Before the declaration of Thimphu as the capital of Bhutan, Punakha wore a crown of the national capital. Being endowed with picturesque landscapes various eye-catching sightseeing places, serene monasteries, and gushing waterfalls, this place draws the attention of the visitors from all around the world. There are numerous attractions in Punakha that will make you spellbound. Among them, Punakha Dzong is one of the most awe-inspiring places in Punakha. It takes pride as the second oldest and also the second largest Dzong in the country. It is located on a stretch of land where the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu meet. With all its beauty and ornate architecture, this Dzong is a must visit spot in Punakha for the tourists to get a lifetime experience.
Access to Bhutan:
You can reach Punakha either by taking a flight from the nearest Bagdogra Airport to Paro International Airport or by reaching to the nearest railhead, i.e. New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. From there, you will get several hired taxies or cabs to reach Punakha. You can also reach to Punakha by traveling through numerous state buses which are available in the border of Phuentsholing. The distance from Punakha to Punakha Dzong is 36.1km.
What makes Punakha Dzong such a unique tourist attraction?
Punakha Dzong was built in 1637 and it took almost a year to finish. The most interesting thing about this Dzong is that it was built without the use of nails. Its size measures 180m long and 72m wide. The name of this Dzong actually implies �the palace of bliss or great happiness�. This Dzong served as the centre of government. It is quite interesting that the first session of the National Assembly was held here in 1953. It is renowned for its marvelous ancient architecture and offers a stunning sight of the brilliant aspect of the whitewashed walls. You will fall in love with this Dzong when you can explore one-hundred pillar hall featuring exquisite murals. There was a beautiful history embedded in this Dzong. The King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck and his beautiful wife, the Queen of Bhutan Jetsun Pema got married here in October 2011. The most unique part of Punakha Dzong is that it features three Docheys, where the other Dzongs normally occupy two Docheys. In the northern part of this Dzong, there is a large White Stupa and a Bodhi tree present. Furthermore, its central tower stands six stories high. During your trip, you will see that you have to enter in this place from the second Dochey. You could not enter the third Dochey as it houses the national treasures. If you are planning a trip with your family or your better half to explore this unique Dzong, make us your first choice. RS Travels is one of the popular travel agencies which provide you the best tour packages in Punakha along with its sightseeing places. We have most trustable travel agents in Bhutan who organize your trip in an extraordinarily tailored fashion and will make your trip memorable for the lifetime.
FAQs
Q. What should we wear while visiting this Dzong? A. You should moderately dress up while visiting the Dzong to show respect towards the Bhutan locals. Q. What is the best time to explore the Punakha Dzong? A. March to May is the best time to explore the Punakha Dzong. Q. What is the opening-closing time of Punakha Dzong? A. The opening-closing time of Dzong is 8am-5pm.
