If you book with tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. Pdf an analysis of glacier lake outburst floods in the bhutanese himalayas in 1994 and 2015 demonstrates the social importance of the. The punaka dzong was known in antiquity as pungtag dechen photrang dozong, means the palace of great happiness or bliss. Practical information and how to reach punakha dzong. Punakha dzong is arguably the most beautiful dzong in the country, especially in spring when the lilaccoloured jacaranda trees bring a lush sensuality to the dzong s characteristically towering whitewashed walls. Punakha drubchen festival feel bhutanese history blog. If your contribution is significant, you may also register for an account to make the changes yourself to this page. For the first time, punakha dzongkhag administration released a book on zhabdrungs zeynam, puna domchoe and tshechu leyrim, and pazaps song. Chimmi lhakhang, punakha dzong and khamsum yulley namgyal chorten. In the 8 th century, guru rinpoche had prophesied that a young man named namgyel would come to a mountain that appeared like a sleeping elephant and build a dzong upon the elephants trunk. Punakha was the first capital of bhutan and the countrys first king was crowned here in 1907. It was here that the first national assembly was held in 1953 and it remained the seat of the government of bhutan until 1955.
You can book a complete cab for return journey on the same day nu. In 1907, punakha dzong was the site of the coronation of the first king of bhutan 8. It was named as pungthang dechen phodrang or palace of great happiness. Ibn battuta very rightly said traveling it leaves you speechless, and then turns you into a storyteller. But what a zhong worth every moment spent there,the photographs dont do justice to the place at all. Wellknown as the second oldest and largest dzong of bhutan with more than 300 years history, punakha dzong was initially built by ngawang namgyal, 1st zhabdrung rinpoche in 1637. Pungthang dewachen phodrang palace of great happiness or punakha dzong was constructed by tuebi zaow balip under the great command of zhabdrung ngawang namgyal in 1637 and believed to have been completed in a two year time period. Constructed by ngawang namgyal, 1st zhabdrung rinpoche, in 163738, 1 3 it is the second oldest and second largest dzong in bhutan and one of its most. This historical and sacred site is engraved by bhutanese as one of the most important dzongs of bhutan. The punakha dzong, also known as pungthang dewa chhenbi phodrang meaning the palace of great happiness or bliss, is the administrative centre of punakha district in punakha, bhutan. Preface this book is a slightly revised version of the thesis entitled history of bhutan based on buddhism submitted to the magadh university, bodhgaya, india for doctorate in philosophy. You have to cross the punakha river on a swinging bridge to reach the fort which houses the monastery and the royal living quarters.
Punakha dzong, the greatest dzong in bhutan unusual traveler. Create an itinerary including punakha suspension bridge. A bridge across the river takes you into this historical site where the 1st king of bhutan was coronated. Jan 23, 2018 the punakha dzong, also known as the pungtang dechen photrang dzong, literally translates to the palace of great happiness or bliss. Attractions and places to see in punakha bhutan little bhutan. Punakha, a former capital of bhutan, is located in the west of the country understand. Punakha valley, the valley of golden view in bhutan.
People visiting the temple inside the punakha dzong, bhutan. This was followed by the new kings colourful wedding in 2011. The punakha dzong, also known as pungtang dechen photrang dzong meaning the palace of great happiness or bliss is the administrative centre of punakha dzongkhag in. Much of what was left in the old capital of punakha was lost in an earthquake in 1897 and more records were lost when paro dzong burned in 1907. A bridge across the river takes you into this historical site where the 1st king of. Punakha dzong, against the background of its diachronically recorded built history 17832000. Punakha dzong, bhutan a masterpiece of architecture in. We recommend booking punakha dzong tours ahead of time to secure your spot. Punakha dzong is the second oldest and second largest dzong in the country. Attractions and places to see in punakha bhutan little. Sep 22, 2016 punakha dzong in western bhutan its often considered the most beautiful dzong in the country, it is also the most important dzong in bhutanese history.
Punakha dzong, bhutan a masterpiece of architecture. Drukgyel dzong was regularly attacked in the 17 th and 18 th century and the fortress was in continuous use until it was destroyed by fire in the early 1950s. Upon the ascension of the druk gyalpo to the throne, the members of the royal. Punakha dzong was the administrative centre and the seat of the government of bhutan until 1955, when the capital was moved to thimphu. Khuruthang is the main town of punakha which is about four kilometers from the dzong. Thimphu to punakha is around 75 kms and take around 3 hours drive. The dzong is the main attraction, but there are also other sites of interest in. Punakha dzong is located at the junction of the mo chhu mother river and pho chhu father river punakha dzong also known as pungtang dechen photrang dzong. Mar 25, 2014 the punaka dzong was known in antiquity as pungtag dechen photrang dozong, means the palace of great happiness or bliss.
