Punakha Dzong
Pungthang Dechen Phodrang
Punakha Dzong is arguably the most beautiful dzong in the country, particularly enchanting in spring when the surrounding Jacaranda trees are in bloom. Also known as Pungthang Dechhen Phodrang (“The Palace of Great Happiness”), Punakha Dzong is situated at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chhu rivers and was constructed by Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyal in 1637. This sacred site has witnessed the coronation of all of Bhutan’s kings.
The dzong houses the most revered relics of the Drukpa Kagyu school, including the Rangjung Kasarpani, as well as the remains of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Spanning 180 meters in length and 72 meters in width, with a six-storey utse (central tower), Punakha Dzong stands as an architectural marvel.
On December 17th, 1907, Ugyen Wangchuk was crowned here as the first hereditary King of Bhutan. Additionally, the Dzong serves as the winter home of the central Monastic Body, which moves here from Thimphu.
Trips that visit Punakha Dzong
- Snow Leopard Jomolhari TrekDay 2 & 3: Punakha & Wangdue Valley 14 days
- Drukyul Walking Tour BhutanDay 8-9: In Punakha & Wangdue 13 days
- Three Himalayan KingdomsDay 10: Drive to Punakha 15 days
- Window to BhutanDay 3: Thimphu – Punakha/Wangdue 7 days
- Introduction of India, Bhutan & NepalDay 13: In Punakha 19 days
- Highlights of Bhutan TourDay 6: Phobjikha - Punakha & Wangdue 10 days
- Glimpses of Bhutan 6 DaysDay 2: Paro - Punakha 6 days
- Darjeeling Sikkim Bhutan TourDay 8: Thimphu-Punakha 12 days
Near Punakha Dzong
Other places within 15 km.
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Nature & Viewpoints
Punakha Suspension Bridge
Punakha suspension bridge is one of the longest bridges in Bhutan measuring roughly 520 feet long. A bridge that is always adorned with colorful prayer flags.
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Temples & Monasteries
Chimi Lhakhang
The temple, adorned with hundreds of prayer flags, graces the edge of a picturesque plateau overlooking fertile rice fields and river below.
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Stupas & Chortens
Khamsum Yulley Chorten
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chörten, perched atop Nyizergang hill, is a sacred site accessible via a 40-minute uphill hike.
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Nature & Viewpoints
Black-Necked Crane Information Centre
This center provides insights into black-necked cranes and the valley's ecosystem. Visitors can utilize high-quality spotting scopes and cross-reference their sightings with the Field Guide to Crane Behaviour pamphlet.
