Punakha Dzong

Unarguably one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan, Punakha Dzong is the second oldest which was constructed by Ngawang Namgyal, the first Zhabdrung Rinpoche. The beauty of Punakha Dzong grows even more during the spring season when the lilac-coloured Jacaranda trees are in full bloom. Located at the confluence of Po Chuu and Mo Chuu rivers in the Punakha Valley, the dzong once served as the capital and seat of government until the 1950s.

Today, it is one of the popular tourist destinations in Bhutan and a winter residence of the dratshang (official monk body) in Bhutan.

Upon visiting the Punakha Dzong, tourists will not only be mesmerised by the Bhutanese architectural marvel but will get an opportunity to explore the sacred remains of Pema Limpa, the Bhutanese saint and Siddha of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism and Zhabdring Ngawang Namgyal, the Tibetan Buddhist lama and unifier of the country of Bhutan. The dzong is a six-storied structure with a central tower or utse which has a picturesque and mountainous backdrop. The entire structure is huge and the only way to reach the Punakha dzong is by crossing the Bazam bridge.

In addition to this, Dromche also known as Punakha Festival is held every year in the month of either February or March at the dzong. The festival attracts a number of tourists which offers them some of the impressive displays from the Buddhist texts and the history of Bhutan. So, tourists planning a visit to Punakha during Dromche will not only get to witness the beautiful dzong but also the rich culture and tradition of Bhutan.