DISCOVER BHUTAN
Top Attractions of Bhutan
Contact our travel partners in Bhutan
- Bhutan Happy Travels
- GawaJungdo Tours
- All Druk Havens
- MyKora Bhutan Tours
Check out our partner star rated hotels and resorts in Punakha District
- Hotel Pema Karpo
- Zhingkham Resort
- Spirit Village Lodge
- Drubchhu Resort
Punakha
Punakha District lies to the East of Thimphu and is about 75km east of Thimphu, approx. 2.5 hours drive. The elevation ranges from 1300m to 4800 m above sea level. Until 1964, Punakha was the capital of Bhutan. Today it functions as the winter residence of the Monk body. The valley of Punakha enjoys a subtropical climate with cool winters and warm to hot summer. The annual precipitation ranges from 500mm to 1500mm.
Punakha Dzong
Punakha Dzong is located at the confluence of the Mo Chhu (mother) and Pho Chhu (father) rivers. It is also known as Pungthang Dechen Phodrang Drong, meaning a Palace of Great Happiness. Built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1637-38, the Dzong is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan.