| Punakha
 Punakha
in central Bhutan is famous for its
unspoiled natural beauty and flourishing fruit trees with a
backdrop of snow crested mountains. Punakha was the capital
of Bhutan until 1955 and serves as the winter seat of the Je
Khenpo (Chief Abbot) even today. The elevation of the Punakha
is relatively lower, this has blessed Punakha with a temperate
climate. Punakha is fed by the Pho Chu (male) and Mo Chu (female)
rivers that meet to form river Sankosh.
The spectacular road from Thimpu to Punakha
crosses Dochu La pass at an altitude of 10,218 feet. From here
Punakha valley is a gradual descent. The pass provides some
of the most magnificent view of the slpine snows and colorful
rhododendrons.
 What
to see in Punakha
Punakha Dzong : The ancient capital of Bhutan, this Dzong
(fortress) is placed strategically at the junction of the Pho
Chu and Mo Chu rivers, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal built this
Dzong in 1637. Several fires and earthquakes damaged this Dzong
and during the recent years it has been restored by the present
monarch. The Dzong can be visited during the Punakha festival
(early spring) and also during the summer months.
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