Some may even refer to the punakha dzong as the palace of great happiness or the pungthang dewachen phodrang. The majority of the books in its collection are sutras, including many valuable works. Punakha dzong pungtang dechen photrang dzong andbeyond. The 180 metre long and 72 metre wide dzong is gloriously surrounded by lush, viridian foliage, with the fortresses white lower walls shrouded by lilachued jacaranda trees, effusing the region with perfumed. In 2008, it emerged as the worlds youngest democracy and in the same year crowned the worlds youngest monarch. The dzong has a kuenray, chamber, where the kings of bhutan are crowned. Punakha was the capital of bhutan from 1637 to 1907, and the first national assembly was hosted here in 1953. The historical paro valley is the focus of todays activities, culminating in a visit. Mar 26, 2014 the punakha dzong, also known as pungtang dechen photrang dzong meaning the palace of great happiness or bliss is the administrative centre of punakha dzongkhag in punakha, bhutan. All tourists who wish to visit bhutan apart from indian nationals must enter the country on a package. Punakha sits in a sultry, fertile and beautiful valley at the junction of the mo chhu mother river and pho chhu father river. Moreover, punakha dzongs altitude of 1,200 metres provides relief while adjusting to altitudes in the region, making this an ideal location to begin a journey in bhutan. The entrance through the covered bridge is very romantic endind in a garden full of purple overflowering jacaranda trees,wowclimd. The auspicious fortress remains the punakhas district administrative center housing a several religious relics.
Punakha dzong built strategically at the junction of pho chhu and mo chhu rivers in 1637, by shabdrung ngawang namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region, punakha dzong has played an important role in bhutans history. Punakha, a former capital of bhutan, is located in the west of the country. The new cantilever bridge of punakha in the kingdom of bhutan pdf. Aug 15, 2015 went there in may 2015 with a bunch of friends and family. Punakha dzong, bhutan attractions images, timings, entry. Visit punakha dzong on your trip to punakha or bhutan inspirock. You set up for the night at a hotel after a bit of sightseeing around the punakha and wangdue valleys. Commanding the river junction is the gorgeous punakha dzong, perhaps bhutans most impressive building.
Punakha dzong in western bhutan its often considered the most beautiful dzong in the country, it is also the most important dzong in bhutanese history. Book your tickets online for punakha dzong, punakha. The dzong and the remains of unifying ruler ngawang namgyal are the major attractions within punakha, though there are other sites to see and things to do. When you visit the town, you still feel a regal yet peaceful aura. Today the districts administrative center, the fortresscomplex dates from 1638 and houses many sacred artifacts belonging to the kagyu school of tibetan buddhisms drukpa lineage. This year, 72 civil servants from the dzongkhag were awarded. Unprecedented access to the royal kingdom of bhutan. Punakha was the capital of bhutan until the 1960s, and still retains the serene atmosphere of a place with a regal past. The beautiful dzong is considered the most beautiful in the country and the woodworks seen here are of the highest standards. These include murals depicting life story of buddha done during the rule of the second druk desi. Punakha dzong the dzong straddles the confluence of two rivers phochu male river and mochu female river is the most beautiful fortress in bhutan. Besides, in 2011, the fort served as the venue for the wedding of the 5th king. Punakha dzong november 16, 2017 august 7, 2018 bhutan leave a comment chhimi lhakhang monastery dzongs of bhutan paro punakha district bhutan punakha dzong ringpung dzong taktsang monastery tigers nest. Bhutan takes a low volume high value low impact approach to tourism.
Amanderson, creative commons the palace of great bliss or punthang dechen phodrang in bhutan is commonly known as punakha dzong from other parts of the world. The punakha dzong, is a majestic fortress built at the confluence of two rivers, the clear blue female river mo chu and the white male river pho chu. It is about 72 km away from thimphu, and it takes about 3 hours by car from the capital, thimphu. Went to punakha just overnight to visit this dzong. It is the second oldest and second largest dzong in all of bhutan and one of the most majestic and famous structures in the country. Ulyssepixel adobe stock the fortress of drukgyel dzong commemorated a great bhutanese victory over the tibetans and mongolians. Visit punakha suspension bridge on your trip to punakha or bhutan. Punakha was the capital of bhutan and the seat of government until 1955, when the capital was moved to thimphu.
This book is a slightly revised version of the thesis entitled history of bhutan based on buddhism submitted to the magadh university, bodhgaya, india for doctorate in philosophy. Sep 04, 2019 punakha dzong, the queen of dzongs constructed by ngawang namgyal, 1637. The punakha dzong, also known as pungthang dewa chhenbi phodrang is the administrative. In recent years, the remote kingdom of bhutan has increasingly attracted the attention of the world. Punakha tourist attractions punakha dzong punakha places. Festivals of bhutan bhutan, nepal trip code bi discovery 03042020 18. Apr 23, 20 but, despite its growing popularity and the rising scholarly interest in the country, bhutan remains one of the most poorly studied places on earth. Festivals of bhutan bhutan, nepal trip code bi discovery 16032020. This amazing and historical palace has been built during the 1600s and has already been renovated several times. In collaboration with dzongkhag, the livestock sector, punakha organized cattle show at samdingkha under toedwang gewog on 10th january 2020. Most of these original documents were destroyed in fires in the printing works of sonagatsel in 1828 and in punakha dzong in 1832.
