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. The punakha dzong, also known as pungthang dewa chhenbi phodrang is the administrative. It is the winter residence of bhutans central monastic body led. Punakha dzong palace of great happiness built in 1637 at the confluence of the phochu father and mochu mother rivers. Report errors or wrong information regular contributors may earn money from their contributions. 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. 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. Ibn battuta very rightly said traveling it leaves you speechless, and then turns you into a storyteller. Book your tickets online for punakha dzong, punakha. 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. 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. You set up for the night at a hotel after a bit of sightseeing around the punakha and wangdue valleys. 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.
Went to punakha just overnight to visit this dzong. 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. The beautiful dzong is considered the most beautiful in the country and the woodworks seen here are of the highest standards. The historical paro valley is the focus of todays activities, culminating in a visit. 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 dzong was the administrative centre and the seat of the government of bhutan until 1955, when the capital was moved to thimphu.
When you visit the town, you still feel a regal yet peaceful aura. Punakha valley, the valley of golden view in bhutan. All tourists who wish to visit bhutan apart from indian nationals must enter the country on a package. 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 in western bhutan its often considered the most beautiful dzong in the country, it is also the most important dzong in bhutanese history. Punakha drubchen festival feel bhutanese history blog. 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. 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. It was here that the first national assembly was held in 1953 and it remained the seat of the government of bhutan until 1955. Aug 15, 2015 went there in may 2015 with a bunch of friends and family. Practical information and how to reach punakha dzong.
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 dzong was one of 16 dzongs built by the zhabdrung during his rule. Commanding the river junction is the gorgeous punakha dzong, perhaps bhutans most impressive building. Punakha dzong, watercolour by samuel davis 1783 india office. Thimphu to punakha is around 75 kms and take around 3 hours drive.
Punakha, a former capital of bhutan, is located in the west of the country understand. Punakha dzong, bhutan a masterpiece of architecture in. Interior of drukgyel dzong, bhutan betty sederquist adobe stock. Chimmi lhakhang, punakha dzong and khamsum yulley namgyal chorten. 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. The dzong has a kuenray, chamber, where the kings of bhutan are crowned. These include murals depicting life story of buddha done during the rule of the second druk desi. This year, 72 civil servants from the dzongkhag were awarded. The majority of the books in its collection are sutras, including many valuable works. Visit punakha dzong on your trip to punakha or bhutan inspirock. Punakha dzong, against the background of its diachronically recorded built history 17832000. 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. People visiting the temple inside the punakha dzong, bhutan. 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.
In recent years, the remote kingdom of bhutan has increasingly attracted the attention of the world. For the first time, punakha dzongkhag administration released a book on zhabdrungs zeynam, puna domchoe and tshechu leyrim, and pazaps song. This amazing and historical palace has been built during the 1600s and has already been renovated several times. This historical and sacred site is engraved by bhutanese as one of the most important dzongs of bhutan. Punakha dzong, punakha ticket price timings address. Festivals of bhutan bhutan, nepal trip code bi discovery 03042020 18. Ngawang namgyal at punakha dzong and shall be crowned on the golden throne. Punakha is the winter residence of the central monk body, the summer residence being thimphu. 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 had been bhutans capital from the 17th century up to 1955, when it shifted to thimphu. Admire the elaborate traditional architecture at punakha dzong, bhutans secondlargest and secondoldest dzong. 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.
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. 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. Visit punakha dzong on your trip to punakha or bhutan. Punakha was the capital of bhutan until the 1960s, and still retains the serene atmosphere of a place with a regal past. Therefore much of the early history of bhutan relies on reports from. Subcategories this category has the following 2 subcategories, out of 2 total. Went there in may 2015 with a bunch of friends and family. A bridge across the river takes you into this historical site where the 1st king of bhutan was coronated.
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. Punakha was the capital of bhutan from 1637 to 1907, and the first national assembly was hosted here in 1953. In collaboration with dzongkhag, the livestock sector, punakha organized cattle show at samdingkha under toedwang gewog on 10th january 2020. Punakha dzong is the second oldest and second largest dzong in the country. Feb 19, 2017 practical information and how to reach punakha dzong. The punaka dzong was known in antiquity as pungtag dechen photrang dozong, means the palace of great happiness or bliss. If you book with tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. It was named as pungthang dechen phodrang or palace of great happiness. In 1907, punakha dzong was the site of the coronation of the first king of bhutan 8.
Ulyssepixel adobe stock the fortress of drukgyel dzong commemorated a great bhutanese victory over the tibetans and mongolians. In 2008, it emerged as the worlds youngest democracy and in the same year crowned the worlds youngest monarch. The punakha dzong, also known as the pungtang dechen photrang dzong, literally translates to the palace of great happiness or bliss. Punakha tourist attractions punakha dzong punakha places. In 2016 the prime minister declared that the dzong would be rebuilt and. 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.
