Nature trails: Witness a glorious sunset in Punakha

When it is time for salutation to the sun then your visit to Punakha Dzongkhag will be a memory you will always cherish. This Dzong has been inextricably linked with momentous occasions in Bhutanese history. It served as the capital of the country from 1637 to 1907. It is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan and one of the most majestic structures in the country.

In 2011, the wedding of the present King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and Jetsun Pema, was held at the Punakha Dzong.

Sit by the bridge and take to the sights all around. Tall trees, bright flowers, cool breeze blowing as the river water gushes under the bridge brings out boundless natural beauty. Punakha Valley has a pleasant climate with warm winters and cool summers. Two major rivers in Bhutan the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu converge in this valley. Punakha Dzong is built at the confluence of these two rivers and is an especially beautiful sight on sunny days with sunlight reflecting off the water onto its white-washed walls. In addition to its structural beauty, 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. It is believed that this relic is a self-created image of Avalokiteswara that miraculously emerged from the vertebrae of Tsangpa Gyarey the founder of the Drukpa School when he was cremated.