Let’s take a walk on one of the oldest suspension bridges of the world – The Punakha Suspension Bridge!! On our recent 7 days trip to Bhutan, we got to do something that we wanted to do for a long time. That is, taking a short adventure trip walking on a suspension bridge!! Although there are pedestrian suspension bridges at many other locations that we have visited before. But, we never got the time or the right opportunity to walk on one. Except for the living root bridge on our 4 days trip to Meghalaya – which doesn’t really qualify as a suspension bridge!! Finally, on our trip to Bhutan, we did it!!! On the day we did a trip from Thimphu to Punakha, after our tryst with clouds at one of the highest passes of Bhutan – Dochula Pass and further visiting the Punakha Dzong, we thought now we will be headed to our hotel. When our guide informed us there is a suspension bridge nearby, in case we wanted to explore. And with ample time at hand, we said yes!!
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The trek to the Punakha Suspension Bridge
At a mere 5 minutes from the Punakha Dzong, our tourist vehicle stopped at a parking lot. Actually it was more like a space on the side of the road. And the concrete road came to an end here. No vehicles are allowed beyond this point. From here on, we saw a “kaccha” trail, which, as per our guide, led to the Punakha Suspension Bridge after a 5 minutes walk. Our guide also suggested to keep our luggage light. So that it was easy for us to walk the trail as well as the suspension bridge. So, we left anything unnecessary in the vehicle. And just carried with us some water bottles. Thus started our short trek to the Punakha Suspension Bridge.
The path to the Punakha Suspension Bridge is almost flat, an easy trail that even kids can walk on. Just that it is bumpy at times, with stones and rocks here and there. So, we just need to be little watchful of our steps. The path runs along the edge of the mountain, with the river flowing below. From different points on this path, we get excellent views of the river.
And 200 meters on the path, you will start getting glimpse of the Punakha Suspension Bridge! Around 500 meters and you will find yourself on the Punakha Suspension Bridge. There are clear steps to get onto the bridge. Besides which, concrete slabs act as a resting chair. Our guide decided to wait over here. While we finished our adventure walk on the Punakha Suspension Bridge. And since he was anyways waiting there, we decided to leave our water bottles near him to make our loads still lighter.
Some interesting facts about the Punakha Suspension Bridge
- The Punakha Suspension Bridge lies over the Pho Chhu river – the male river that passes through the valley of Punakha.
- The Bridge is around 160 meters long. And it is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the world.
- In Bhutan, the Punakha Suspension Bridge the second longest suspension bridge. And also one which paved the path for several other suspension bridges that came up after it.
- The Punakha Suspension Bridge is sometimes also referred to as the Punakha Dzong bridge. Because it connects the Punakha Dzong to the villages of Shengana, Samdingkha and Wangkha on the other side of the river.
- Initially built of iron centuries back, the bridge has undergone many refurbishments over the years as required
If you are wondering how easy or difficult it is to walk on the Punakha Suspension Bridge, let me tell you, it is almost a breeze. Only if you have fear of heights or swinging high up, it might give you a little chill at times to walk on it. But what is an adventure without a little chill, isn’t it? Actually the bridge doesn’t sway too much, except when the wind is really strong, which usually happens in the morning and evening hours. And if you are wondering about it’s strength, think of the centuries of load that the bridge has withstood. There lies your answer!!
Our walk on the Punakha Suspension Bridge
Now that you have known about the facts and details of the Punakha Suspension Bridge, let us get back to our journey across the bridge. After handing over our water bottles in our guide’s care, we stepped onto the Punakha Suspension Bridge. It was almost 5 pm in the evening. And hence the crowd was thinning off by the moment. Still there were people walking both the ways on the bridge. So, you generally will need to walk on one side – your self side preferably. But, if you are more comfortable walking in the center, you can do the same, giving way to people once in a while as they approach you.
We all walked at our own pace across the bridge. The bridge is draped in colorful prayer flags. And needless to say, the more you approach towards the center of the bridge, the more beautiful the views across the river gets. As you are able to get uninterrupted views across the river and the valley far and wide from the bridge. However, in all honesty, while we enjoyed the views from here, we didn’t stop for pictures. As it was a little crowded at this time. So, we concentrated on walking across to the other side of the Bridge. It took us a little over 5 minutes to complete the walk and reach over to the other side of the Punakha Suspension Bridge.
On the other side of the Punakha Suspension Bridge
The other side of the Punakha Suspension Bridge leads to few villages. And the highway after a good amount of walk. There are a few refreshment shops here which sell ice cream and few other snacks. Most of the people were enjoying “kulfi” after reaching this side of the bridge. Also, there is a small park like area where some concrete slabs are put. Where you can sit and rest your legs. We stayed here for some 10 minutes. Sitting and enjoying the views around. I was wondering how far the road on this side must be from the spot we parked our vehicle. And couldn’t help admiring how the Punakha Suspension Bridge shortened the distance across the river drastically for people who wanted to walk across.
With these thoughts in mind, we started on our way back on the Bridge. The walk back was much more easier as we now knew what to expect while walking on the bridge. The crowd had also thinned out. And there were hardly any oncoming tourists anymore. So, this time, we stopped in the middle of the Bridge. And clicked some memories before heading to the other side. On reaching back to our starting point, we drank ample water. Although it was not hot and the walk not much. But looks like the little adventure of walking on a swaying bridge had left us thirsty 🙂
Tips to visit the Punakha Suspension Bridge
- One hour is sufficient to visit the Punakha Suspension Bridge
- Prefer morning and evening hours to visit the bridge. As it can get hot in the day, except for winter months. And there is no shade
- Wear comfortable walking shoes which will make walking to the bridge through the trail as well as walking on the bridge itself much easier for you
- If you visit later in the evening, after finishing up rest of the sightseeing, you will find the bridge much less crowded.\
- You can easily go over the bridge with your kids. The kids in our group who were as little as 3 years old also easily walked across the bridge.
General tips on visiting Punakha
- Do visit Punakha Dzong which is very near to the bridge.
- There are many other things to do in Punakha. Here’s our complete guide to plan a trip to Punakha.
- Punakha is not connected to the rest of the world by rail. The only way to get here is from Paro or Thimphu via road.
- Generally, Punakha is little warmer than Thimphu or Paro. But you will still require heavy winter cloths in the winter months, and a jacket in April or October.
- The valley of Punakha is very beautiful, you must not miss it when planning a trip to Bhutan.
- Here’s a list of hotels in Punakha that you can browse through for staying in Punakha
- Last but not the least, here’s our comprehensive guide to plan a trip to Bhutan.
You might also want to check these resources on our Bhutan trip –
obtaining Bhutan Permit for Indian citizen
One day of sightseeing in Thimphu
Things you should know for traveling to Bhutan with kids
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