Punakha Dzong

The Punakha dzong earlier served as the capital of Bhutan from 1637 to 1907. The first national assembly in 1953 and the royal wedding on October 13, 2011 was held in these monastery as well as all the kings were crowned here which contributed to the significant occasions in Bhutanese history. These magnificently structured dzong is the second oldest and largest dzong in the country.

The dzong is located 1200 meters above sea level which makes the climatic condition awesome with warm winter and hot summer. The dzong is sited on the union of two important rivers of Bhutan namely, Pho chhu and Mo chhu. These site looks beautiful especially on a sunny days with sunlight reflecting off the water onto its whitewashed walls. The dzong has preserved the remains of the unifier of nation Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and a secret artifact known as the Ranjung Karsapani. This artifact is a self-created image of Avalokiteswara that incredibly emerged from the spines of Tsangpa Gyarey the founder of the Drukpa School when he was cremated.

The central tower of the Dzong is six storeys high with a brass roof. Inside the Dzong there is a large embroidered religious pictures which is displayed once a year during the tsechu festival. You have to cross the Bazam Bridge to reach the Dzong. The room above the bridge entrance has Bhutanese cantilever bridge architecture.