Run away from your stress and troubles of the endless rhythms and routines of your everyday life. Lose yourself in the secure embrace of calm and serenity at the beautiful Pemako Punakha in the breathtaking Himalayan vistas of Bhutan’s Punakha Valley.
Use this awesome hideaway home in the beyul, or hidden valley, to de-stress, restore your inner balance, revitalize your chakras to return physically, mentally and emotionally refreshed and rarin’ to go after a great staycation.
Punakha has long been inspirational for its stunning natural beauty; it’s also deeply cherished for its historical significance, its superb heritage structures and its gifts to nature and adventure-loving travellers.
Captured in its core essence are Punakha’s links with Bhutan’s founder, the legendary Zhabdrung Rinpoche or Ngawang Namgyal, who in the 17th century made this his bastion. Till the middle of the 20th century Punakha was the secular and spiritual hub for Bhutan. The capital of Bhutan was shifted to Thimphu in 1955. If the stones of the legendary Punakha Dzong could speak, they would reveal many hidden tales secreted away in the chronicles of those heady days since its construction in 1637 by Zhabdrung Rinpoche.
Culturerama
Few travellers are aware that the Punakha Dzong is the second oldest and largest dzong in Bhutan. Also known as the "Pungthang Dechen Phodrang Dzong" it is beloved for its superb architecture and deep spiritual legacy. Straddling the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers the dzong is venerated for housing several sacred relics including the remains of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
This symbiotic joining of masculine and feminine forces is epitomised by Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. It is believed to have further heightened the auspiciousness of the site chosen for the location for the nucleus of the political and religious hub of the as a nation-state Zhabdrung Ngawang had toiled to unify under a central authority.
Streams of travellers over the years have gazed in wonderment upon the superb architectural and design details of this ancient stronghold. Unmissable highlights are the unique structural components such as the colossal wrap-around white fortified walls, the ornate utse or central tower housing the principal temple, the cantilevered roofs in wood, the many courtyards, exquisite woodwork stunning wall paintings, and the timeless endeavour of traditional Bhutanese craftsmanship.
A culturally enriching experience can be enjoyed mingling with the locals who arrive in droves to savour the many delights of annual Punakha Drubchen and Tsechu festivals held in the massive central courtyard.
Spiritual Diversions
A unique experience awaits at the temple raised to the ‘Divine Madman’ of Bhutan at the Chimi Lhakhang, the ‘fertility temple’. Visitors have to walk just a short distance away from Punakha Dzong, to discover the legends linked to the Buddhist monk Drukpa Kunley, whose unorthodox interpretations of Buddhist teachings to achieve Enlightenment, marked by his often-eccentric behaviour. The much-revered saint, deeply embedded in Bhutan’s spiritual landscape, is largely patronised by couples hoping to have kids with his blessings. A frequent reminder of the veneration and popularity of the saint is reflected in the phallus paintings/souvenirs etc found all over Bhutan.
Adventure Buffs Haven
One of the most adrenaline-pumping adventures can be enjoyed on a white-water rafting spell on the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Both rivers offer different experiences of this sport in terms of the kind of rapids visitors encounter along the way. The countryside around Punakha also offers a range of tempting nature and hiking trails.
The stunning Punakha Suspension Bridge, one of the longest in the country, offers lots of ‘insta ops’. One of the most thrilling spots to take photos of the bridge and its mountainous surrounds is from the river-end on a rafting trip.
Solitude and R&R
Your base here in this temperate valley should positively be the lotus-layered style Pemako Punakha, created by iconoclastic American hotel designer Bill Bensley. The latest offering from Bhutan’s largest private conglomerate, the Tashi Group, and accessed by a skinny footbridge over the Mo Chhu River with its gentler rapids, lies just a short hop away from the historic Punakha Dzong.
Spread over a stretch of 60 acres marked by forested hills and a riverside canvas of many colours and textures, is a scattering of 21 luxury tented pool villas. Each villa, particular for its Bhutanese design, comes with a private heated pool, generous decks, Serge Ferrari fabrics, copper fixtures, and uninterrupted panoramas of the valley. Inspired by the name ‘Pemako’ which means “the hidden lotus land’ are a scattering of lotus installations by Asha Kama the Bhutanese artist. The glass-walled meditation room has an inspirational freedom-inspiring vibe to it.
The culinary experiences here are driven by a tempting menu, fiercely curated by an innovative chef. At a lovingly restored heritage house on the property indulge your taste buds with the most delicious offerings of authentic Bhutanese cuisine.
Let go off your troubles and stress under all the pampering you will receive at Lotus Realm Spa. Practiced hands, skilled in the ancient treatments and properties of Sowa-Rigpa the traditional Bhutanese medicine, aim to restore the balance and harmony of mind and body. From traditional Bhutanese hot stone baths to infra-red saunas to yoga to modern gym fitness options you can enjoy a truly holistic wellness adventure here.
Book ahead at Pemako Punakha when heading for Punkaha to enjoy this very special base for your adventures in this ‘hidden valley’. Its uncrowded vibe is a big allurement for visitors looking to get away from the more populated tourist destinations in Bhutan.