Finding tranquillity and quiet luxury is increasingly difficult in this noisy and fast-paced world. However, there are still some lesser-known beautiful gems to head to, one of which is Bhutan’s Pemako Punakha. It is a luxury private tented resort framed by Himalayan vistas in the heart of the Punakha Valley, and below, we take you through what it has to offer.
Pemako Punakha is Bhutan’s first luxury private tented resort and is a shining gem in the country’s high-end hospitality scene. Between December and February, it transforms into a serene winter wonderland.
Given its location on the world map, you might think it would be cold. Surprisingly, it boasts a mild and inviting climate, which makes it perfect for outdoor exploration. With awe-inspiring Himalayan vistas to enjoy, it is undoubtedly somewhere that would make for an unforgettable winter escape, where every moment is infused with tranquillity and quiet luxury.
Owned by The Tashi Group of Companies, Pemako Punakha is ushering in a new standard of luxury travel in Bhutan. At Pemako, the experience goes beyond a simple getaway—it offers a journey that immerses guests in Bhutan’s spiritual and natural beauty. The serene landscapes and the country’s rich cultural heritage create a profound sense of renewal for visitors.
Set across 60 acres, it features 21 luxury tented villas, including one 2-bedroom and one Presidential Tented Villa. Each villa is strategically positioned to offer breathtaking views of the Mo Chhu River and the valley landscapes from the private deck or outdoor heated infinity pool.
Carefully placed pathways enhance the sense of seclusion, ensuring guests can fully embrace uninterrupted moments of tranquillity and immerse themselves in the valley’s peaceful surroundings.
Conceptually designed by renowned architect Bill Bensley, each tent features exquisite Serge Ferrari fabrics, separate bedroom and living room areas adorned with Bhutanese artisan works and decorative details, and a spacious ensuite bathroom featuring a copper bathtub as a statement piece.
Spirited Away in Punakha
With its clear skies and peaceful surroundings, Punakha’s winter climate provides the ideal backdrop for nature walks, treks, and visits to the region’s sacred sites. The crisp mountain air, the glow of the setting sun over the rice fields, and the rich scent of pine forests offer a sensory delight that enhances the winter experience.
Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most iconic landmarks, radiates grandeur during winter, its architecture beautifully set against snow-capped mountains. Constructed in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the dzong served as the former seat of Bhutan’s government and has long been the Kingdom’s spiritual and political hub.
It holds historical significance as the site of royal coronations, including King Jigme Singye Wangchuck in 1974 and King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in 2008.
As the winter residence of Bhutan’s Je Khenpo and the Central Monastic Body, Punakha Dzong imbues the valley with a deep sense of serenity. This spiritual significance makes winter an especially inviting time to experience the country’s rich culture and heritage.
Visitors can witness centuries-old rituals, prayer sessions, and the peaceful rhythm of monastic life, offering a rare opportunity to connect with Bhutan’s spiritual heart.
In addition to cultural exploration, winter in Punakha brings several exciting seasonal events and highlights that attract travellers and locals alike. The Punakha Drubchen and Punakha Tsechu, two of Bhutan’s most important religious festivals, occur in winter.
These vibrant events celebrate Bhutanese culture with masked dances, religious rituals, and colourful processions, offering visitors a deeper connection to the country’s spiritual and cultural traditions. During these festivals, the atmosphere in the valley comes alive with music, dance, and the spirit of community.
In Punakha, sacred sites that can be visited include:
Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten: Built to usher in peace on earth, this majestic chorten stands as a beacon of tranquillity.
Goen Tshephu Ney: Known as the sacred cave of longevity, this site in Goenshari Gewog gained popularity for its spiritual significance, where Guru Rinpoche witnessed the full form of Amitayus, the Buddha of Long Life.
Sewla Monastery: Perched on a pass with stunning views of rose bushes, the monastery exudes a peaceful ambience.
Chimi Lhakhang: Also known as the Temple of Fertility, this site offers a unique spiritual experience amidst the picturesque Punakha Valley. Couples from all over the world, as well as many Bhutanese who have trouble conceiving children, visit the temple to pray.
Cultural Immersion with Pemako
Pemako Punakha offers luxury and cultural immersion, with experiences like guided meditation, prayer flag hoisting, and traditional Bhutanese games such as archery and Khuru (darts). The resort’s in-house Lotus Realm Spa offers Bhutanese herbal massages and rejuvenating facials designed to soothe and restore.
For a holistic yoga experience, guests can practice Sorig yoga, a discipline intertwined with Bhutanese spiritual traditions, under the guidance of a doctor trained in traditional medicine.
Culinary excellence is at the heart of Pemako Punakha. Farm-to-table dining highlights fresh, seasonal Bhutanese ingredients across its venues. Soma, the all-day dining restaurant, serves a mix of Bhutanese and international dishes, while Alchemy House showcases Bhutanese specialities crafted from locally sourced ingredients.
Guests can also enjoy exclusive dining experiences at Sura, where a private chef’s table is available. Complementing this exceptional dining experience is a private wine cellar, which boasts what is arguably one of Bhutan’s largest collections of rare wines and whiskies.
For outdoor dining, Ati provides picturesque settings for picnics or evening barbecues near the resort’s private helipad, blending gourmet experiences with stunning natural surroundings.
The resort’s Five Nectars Bar, perched in an elevated pagoda-style structure, offers panoramic views of the river and valley and inventive cocktails infused with local botanicals such as Himalayan herbs, wildflowers, and spices. Additionally, guests can participate in Arag-making workshops, learning to craft personalised versions of Bhutan’s traditional rice spirit.
Yantra Hall is an 88 sq m venue that is ideal for hosting corporate events and bespoke celebrations, such as weddings and anniversaries. It houses state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment and customisable seating to create the ideal setting for every occasion.
Whether pursuing mindful relaxation or thrilling adventure, Pemako caters to every aspiration. Getting to Pemako Punakha from Paro Airport is 3 hours 30 minutes by car or 25 minutes by helicopter. The brand boasts two exceptional properties—Pemako Thimphu and Pemako Punakha—each embodying Bhutanese warmth and hospitality amidst the breathtaking Himalayan landscapes.
With its approach to curated stays, a journey with Pemako would be a unique way to experience quiet luxury and a truly transformative connection to Bhutan’s spiritual essence.
Getting there
Druk Asia is offering customised luxury group holidays with stays at Pemako Punakha and Pemako Thimphu. Travelers flying with Drukair on the SIN-PBH-SIN route during the off-season (December 2024 to February 2025 and June to July 2025) can enjoy a 15% discount on economy-class fares, available exclusively for passengers who pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) For more information about winter room rates and special airfare offers, please visit www.drukasia.com.
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