Why visit Punakha
- Punakha Dzong, winter seat of the Chief Abbot.
At the confluence of the two rivers Phochu and Mochu lies the massive Punakha Dzong guarding the southern end of the valley. This large fortress with its temples, courtyards, hall and towers overlooks the town of Punakha and provides excellent views. The Dzong was built by the founder of the kingdom of Druk Yul - Land of the Thunder Dragon - Ngawang Namgyel, in 1637. His body lies preserved here. For many years it served as the seat of the government. Today the Dzong is the winter seat of Je-Khenpo (the Chief Abbot) and the Central Monk Body. 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.
Around Punakha, in the valley , one can also visit Chimi Lhakhang, Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten and Talo. Chimi Lhakhang is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley who in the late 15th century used humour, songs and outrageous behaviour to dramatise his teachings. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten dominates the upper Punakha valley and was built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world. Talo is a village high above the valley, and from where one has a majestic view of the surrounding villages.
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