Punakha Dzong Excursion

During your stay in Punakha you may be able to visit Punakha Dzong, depending whether or not the monks are in residence, and if they permit you to enter their monastery.

Situated at the confluence of the Mo (Mother) and Pho (Father) rivers, the large fortress with its temples, courtyards, hall and towers overlooks the town and provides excellent views.

Built in 1637 it served as the seat of the government until the mid 20th century. Over the centuries it has suffered damage from several fires and flooding but still remains one of the most impressive dzongs in Bhutan.

Permission to enter the dzong is not usually granted to tourists when the monk body moves here from Thimphu in winter, but it is still worth viewing from the outside.