Few years ago, all residential and commercial establishments from Punakha were relocated to a newly developed township which came to be known as Khuruthang.
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Located around 5 kms from Punakha Dzong on the bank of River Puna Tsang Chu, Khuruthang is still being developed and it was all covered with dust as main market area is totally unpaved.
Khuruthang is quite small compared to any other city even in Bhutan and you can take a complete round just in 15 minutes. There are few building on the streets cutting each other perfectly at ninety degrees and few shops in the main market area. There is not much to visit in this town and it is used for night halt by tourists for their visit to Punakha Dzong. You can visit the Khuruthang Goemba which is just next to the market area.
Best part of Khuruthang is the River Puna Tsang Chu. Just walk straight down and you will hear the sound of river flowing under the bridge. Water is clean and clear and you will certainly enjoy your time sitting on river bank. In morning, it looks amazing as sun rays shine and sparkle right on top of the water.
Punakha Dzong is only 5 kilometers from Khuruthang and there are shared cabs that run for Punakha (Nu. 40 per person one way) and drop you right on the gate of Punakha Dzong.
Stay options in Khuruthang and Punakha
In case, you are visiting Punakha Dzong and want to stay overnight, you will need to find a hotel at Khuruthang only as there is only one resort near Punakha Dzong. Even Khuruthang town has limited hotels and it would be advised to have an advance booking for your stay. We had stayed at Damchen Resorts. It is a beautiful resort right next to the river. Best part is that resort has sitting arrangement in backyard right next to the river bank. You can sit there for hours as you watch the water flowing under moon light and listen its sound.
Please click here for more stay options in Khuruthang.
