Punakha dzong served as the centre of government

Located on a stretch of land where the Pho chhu and Mo chhu converge, the Punakha Dzong served as the centre of government and the first session of the National Assembly was also held here in 1953.

 
Punakha Dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the founder of Bhutanese state. It was originally named Puntang Dechen Phodrang Dzong which means the Palace of Great Bliss. Indochinatourguide.com is pleased to offer genuine Bhutan tour for you.
Punakha Dong was built on the 8th day and 8th month of the Fire ox year in 1673. The dzong was attacked by the Tibetan in 1639 and 1644. The attacks were successfully repelled by the defenders. To commemorate the victory, a New Year festival was introduced and Yu Gyal Gonkhang Chen Mo, “the great shrine of the protective and victorious lord” was built.

Punakha is the least elevated of Bhutan's central valleys and famous for its benign climate in which fruit trees flourish within sight of the snow-crested Himalayan Mountains. The valley is about 3 hours drive from Thimphu town and is famous for the picturesque Punakha Dzong which is one of the most photogenic Dzong of Bhutan.