Punakha

Location: Between Thimphu and Wangdue Phodrang

Elevation: 1,350m, (4,430 ft.)

Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang lies in the subtropical lowland of Western Bhutan. Due to warm weather, Punakha used to be the winter capital of Bhutan. Still today, the central monk body moves from Thimphu Tashico Dzong to Punakha Dzong during winter.

Punakha has many religious sites manifested with monasteries, temples and chhortens with significant historical values. The most spectacular view is the diversion of the Pho-chhu and the Mo-chhu and their meeting again, to form the Puna Tsang-chhu. The Dzong stands majestically on the little island formed by the two rivers. It was in Punakha, the first hereditary Monarch; King Ugyen Wangchuck was enthroned on 17 December 1907.