Punakha Dzong
13 images 1 contributors Shoot with care
Sue Wolfe
Shoot with care
Punakha Dzong is a monastery so pay particular attention to your dress and respect the rules regarding photography.
About this spot
Punakha Dzong “the palace of great happiness or bliss” is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan. It is located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu. Surrounding the fortress are jacaranda trees that burst into bloom in early May—particularly photogenic against the whitewashed walls of the dzong. While the setting looks peaceful; floods, fires, and earthquakes have caused damage to the dzong throughout the years.
Construction on the dzong started in 1637 and finished just a year later. It is amazing the fortress was built without a single nail. The dzong has six stories and three courtyards. A steep wooden stairway (designed to be pulled up) and heavy wooden door were built to help protect it from enemy attacks. The first courtyard houses administrative offices. The monks’ residential quarters are in the second courtyard. The third courtyard contains the remains of Pema Lingpa and Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Only the King, the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot), and two guardian lamas can enter the treasury. Bhutan’s most treasured possession (the Rangjung Kharsapani) is kept at this fortress. This area is also closed to the public. After a major restoration, the dzong now is home to several new temples, religious images, manuscripts, and other treasures.
Due to the region’s climate, Punakha Dzong is the winter capital of Bhutan and the Chief Abbot with his entourage of monks spends the winter here. It was the seat of Bhutan’s government until 1955 when the capital was moved to Thimphu. All of Bhutan’s kings have been crowned here.
The original bridge over the Mo Chhu was washed away in 1957 but was replaced by the Bazam Bridge in 2008—the same year Bhutan celebrated 100 years of the Wangchuck Monarchy. The bridge is the only way into the dzong.
The annual festival has a re-enactment of the Tibetan invasion of Bhutan in 1639 as well as a performance by 136 people dressed as warriors in the main courtyard. This is held in February/March.
Punakha Dzong has been placed on the UNESCO “tentative” list. Note: the architecture of this dzong is the inspiration for the UTEP campus in Texas, USA.
Construction on the dzong started in 1637 and finished just a year later. It is amazing the fortress was built without a single nail. The dzong has six stories and three courtyards. A steep wooden stairway (designed to be pulled up) and heavy wooden door were built to help protect it from enemy attacks. The first courtyard houses administrative offices. The monks’ residential quarters are in the second courtyard. The third courtyard contains the remains of Pema Lingpa and Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Only the King, the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot), and two guardian lamas can enter the treasury. Bhutan’s most treasured possession (the Rangjung Kharsapani) is kept at this fortress. This area is also closed to the public. After a major restoration, the dzong now is home to several new temples, religious images, manuscripts, and other treasures.
Due to the region’s climate, Punakha Dzong is the winter capital of Bhutan and the Chief Abbot with his entourage of monks spends the winter here. It was the seat of Bhutan’s government until 1955 when the capital was moved to Thimphu. All of Bhutan’s kings have been crowned here.
The original bridge over the Mo Chhu was washed away in 1957 but was replaced by the Bazam Bridge in 2008—the same year Bhutan celebrated 100 years of the Wangchuck Monarchy. The bridge is the only way into the dzong.
The annual festival has a re-enactment of the Tibetan invasion of Bhutan in 1639 as well as a performance by 136 people dressed as warriors in the main courtyard. This is held in February/March.
Punakha Dzong has been placed on the UNESCO “tentative” list. Note: the architecture of this dzong is the inspiration for the UTEP campus in Texas, USA.
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