Punakha Dzong, is the administrative centre of Punakha dzongkhag in Punakha

The Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungtang Dechen Photrang Dzong  is the administrative centre of Punakha dzongkhag in Punakha, Bhutan. Constructed by Zhabdrung (Shabdrung) Ngawang Namgyal in 1637–38, it is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan and one of its most majestic structures. The Dzong houses the sacred relics of the southern Drukpa Kagyu school including the Rangjung Kasarpani, and the sacred remains of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Terton Padma Lingpa. Punakha Dzong was the administrative centre and the seat of the Government of Bhutan until 1955, when the capital was moved to Thimphu. Indochinatourguide.com is pleased to offer genuine Bhutan tour for you, like 5 Days Bhutan Classic Tour, 9 Days Bhutan Discovery Tour.

Since than Punakha became the capital of Bhutan where the successive Desids administered the country through the Dual system of government. It served as the seat of government until the reign of the second king Jigme Wangchuck. The negotiations with the British envoys all took place in this Dzong. It was also the place where Ugyen Wangchuk, Bhutan’s first hereditary king, was crowned in 1907. The first session of the National Assembly of Bhutan was also held here under King Jigme Dorjee Wangchuk in 1952.

Built in 1637 it served as the seat of the government until the mid 20th century. Over the centuries it has suffered damage from several fires and flooding but still remains one of the most impressive dzongs in Bhutan.
Permission to enter the dzong is not usually granted to tourists when the monk body moves here from Thimpu in winter, but it is still worth viewing from the outside.