Punakha Dzong

Punakha Dzong

  • Punakha Dzong (fortress) also known as Pungtang Dechen Phodrang Dzong which means – “The Palace of Great Happiness” is one of the most beautiful Dzong in the nation. The Dzong is around 10 minutes driving distance from Khuruthang Town and is situated on the confluence of two rivers, Pho Chhu (male river) and Mo Chhu (female river). Punakha Dzong was founded by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1637 and is considered the second largest Dzong in the country.
  • Punakha Dzong is 180 meters long and 72 meters wide. The Dzong has been designed in an authentic Bhutanese structural plan and unlike other Dzongs it has 3 courtyards. In the first courtyard you will get to see a large white Stupa and a Bodhi tree. The Utse (central tower) of the Dzong is up to six stories tall.
  • Currently the Dzong functions as the district administrative center along with a monastic foundation. In addition to its beauty, the fortress contains the preserved remains of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who is the unifier of Bhutan as well as a sacred relics known as the “Rangjung Karsapani” which is a self-created image of Avalokiteśvara (Buddha of Compassion) that miraculously emerged from the vertebrae of the Tsangpa Gyarey when he was cremated, who is the founder of Drukpa School.
  • In 2011, the Royal wedding of His Majesty the 5th Druk Gyalpo Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk to Jetsun Pema was held at the Punakha Dzong.
  • Tourists can observe the beautiful design of this Dzong and be impressed in terms of creativity. There are exquisite murals, wood decorations and colorful paintings in the Dzong.

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