Punakha Dzong — Pungtang Dechen Phodrang, founded 1638 at the confluence of the father and mother rivers.

Frequently asked

When was Punakha Dzong built?

1637–1638 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, on a hill shaped like a sleeping elephant at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father river) and the Mo Chhu (mother river). The site selection followed a prophecy of Guru Rinpoche.

Why is Punakha called the Palace of Great Happiness?

Punakha Dzong's formal name is Pungtang Dechen Phodrang Dzong — the Palace of Great Happiness. 'Pungtang' refers to the heap of jewels (the dzong's accumulated wealth and relics); 'Dechen Phodrang' is the Tibetan / Dzongkha term for the palace of bliss. The name was conferred by the Zhabdrung at the dzong's founding.

Can I see the embalmed body of the Zhabdrung?

The Machhen Lhakhang, which contains the Zhabdrung's embalmed body, is sealed and viewable only to a small monastic circle. International visitors are not permitted entry to the Machhen, even for the principal Royal ceremonies. The visit to the surrounding lhakhangs and the dzong's courtyards is itself the principal experience.

How long should I plan for the visit?

A thorough visit takes 2–3 hours including the courtyards, the principal lhakhangs, and the river-confluence view from the dzong's southern terrace. We typically combine the Punakha Dzong visit with the Chimi Lhakhang (the Divine Madman's monastery) in the morning and an afternoon riverside walk along the Mo Chhu — a half-day in the valley.

Where do I stay in Punakha?

Amankora Punakha (in the valley with a 20-minute drive to the dzong), COMO Uma Punakha, Six Senses Punakha, Dhensa Boutique Resort, and Zhingkham Resort. Premium lodges fill 3–6 months in advance, particularly for the Tshechu and the autumn windows.