Punakha Dzong

Punakha, Punakha District, Bhutan

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Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungthang Dewachen Phodrang, meaning "Palace of Great Happiness," is Bhutan's second oldest and second largest dzong, built in 1637-38 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the country's unifier.

Situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, it served as the administrative and religious center of Bhutan until 1955 and remains a vital spiritual site. The dzong is famed for its distinctive Bhutanese architecture with massive inward-sloping walls, multi-tiered golden roofs, and intricate wood carvings and murals without the use of nails in its construction.

It features three courtyards, large prayer halls, and chapels, housing important relics like the self-created image of the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Punakha Dzong was the site of the historic coronation of Bhutan’s first king, Ugyen Wangchuck, and hosts the annual Punakha Tshechu festival, celebrating Bhutanese heritage. Despite suffering damage from fires and earthquakes over time, it has been restored and stands as a symbol of Bhutan’s cultural heritage and spiritual unity.