Punakha’s Popular Riverside Retreat, Dzomlingthang Undergoes Transformation

Discover Dzomlingthang, Punakha’s riverside retreat along the Mo Chhu. A beloved picnic spot near Punakha Dzong, now undergoing a Nu 30M redevelopment to restore its natural charm and safety.

Dzomlingthang, a scenic riverside retreat just two kilometres from the majestic Punakha Dzong, has long been a cherished getaway for locals and visitors from neighbouring districts. Nestled along the gentle flow of the Mo Chhu and framed by towering pine trees, this grassy stretch offers a tranquil setting for families and friends to gather, celebrate, or simply unwind. Its natural beauty, combined with easy accessibility from the town, has made it a favourite spot for picnics, leisurely walks, and quiet moments by the river—drawing people seeking both recreation and a deeper connection with nature.

What makes Dzomlingthang even more convenient is its location right along the Punakha–Gasa Highway, providing easy access for both locals and travellers. This prime location adds to its popularity, allowing visitors to stop by effortlessly while exploring the region or passing through on their way to nearby districts.

For the elderly and those seeking more than just leisure, Dzomlingthang also features a large replica of the Boudhanath Stupa, offering a serene space for circumambulation and quiet reflection in the riverside setting.

A riverside retreat

Located between towering pine trees and the gentle flow of the Mo Chhu, the grassy ground has become a gathering place for families and friends—whether celebrating special occasions or simply enjoying time together. On holidays, the area comes alive with laughter, chatter, and the buzz of activity as people camp, picnic, and soak in the riverside ambience that makes Dzomlingthang one of Punakha’s most vibrant spots.

It is also a favourite lunch stop for tourists, who often sit by the riverside enjoying their meals against the backdrop of a soft breeze and the soothing sound of the Mo Chhu. Among the younger crowd, it has also become an ideal place to relax and unwind after a party.

From charm to neglect

Over the years, however, the influx of visitors and lack of proper care have taken a toll on Dzomlingthang. Its once-pristine charm has been overshadowed by waste and neglect. The popular recreational space has become a grazing ground for cattle, strewn with cow dung and plagued by a persistent foul smell.

The only toilets were poorly maintained, with broken facilities and waste scattered around, leaving behind a strong stench that made people feel sick. Fortunately, they have now been cleaned and renovated, with a shop added nearby to cater to visitors.

The redevelopment project

A planned redevelopment now offers hope—an effort to revive the riverside’s natural beauty and transform it into an even more welcoming place for picnics, gatherings, and peaceful retreats by the Mo Chhu. At present, the ground is closed to the public due to ongoing works.

The Punakha district administration is developing a park designed to harmoniously blend nature and human interaction. The Nu 30 million project, which began in July, is expected to be completed by the end of October.

Balancing beauty and safety

The redevelopment may not bring sweeping changes, but it envisions something quietly unique. The park will centre around trees, plants, and flowers, letting nature itself take the lead. With minimal infrastructure, the design aims to preserve the riverside’s raw beauty while offering visitors an experience unlike any other park in the country—a place that feels untouched yet thoughtfully cared for.

As part of the redevelopment, essential amenities such as restrooms, footpaths, and facilities to support rafting along the Mo Chhu will be introduced. These features are meant to enhance the visitor experience without overwhelming the natural charm that defines Dzomlingthang.

Plans are also being discussed on whether to introduce a small entry fee, though no decision has yet been made.

Mo Chhu’s risks

Since Dzomlingthang lies right beside the Mo Chhu, river training has become an essential part of the redevelopment plan. In the last decade alone, nearly three acres of land have been lost to erosion, gradually shrinking the retreat. With safety as a priority, the project also includes installing cautionary boards and organising awareness programmes to reduce risks and prevent avoidable disasters along the riverbank.

The Mo Chhu is known to be dangerous, claiming lives almost every year due to drowning or sudden currents. Following the pandemic, Punakha Dzongkhag once again allowed people to picnic here, but overnight camping remains restricted. Anyone wishing to camp must now seek prior permission from the dzongkhag.

Dzomlingthang, located in Guma Gewog, is one of Punakha’s largest village blocks and remains among the district’s most frequented spots—after the iconic Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Fertility Temple.