from an array of activitybased experiences, including archery, river rafting, kayaking, and mountain biking, as well as a wide selection of breathtaking hikes and walking trails.
Punakha Tshechu Festival
The Punakha Tshechu is one of Bhutan’s most vibrant and beloved festivals, a spiritual gathering where dance, colour and tradition come alive in extraordinary ways. Held each year in the courtyard of Punakha Dzong, this multi-day celebration honours Guru Rinpoche through sacred masked dances and elaborate rituals.
Monks in ornate robes and carved masks move in hypnotic patterns, retelling ancient stories through movement. Between performances, atsaras (red-masked clowns) lighten the mood with irreverent jokes and gestures, keeping the crowd engaged and the energy joyful.
Hike to Dochu La Pass
Dochu La is an incredible Bhutanese mountain pass peaking at 3 140 m (10 301 ft) above sea level. Boasting exceptional views of the snow-capped eastern Himalaya on clear days, the pass links the capital city of Thimphu and Punakha.
Stop to see the Druk Wangyal Chortens, where 108 memorial stupas and chortens stand in honour of Bhutanese soldiers slain in the insurgency against Bodo militants from India. The Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, commissioned the shrine in 2003 after King Jigme Singye Wangchuck overcame the insurgents.
From here you can opt to hike through beautiful forests down to the Lampelri Botanical Garden or for something more strenuous, hike up to the Lungchutse Temple through thick woodlands of broad hemlock trees. At the foot of the temple lies a rich bamboo underbrush and dense juniper shrubs flourishing against a backdrop of the Himalaya. One of Bhutan’s highest peaks, Gangkhar Puensum, and the world’s highest unclimbed mountain, can also be seen from here. Alternatively view the nearby monastery, Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, built in reverence of the king.
Khamsun Yuelley Namgyal Chorten
Just beyond the Punakha suspension bridge, a peaceful trail winds through fields and forests toward one of Bhutan’s most striking modern temples. Built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten stands as a symbol of peace, protection, and spiritual resilience.
This three-storey chorten, rich with vibrant iconography and tantric symbolism, was designed to ward off negative forces and protect Bhutan’s people and King. Its remote hilltop setting was chosen with spiritual precision, and rewards you with sweeping views over the Punakha Valley.
Every step of the gentle uphill walk feels purposeful. Every detail of the chorten speaks of devotion shaped into structure.
Archery in Butan
Archery is the national sport of Bhutan, and even more so, a nationwide obsession, and can be watched in any part of the country over the weekend. Enjoyed as a group activity, targets are typically set approximately 145 m (475 ft) from the archer, making for a fun experience suited for the whole family.
Every village in Bhutan sports an archery field, and no festival or celebration is complete without a game. Traditional tournaments between villages are battles for honour, and include an array of feasts and prizes.
Punakha Dzong
Constructed in 1637, the Punakha Dzong was the second fortress Dzong built in the country. Translated to mean ‘palace of great happiness or bliss’, its towering white walls form a beautiful contrast to the surrounding greens and blues. Celebrated as one of Bhutan’s oldest, largest and most striking fortified monasteries, the Punakha Dzong holds an important relic over which many wars were fought with the Tibetans. The Dzong holds a sacred place in the hearts of all Bhutanese.
The first National Assembly was held here in 1953, as well as the royal wedding between King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema in 2011. It is also the winter home of the central monastic body, and all of Bhutan’s kings are crowned here before they can take their throne in the capital city of Thimphu.
Punakha Dzong’s magnificence is especially striking in the spring when the lilac-coloured jacaranda trees are in full bloom.
Visit the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery
Balanced on a spur amongst pine trees, boasting breathtaking views of the Punakha Valley, gleams the magnificent structure of the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery. Steeped in tradition and culture, this temple houses a 4.2 m (14 ft) bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara, made by local Bhutanese artisans. Other sacred statues include those of The Buddha, Guru Rinpoche, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, Tsela Namsum, and the 21 Taras.
Constructed as a Buddhist College, the temple complex houses 120 nuns and is a permanent school of higher learning and a meditation centre. Apart from religious training, the nunnery also provides vocational training such as tailoring, embroidery, statue making and thangka painting.
Chimi Lhakhang The Temple of the Divine Madman
Located on a round hillock on the edge of the Punakha Valley, Chimi Lhakhang was built in 1499 by the 14th Drukpa hierarch, Ngawang Choegyel, after the site was blessed by ‘the Divine Madman’ the maverick saint, Drukpa Kunley. Famously known as the temple of fertility, the lhakhang draws local people, from near and far, to receive blessings from the lama (monk). The local people also bring their new-borns to be named here. The lhakhang is truly a revered and blessed space for many.
