Punakha Dzong, Buddhist monastery at Punakha valley, Bhutan
Punakha Dzong is a fortified monastery complex where the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers converge in the Punakha valley of Bhutan. The whitewashed walls frame several courtyards lined with wooden balconies and gilded roof peaks.
Ngawang Namgyal founded the complex in 1637 as the seat of government for the newly unified Bhutan. It remained the center of administration until 1955, when the capital functions shifted to Thimphu.
Local people call the complex the Palace of Great Happiness, a name given because of its location where two rivers join. The compound serves as the winter home for the central monk community and hosts their daily religious activities during the colder months.
Visitors cross a covered wooden bridge to reach the entrance. The winter months offer more opportunity to observe monastic life, as the monk community returns from Thimphu.
A chamber inside preserves the mummified remains of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, founder of unified Bhutan. Only the king and the Je Khenpo may enter this room.
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