Punakha Dzong , Punakha
About Punakha Dzong
Punakha Dzong is the administrative centre of the Punakha district in Punakha, Bhutan. The structure of this dzong is grand which makes it the second largest dzong of Bhutan. It is a six-storied building where you can find sacred relics of the southern Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. It was constructed by Ngawang Namgyal in 1637-38. The dzong has a height of about 1,200 metres with a central tower (Utse) located around a beautiful mountain in the background.
The remains of Ngawang Namgyal and saint Pema lingpa are also been stored here. In the first courtyard, there is a white-painted stupa and a Bodhi tree and also a chapel which dedicated to the Queen of the Nagas. You can witness two historical halls in the second courtyard along with the residential quarters of the monks. The southernmost or the third courtyard is the one where the remains of Pema Lingpa and Ngawang Namgyal are preserved. During the month of February or March you can see the celebrations of the annual function here known as Demoche where the special attraction is the enactment of the Tibetan invasion of Bhutan in 1639.
Location & Places to Visit on Punakha Dzong Map
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Places to Visit near Punakha Dzong
Punakha Suspension Bridge, Western Zone
1.2 km from Punakha Dzong - See map
The Punakha Suspension Bridge is located very much near to the Punakha Dzong and is the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan built above the Po Chu...
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Talo gompa, Western Zone
7.5 km from Punakha Dzong - See map
Sangchchen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery is a large temple complex which is located on a ridge beside the neighboring Punakha and Wangduephodrang amidst...
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Talo, Western Zone
7.8 km from Punakha Dzong - See map
The village of Talo is located on a plateau and is best known for its cleanliness and hygiene among all other villages located in the Punakha...
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Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, Western Zone
9.4 km from Punakha Dzong - See map
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten was constructed about 9 years ago. The process of construction was done by some notable Bhutanese craftsmen...
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Chimi Lhakhang Monastery, Western Zone
27.3 km from Punakha Dzong - See map
Chimi Lhakhang is a Buddhist monastery located in the Punakha district of Bhutan and was built by the 14th hierrarch of Drukpa, Ngawang Choegyel...
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Jhomolhari Trek, Western Zone
*34.8 km from Punakha Dzong - See map
The Jhomolhari trek offers the timeless experience of traversing through the rugged terrains of the Himalayas, soaking the crisp mountain air and...
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Limbukha, Western Zone
35 km from Punakha Dzong - See map
The village of Limbukha can be reached very easily by travelling through the Feeder road from Punakha and Wangdue. The village also provides...
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Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery, Western Zone
37 km from Punakha Dzong - See map
Sangchchen Dorji Lhuendrup nunnery is a large temple complex which is located on a ridge beside the neighboring Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang...
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Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, Central Zone
*39.8 km from Punakha Dzong - See map
Formerly called the Black Mountain National Park, the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park is the third largest protected area in Central Bhutan...
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Dochula Pass, Western Zone
49.7 km from Punakha Dzong - See map
Far fetching mountains, calm rivers, steep green valleys and historic temples comprise the country of Bhutan. A typical example of Bhutan’s...
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Jigme Dorji National Park, Western Zone
50.1 km from Punakha Dzong - See map
Named after the Father of Modern Bhutan, the Late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, the Jigme Dorji National Park is one of the largest and by far the...
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Torsa Strict Nature Reserve, Western Zone
*52.9 km from Punakha Dzong - See map
The Toorsa Reserve covers an extensive area of about six hundred square kilometer, occupying majority of the Haa District. It shares international...
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