Many childless couples make a devout pilgrimage to the lhakhang in the hope that they will be honoured with a wang, or a blessing from the lama. Woman entering the temple, who are hoping to conceive, are made to carry a wooden phallus around the temple three times.
The lhakhang is about a 30-minute walk through fields from Sopsokha on the main road to Punakha.
Mountain biking
Immerse yourself exploring Punakha Valley’s sacred, forested landscapes off-road, on two wheels.
Ideal for beginners to experienced riders, there are an array of mountain bike routes to choose from. With a selection of easy-going, non-technical single tracks as well as a wide mix of extreme, adrenaline-pumping off-road trails, mountain-bike riders of all levels are welcome.
Whitewater river rafting
The Pho Chu river, which translates to ‘male’ or ‘father’ river, is fed by glaciers in the Lunana region. Its 16 km (9.9 mi) course is loaded with 15 different rapids, ranging from class 2 to 4, making it a favourite amongst thrill-seeking adventurers.
The Mo Chu river, which translates to ‘female’ or ‘mother’ river, originates from the northern hills of Laya and Lingzhi. Although calmer than its counterpart, the Mo Chu too offers an exciting rafting opportunity for those trying out the sport for the first time. Covering 10 km (6.2 mi) with 10 rapids graded class 2, this gentle journey is perfect for the whole family.
At the confluence between Pho and Mo Chu lies the Punakha Dzong, and thereafter the main river is known as the Punatsang Chu river. On your rafting journey you will witness breathtaking views of sub-tropical scenery, plus secluded stretches of serene sparkling water.
Punakha Suspension Footbridge
Stretching across the majestic Pho Chu river, the Punakha suspension bridge is 180 m (590 ft) in length, making it one of the longest suspension bridges in the country.
Strongly strengthened with iron chains and metal netting, this extraordinary bridge adorned in fluttering prayer flags, connects Punakha Dzong to the surrounding villages, and offers a great view of the glistening stream below.
Tshewang ceremony
Take part in a traditional Tshewang (blessing) ceremony held by a Bhutanese monk in a temple or nunnery for personal empowerment and wish fulfilment. ‘Tse’ meaning ‘life’ and ‘wang’ being ‘blessing’, the ceremony is believed to bring about a long and healthy life.
The prayer will be approximately 30-minutes, during which you can make an offering by lighting butter lamps at the monastery altar. Sit with the lama (monk) as he performs the mystical rituals and prayers, entering into a humbling and safe trance to the deep rumbling notes of his voice. The sacred ceremony gently ends with the monk giving his blessings and assisting in a private circuit of the holy shrine.
Special occasions, such as weddings, dedications and engagements, can also be celebrated. Please speak to your preferred travel specialist.
Hike to Hokatsho Lake
Sitting at an elevation of 2 130 m (6 988 ft) above sea level, Hokatsho Lake is approximately 9 km (5.5 mi) from Punakha Valley. Drive through bustling villages before reaching the 15th century temple, Chorten Nyeabu. This is where the hike (approximately two to three hours) to Hokatsho Lake begins. From here, the path follows a man-made irrigation channel almost all the way to the beautiful lake tucked between dense jungle vegetation. As you proceed upwards, the jungle around you comes to life with the sounds of insects and birds.
Upon reaching the lake, a small path leads down to the water, offering magnificent views of the peaceful and untouched surrounds. Legend has it, the Hokatsho Lake never overflows owing to the continuous drainage through an opening believed to have been created by the lake’s deity. The opening was formed after a demon threatened to flood the area. ‘Hokatsho’ directly translates to “lake with a hole or opening”.
Dining
Enjoy sundowners, a picnic or your meals in a variety of al fresco locations such as the outdoor lodge deck, the swimming pool, amongst the lush paddy fields, overlooking the river, the suspension bridge or the privacy of your suite.
Our food is locally-inspired and seasonal, not to mention, wholesome and delicious. An extensive organic vegetable garden highlights the lodge’s dedication to sourcing local, sustainably-grown ingredients. A traditional Bhutanese cooking class in our outdoor interactive kitchen allows you to learn more.
Suitable for
&Beyond Punakha River Lodge is ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in the culture of Butan, visit sacred temples or relax in nature. You can spend a honeymoon here or stay here with kids.