Punakha
Punakha Dzongkhag has been inextricably linked with momentous occasions in Bhutanese history. It served as the capital of the country from 1637 to 1907 and the first national assembly was hosted here in 1953. The district boasts the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan and one of the most majestic structures in the country.
Punakha valley presents a pleasant climate with warm winters and hot summers. It is located at an average elevation of 1200 meters above sea level. Owing to these favorable climatic conditions, rice crops grow very well in this region and is cultivated as the main cash crop.
The two major rivers in Bhutan, Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, converge in this valley, furnishing the rise of the Punakha Dzong. It is built at the confluence of these two rivers and provides a striking panorama, especially on sunny days with sunlight reflecting off the waters onto its white-washed walls.
A structural beauty, the Punakha Dzong is notable for containing the preserved remains of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifer of Bhutan as well as a sacred relic known as the Ranjung Karsapani. This relic is a self-created image of Avalokiteswara, a holy being that miraculously emerge from the vertebrae of Tsangpa Gyarey, the founder of the Drukpa School when he was cremated.
On October 13, 2011, the wedding of the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and his fiancé, Jetsun Pema, was held at the Punakha Dzong.