PUNAKHA
Seventy seven kilometres from Thimphu at an altitude of
1350 m lies the fertile valley of Punakha well irrigated by the Pho Chhu and the
Mo Chhu (the male and the female rivers). With a temperate climate to add to
that the valley produces crops and fruits in abundance. The old capital of
Bhutan till 1955 it is the winter residence for the Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot
of Bhutan. 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: It was built by Shabdrung in the 17th Century to serve as the
religious and administrative centre of Bhutan. Located strategically between
the Pho and Mo Chuu rivers fire however has attacked it four times not to
mention an earthquake which damaged the Dzong. However the present King has
had it restored to its original magnificence and splendour. In 1993 the
largest thongdroel ever created was dedicated to the Dzong and the people of
Punakha valley by His majesty the King and the Je Khenpo at a three day
ceremony for which Bhutan's highest nobility had gathered. Visitors are
allowed into the Dzong during the Punakha festival and during the summer
when the monk body moves to Thimphu.