Punakha Dzong is the second largest and the second oldest Dzong in Bhutan. It is also known as Pungtang Dewa Chhenbi Phodrang. In 1955, it was the capital of the kingdom but later on, it became the administrative center of Punakha and made Thimphu as the capital of Bhutan. The first King of modern Bhutan was crowned in Punakha Dzong. However, it is listed as a tentative site in Bhutan’s Tentative List for UNESCO inclusion.

Located at an average elevation of 1200 m above sea leve, Punakha Dzong  was built at the confluence of two major rivers in Bhutan, the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu, which converge in the Punakha valley. It is an especially beautiful sight on sunny days with sunlight reflecting off the water onto its white-washed walls. The distance between Thimphu and Punakha is only about 85 km. However, since we will be driving up and over a mountain pass on incredibly windy roads, this road journey can take a long time. Owing to the favourable climatic conditions, many tourists visit this historical site.