dzong · Buddhist
Punakha Dzong
Winter seat of Je Khenpo (chief abbot)·1637 CE·Punakha
The most beautiful dzong in Bhutan, set at the confluence of two rivers and serving as the winter seat of the monastic body.
Dedicated to
Winter seat of Je Khenpo (chief abbot)
Period
1637 CE
Hours
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (may close during monastic events)
Admission
Free
Neighborhood
Punakha town
Punakha Dzong — Pungthang Dechen Phodrang, 'Palace of Great Happiness' — stands at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers and is widely regarded as the most architecturally stunning dzong in Bhutan. Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it served as the seat of government until the capital moved to Thimphu in the 1950s and remains the winter residence of the central monastic body. The dzong houses sacred relics including the Rangjung Kasarpani, a self-created image of Avalokiteshvara. The interior features elaborate woodwork, massive assembly halls, and a towering central utse (tower). Coronations of Bhutanese kings have traditionally taken place here.
Folio III
Situation
Coda