Punakha Dzong is a must visit place for everyone.Till 1955 it was the capital of Bhutan then, the Capital was shifted to Thimpu.It is one of the most beautiful Dzongs in Bhutan.Some portion of this Dzong turned into Govt Office.The Dzong located between the two major rivers in Bhutan.One of them is Pho Chhu ( pho stands for male) and the other one is Mo Chhu ( Mo stands for female) . This place natural surrounding will calm your mind and soul.

Punakha Zhong is the second oldest Zhong build at Bhutan. It is one of the official buildings of Bhutan Government and has a lot of History in it. There is great temple built inside tge Zhong which was simply mesmerizing. Phography was not allowed inside the temple hence could only share the rest of the pics. One must definitely visit Punakha Zhong to see the gigantic idols of Buddha, Guru Rempoche, Future Buddha and all of his disciples... The different charkas painted on both outside and inside has different perspectives to explain... Please do ask your guide for a detailed explanation of this place...

Amazing place!!! - biggest Dhzong in the whole Bhutan - even when we are a foreigner, be reminded to dress with respect to the place - photos are not allowed inside the main hall but okay for the surroundings - the real place is even more incredible than the picture - we came at the beginning of December and the weather is just too nice. We’ve got the clear blue sky, bright sun that gave perfect reflection to the river, and temperature is just right, nearly 20c

Bhutan is renowned for its marvellous ancient architecture scattered throughout the land. Punakha Dzong is one such beautiful architecture and offers a stunning sight of the luminous aura of the white washed walls on a bright sunny day. Golden, red and black painted woods add to the charisma of this striking architecture. The Dzong is surrounded by the splendid natural beauty with lush green hills and clear blue sky as a backdrop. The Dzong is also of historical and traditional importance in Bhutan. For a long time it served as the capital. It also preserves the remains of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and holy artefact Ranjung Karsapani. Location: Located at the confluence of beautiful rivers of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu in Punakha & Khuruthang , Bhutan. Best time/season: The best time to visit the Punakha Dzong is mid-May when lavender coloured jacaranda trees blossom

We visited this place in November 2023 Punakha Dzong in Bhutan is a majestic fortress that exudes historical grandeur. Set amidst the confluence of two rivers, it is a stunning architectural masterpiece with intricate artwork and stunning courtyards. This iconic landmark offers a glimpse into Bhutan's rich cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination for travelers….!

Punakha Dzong in Bhutan is a majestic fortress that exudes historical grandeur. Set amidst the confluence of two rivers, it is a stunning architectural masterpiece with intricate artwork and stunning courtyards. This iconic landmark offers a glimpse into Bhutan's rich cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination for travelers.

Magnificent place, a must visit temple in Bhutan. It was a last day of Tsechu festival which added to the significance of the visit. A very welll maintained place, creates a great impression.

Best Dzong in the entire Bhutan. Loved the architecture. 1000 Nu is the updated entry free. Jacaranda flowers which bloom during April to June adds to the beauty of this

I believe Bhutan is basically know for GNH(Gross National Happiness) Punakha Dzong the religious and beautiful feeling!! But I just didn’t understand the charges for foreigner (Nu.1000= 1000 in Rupee) why those visiting charges are too high!! Even after paying there were lots of restriction! After entering inside you will see the tunnel type( ancient type tunnel) it was build during the time of war where we can attack enemies unknowingly!!! Overall experience was too good! Must visit !!!

One of the oldest fortress. The compound is big. No photo taking is allowed in the monastery. The monastery is walking distance to the suspension bridge. The view is captivating. Every monastery has their own glorious story behind.

Punakha Dzong is situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (Father River) and Mo Chhu (Mother River) rivers in the Punakha Valley. It is strategically located at a lower elevation compared to many other dzongs in Bhutan due to the warmer climate of the region. The dzong showcases traditional Bhutanese architecture, characterized by whitewashed walls, red wooden window frames, and intricately carved wooden balconies. The structure is a fine example of Bhutanese dzong architecture, featuring large courtyards, towering walls, and beautiful paintings. Is most beautiful Dzong, I highly recommend to visit.

Punakha Dzong is a majestic structure called the ' palace of great happiness'. It was the capital of Bhutan till 1955, which was later shifted to Thimphu. It is now the administrative center of Punakha district. It houses the sacred relics of several Buddhist rulers and monks. Punakha Dzong overlooking the Mo Chhu river lined by Jakaranda trees when in full blossom is awesomajestic.

Loved the place. One of the most beautiful forts in Bhutan. Photos should describe the overall experience on its own.😍

The most beautiful dzong in Bhutan. It is picturesque and is flaunted on post cards and other places to represent Bhutan. Entry free 2000 rupees is applicable for Indian tourists. But the money is worth the experience.

The most iconic and beautiful fortress of Bhutan. Must visit on your trip to the land of happiness. The purple lilac adds to the beauty in the spring and summer season. Make sure to wait and click pictures at the viewpoint prior to visiting this beauty. Can spend 46mins to an hour out here and enjoy the peace.

Punakha Dzong is a big Dzong and it is beautiful. Loved the architecture of each and every building in Bhutan. A must visit if anyone is visiting in Bhutan

One of the best site to visit in Bhutan . Peaceful with beautiful river . Punakha Dzong, or "The Palace of Great Happiness" (Punthang Dechen Phodrang), is located at the confluence of two great rivers, the Phochhu and the Mochhu. It was first established in 1637 by Ngawang Namgyal (1594-1651), the grand national unifier of Bhutan, who was later dubbed the first Zhabdrung Rinpoche (meaning, "at the feet of"). In the nearly four subsequent centuries, the dzong has played a pre-eminent role in Bhutanese society and remains in use today as both the capital of Punakha district and as a monastery in its own right.

