The awesome Punakha Dzong

The Punakha Dzong  is undoubtedly the most spectacular of all the Buddhist monasteries in Bhutan. I was excited to finally be able to visit this landmark that I had seen countless images of when I was doing the trip research.

The Dzong is the second oldest dzong in Bhutan and served as the administrative center and the seat of the Government of Bhutan until 1955, when the capital was moved to Thimphu. It sits on the confluence of two rivers - the Mo Chhu ("Mother") and the Po Chhu ("Father") rivers.

 

 

The interior and exterior facades, doors and windows are all adorned with handcrafted painted, carved and sculpted decorations.

The dzong has to be gold standard by which a visitor to Bhutan would judge the beauty of all the other dzongs. I cannot image seeing something more spectacular than this.