Weve prepicked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts. Punakha was the first capital of bhutan and the countrys first king was crowned here in 1907. You can book a complete cab for return journey on the same day nu. Mar 25, 2014 the punaka dzong was known in antiquity as pungtag dechen photrang dozong, means the palace of great happiness or bliss. Make the most of the opening day of the punakha drubchen festival held in the main courtyard of the punakha dzong. Punakha dzong pungtang dechen photrang dzong andbeyond. What we call dzongs today have a long history of development through centuries of. The auspicious fortress remains the punakhas district administrative center housing a several religious relics. Pdf an analysis of glacier lake outburst floods in the bhutanese himalayas in 1994 and 2015 demonstrates the social importance of the. Upon the ascension of the druk gyalpo to the throne, the members of the royal. The new cantilever bridge of punakha in the kingdom of bhutan pdf. Punakha was the capital of bhutan and the seat of government until 1955, when the capital was moved to thimphu.
It is about 72 km away from thimphu, and it takes about 3 hours by car from the capital, thimphu. Punakha dzong, bhutan attractions images, timings, entry. The first courtyard is used for administrative functions and houses a large bodhi tree and whitewashed stupa. Punakha dzong the dzong straddles the confluence of two rivers phochu male river and mochu female river is the most beautiful fortress in bhutan. Visit punakha suspension bridge on your trip to punakha or. Bhutan takes a low volume high value low impact approach to tourism.
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. Unprecedented access to the royal kingdom of bhutan. Some may even refer to the punakha dzong as the palace of great happiness or the pungthang dewachen phodrang. 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. Punakha dzong is listed in bhutans tentative list for unesco inclusion for its cultural, religious, and architectural significance in the region. In 1907, gongsar ugyen wangchuck was crowned as the first king of bhutan in punakha dzong. History of bhutan lonely planet travel information. If your contribution is significant, you may also register for an account to make the changes yourself to this page. This was followed by the new kings colourful wedding in 2011. 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 is the punakha dzongs administrative centre which is the second largest and the second oldest dzong in 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. The dzong and the remains of unifying ruler ngawang namgyal are the major attractions within punakha, though there are.
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 sits in a sultry, fertile and beautiful valley at the junction of the mo chhu mother river and pho chhu father river. The work continued on a slow and steady basis for 15 long years. Today, it continues to enchant the rest of the world with its policy of gross national happiness and has become. The ruins are regarded as a national monument and are a source of pride to the bhutanese. The dzong is the main attraction, but there are also other sites of interest in.
But what a zhong worth every moment spent there,the photographs dont do justice to the place at all. Punakha is a beautiful valley, north of thimpu, and is the winter home of the central monk body. Drukgyel dzong and how a lama unified bhutan ancient origins. Festivals of bhutan bhutan, nepal trip code bi discovery 16032020. The punakha dzong is located in a serene surroundings. A bridge across the river takes you into this historical site where the 1st king of.
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. 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. Zhabdrung ngawang namgyal designed it to protect bhutans border with tibet by incorporating a large arsenal and also administrative buildings. Punakha dzong a 17thcentury buddhist dzong of bhutan, in punakha district, central bhutan. Besides, in 2011, the fort served as the venue for the wedding of the 5th king. Khuruthang is the main town of punakha which is about four kilometers from the dzong. 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 entrance through the covered bridge is very romantic endind in a garden full of purple overflowering jacaranda trees,wowclimd. 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. We recommend booking punakha dzong tours ahead of time to secure your spot.
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. The dzong is the main attraction, but there are also other sites of interest in and around this pleasant little town. However, the price of flights is not included in the package and it is advisable to book. Punakha dzong, the greatest dzong in bhutan unusual traveler. 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. 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. Today the districts administrative center, the fortresscomplex dates from 1638 and houses many sacred artifacts belonging to the kagyu school. Visit punakha suspension bridge on your trip to punakha or bhutan. The new taktsang monastery and punakha dzong are even more.
Create an itinerary including punakha suspension bridge. This dzong was the second to be built in bhutan and it served as the capital and seat of government until the mid1950s. 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. 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. Punakha dzong, bhutan a masterpiece of architecture. Theres a book of success stories inside the temple, if you remain a doubting thomas.
Punakha, a former capital of bhutan, is located in the west of the country. It has three courtyards instead of the standard two courtyard layout like other dzongs in bhutan. 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. Sep 04, 2019 punakha dzong, the queen of dzongs constructed by ngawang namgyal, 1637. 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. Attractions and places to see in punakha bhutan little.
1220 561 1392 1639 324 1559 1250 944 188 712 1644 27 701 256 583 1046 602 737 1532 47 752 544 1034 1375 563 194 603 523 1335 1259 1439 1121