Top Destinations
Travelers' Choice
Beyond Expeditions. Beyond Business.
Beyond Imagination.
Top Destinations
Travelers' Choice
Beyond Expeditions. Beyond Business.
Beyond Imagination.
Beyond Expeditions. Beyond Business.
Beyond Imagination.
Beyond Expeditions. Beyond Business.
Beyond Imagination.
Punakha, once the ancient capital of Bhutan, is a warm and fertile valley known for its rich history, majestic rivers, and terraced rice fields. Nestled at a lower altitude, it enjoys a subtropical climate, making it ideal for farming and winter retreats. At its heart lies the stunning Punakha Dzong, a symbol of Bhutanese unity and spiritual heritage. With its lush landscapes and deep cultural roots, Punakha remains one of the most beautiful and significant districts in the country.
Cradled between the Pho Chhu (male river) and Mo Chhu (female river), Punakha Dzong rises like a white-and-gold dream from the riverbanks—elegant, powerful, and serene. Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan, it is not just a fortress but a living monument of history, spirituality, and architecture.
This is where the sacred Raven Crown was first placed on the head of Bhutan’s first king in 1907, marking the birth of monarchy. Even today, the dzong hosts royal weddings and national ceremonies, holding within its towering walls the pulse of the kingdom’s past and present.
During spring, the Punakha valley bursts into purple with blooming jacaranda trees, draping the dzong in blossoms—a sight so delicate it feels like a painting. The wooden cantilever bridge leading into the dzong groans gently under your footsteps, as if carrying you through centuries.
Inside, silence reigns, broken only by the low murmur of monks chanting or the rustling of prayer flags in the breeze. Its intricate murals and massive courtyards whisper stories of courage, compassion, and the enduring soul of Bhutan.
Punakha Dzong is more than a landmark—it is the beating heart of Bhutanese identity.