Bhutan’s old capital and the winter residence of the central monk body, Punakha is 1300m above sea level and is one of the lowest regions in the centre Himalayas. The valley has fertile lands where farmer grow two crops in a year. Punakha is well known for its impressive Dzong built between two popular rivers.

Punakha Dzong

The site of the impressive Punakha Dzong was blessed by Guru Rimpoche in the 8th century. Guru had prophesied that ‘on the front edge of the hill that looks like an elephant’s trunk a man named Namgay will come and build a Dzong.’

This prophecy came true in 1637 when Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal built the Dzong and named it Pungthang Dechen Phodrang, meaning “the Palace of Great Bliss”.

The exceedingly sacred relic, Rangjung Kharsapani – which appeared miraculously from the vertebra of Tshangpa Gari (founder of Drukpa Kagyud School) during cremation, was brought from Tibet’s Ralung monastery and is kept in this Dzong as the main relic. Tibetans attacked the Dzong and attempted unsuccessfully to seize this relic.

The embalmed body of Zhabdrung is still preserved in the Machen Lhakhang of Punakha Dzong. The hall opposite to the centre tower was used when Ugyen Wangchuck, was presented with the order of Knight Commander of the Indian Empire before he became Bhutan’s first king.

The central monk body resides in the Dzong during winter for 6 months. Visitors are able to visit the huge prayer hall and view sculptures of Buddha in the centre, Shabdrung Rimpoche to Buddha’s left and Guru Rimpoche on Buddha’s right. One can also see a nice mural painting, depicting the life history of Buddha.

Chimi Lhakhang

Chimi, literally means ‘no dog’. It is believed that the Demon of Dochula was causing a lot of problems to inhabitants in the valleys and the people sought the help of Lama Drukpa Kuenley (Divine Madmonk) to subdue the demon. To escape, the demon transformed herself into a red dog but was caught on the Wangduephodrang route. Lama Drukpa Kuenley buried it under a pile of earth shaped like the breast of a woman. He then built a small Chorten atop this mound and prophesized that a temple would eventually be built. His brother Lama Ngawang Chogyel came and built a temple in 1499 AD.

All visitors are blessed with the secret relic of iron phallus and the bow and arrow of Drukpa Kuenley. Inside, one can see the statues of Buddha, Chenrezig and Lama Drukpa Kuenley. Painted in great details on the walls is the life history of Lama Drukpa Kuenley.

Khemsum Yuelley Namgay Chorten

This Chorten is located 7 kms away from Punakha town and is along the Mo-chu, perched high on the prominent ridge overlooking Yebasa village and the Mochu.

This unique Chorten is Bhutan’s example of fine and intricate architecture and artistic tradition. It was built to promote peace, stability and harmony, and for the long-life of the Monarch.

Her Majesty, the Queen Mother, Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck was the patron who build this Chorten in 1999. It took 7½ years to complete.

The ground floor contains the images of Phurpa Lhatsho (the Deity of Magic Dagger). The middle floor is dedicated to Throwo Khamsum Namgyel (deity of magic dragger), while the top floor houses images of Throwa Namper Gyalwa. The dome contains the old image of Buddha from Punakha Dzong .