The Dzong to beat all dzongs, Punakha Dzong proudly echoes its songs as it stands like a titanic ship moored in between two raging rivers where it seems to lord over the mountains and the landscapes. The fortress floats on a gorgeous ocean of mauve and lavender in May when the jacaranda trees are in full bloom and in a sea of yellow in July. Pure magic in every season.

The Punakha Dzong (the palace of great happiness or bliss), is the administrative centre of Punakha District in Punakha, Bhutan. The dzong was constructed by Ngawang Namgyal, in 1637–38. It is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan and one of its most majestic structures.

This is a beautiful fortress by the side of the river..Entry ticket is now BTN 1000 for people 18 years and above. Need approximately 1 hour for the fortress tour. We had been in October and it was pleasant.

The Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungthang Dewa chhenbi Phodrang (meaning "the palace of great happiness or bliss"), is the administrative centre of Punakha District in Punakha, Bhutan. Constructed by Ngawang Namgyal, 1st Zhabdrung Rinpoche, in 1637–38, it is the second oldest and second-largest dzong in Bhutan and one of its most majestic structures. The dzong houses the sacred relics of the southern Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, including the Rangjung Kharsapani and the sacred remains of Ngawang Namgyal and the tertön Pema Lingpa.

Punakha Dzong [ སྤུ་ན་ཁ་རྗོང་ ] It is the second oldest and second largest dzong in bhutan. Built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1637. It is located in the middle of pho chhu (father) and mo chhu (mother) river in punakha wangdue valley. Bhutan first king was crowned in 17/dec/1907. Inside the Dzong had the statue of buddha sakyamuni, Guru rimpochry and Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgail. Inside the middle of temple there is a big buddha tree which represent the ftiendship b/w bhutan and India.

What a beautiful place which tells you a lot about history of Bhutan. If you visit Bhutan and not coming here is a big loss for you. Spend time learn and take a lot of pictures. Entry fees for adults 500 inr per person and kids 250 inr

One wonders how can someone build so beautiful and maintain it too. It is an ecstatic feeling seeing this Dzong. No words can actually describe the way one feels about this place. It goes same for the other Dzongs as well but Punakha actually stole my heart. The courtyard is very peaceful. There are prayers happening and some government related work happening at three other buildings within this compound. Really old walls and doors are here to see in completely operational way till the present. A must visit!

What a wonderful experience! You can not miss Punakha Dzong during Bhutan visit! The majestic architecture is sure to take you aback! Specially the main prayer hall his simply mind-blowing! You may know more about our experience about the Dzong and other attractions of Punakha by watching the Travel Vlog on the youtube channel "The Urban Nomad"!

"Experiencing Punakha Dzong at night was truly enchanting! The illuminated architecture against the dark sky creates a mesmerizing sight that will stay with you. The tranquility of the surroundings and the reflection in the water make it a perfect spot for peaceful contemplation. Don't miss the chance to witness this captivating view when visiting Punakha. Highly recommended!" Please count us. Marvellous Bhutan.

Incredible Historical Dzong by the river with an amazing temple. The Buddhist monks were chanting when we visited as this is their winter locale.

If I could be any building, it would be this one. So perfectly maintained, so beautifully situated at the confluence, such rich history, and overwhelmingly detail - there are landmarks, much less buildings, that rival the Punakha Dzong. This is why I came to Bhutan.

One of the largest and second oldest Dzong of Bhutan. Must visit from inside ! If you visit this from inside then you could possibly skip the Dzongs in Paro and Thimphu. Entry 🎟️ — Rs 500 per person for adults. Kids under 5 free ! Approx time to visit 🕰️ — about 40 minutes.

MAGNIFICENT PALACE WITH WORLD-CLASS ARCHITECTURE  Second oldest Dzong in Bhutan.  Six storey tall with a tower. Courtyard with a Bodhi tree and a stupa.  At the south end is the renowned 100 pillar assembly hall.  Made with timber, stones, and rammed earth, no NAILS !  At the confluence of 2 rivers.  To enter one must pass the lovely Bazam bridge.  This Dzong was the administrative centre and the seat of the Government of Bhutan until 1955, when the capital was moved to Thimphu.  A walk within the walls of this fortress is a dream come true !  North of the dzong is a cremation ground, marked by a large chorten, and to the east is a the marvelous royal palace.

The Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungthang Dewa chhenbi Phodrang is the administrative centre of Punakha District in Punakha, Bhutan Built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1637–38, and it is the second oldest and second-largest dzong in Bhutan. Punakha Dzong was the administrative center and the seat of the Govt. Of until 1955 when the capital was moved to now Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.

The oldest Dzong of the country and as Punakha was the old capital, so even the marriage of current King happened inside this Dzong only. Historical Masterpiece. Some parts are converted into Govt. office.

The most picturesque landscape I have ever seen while at Punakha Bhutan.

A majestic fortress located in central Bhutan. Don't forget to take a good camera if you are planning to go there.

One of the best Dzongs in western Bhutan and great and important Buddhist place of worship. Photos not allowed inside the temple.

This is the most beautiful Monastry cum Administrative building I have ever visited. The jacaranda trees just outside the Dzong were in full bloom and enhanced look of the Monastry from afar. The architecture is amazing and one feels very peaceful inside.