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Punakha

Punakha is one of the renowned districts of Bhutan endowed with nature and its affluence. Till 1955 it was the capital of Bhutan as well the main center of the government. It is located at an altitude of 1200 meters above sea level a distance of 72 kilometers from Thimphu, the capital center of Bhutan. The rivers of Bhutan, the Pho Chu and Mo Chu flows near the district and rice is cultivated in the river valleys.

Travel to Punakha will be rewarded for the nature enthusiasts as it is a paradise of heaven on earth. The journey to Punakha amidst the greeneries and small traditional villages is sure to be an amazing one. The major sightseeing sites of Punakha are Punakha Dzong and the Ritsha village. Though an earthquake destroyed many historical wonders of Punakha Dzong, yet Punakha has some ruin artifacts along with a fertility temple.

Punakha Dzong

Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal built the Punakha Dzong which is now a home of the Central Monk Body. Besides sacred artifacts of the past, the embalmed body of Punakha Dzong is preserved in here. The first king of Bhutan, Ugyen Wangchuck was coronated here in 1907. As it is located at the confluence of the rivers-Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu, Punakha is vulnerable to flash floods. Several times this dzong was inundated by floods.

Chime Lhakhang

Chime Lhakhang is one of the renowned tourist spots in Punakha perched on a hillock amidst the green vegetation. It is believed that if childless couples pray here, they will have the blessings of fertility God. A good number of tourists visit this temple due to its beliefs.

Ritshavillage

Rice farming is another attraction of Punakha valley. Rice is cultivated at the fertile  river valleys formed by two rivers such as Pho and Mo Chu. Ritsha is a village having vegetale and fruit gardens. One will have a specacular view of the traditional rice farming at this village.