Therefore much of the early history of bhutan relies on reports from. The new taktsang monastery and punakha dzong are even more. In 1907, gongsar ugyen wangchuck was crowned as the first king of bhutan in punakha dzong. After having a fabulous road trip to bhutan, there was an unabating urge to narrate the story of this small landlocked kingdom with breathtaking landscapes and real warm, happy people, so that it triggers a desire in at least few friends to visit this scenic country and witness. The dzong is the main attraction, but there are also other sites of interest in and around this pleasant little town. Punakha is the winter residence of the central monk body, the summer residence being thimphu. Theres a book of success stories inside the temple, if you remain a doubting thomas. Punakha dzong was administrative center and the seat of the government of bhutan until 1955, punakha was the capital of bhutan, but it was moved to thimphu. Visit punakha dzong on your trip to punakha or bhutan. What we call dzongs today have a long history of development through centuries of. Punakha dzong a 17thcentury buddhist dzong of bhutan, in punakha district, central bhutan.
The dzong and the remains of unifying ruler ngawang namgyal are the major attractions within punakha, though there are. It has three courtyards instead of the standard two courtyard layout like other dzongs in bhutan. Blessed with temperate climate and owing to its natural drainage from pho chhu male and mo chhu female rivers, the punakha valley produces abundant crops and fruits. Punakha had been bhutans capital from the 17th century up to 1955, when it shifted to thimphu.
Zhabdrung ngawang namgyal designed it to protect bhutans border with tibet by incorporating a large arsenal and also administrative buildings. The punakha dzong is located in a serene surroundings. With phochhu male and mochhu female rivers flowing through the valley, the fertile land of punakha is popular for growing organic vegetables, fruits and rice. Jan 22, 2018 pungthang dewachen phodrang palace of great happiness or punakha dzong was constructed in 1637 and believed to have been completed in a two year time period 6. Punakha marvel at the majestic punakha dzong and hike through the nearby valley paro climb up to the iconic tigers nest monastery, perched high on the cliff side kathmandu explore the old city including durbar square before visiting the pashupatinath temple complex. Karma phuntshos the history of bhutan is the firstever attempt to cover the entire history of bhutan in some detail in english, combining both traditional perspectives and modern academic analysis. It is the winter residence of bhutans central monastic body led. Ngawang namgyal at punakha dzong and shall be crowned on the golden throne. The first courtyard is used for administrative functions and houses a large bodhi tree and whitewashed stupa. The work continued on a slow and steady basis for 15 long years. Went there in may 2015 with a bunch of friends and family.
For many years, punakha dzong served as the seat or the central location for the government of bhutan, although they later relocated to thimphu. The ruins are regarded as a national monument and are a source of pride to the bhutanese. Punakha dzong palace of great happiness built in 1637 at the confluence of the phochu father and mochu mother rivers. As a matter of fact, i started the work on this thesis in january 1975 availing the opportunity of some leisure and only completed it in 1990.
In 2016 the prime minister declared that the dzong would be rebuilt and. This large building has three courtyards and a sixstory tower. Punakha is a beautiful valley, north of thimpu, and is the winter home of the central monk body. Subcategories this category has the following 2 subcategories, out of 2 total. Interior of drukgyel dzong, bhutan betty sederquist adobe stock. Weve prepicked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts. Pungthang dewachen phodrang palace of great happiness or punakha dzong was constructed in 1637 and believed to have been completed in a two year time period 6. The punakha dzong, also known as the pungtang dechen photrang dzong, literally translates to the palace of great happiness or bliss. Punakha dzong, watercolour by samuel davis 1783 india office. Drukgyel dzong and how a lama unified bhutan ancient origins. Report errors or wrong information regular contributors may earn money from their contributions. This dzong was the second to be built in bhutan and it served as the capital and seat of government until the mid1950s.
Today the districts administrative center, the fortresscomplex dates from 1638 and houses many sacred artifacts belonging to the kagyu school. However, the price of flights is not included in the package and it is advisable to book. Today, it continues to enchant the rest of the world with its policy of gross national happiness and has become. Admire the elaborate traditional architecture at punakha dzong, bhutans secondlargest and secondoldest dzong. Downloads download types any comparative statement form psl forms report statistical publications download sector any accounts administration agriculture census civil culture dt secretary dzong maintenance unit education election engineering environment health human resource ict internal audit kidu land record legal livestock planning. Punakha is the punakha dzongs administrative centre which is the second largest and the second oldest dzong in bhutan. History of bhutan lonely planet travel information.
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