Punakha Valley

Location

Punakha the capital of Bhutan till 1955, is well irrigated by the Pho Chhu and the Mo Chhu (the male and the female rivers). It lies seventy seven kilometres from Thimphu at an altitude of 1350 m. Punakha is a warm place suited for cultivation of rice, tropical fruits and vegetables. It is still called the winter capital because the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) of Bhutan resides in Punakha in winter when it becomes cold in Thimphu, returning only in spring when the climate in Thimphu is warmer. On the way from the new capital to the old, splendid views of the Himalayas can be had at the Dochula Pass which is at 10,500 ft.
 
Places of Interest:
 
Punakha Dzong was strategically built at the junction of the two rivers in the 17th century by the first Shabdrung to serve as the religious and the administrative center. In spite of four catastrophic fires and a devastating earthquake that destroyed many historic documents, Punakha Dzong houses sacred temples including the Mercheng where the embalmed body of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal lies in the state.
 
In addition to the dzong, Chimi Lhakhang and Khamsum Yuli Lhakhang are the other prominent places of visit in Punakha, the former being the dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, whose identity is linked with many hilarious legends and myths. Chimi Lhakhang is built on a windy hillock 20 minutes walk from the road, the path taking you through a typical Bhutanese village. Khamsum Yuli Lhakhang is dedicated to the well being of His Highness the Crown Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk.