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Punakha was the former Capital of Bhutan until 1955. The coronation of the first King Ugyen Wangchuk happened here in 1907. In 8th century, Padmasambhava (aka Guru Rinpoche) foretold that someone called Namgyel would build here a Dzong. The first Dzong had been built in 1328. It was small so called as Dzongchung (small Dzong). Second time a bigger Dzong had been built here by Shabdrung Ngavang Namgyel in 1637. Punakha Dzong has a precious relic, the statue of Avalokiteshvara. This is why its Dzong is so important. It was the winter palace, because of the soft climate of this region.
Punakha is 72km away from Thimphu and it takes 3 hours to get there via Dochula.
Punakha Dzong, or Pungtang Dechen Photrang Dzong, had been built between two rivers, Pho Chu and Mo Chu. There is a bridge over Mo Chu connecting the Dzong to the land. The huge building is surrounded by jacaranda trees. Unfortunately we couldn’t see their flowers because of the season.
Written Jun 28, 2009
This former capital of Bhutan, now it lies between two rivers known as Phochu and Mochu which means “ Male river and Female river ”. It is one of the most important Dzongs in Bhutan and now houses the District Administration office of the Punakha district and the winter residence of the Monk Body and its Chief Abbot. It was built in 1637 A.D.
Written Oct 29, 2004
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This former capital of Bhutan, now it lies between two rivers known as Phochu and Mochu which means “ Male river and Female river ”. It is one of the most...
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