Gangtok to Punakha

Gangtok to Punakha - Language, Currency, Distance, How to Reach, Expenses, Best time to go, What to Eat, Where to Go, FAQ

Planning a trip from Gangtok to Punakha? Here's everything you need to know before you go.

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Language

The official language of Bhutan is Dzongkha. However, English is widely spoken in tourist areas, including Gangtok and Punakha.

Currency

The official currency of Bhutan is the Ngultrum (BTN). However, Indian Rupee (INR) is also widely accepted in tourist areas.

Distance

The distance between Gangtok and Punakha is approximately 140 kilometers.

How to Reach

There are several ways to reach Punakha from Gangtok:

• By bus: There are several buses that run daily between Gangtok and Punakha. The journey takes approximately 6 hours.
• By taxi: You can also hire a taxi to take you from Gangtok to Punakha. The journey takes approximately 4 hours.
• By helicopter: There is a helicopter service that operates between Gangtok and Punakha. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes.

Expenses

The cost of travel from Gangtok to Punakha will vary depending on the mode of transport you choose. Here are some approximate costs:

• Bus: INR 300-500
• Taxi: INR 2,000-3,000
• Helicopter: INR 10,000-15,000

Best time to go

The best time to visit Punakha is during the spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November). During these months, the weather is pleasant and the景色 are at their best.

What to Eat

Punakha is home to a variety of delicious food. Here are some of the must-try dishes:

• Ema datshi: This is the national dish of Bhutan and is made with cheese and chili peppers.
• Momos: These are steamed dumplings filled with meat or vegetables.
• Kewa datshi: This is a potato curry made with cheese.
• Phaksha paa: This is a pork dish made with dried red chilies.

Where to Go

Punakha is a beautiful town with a lot to offer visitors. Here are some of the top places to visit:

• Punakha Dzong: This is a large Buddhist monastery that is also the winter residence of the Je Khenpo (the spiritual leader of Bhutan).
• Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten: This is a beautiful white stupa that is located on a hilltop overlooking the Punakha Valley.
• Dochula Pass: This is a mountain pass that offers stunning views of the Himalayas.
• Rinpung Dzong: This is a large Buddhist monastery that is located in Paro, a town about an hour's drive from Punakha.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about traveling from Gangtok to Punakha:

1. Do I need a visa to travel to Bhutan?
   Yes, all foreign visitors need a visa to travel to Bhutan. You can apply for a visa online or through your nearest Bhutanese embassy or consulate.
2. What is the currency exchange rate between the Indian Rupee and the Ngultrum?
   As of March 2023, 1 Indian Rupee is equal to approximately 1.5 Ngultrum.
3. Is it safe to travel from Gangtok to Punakha?
   Yes, it is safe to travel from Gangtok to Punakha. However, it is always a good idea to take precautions, such as being aware of your surroundings and keeping your valuables safe.