Punakha Dzong

Punakha Dzong has been rated by numbers of Visitor as their favorite sightseeing place in Bhutan, the dzong look so majestic as we approach it and a good time for a click or two. The dzong which is seated in the base of a beautiful mountain which resemble a giant sleeping elephant.

Punakha Dzong was constructed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1637-38. It is the winter home of Bhutan's Central Monk Body led by the Je Khenpo. In 1907, Punakha Dzong was the site of the coronation of Ugyen Wangchuck (or Deb Nagpo) as the first King of Bhutan. Three years later, a treaty was signed at Punankha whereby the British agreed not to interfere in Bhutanese internal affairs and Bhutan allowed Britain to direct its foreign affairs.In 1987, the dzong was partially destroyed by fire.

Punakha Dzong is the Second oldest dzong in Bhutan, The dzong was significantly expanded from 1744-1763 during the reign of the 13th desi (the secular ruler, as opposed to the Je Khenpo, who is the chief abbot of Bhutan, and who holds equal power), Sherab Wangchuk.

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. The dzong also houses the office of district administration and winter residence of chief abbot and central monk body.

Punakha Dzong holds the Beauty of Bhutanese Architectural