Punakha Suspension Bridge

Overview

Punakha has been the former capital of Bhutan in the heart of Punakha-Wangdue Valley. This quaint townhouse the Punakha suspension bridge. This is the second-longest pedestrian footbridge that extends 180 meters across the swift river Po Chu from the Dzong.

On the other side of the bridge, there is a beautiful village. You can approach the bridge from inside the Dzong. The bridge is around 500 meters away from the monastery.  The iron chain bridge gave way to the modern suspension bridges in the world.

Buddhist Monk, Thangtong Gyalpo is believed to have built one of the world's oldest suspension bridges. It has served as the precursor to many of our modern suspension bridges. Walking across the bridge is a thrilling experience because the Gyalpo chain bridge did not consist of the suspended wooden deck.

The bridge connects the villages of Shengana, Samdingkha, and Wangkha to the castle of the Wangchuk Kings. Dzong lies at the confluence of the rivers Po Chu and Mo Chu and vulnerable to the deluge caused by the glacier lakes.

The hanging bridge has prayer flags and a perfect spot for bird watching and nature photography. Sometimes, it gives panic attacks and lurches due to fierce winds from the flowing river Po Chu.

These prayer flags carry good merit to all devotees. The blowing winds float the prayers throughout the valley and beyond. The monks string them with the prayers associated with the five colors. Five colors stand for the five essential elements and the five pearls of wisdom of Buddhism:

- Blue: Sky, health, and longevity

- White: air and good fortune

- Yellow: earth and victory over obstacles

- Red: fire and wish fulfillment

- Green: water and compassion

Bridge connects Punakha town to many religious and essential places worth visiting apart from an adventurous walk across the bridge.

Necessary Precautions to take on your Visit

Conventional wisdom remains correct about precautions for personal safety and security. Please take the given precautions:

• Always wear a seatbelt and avoid driving at night because accidents are  frequent in Bhutan due to mountainous roads and blind curves.
• Avoid leaving valuables in the vehicle at the parking
• Flight delays are common due to weather and visibility. Have necessities in your baggage to face delays or unexpected stop-overs.
• Stay alert while trekking because the ground gets slippery with leeches everywhere during the monsoon.

Tips To Visit Punakha Suspension Bridge

• Sunglasses and hats should be taken off while entering the Dzongs, Chortens, or even while crossing the bridge.
• Take care that your knees and shoulders are covered. Shorts are not allowed inside the temples, Dzongs, and Chortens.
• Refrain from taking pics at the religious shrines.
• To combat motion sickness, carry an emergency medical kit.
• Do not litter the river.
• Do not panic when you fall short of Ngultrum because Indian rupee is widely accepted in Bhutan.

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