Himalayas of Bhutan. It’s known for the Punakha Dzong, a 17th-century fortress at the juncture of the Pho and Mo Chhu rivers. surrounded by lush green mountains, 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.
The fortress hosts the Punakha Tshechu, a religious festival featuring masked dances and music. In the surrounding Punakha Valley, temples include the fertility-focused Chimi Lhakhang and the hilltop Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, which has river and mountain views. Located at an elevation of 1,200 meters above sea level, Punakha was the capital of Bhutan and the seat of government until 1955, when the capital was moved to Thimphu. It is about 72 km away from Thimphu, and it takes about 3 hours by car from the capital, Thimphu.
The route from Thimphu to Punakha is quite spectacular and takes travelers over the renowned Dochula Pass, which showcases interesting monuments along its course and offers the awe-inspiring opportunity to view the great Himalayan Mountain Range. Unlike Thimphu, it is quite warm in winter and hot in summer.
The town is located between the two main rivers of Bhutan, the Pho Chu, and Mo Chu. tributaries of the Sankosh river. Pungthang Dewachen Phodrang or Palace of Great Happiness or Punakha Dzong was constructed by Tuebi Zaow Balip under the great command of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1637 and believed to have been completed in a two-year time period. It is also the country’s most beautiful Dzong. It is the winter residence of Bhutan’s Central Monastic Body led by the Je Khenpo.The Dzong houses the most sacred relics of the Southern Drukpa Kagyu school including the Rangjung Kasarpani, and the sacred remains of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Tertön Padma Lingpa. In 1907, Punakha Dzong was the site of the coronation of Ugyen Wangchuck as the first King of Bhutan.
Three years later, a treaty was signed at Punakha whereby the British agreed not to interfere in Bhutanese internal affairs and Bhutan allowed Britain to direct its foreign affairs. Due to its location at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in the Punakha-Wangdue valley, the dzong is vulnerable to flash flooding caused by glacier lakes (GLOF). According to a recent report, flash flood damage to Punakha Dzong occurred in 1957, 1960 and 1994. Work is in progress to protect the dzong from future flood damage by deepening the river channels and raising the embankments using four large steam shovels.
Punakha has been linked with momentous occasions in Bhutanese history. At the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, the majestic Punakha Dzong is an absolute marvel. The Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers are also home to one of the last surviving populations of the critically endangered white-bellied herons. Driving down from Dochula towards Punakha, visitors can discover the Royal Botanical Park, where an excellent collection of Himalayan plants and good birding sites can be found. Punakha is reached by crossing the 3,116 metre Dochu La, the fertile valley floor which is the winter home of the country’s largest monk body and produces a wide variety of fruits and vegetables which you won’t see anywhere else in the country.
As Bhutan’s second-largest city, the top things travelers must see and do in Punakha, Bhutan are quite varied. The tourist visiting Punakha can do a variety of things at Punakha. These include attending Tsechu Festival at Punakha Dzong, Walk Across the Punakha Suspension Bridge, Try Bhutanese Beer and Spicy Liver. Tourism in Punakha is not limited to just the town, adventure junkies can go a hiking trip to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten Monastery. Those interested in shopping can buy Bhutanese Whiskey and Brandy. Tourists visiting Punakha can stay & eat at the famous Happiness Field Village Homestay.
Punakha and surrounding areas are most famous for their cuisine and handicraft. Tourists can also visit the nearby Chimi Lhakhang Monastery as well as the nearby villages of Rinchengang, Talo, Punakha Ritsha Village, and Rubesa. However, there are only a few hotels in Punakha including the Stay at Drubchhu Resort and restaurant. Nature lovers can visit the Jigme Dorji National Park. Overall an extended weekend visit to Punakha offers an otherworldly charm to anyone who enjoys being close to nature.
