Punakha
The Punakha dzong is the second oldest dzong in Bhutan which was established in 1637-38
A two-hour drive from the Thimphu, Punakha (1,200 m) is the old capital of Bhutan and is the winter residence of the central monastic body.
Punakha is a well-known location for rafting and kayaking along the Mochu and Pochu rivers that flow on either side of the magnificent Punakha Dzong and joins downstream to become the Punatshangchu river.
The main attraction is the Punakha Dzong that appears like a huge ship ready to set sail at the confluence of the two rivers. It is the second largest fortress in Bhutan and its cobbled stoned courtyard and thick white walls have been witness to historic events that have defined Bhutan’s history.
A traditional wooden cantilever bridge over the Mochhu leads to the immense white walled edifice that today houses the district’s civil and religious administration.