Attractions in Punakha
Punakha Dzongkhag has been inextricably linked with momentous occasions in Bhutanese history. It served as the capital of the country from 1637 to 1907 and the first national assembly was hosted here in 1953. Punakha Dzong is not only the second oldest and second largest dzong but it also has one of the most majestic structures in the country.
October 13, 2011 marked an unforgettable wedding of the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to Jetsun Pema which was held at Punakha Dzong. Punakha Dzong was built at the confluence of two major rivers in Bhutan, the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu, which converge in this valley. It is an especially beautiful sight on sunny days with sunlight reflecting off the water onto its white-washed walls.
In addition to its structural beauty, Punakha Dzong is notable for containing the preserved remains of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan as well as a sacred relic known as the Ranjung Karsapani. This relic is a self-created image of Avalokiteswara that miraculously emerged from the vertebrae of Tsangpa Gyarey, the founder of the Drukpa School when he was cremated.
Punakha valley has a pleasant climate with warm winters and hot summers. It is located at an average elevation of 1200 m above sea level. Owing to the favourable climatic conditions, rice has become the main cash crop cultivated in the region.
Top Attractions Following are some of the must see top attractions of this district. Do not miss these places when you are here.
Chhimi Lhakhang
Chhimi Lhakhang is located on a hilltop and founded by Lama Drukpa Kuenley-the Divine Madman. It is 25mins walk across the field from the road at Sopsokha. Lama Drukpa kuenley subdued the demoness of the Dochula with his “Magic Thunderbolt of wisdom”. A wooden effigy of the lama’s thunderbolt is preserved in the temple, and […]
Punakha Dzong
Punakha dzong is the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan and located majestically at the confluence of Pho Chhu (Male River) and Mo Chhu (Female River) in Punakha. This dzong was built by Shabdrung Ngwang Namgyel in 1637. The dzong houses the most scared relics of the Drukpa Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, the Rangjung Kasarpani […]
Khamsum Yulley Chorten
Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten is an impressive example of our fine Bhutanese architecture and art. The third Queen, Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck built it. It took almost eight and half years to complete it. It was built to help to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in this changing world and the […]