Punakha

Punakha is the ancient capital of Bhutan, about 21/4 hours drive from Thimphu across Dochu-La pass. The Punakha Dzong, the second Dzong built in Bhutan should not be avoided by the visitors due to its magnificent beauty and its sacred history. The dzong stands majestic at the fork of two rivers, portraying the image of a medieval city from a distance. The Dzong was destroyed by fire and glacial floods over the years but has been carefully restored and is, today, a fine example of Bhutanese craftsmanship.The Dzong was built in 1637 and it continues to be the winter home for the clergy, headed by the chief Abbott, the Je Khenpo. Places to visit include the Khamsum Yulley Chorten, constructed in 1992, as one of three such chortens in the world, one being the National Memorial Chorten in Thimphu.