Punakha Dzong is a 17th century fortress that can be found where the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu Rivers meet, and dates back almost 400 years. Constructed as an “embodiment of Buddhist values” and one of 16 dzongs built by Xhabdrung, it is the 2nd oldest dzong in Bhutan, and stretches 180 meters long and six storeys high. Known as being the most beautiful, all Bhutan’s kings have been crowned here and it is the winter residence of the dratshang (official monk body).

Under the brass roof, a gift of the seventh Dalai Lama, the preserved remains of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal as well as a sacred relic Ranjung Karsapani. Access to this magnificent structure is across the Bazam bridge which was rebuilt in 2008 after being washed away previously by floods.

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