Punakha

This is the ancient capital of the country. The sub-tropical valley of Punakha is the winter home of the chief abbot, the Je Khenpo.

Punakha Dzong:- One of the most spectacular sights of Bhutan, the Punakha Dzong was built by the first Shabdrung in 1637 and is located at the confluence of the Pho Chu and the Mo Chu rivers. Shabdrung’s remains are entombed in the Punakha Dzong. It is the winter residence of the chief abbot and monks, who migrate there from Thimphu every winter. It was also a venue of the first National Assembly convened in 1952 by the late majesty, King Jigem Dorji Wangchuk.

Chhimi Lhakhang:- it's a 20 minutes walk across fields through the village of Sopsokha from the roadside to the small temple located on a hillock in the centre of the valley below Metshina. Ngawang Chogyel built the temple in 15th century after the 'divine Madman’ Drukpa Kuenlay built a small chorten there. It is a pilgrim site for barren women.

Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal:- It is a three-storey chorten built by Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon in 1999 for the protection of the country, stands on a beautiful hillock called Ngezergang, and is about 6 miles from Punakha. It presents an incredibly complex iconography, which belongs to the Nyingmapa tradition.

Limbhukha:- Drive to the Punakha Dzong and walk across the suspension bridge. Follow the farmhouses gradually climbing towards Dompola Hills. The view of the Dzong, Phochu, Mochu Rivers and the surrounding village is superb amidst chirpine forest. The climb is another two and half hours to the Limbhukha. It is also known for its love of peace and tranquility. The legend say that during the medieval wars the “limpus” or the people of Limbhukha always volunteered as peace negotiators. This is depicted during the yearly festival called “Serda” when the men are found carrying a peace flags instead of swords and fireworks.