Punakha Looks to the Stars with New Astro-Tourism Initiative
Punakha has long been admired for its rivers, valleys and living heritage, but on 8 January, the district quietly turned its gaze upward. Known for its clear, unpolluted skies, Punakha is now stepping into astro-tourism, inviting visitors to discover that the beauty of the valley does not end at sunset, but continues far into the night.
Against the iconic silhouette of Punakha Dzong, officials and guests gathered for an evening dinner beneath a sky scattered with stars. As darkness settled in, telescopes were set up, allowing participants to observe distant planets such as Jupiter and trace constellations usually hidden by city lights. The experience underscored a simple truth: clear skies, minimal light pollution and a calm night can reveal an entirely different side of Punakha.
Building Bhutan’s First Astro-Tourism Programme
The stargazing programme, launched on Thursday, is a collaborative effort led by the Punakha dzongkhag administration with support from the Department of Tourism, the GovTech Agency and the De-Suung Skilling Programme. The initiative follows a successful pilot held in October last year, which demonstrated strong interest from both visitors and local stakeholders.
Australian astro-tourism expert Mike Dalley, who trained De-Suups and Gyalsups in Punakha, believes Bhutan has exceptional potential in this niche. He noted that altitude and low light pollution are key factors for quality stargazing. “In big cities, like in Australia, it’s impossible to see many stars,” he said. “But in Punakha, even when you drive into town, you can still see countless stars shining brightly above.”
Training the First Astro-Guides
With technical support from the GovTech Agency, 25 De-Suups and Gyalsups have been trained as Bhutan’s first cohort of astro-guides. The aim is not only to provide telescopes, but also to ensure visitors receive guided explanations that turn stargazing into a meaningful learning experience rather than a fleeting novelty.
Encouraging Longer Stays
According to Yeshi Dorji, Economic Development and Marketing Officer of Punakha, the initiative is also a strategic move. “We invite all tourism service providers interested in offering astro-tourism experiences to their guests. The dzongkhag administration is happy to coordinate and provide access to telescopes, along with technical support from trained astro-guides,” he said.
In 2024, Punakha welcomed over one hundred thousand visitors. Yet many passed through during the day before spending the night elsewhere. “Our goal is to increase overnight stays,” Yeshi Dorji added. “By promoting astro-tourism, we are giving visitors a reason to stay and experience the beauty of the night sky.”
A New Chapter After Sunset
Punakha’s foray into astro-tourism is a reminder that nature’s wonders do not fade with daylight. As the district broadens its offerings beyond rafting, hiking and cultural visits, the night sky becomes part of the journey. In doing so, Punakha is quietly redefining how its landscapes are experienced, proving that sometimes, the most unforgettable views appear only after dark.
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