Home β€Ί Pilgrimage β€Ί Punakha Dzong
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Bhutan 🌸 Good time to visit now

Punakha Dzong

Punakha, Bhutan
Altitude
1,200 m
Best time
March – May Β· October – November βœ“
Temperature
12Β°C – 30Β°C
Country
Bhutan

About this sacred site

Punakha Dzong is considered the most beautiful dzong (fortress-monastery) in Bhutan, built at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan. It served as the capital and seat of government until 1955 and remains the winter residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot). The dzong houses sacred relics including the robe and crown of Zhabdrung and the body of Pema Lingpa, the Nyingma treasure revealer. The annual Punakha Tshechu festival, held in spring, features masked dances performed before a giant thangka of Guru Padmasambhava. The surrounding valley, at only 1,200 metres, has a subtropical climate and is one of Bhutan’s most fertile and beautiful areas.

When to visit

Spring
14-28Β°C
βœ“ Ideal Β· Now
Summer
20-32Β°C
Possible
Autumn
12-26Β°C
βœ“ Ideal
Winter
5-18Β°C
Possible

Getting there

1
Drive from Thimphu (72km, 3hrs) via the spectacular Dochula Pass (3,100m) with Himalayan views.
2
Or from Paro (130km, 4hrs) β€” the classic route from the airport.
3
Punakha Tshechu festival (spring) β€” one of Bhutan's most spectacular. Book 6-12 months ahead.

Nearby Buddhist sites

Location

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